For 26 years, The Arc of the United States has sponsored Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to enhance understanding of the issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and educate the public that people with developmental disabilities can be vital and vibrant members of communities.

According to a recent study by the CDC:

• Developmental disabilities affect more than 7 million Americans (and more than 121,000 Alabamians)
• About one in six children in the U.S. had one or more developmental disabilities or delays in 2006-2008
• The prevalence of parent-reported developmental disabilities increased 17 percent from 1997-2008

These statistics underscore the increasing need for specialized health services, education and social services for people with developmental disabilities.

Governor Robert Bentley on Monday will address participants at the Virtual Alabama School Safety Summit in Montgomery.

Virtual Alabama is a high-tech information and mapping system that helps police, fire personnel and other first responders during emergencies at public buildings, including schools and colleges.  The Virtual Alabama School Safety Summit will bring together educators, emergency managers and law enforcement officers to discuss school safety technologies and how to use the Virtual Alabama system.  Additional topics will include understanding and mitigating behavioral issues in schools and developing and exercising effective emergency operations plans for schools.

Governor Bentley’s remarks during the opening session of the summit will begin at 9:00 a.m.

On February 27, 2013 the Dothan Police Department responded to the 400 block of Fourth Avenue in reference to an assault complaint. Investigators say the suspect Laura White was arguing with the victim when it suddenly turned violent and they began fighting. During the altercation, White came into possession of a knife and stabbed the victim in the arm. The victim suffered minor injuries and White was arrested and charged with second degree assault.

• Laura Gabriel May White, black female, 28 years of age, of Fourth Avenue was arrested and charged with Second Degree Assault with a $2,500 bond. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Information Source: Dothan PD