Disability Awareness Month
On February 26, 1987 President Ronald Reagan officially declared Proclamation 5613, making March “National Disability Awareness Month”. The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Everyone wants, and deserves, to enjoy life, feel productive and secure. But in March, we take extra steps to raise awareness about the supports and rights of the people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole!
All individuals, agencies, and organizations supportive of people with disabilities are encouraged to observe the month of March with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the contributions and the potential of Americans with disabilities.
We have planned several events for our Disability Awareness Month Initiative!
Here’s the schedule of events:
March 2, 2022 — A Different Way of Thinking Autism Advocacy Magic Show
6:00 PM (via Zoom)
Description: Magician/autistic self-advocate Cody Clark combines magic, comedy, and storytelling to share what living with autism is like for him. Starting with his initial diagnosis and ending with his college graduation, Cody places his magic routines within common life experiences. This shows how autism makes him different, yet similar to most people. Best of all, your organization’s disabled members will feel validated by seeing someone just like them having the same experiences that they’ve had. By the end of his show, your audience see that autism’s nothing to be scared of, but simply a different way of thinking! After the magic show, there will be time for questions and answers with Cody!
This magic show is being sponsored by The Columbus Autism Network (CAN). To learn more about CAN, click here.
Register for the Virtual Magic Show here.
March 12, 2022 — Art Workshop
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at The Arc of Bartholomew County (2060 Doctors Park Dr, Columbus, IN 47203)
Description: Free art workshop is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 13 and older. Siblings that meet the age requirement are also welcome at the workshop.
A volunteer artist will lead a group in a painting and participants will follow along, creating their own version of the example drawing. The instructor will teach participants different techniques and styles as they draw. All supplies will be provided by The Arc of Bartholomew County.
We will be following COVID-19 protocols and will be requiring masks for this event.
Register for the art workshop here.
March 15, 2022 — Understanding Diabetes and Disability (Webinar)
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (via Zoom)
Description: Dr. Auberry, a registered nurse practicing in the field of intellectual and developmental disability for the past twenty-six years, will provide an overview of Diabetes Mellitus, prevention strategies, treatment options, and self-care. The following topics will be addressed: Diabetes and Persons with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability, Defining Type One and Type Two Diabetes, Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia, Treatment Options, Administering Insulin with an Insulin Pen, Educating-Supporting-and-Self-Care, Prevention Strategies, When to Seek Support.
Register in advance for this webinar here.
March 21, 2022 — Future Planning with Disability: Build your Plan (Webinar)
12:00 PM (via Zoom)
Description: Learn all about tools and resources available on The Arc’s Center for Future Planning. The center aims to support and encourage adults with I/DD and their families to plan for the future. The Center provides reliable information and assistance to individuals with I/DD, their family members and friends, professionals who support them and other members of the community on areas such as person-centered planning, decision-making, housing options, and financial planning. This session will review high-level future planning topics and provide tools for planning. Grace Kestler, Executive Director of The Arc of Bartholomew County, will host this session.
Register in advance for this webinar here.
March 23, 2022 — “Hearts of Glass”: Film Screening and Conversation
6:00 PM at Yes Cinema (328 Jackson St, Columbus, IN 47201)
Description: The Arc of Bartholomew County will be hosting a viewing of an amazing documentary called “Hearts of Glass” at Yes Cinema. The film will be followed by a live panel with documentary producer/director and participants in the film.
Film description: Hearts of Glass follows the tumultuous first 15 months of operation of Vertical Harvest (VH) of Jackson, Wyoming, a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse that provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. The film weaves the story of VH’s launch with the personal journeys of employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Plants and people grow together in this intimate portrait of innovation, inclusion and community.
Sponsored by Heritage Fund Community Foundation of Bartholomew County
View the trailer for “Heart of Glass” here.
Reserve your tickets here.
March 30, 2022 — Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities (Webinar)
6:00 PM (via Zoom)
Description: Each student's next chapter is treated with an individual approach. The goal is that a student and his/her supporters are connected to all that is possible in our community so that they may continue to live a fulfilling life. Speaker Mary Hamlin is the BCSC Transition Coordinator. She helps students and parents as the student is transitioning from public school to their next chapter into the adult world. She also assists families with connecting to community, state and federal resources.
Register in advance for this webinar here.