Fishers to Mark Disability Awareness Month with Communitywide Events in March

LarryInFishers.com

Fishers, Indiana will observe National Disability Awareness Month in March with a month-long series of events designed to celebrate inclusion, highlight the contributions of residents with disabilities, and promote accessibility across the community.

The celebration, presented by Old National Bank, is organized by the City of Fishers and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. Activities throughout the month will include sporting events, art exhibits, educational workshops, and family-friendly programming open to residents of all ages and abilities.

“Fishers has grown and evolved since we first launched our local celebration of March Disability Awareness Month a decade ago,” said Cecilia Coble, co-chair of the advisory committee and a Fishers City Councilor. “Our committee is committed to advocating for disability awareness and inclusion and making a difference in Fishers and beyond.”

The month begins Monday, March 2, with a kick-off event and Accessibility & Inclusion Awards ceremony at the Theater at the Fishers Municipal Center. The free public event will feature Mayor Scott Fadness and guest speaker Jessica Minor of the accessABILITY Center for Independent Living, along with recognition of this year’s Disability and Inclusion Award winners.

Community partners will host programs throughout March, including the Fishers Arts Council, Hamilton East Public Library, Fishers Event Center, and the Fishers Community Center.

Among the featured events:

  • On March 13, the Fishers Arts Council will host a Disability Awareness Exhibit during its Second Friday celebration, showcasing visual art created by artists who identify as having a disability.

  • On March 19, the Indy Ignite will face the Columbus Fury at the Fishers Event Center in a Deaf & Hard of Hearing Night celebration.

  • On March 24, employers and hiring managers are invited to an Opening Doors to Employment Breakfast focused on inclusive hiring practices.

  • On March 28, members of the U.S. National Power Soccer Team will participate in a live exhibition and meet-and-greet at the Fishers Community Center.

Families can also take part in a StoryWalk at Brooks School Park throughout the month, featuring the book Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan. New adaptive swim lessons for children ages 5 to 12 are being introduced at the Fishers Community Center, offering semi-private instruction led by certified instructors.

The Hamilton East Public Library’s Fishers branch will present a series of workshops, including Autism 101, a Dementia Friend session, art classes, and a neurodivergent teen hangout.

Kelly Hartman, advisory committee co-chair and president and CEO of KQuad Consulting, said the goal is to bring the community together. “Through this month-long celebration, we aim to highlight inclusive opportunities and reinforce our commitment to creating spaces, programs, and events where everyone feels welcome.”

A full schedule and registration details are available at FishersIN.gov/DisabilityAwareness.