The City of Fishers and Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will host their annual celebration of National Disability Awareness Month with special events and initiatives throughout March.
The month-long celebration presented by Old National Bank strives to bring awareness to what life is like for those with physical and intellectual disabilities in our community. This year’s theme, Fueled for the Future, features a partnership with the Indy Fuel, who will play at the new Fishers Event Center once it opens in late 2024. The 8,500-seat concert and sporting venue will serve as the cornerstone of The Crossing, and expansion of Fishers District that will feature new restaurants, retail, and entertainment.
This year’s Fishers Disability Awareness Month program lineup includes events with community partners such as Indy Fuel, HSE Schools, Fishers Arts Council, OneZone Chamber of Commerce, Hamilton East Public Library, and Fishers Parks. Special Needs Living Magazine and Guardian Care are this year’s Platinum Sponsors.
“We are excited to add the Indy Fuel to the list of community partners for 2024 March Disability Awareness Month,” said Cecilia Coble, president of Fishers City Council and co-chair of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. “They are committed to working alongside the City of Fishers and the disability community to provide inclusive and accessible opportunities for all guests at the new Fishers Event Center.”
“Our theme is Fueled for the Future due to the many accommodations and programs that Fishers is putting in place for those with disabilities,” said Stacey Oldham, board member of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and keynote speaker at this year’s kickoff event. “The vision is not only for now, but far into the future. Our partnership with Indy Fuel is key. As an example, the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, City of Fishers, and the Indy Fuel have worked together to ensure the new Fishers Event Center will be welcoming for all.”
The celebration will include the return of the popular 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 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 Drive), beginning March 2. Virtual toolkits, now available at fishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness includes information on how to be an Ally; a language guide and FAQ; social media graphics; Zoom backgrounds; and an Ally pledge.
The 2024 event lineup includes:
2024 Disability Awareness Month Kickoff & Awards: Fueled for the Future
Friday, March 1 / 8:30-10 a.m.
Launch Fishers Theater
Mayor Scott Fadness and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability invite the public to celebrate the kick-off of Fishers March Disability Awareness Month. Stacey Oldham, Fishers resident and board member of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, will present the keynote address as she shares the inspiring story of her 40-year journey with Multiple Sclerosis. The morning will also feature the presentation of the annual Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability’s Inclusion and Accessibility Awards, which are given to those who inspire and advocate for the disability community. No registration is required for this free event.
Fishers Parks’ Storywalk: Just Ask
Begins March 4 / Daily, dawn to dusk
Brooks School Park (11780 Brooks School Road, Fishers)
Enjoy an easy, family-friendly hike around Brooks School Park as you enjoy March’s featured book, Just Ask, written by United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The #1 New York Times bestseller is the winner of the Schneider Family Book Award. No registration is required for this free event. Learn more at playfishers.com/Storywalk.
Fishers Arts Council’s Second Friday: March Disability Awareness Art Exhibition
Friday, March 8 / 6-9 pm
Hamilton County Community Foundation’s FAC Hub Gallery
Fishers Arts Council hosts an evening for all ages including live music and various kinds of artistic expressions on display in the gallery. All are welcome to this “Second Friday” celebration of artists with different abilities. Speakers from the Fishers Advisory Committee, Ignite Studio, and the Fishers Arts Council will make comments at 7 p.m. but guests are invited to visit in an open house style. Light refreshments will be available. No registration is required for this free event.
OneZone March Luncheon: Disability Awareness Panel
Wednesday, March 13 / 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
FORUM Events Center
Find your next great hire at OneZone’s March luncheon. Local employers will share their experiences hiring individuals with disabilities and tips on how your company can too. In the lobby after the luncheon, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a reverse job fair with prospective individuals. Registration is required for this paid event. Learn more at onezonechamber.com.
Preparing for Your Next Employment Opportunity
Friday, March 15 / 9-11 a.m.
Grace Church Fishers
With an unemployment rate under 3% in Hamilton County, employers find it difficult to hire for open positions. However, the unemployment rate among qualified potential employees with a disability is well over 50%. Hosted by the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability’s Allies for Disability Employment subcommittee, individuals with disabilities who are ready to work will have an opportunity to participate in an open house style event with stations for resume development, job seeking tips, online interview practice, and mock interviews. Hamilton County resources will also be available to help people learn about seeking, finding, and landing a job. Registration is requested for this free event. Learn more at fishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.
Indy Fuel Game: March Disability Awareness Night
Friday, March 22 / 7 p.m.
Indiana Farmers Coliseum
Come cheer on the Indy Fuel as you support the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. Purchase tickets for a special rate of $25 and a portion of your ticket will go back to support the committee. The first 100 tickets purchased will also receive a special “Fueled for the Future” t-shirt. Purchase tickets at fishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.
Hamilton County Transition Fair
Wednesday, March 27 / 6-7:30 p.m.
Hamilton Southeastern High School, enter through door 18
Talk directly with the agencies and providers who support individuals with special needs at all levels and stages of life. No registration is required for this free event.
Hamilton East Public Library Workshops
Dates and locations vary
Join the Hamilton East Public Library for various workshops and programs themed around Disability Awareness Month. Learn more at hamiltoneastpl.org.
- Get Involved with Special Olympics Indiana | Teens & Adults | Tuesday, March 5 | 6-6:45pm | Fishers Library
- Dyslexia 101 |Adults | Wednesday, March 13 | 5:30-7:30pm | Fishers Library
- Supporting Children with ADHD | Adults | Saturday, March 16 | 2-3pm | Noblesville Library
- Notes on Blindness | Adults | Tuesday, March 19 | 5-5:45pm, 6-6:45pm, 7-7:45pm | Fishers Library
- Preparing for Adulthood on the Autism Spectrum | Adults | Sunday, March 24 | 3-4pm | Virtual
To register for events, download the Ally Toolkit, and learn more about the work of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, visit fishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness. Follow along on social media at #FishersDisabilityAwareness.
