March Disability Awareness

Fishers Advisory Council on Disability features Disability Awareness Month this March

According to the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, in Indiana, adults and children with disabilities represent slightly more than 19% of our state’s population. In conjunction with National Disability Month, Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability invites the community to share their story and unite behind our differences this March.

In Fishers, we strive to build a community where individuals of all abilities can live life without limits. All March long, the community is invited to educational, family-friendly events to bring awareness and inclusion about disabilities.

Join us all month long for informative, educational, and fun events as we unite behind our differences and build a community welcome to all ages and ability levels.

Upcoming Events

Fishers 2018 Disability Awareness Month Kick-Off

March 1st | 8:30 a.m. | City Hall Auditorium

Join Mayor Fadness, special guest, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, and keynote speaker, Fishers Firefighter Brandon Anderson for the kick-off to Disability Awareness Month. During the event, Brandon will share his journey returning as a full duty firefighter with Fishers Department of Fire & Emergency Services after a life-changing accident resulted in the amputation of his leg. His inspirational story will detail how he adapted to his new life and navigated recovery with a prosthetic limb. This event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.

A Celebration of the Arts and Community Unity

March 2nd | 6 p.m. | City Hall Auditorium

In partnership with Nickel Plate Arts and the Fishers Arts Council, the City of Fishers is excited to host a visual and performing arts reception. Artwork will be provided by various community organizations and local artists, and Fishers Community Chorus will be performing during the event. Guests in attendance can participate in a community-wide art project by placing their painted handprints on a mural as a symbol of friendship and community unity. The mural will hang throughout the month of March inside of Fishers City Hall. This event is free to attend, and complementary refreshments will be provided first come, first served. 

A Long Night of Laughs*

March 10th | 6 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. show | $45/person, $500/reserved table* | The Wellington Fishers Banquet & Conference Center

National comedian and Fishers resident, Scott Long, will headline this night of laughs! Scott uses his fun, light-hearted comedy to connect with families who have children with disabilities. The 90-minute show is recommended for those 18 years of age and older. Magician Cody Clark, who will be entertaining throughout the evening, is from Louisville, Kentucky and has autism. A silent auction benefiting Best Buddies at Hamilton Southeastern Schools will feature one-of-a-kind experiences and items to benefit the organization. 

*A limited number of discounted tickets are available based on financial need. Please email Cecilia Coble for ticket inquiries. Proceeds from this event will benefit Best Buddies at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, and other disability initiatives. 

A Photographic Journey Through an Inaccessible World

March 19th | 8 a.m. | Launch Fishers

Guests are invited for a buffet breakfast and a photographic presentation by Douglas Goeppner, ADA-Coordinator at the University of Southern Indiana. Douglas will lead his audience through a lighthearted and interactive 90-minute photographic tour of accessibility challenges found in everyday settings. While this event is free to attend, tickets are limited to the first 125 attendees. Secure a ticket now.

Celebrating Athletes and Friendship

March 24th | 2-5 p.m. | Fishers High School

The community is invited to an adaptive sports showcase that highlighting performances and sports exhibitions from TOPSoccer, Power Soccer, Wheelchair Basketball, and others. Fishers High School’s Electrum Choir will perform the National Anthem alongside deaf students who will sign the song. The showcase includes raffle prizes and opportunities to learn more about participating organizations throughout the event. The showcase is open to the public, and donations will be accepted at the door. Proceeds from this event will be divided among the various non-profit organizations involved in the event. 

Business Panel on Disabilities Lunch & Learn

March 28th | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Need help discovering a new pool of potential works in a 3% unemployment world? Attendees will hear from local businesses and organizations on two panels detailing how employers can hire people of all ability levels in various positions. Seating is limited, and this event is free to attend. Secure a ticket now.

Community Sharing & Learning Workshops

Two community sharing and learning workshops will be hosted in March at The Well Coffeehouse Fishers. Both take place from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free to attend. Topics include:

• Dementia Friends Indiana workshop presented by CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions on March 6th
• “What Is Your Sign?” Understanding the Deaf Community & Culture on March 12th (an ASL interpreter will be at the event).

Join the Conversation!

Throughout Disability Awareness Month, the community is invited to share their experience living with or caring for a loved one with a disability. Simply tag your social media posts #ShareYourStory to participate. The community is also invited to share photos from events they attend throughout the month. Stay tuned to the Fishers, Indiana Government Facebook page for details about upcoming events, links to events that will be Livestreamed, and for ongoing reminders throughout the month.

Thanks to our sponsors for making these events possible!