March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and was established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. The purpose is to foster inclusion and highlight the contributions of people with developmental disabilities. The hope is that it will break down barriers and ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and daily life.
I had the opportunity to support the developmentally disabled community in few amazing ways this month.
First, I partnered with the City of Noblesville, to take part in a Public Service Announcement for our city. The point of the PSA was to highlight Noblesville’s commitment to make our community a thriving place for all abilities. I, along with a few others, participated by uniting our voices with an honest and encouraging message.
Next, I had the opportunity to attend the Fishers Arts Council’s Disability Awareness Exhibition. It was a lively event where I was able to connect with people in the disabled community and enjoy their art that hung on the walls throughout the Fishers Art Center Gallery. There were some really moving pieces in the exhibit illustrating life with a disability. It is mind blowing how one piece of art can take you to so many introspective places.
Last week, I went to an event hosted by Noblesville’s Advisory Council on Disabilities. They hosted Disability Awareness Trivia Night at the Hamilton East Public Library. My son and his girlfriend were home from college for spring break, and they joined in on the fun with my husband and I, representing Team Humbly Courageous. I am proud to say we were the winning team! It was a group effort, and we all agreed that while we did collectively know a lot of the answers, there were many things we learned about various disabilities that night.
One of the important things that events like these remind us of, is that it should not be an “us versus them” mentality in our community. The disabled community is not a separate community, but rather part of the community as a whole.
Although we cannot separate from our disabilities, not everything we do is about disability. Yet the fact that we are disabled inescapably shapes us.
I think my disability does define me in more ways than not, but that is not a terrible and sad thing. In many ways, it is a chance for me to highlight my strengths within my own community. Educating others on this very thing. The more we can see disability as a way someone is created beyond their control, just as your eye color is, the more we can start integrating disabled people into our communities.
Of course, not everyone who is disabled is born with their disability. Many people become disabled during their lifetime which is another great reason to educate yourself. You never know when you or someone you love will need the accessibility and inclusion that many disabled advocates tirelessly fight for.
Inclusion requires conscious effort. To learn from others, we must listen to gain deeper understanding. Attending community events and taking the time to learn about others can shape our perspectives and broaden our knowledge.
Diversity is what makes communities interesting and promotes learning. Imagine how boring it would be if we are all the same. How stagnant that would become.
I encourage you to support our community members with disabilities. There is a lot to learn from people who live daily life persevering against constant hardship. I think what you will find is that the hardship is not the focus, but rather the consistent, bold effort that surrounds the hardship is what stands out.
I am encouraged by Hamilton County’s efforts to move forward to make our county an inclusive place for all. Small, intentional steps pave the way to lasting change.
Until next time…
Amy Shinneman is a former National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, disability blogger, freelance writer, wife, and mom of two boys. She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Winter 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. You can find her blog at humblycourageous.com and reach her on Instagram @ashinneman.