For nearly a decade, I have recorded and produced podcasts in and around Fishers. As a one-person operation since 2016, that means not only asking the questions, but also handling every technical aspect of production.

Over the years, there have been minor technical issues. Until now, I have always managed to work around them and get each podcast posted.

Last week, for the first time, I lost an entire recording due to a catastrophic technical failure.

That loss is particularly disappointing because the podcast was my annual preview of Disability Awareness Month in Fishers. Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble, who chairs the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, and Molly Connolly, who oversees Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) matters for the City of Fishers, joined me for what was a thoughtful and informative discussion. Both have long been deeply involved in disability advocacy and inclusion efforts locally, and they had much to share about this year’s observance.

Unfortunately, that entire conversation was lost.

Even without the podcast, March 1 marks the beginning of Disability Awareness Month, and the observance deserves attention. The City of Fishers and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability will sponsor a variety of events throughout the month, partnering with local organizations to highlight the contributions of residents with physical and intellectual disabilities and to promote greater understanding and inclusion across the community.

During my 28 years in the federal government — as a rank-and-file employee, union official and manager — I saw firsthand the quality of work individuals with disabilities can produce when given the opportunity and the accommodations they need. It remains one of the most underutilized pools of talent in our workforce.

Each March, Fishers makes a deliberate effort to spotlight those contributions and encourage broader awareness.

Readers can learn more about Disability Awareness Month events and activities in Fishers at this link.