Disability Awareness Month 2023
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, along with several other great organizations, have planned a number of events to celebrate Disability Awareness Month!
Here’s a schedule of events:
Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout March 2023 — March Madness (Drop in Social Activities for Adults)
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout March 2023
Description: Learn about a new day program serving adults with disabilities by attending Neuroversity/Imprint’s FREE drop in classes in March. For individuals and their caregivers.
For more information, email neuroversity@imprinttherapy.org
March 5, 2023 — Harlem Wizards Game
Begins at 2:00 PM (doors will open at 1:00 PM) at Columbus North Memorial Gym (located at 1400 25th St, Columbus, IN)
There will be a quiet sensory space for children (will include a bucket of stress balls and water for anyone who needs a break).
Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance here.
March 14, 2023 — Mi hijo(a) tiene un Diagnóstico ¿Ahora qué? (My child has a diagnosis, now what?)
6:00 PM (webinar via Zoom)
Description: Join us for a virtual webinar hosted by The Arc of Bartholomew Count! The program will be in Spanish.
Ya tengo el diagnóstico de mi hijo ahora vamos hablar del diagnóstico, importancia del auto-cuidado, como navegar con los servicios para personas con discapacidades, recursos disponibles en nuestra comunidad, red de apoyo y como encontrar programas efectivos para ayudar a mi hijo(a) a desarrollar sus habilidades comunicativas, sociales, académicas, motrices y capacitación vocacional para que puedan vivir vidas saludables y productivas. Todo esto empieza contigo, y cuanto antes empiece, mejor.
I already have my child's diagnosis now we are going to talk about the diagnosis, importance of self-care, how to navigate services for people with disabilities, resources available in our community, support networks, and how to find effective programs to help my child to develop communication skills, social, academic, motor, and vocational skills so they can live healthy and productive lives. This all starts with you and the sooner it starts, the better.
To register for the webinar, click here.
March 15, 2023 — Talks with the Trust - Webinar Registration
12:00 PM (webinar via Zoom)
Description: Do you or a loved one receive government benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid? Not sure on how to save for the future and keep these benefits? In the “Talks with The Arc Trust” webinar series, we’ll cover the options that people have when saving for the future, talk about the ins and outs of those options, and how they work with various government benefits.
Webinars will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, and past webinars will be recorded to view at your own time and schedule on our website.
If you have questions, please contact us at 317-977-2375 or thearctrust@arcind.org.To register, click here.
March 16, 2023 — “The Village” Support Meeting
6:00 PM at REACH Columbus, Inc. (3528 W Two Mile House Road, Columbus, IN)
Description: A community of caregivers coming together to support each other along their collective journey. All are welcome to attend! Bring your favorite beverage or snack.
The group meets the 3rd Thursday of every month.
March 17, 2023 — Disability Awareness Dance, Hosted by The Arc of Bartholomew County
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at 2920 10th St, Columbus, IN 47201 (DSI)
Description: Join The Arc of Bartholomew County and the Self-Advocates of Tomorrow/Aktion Club for the beloved Disability Awareness Dance! You don't want to miss out on a fun evening of dancing, friendship, and great food! Music will be provided by Self-Advocates of Indiana member, Fulton Express.
The event is FREE and open to the public, all ages and abilities! Registration is appreciated so we can get a headcount and plan accordingly for food/refreshments.
To register, click here.
March 19, 2023 — “March Madness Mania” Adventure
Description: Join A Kid Again for a “March Madness Mania” Adventure! This event will feature a watch party for the ongoing tournament, lunch catered by Noodles and Co., and lots of carnival-style games, group activities, and prizes!
March 21, 2023 — World Down Syndrome Day Karaoke Night
6:00 PM at Phoenix Theatre (705 N Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN)
Description: Sing your heart out with DSI at World Down Syndrome Day Karaoke Night on Tuesday, March 21st!
Register your loved one with Down syndrome to perform their favorite song here!
March 22, 2023 — Movie Night (“Champions”)
6:01 PM at YES Cinema (328 Jackson St, Columbus, IN 47201)
Description: SAT members are getting together to see the new movie “Champion”, which is about a stubborn and hotheaded minor league basketball coach assigned to train a Special Olympics team when he is sentenced to community service. Meet-up at Yes Cinema to watch the film and brings friends, relatives and enjoy the show. Showtime is 6:01 PM and people can gather and plan to sit together. This isn't any formal gathering - it's just a chance to see a movie together in the community with friends.
March 23, 2023 — Wellness Club
6:15 PM - 7:15 PM at The Arc of Bartholomew County
Description: Join the Self-Advocates of Tomorrow group (SAT) for a series of Wellness Club events! Local Physical Therapist Assistant, Tim Erney, will be discussing accessible movement and healthy lifestyles.
The event is FREE and all members and friends of SAT are welcome, so invite your friends, co-workers, relatives to join on the 23rd!
March 24, 2023 — Lights Up, Sound Down Movie
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM at The Bartholomew County Public Library (536 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN) in the Red Room
Description: Watch a movie in the BCPL’s Red Room, a sensory friendly environemnt! Lights will remain on, and the sound will be turned down to a reasonable level. This month’s movie will be Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (Rated PG). Food and drinks are not allowed in the move room.
Registration is recommended! Register here.
March 27, 2023 — Adults Reading YA Book Club: Disability Awareness Month
6:00 PM @ Bucceto’s Pizza Pasta (318 Washington St Columbus, IN)
Description: Please choose a YA book written by an ability-diverse author. A suggested reading list will be available at the Teen Desk. Join us at Bucceto’s prepared to share with the group what you read while we enjoy appetizers courtesy of the Friends of Bartholomew County Public Library.
To learn more, click here.
March 29, 2023 — Reading with Friends
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM at The Bartholomew County Public Library (536 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN) in the Conference Room
Description: In this Reading with Friends meeting, the group will be listening to one of Sandy’s (BCPL Librarian) favorite stories and talk about the kind of stories everyone likes! This book group is designed for readers and non-readers, including The program is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Participants can enjoy stories and be guided through discussion and activities related to the reading.
Registration is recommended! Register here.
March 30, 2023 — REACH Talk
6:00 PM at REACH Columbus, Inc. (3528 W Two Mile House Road, Columbus, IN)
Description: Join REACH Columbus , Inc. for an informational meeting as they provide assistance and guidance for caregivers.
The group meets the last Thursday of every month. There will be a new topic each month. You can find the current topic online at www.reachcolumbus.com
March 31, 2023 — Music with Valerie
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM at The Bartholomew County Public Library (536 Fifth Street, Columbus, IN) in the Red Room
Description: Join Music Therapist, Valerie Jones, as she guides the group through well-known songs with gentle movement and participation! Music therapy can help participants relax, build confidence, and most of all, have fun!
Registration is recommended! Register here!