Fishers’ Disability Awareness Month Celebration Set to Make Return in March

The annual celebration of National Disability Awareness Month in Fishers returns in March to bring awareness of what life is like for those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

The month-long celebration, hosted by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and presented by Old National Bank, will feature a series of special events and initiatives throughout the city. This year’s theme, Building Our Future Together, includes partners from around Hamilton County who champion disability inclusion in Fishers and beyond.

The 2023 lineup features events hosted by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and community partners such as Hamilton East Public Library, Conner Prairie, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Fishers Parks, Fishers Arts Council and more.

“The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability is creating a more inclusive community through its work with disability stakeholders and community partners,” said Cecilia Coble, co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability.

“This March, our community will celebrate the achievements from previous years and continue to build our future together, creating a place where individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities can live and thrive without limits.”

The celebration will include the return of the Ally campaign, which invites residents to become advocates for disability inclusion. Free Ally toolkits will be available for community members to showcase their advocacy, educate themselves and others, and further the discussion on disability inclusion.

Toolkits including a t-shirt, yard sign, stickers, and other materials and will be available for pick up at the March Disability Awareness Month Kickoff on March 1 at Launch Fishers (12175 Visionary Way) or at the Fishers City Services Building (3 Municipal Dr.), beginning March 2. Virtual toolkits, now available at fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness, include information on how to be an Ally; a language guide and FAQ; social media graphics; Zoom backgrounds; and an Ally pledge.

The 2023 event lineup includes:

• 2023 Disability Awareness Month Kickoff & Awards: Building Our Future Together on March 1 from 8:30–10 a.m.

Launch Fishers Huston Theater (12175 Visionary Way, Fishers)

Kick off the month-long celebration with keynote speaker Kelly Hartman, Co-Chair of the Fishers Advisory Council on Disability, Vice President at ViaQuest Community Solutions, Co-Founder and Board Member of Outside the Box, Inc. and Fishers resident. The annual Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Awards will also be presented. Registration is not required for this free event.

• Fishers Parks’ Storywalk: We Move Together daily from March 1–31

Brooks School Park (11780 Brooks School Rd., Fishers)

This month’s book, We Move Together is a joyful new book about the disability community and culture. Take a self-guided hike as you enjoy this children’s book by Kelly Fritsch. Registration is not required for this free event.

• OneZone March Disability Awareness Breakfast: Finding Your Next Great Hire on March 2 from 8:30–10 a.m.

Hotel Carmichael (1 Carmichael Square, Carmel)

Hear from a diverse panel on debunking disability myths, what resources are available to businesses, how to create an inclusive work environment, and finding your next great hire. Registration is required; head to web.onezonecommerce.com/events/March-Disability-Awareness-Breakfast-5830/details to complete your registration.

• 2023 Disability Awareness Month Artist Reception on March 3 from 6–9 p.m.

Conner Prairie (13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers)

Conner Prairie, in collaboration with the Fishers Arts Council, hosts the 2023 Disability Awareness Month Artist Reception on Friday, March 3 in the museum’s Welcome Center. This free event is open to the public and highlights the creative skills of both visual and performing artists. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.

• Fishers Arts Council’s Second Friday Gallery Reception on March 10 from 6–8 p.m.

Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation (11810 Technology Dr., Fishers)

Fishers Arts Council presents March Disability Awareness: Building Our Future Together. This free reception is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Meet the artists, enjoy all their works, meet local comic book creator Jason Funk, and partake in light refreshments. Some artworks will be available for purchase. No registration is required for this free event, but registration is welcome; visit fishersartscouncil.org/event-info/second-friday-mar23/form to register.

• Hamilton County Transition Fair on March 23 from 6–7 p.m.

Carmel High School Main Cafeteria (520 E. Main Street, Carmel)

Get local resources for life’s transitions from service providers around Hamilton County and surrounding areas. Registration is not required for this free event.

• Hamilton East Public Library Workshops throughout March at Hamilton East Public Library

Check out free workshops in honor of Disability Awareness Month hosted by the Hamilton East Public Library. Workshops include:

• Neurodivergent Teen Hangout on March 2 from 6-7 p.m.
• Drop-In Activity: Klee Scratch Art from March 6-19 (while supplies last)
• Paper Basket Class for Adults with IDD with Teaching Artist Yuki Darrow on March 11 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Calming Collage Class on March 25 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Virtual Autism Family Support Waiver Workshop on March 27 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

To register for events, download the Ally Toolkit, and learn more about the work of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, visit fishers.in.us/DisabilityAwareness. Follow along on social media at #FishersDisabilityAwareness.