March Disability Awareness

March Disability Awareness Month 2023: Building Our Future Together

Since 2016, the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability's March Disability Awareness Month in Fishers has championed inclusion, collaboration, and acceptance for all people who live in our smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial community. This effort has had a positive impact on more than just people with disabilities in our city – it has become an achievement for which other communities strive.

This year, we will BUILD OUR FUTURE TOGETHER, as we use the month to include partners from other cities in and around Hamilton County. As our leadership in disability inclusion has expanded beyond Fishers, we are BUILDING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER.

Ally Toolkit

Be an ally for disability inclusion! Free Ally Toolkits are 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, sticker, and other materials are available for pick up at the Fishers City Services Building (3 Municipal Drive), while supplies last.

You can also showcase your advocacy with digital toolkits that include social media graphics and Zoom backgrounds, a language guide and FAQ, and an ally pledge.

Congrats to the 2023 Inclusion & Accessibility Award Winners!

Life Without Limits Award: Zach Curtis

Cornerstone Employer Award: Hampton Inn Fishers

Accessibility Award: Tsimerakis Family

Events

2023 Disability Awareness Month Kickoff & Awards: Building Our Future Together

Wednesday, March 1 | 8:30 –10 AM | Launch Fishers Huston Theater (12175 Visionary Way)

Kick off the month-long celebration with keynote speaker Kelly Hartman, Co-Chair of the Fishers Advisory Council on Disability, President and CEO of Insights Consulting, Inc., 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. The event will also be live-streamed on the Fishers Magazine Facebook page.

Fishers Parks’ Storywalk: We Move Together

Daily, March 1 - 31 | Brooks School Park (11780 Brooks School Road)

This month’s book, “We Move Together” is a joyful new children’s 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

Thursday, March 2 | 8:30 – 10 AM | 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. Register here.

2023 Disability Awareness Month Artist Reception

Friday, March 3 | 6 – 9 p.m. | Conner Prairie (13400 Allisonville Road)

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

Friday, March 10 | 6 – 8 p.m. | The Collaboration Hub at the Hamilton County Community Foundation (11810 Technology Drive)

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 of light refreshments. Some artworks will be available for purchase. No registration is required for this free event. Register here.

Hamilton County Transition Fair

Thursday, March 23 | 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 | Hamilton East Public Library (5 Municipal Drive, unless otherwise noted)

Join free workshops in honor of Disability Awareness Month hosted by the Hamilton East Public Library. Registration is required. Workshops include:

Neurodivergent Teen Hangout
Thursday, March 2 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Noblesville Library (1 Library Plaza, Noblesville) | Registration required
Drop-In Activity: Klee Scratch Art
Monday, March 6 - Sunday, March 19, while supplies last | Ignite Studio | No registration required
Paper Basket Class for Adults with IDD with Teaching Artist Yuki Darrow
Saturday, March 11 | 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. classes available | Ignite Studio | Registration required
Calming Collage Class
Saturday, March 25 | 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Ignite Studio | Registration required
Autism Family Support Waiver Workshop
Monday, March 27 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Registration required

March Disability Awareness