Awareness, inclusion and self-sufficiency were the main messages at an event also at the state capital today.

Those with developmental disabilities, their families and advocates gathered to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

One advocate says those with developmental disabilities don't want to be dependent on others, but need to be given the right tools and support to be self-sufficient.

Individuals with disabilities deserve to have the same things that every other person deserves, and that's a life where they can work, where they can go out and drive, where they can go to the grocery store.

They have their own apartments.

And they have their support.

Their circle of friends.

So they deserve the same thing that we have.

So they work for that.

So why not?

So we're here because they need us and they need us to help them advocate for themselves.

Advocates say one of the biggest challenges facing those with developmental disabilities is finding suitable housing.