March is Disability Awareness Month in Indiana

Events, Organizations 1 Response »
Mar 042011
Cultivate Inclusion

Cultivate Inclusion

It’s finally here! Disability Awareness Month has started and there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved! . Each March, Disability Awareness Month is celebrated throughout Indiana and this year marks the 21st year of the celebration. Adults and children with disabilities represent slightly more than 19 percent of Indiana’s population making disability awareness important for all of us.

Led by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, the goal of Disability Awareness Month is to increase awareness and promote independence, integration and inclusion of all people with disabilities. The Council develops a unique theme for this annual event and produces campaign materials that are available free of charge to Hoosiers who want to help make a difference.

This year’s theme is “Cultivate Inclusion” and there are a number of chances for you to do just that during the awareness month. From fashion shows, the Ms. Wheelchair Indiana Pageant, education conferences, resource fairs, art exhibits, and a number of awareness events, Indiana has proven that it is committed to helping and spreading awarenss for individuals with disabilities. Become an advocate and attend one of the events in your neighborhood! You can find an event near you by visiting Indiana Disability Awareness Activity Listing page.

Let’s make Disability Awareness Month 2011 a success and continue to advocate and learn throughout the entire year.

Posted by Shelby at 10:00 am Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

News No Responses »
Oct 262010
Guide Dog

Guide Dog

Our schools, nonprofits, government agencies, dedicated October as a time to discuss and educate ourselves about the issues related to disability and employment.

1945 – Congress declared “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” which was to occur the first week of October.

1962 – The word “physically” was removed to put the emphasis not on disability, but ability.

1988 – Renamed to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM),” and celebrated all 31 days of October.

While we at INDATA use our blog and other social communication methods to share our knowledge of assistive technology services, we also participate in several resource fairs and provide free trainings at our location in Indianapolis.  From October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 we participated in over 100 public awareness activities across the state of Indiana.

To learn more about what you can do to educate yourself or others about current issues, visit these web sites:

Posted by Sara C at 10:49 am Tagged with: , ,

Kids on the Block Puppet Show Teaches Youngsters About Disabilities

Organizations No Responses »
Jun 022010

Elementary school is a tender time for children when it comes to learning about the world.  They start forming strong opinions about their surroundings, and look to their teachers and parents for guidance.  In some classrooms, students have little to no exposure to people with disabilities, which can lead to confusion when they encounter someone who uses a wheelchair, or wears a special helmet, for example.

Kids on the Block puppet

Kids on the Block puppet

Kids on the Block is a program that spreads awareness about disabilities (not a 90′s boy band, you’re thinking of New Kids on the Block!).  Started in 1977 by a special education teacher, this show features puppets who have Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Spina Bifida, Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, and more.  The curricula covers a variety of topics related to disabilities, such as medical and social concerns.

Each puppet is approximately 3 to 4 feet tall, and has its own unique background story.  Children watching the show are encouraged to participate by asking the puppet questions they may have.  Kids on the Block includes all the program materials you need for the show, and will even provide training for inexperienced puppeteers.

To learn more about the program, visit Kids on the Block.

Posted by SNorman at 9:53 am Tagged with: ,

2010 Wheel-a-Thon

Events, News, Organizations 1 Response »
May 032010

Wheelchair

What: Wheel-a-Thon sponsored by the Indianapolis Resource Center for Independent Living (IRCIL).

Where: University of Indianapolis Campus, Ruth Lily Center, 1400 East Hanna Avenue

When: June 5, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Why: Participate in the FREE Wheel-a-Thon to raise money for the IRCIL, check out the exhibit booths (INDATA will be there!), win prizes, get free health screenings, and more!  Learn about the physical barriers wheelchair users face every day and show your support for the diverse community of people with disabilities.  For more information, call 317.926.1660.

Posted by SNorman at 1:44 pm Tagged with: ,

Think Beyond the Label

Accessibility Services, Organizations No Responses »
Apr 302010

Think Beyond the Label is a collaborative effort of human services and employment agencies that uses grants to connect hiring businesses with people with disabilities.  They also work to dispel common misconceptions about employees with disabilities.  Not to mention, they’re downright hilarious.  Check out their commercial:

This campaign’s website contains several facts about people with disabilities in the workforce.  For example, when addressing the myth about hiring employees with disabilities increasing insurance rates, Think Beyond the Label says,

Insurance rates are based solely on the relative hazards of the operation and the organization’s accident experience, not on whether workers have disabilities.

To find resources near you, check to see if your state is participating in the campaign.  If they are, contact information is provided along with a description of services available.

Posted by SNorman at 1:43 pm Tagged with: ,

disABILITIES EXPO in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Events No Responses »
Apr 062010

AAC Device

AAC Device

WHAT: disABILITIES Expo

WHEN: Saturday, April 10

WHERE: Allen County War Memorial, Fort Wayne IN

COST: Free!

disABILITIES Expo 2010 is designed for children and adults with physical and neurological disabilities,
persons with vision and hearing loss, seniors, caregivers, therapists and educators, and families of those with disabilities.

Why attend disABILITIES Expo 2010? There will be something for everyone:

  • FREE workshops will be offered specific to the needs of people with physical disabilities
    and their caregivers!
  • Expo guests will be given the opportunity to watch and participate in paralympic sports demos!
  • Expo exhibitors will include companies providing services for children and adults with physical
    and neurological disabilities, people with vision and hearing loss, seniors, and caregivers.

For a list of exhibitors at the disABILITIES EXPO, click here. Interested in attending? Visit the disABILITIES EXPO web site!

Posted by Sara C at 7:21 am Tagged with: ,
© 2012 Indiana Assistive Technology Blog Suffusion WordPress theme by Sayontan Sinha