We’re Here All Year: Championing Independence for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a time dedicated to recognizing the achievements, contributions, and experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). But the need for awareness and inclusion isn’t limited to a single month—disability is a 24/7, 365-day reality. This year, DDAM’s theme, We’re Here All Year, emphasizes the importance of ongoing advocacy, accessibility, and opportunity for individuals living with DD.

At Guardian, we see this truth in action every day. Our commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) extends well beyond March. Nationwide, Guardian pharmacies serve over 1,200 group homes, behavioral health centers, and community providers who support individuals with I/DD. We are proud to support the direct care staff in these communities who work tirelessly to help the individuals they care for live full, independent lives. And we recognize that access to safe, reliable medication management is not just a healthcare necessity—it’s a key component of independence and quality of life.

Supporting Independence Through Specialized Pharmacy Care 

For individuals with I/DD, daily life can present unique challenges, from navigating healthcare systems to managing multiple medications. Reliable, person-centered pharmacy support makes a significant difference in enabling individuals to maintain their health while continuing to be active members of their communities. Here’s how Guardian Pharmacy helps individuals with I/DD thrive year-round:

1. Medication Management That Supports Independence

Many individuals with I/DD take multiple medications daily, often prescribed by different specialists. Guardian’s long-term care (LTC) pharmacy service model ensures medications are dispensed accurately, safely, and in a way that supports adherence. Smart packaging solutions—such as pre-sorted medication pouches—help individuals and their caregivers manage complex medication schedules with ease, reducing the risk of missed doses and medication errors.

2. Ensuring Access to Critical Medications

Unlike traditional retail or mail-order pharmacies, LTC pharmacies provide 24/7 pharmacist access, emergency medication delivery, and direct coordination with care providers. This means that individuals in group homes or community settings never have to worry about missing essential medications after hours or on holidays. Local billing specialists work to overcome insurance billing challenges, such as prior authorizations, ensuring medications are covered or an alternative is provided.

3. Promoting Health and Wellness in Community Settings

Guardian pharmacies partner with group homes and I/DD service providers to ensure individuals receive preventive healthcare services, such as vaccinations and medication regimen reviews. Our pharmacists work closely with care teams to proactively address health concerns, reducing the risk of hospitalization, improving medication adherence, and enhancing long-term outcomes.

4. Empowering Caregivers and Direct Support Professionals

Individuals with I/DD often rely on direct support professionals (DSPs), family members, and caregivers to assist with daily medication management. Guardian pharmacies provide customized education and training for DSPs, such as in-services on medication-related topics. In addition, our technology solutions make medication management as safe and seamless as possible. Secure digital communication tools, our pharmacy portal, eMAR/EHR integration, and real-time order tracking and reporting empower care providers with the information they need to deliver the best possible care and support.

5. Advocating for Choice and Inclusion

Having a disability does not mean a person should have limited options when it comes to healthcare. Guardian believes in person-centered care, ensuring that individuals with I/DD have a voice in their healthcare decisions. We work alongside providers to create solutions that meet the unique needs of each community, which in turn helps them better support the individual needs, preferences, and goals of the people they serve.

6. Strengthening the Communities We Serve

Communities are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Whether it’s an individual with a developmental disability working at a local business, volunteering, or participating in recreational activities, their presence enriches our neighborhoods and workplaces. By providing the pharmacy services that enable individuals with I/DD to remain engaged in their communities, Guardian pharmacies play a meaningful role in fostering inclusion and accessibility.

We’re Here All Year—And Always Will Be

DDAM serves as a powerful reminder of the need for year-round inclusion and advocacy. At Guardian, we’re proud to support individuals with I/DD and those who care for them every single day. The tools and resources we provide help direct support professionals (DSPs) and community caregivers deliver the highest quality care, while our specialized medication management solutions helps to ensure individuals with I/DD can live more independent, fulfilling lives.

This March, we encourage you to take part in the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities’ We’re Here All Year campaign. Get to know the individuals in your community who are living with DD. Listen to their stories. Learn how you can be an advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Because when we support individuals with disabilities, we strengthen our communities as a whole. For resources to spread the word throughout the month, visit: https://nacdd.org/ddam2025/ 

Learn more about the benefits of an LTC Pharmacy Partnership for I/DD service providers.

Bethany Bramwell, RPh, BCGP
Senior Director, Marketing

Bethany is a board-certified geriatric pharmacist with over 20 years of experience in senior care pharmacy. She is a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of older adults and dedicated to empowering caregivers to deliver exceptional care. A seasoned writer and public speaker, she has contributed to numerous health-related publications and events. In her role as Senior Director of Marketing for Guardian Pharmacy Services, Bethany creates compelling content to promote awareness of senior care topics and long-term care pharmacy services.