The City of Fishers and Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will hold their fourth annual month-long celebration of National Disability Awareness Month in March.
The celebration, presented by Conner Prairie and Fishers YMCA, strives to bring awareness to what life is like for those physical and intellectual disabilities through a series of special events and initiatives throughout the city.
“As a city, we are always striving to make our community more accessible and inclusive for all of our residents,” said Mayor Scott Fadness. “Our dedicated Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability programs an entire month’s worth of initiatives to raise awareness of this important issue that extends not just in March but impacts our community all year long. I love seeing how our community comes together to support this initiative.”
This year’s theme, FOCUS 2020, focuses on the past, present and future of disability inclusion in Fishers. The kickoff event on March 2 will feature the stories of four local caregivers and advocates: Wilbur Sutton, Tim and Karen Russell, and Todd Root. The 2020 celebration will also recognize the 30th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Considering America’s dark history of services for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, it is exciting to be a part of a city that is looking forward to embrace the value in all people,” said Kelly Hartman, co-founder of Outside the Box and Co-Chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. “Fishers continues to be a leader in innovation and inclusivity. This year’s theme, FOCUS 2020, gives us a chance to understand this movement, while celebrating local champions and caregivers that bring this story to life.”
“The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability has accomplished so much working collaboratively with City leaders and the disability community,” said Cecilia Coble, Fishers City Councilor and Co-Chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. “During the month of March, our committee will continue to raise awareness and strive to find solutions to the challenges facing our residents with disabilities.”
This year’s celebration is bigger than ever, with new brand-new events to accompany the usual lineup, including an inclusive reverse job fair, performing arts variety show, film screening in partnership with Heartland Film and the Indiana Filmmakers Network, an expanded athletics showcase and more.
New this year, local businesses around Fishers will offer special promotions every Tuesday throughout March in honor of the celebration. The Fishers YMCA will also offer special coupons granting free admission for local caregivers all month long.
Throughout March, Fishers Arts Council will exhibit artworks by local artists with disabilities at The Art Gallery at City Hall. Additionally, the Fishers Arts Council has organized a citywide art exhibition, partnering with local businesses throughout Fishers to display artworks by local artists with disabilities. The free Play Fishers mobile app invites residents to “check in” at locations along the Fishers Art Trail for a chance to win a prize pack.
Click here to see all of the month-long events and participating business.