LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at SpecialNeedsIndy@n2pub.com.

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Note: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $2 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive: 

Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for low-income families, pregnant women and children)

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Apply here: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/hours/access-pass.

Museums

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Museum My WayJune 11, Oct. 9, Dec. 10, 4:00 pm-7:00 pm

An adaptive museum experience

Capacity limited. Registration required.

This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together!

Sensory modifications to the museum environment include:

Limited capacity

Quiet area with sensory items

Some music is turned down or off

Edited lighting effects in some areas  Members: Free, Nonmembers: $6 per personAccess Pass: $2 per person. For tickets: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/464

Eclipse ExtravaganzaApr. 8, 10:00 am- 3:30 pm

Experience this once-in-a-lifetime solar phenomenon at The Children's Museum.

Join us for giveaways, activities, and festivities to celebrate the historic event. 

These activities and programs will be located throughout the museum: https://www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar/event/553

Various Events

Apr. 1- Apr. 30, Opens at 10 AM  

3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000

https://www.childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum

Total Solar Eclipse 2024

Apr. 8, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm

Our festival grounds will transform into a haven of wonder and delight. Indulge your senses as you take in live performances from musical acts, dance companies and enlightened talks from renowned experts who will shed light on the science behind this mesmerizing event.

For tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/solareclipse2024/Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment

Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for sensory-friendly hours. You will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish.

Various events

Apr.1- Apr. 30, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm

13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038

Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800-966-1836  https://www.connerprairie.org/events/list

Sports

Indy Fuel

Apr. 3, 13

Indiana Farmers Coliseum, 1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46205

https://www.indyfuelhockey.com/

Indiana Pacers

Apr. 1, 5, 7, 14

Gainbridge Field House, 125 South Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN

https://www.nba.com/pacers/

Indy Eleven

Apr. 6, 20

IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202

https://www.indyeleven.com/

Indianapolis Indians

Apr. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 30

Victory Field,  501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN 46225

https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/schedule/2024-03

Family Fun

Indianapolis Zoo

Zoo Camp

Spring –April 1-5

Summer – June 3-7, 17-21, 24-28; July 8-12, 15-19, 22-26

From learning about wild animals to careers in conservation, campers at the Indianapolis Zoo have a blast exploring and learning while making new friends! Zoo Camps are offered during school breaks during the year. Camps include outdoor exploration of the Zoo and special behind-the-scenes tours to meet animal ambassadors and members of the Zoo’s animal care team. Zoo Camps also foster curiosity and STEM-based skills such as investigation, collaboration, problem solving, communication and more through fun hands-on activities. 

For information and registration https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/learn-explore/zoo-camps/

Various events scheduled daily

Apr. 1- Apr. 30, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm

1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222

https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

Sensory Friendly Dr. Seuss Spring Into Reading-Fort Wayne

Apr.13, 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm

2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805

From My Autism Ally: We are once again partnering with Purdue Fort Wayne School of Education to host our annual sensory friendly Dr. Seuss Party and you are invited to be part of the fun! The focus of the event is to celebrate reading, have fun with crafts and games and get valuable information about resources in our community. This event is FREE. Join us on Saturday, April 13th at the Walb Student Union Classic Ballroom on the PFW campus - 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Here is a campus map to help you. https://www.pfw.edu/campus-map

Autism Community Connection Family Game Night- Greenwood

Apr. 26, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Greenwood Community Center 100 Surina Way, Greenwood, IN 46143

Family Game Night is for families affected by autism to have a fun night in the community. The event will feature board, individual and group games for ALL ages to enjoy. Come play a game with your family, meet new families for a group game, or chat with each other having fun at Kid City.There will also be a sensory space available. All families will have access to Kid City at the Greenwood Community Center. New this year, we will have pizza, snacks and water available during the event. Parents/guardians must be with their loved one with autism at all times.

Family Game Night is free, and registration for the event is required. Register Today!For more information: https://autismcc-in.org/family-game-night/?blm_aid=6103040

The Studio Movie Grill

3535 W. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46268

317-315-8113

Sensory-friendly screenings of movies! Check the website for movies and times.

https://www.studiomoviegrill.com/movie/special-needs-screenings

The Arts

 

Beef and Boards

The King and I

Apr. 4 - May 19, 2024

9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268

https://beefandboards.com/Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133

Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, part-singing, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble.

Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis Children's Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir.

Director: Lauren Southard

For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 

317-940-8065 or lsouthar@icchoir.org.   https://icchoir.org/special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse 

Various classes during the week.

5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250  317-288-8235

indy@gigisplayhouse.org   https://gigisplayhouse.org/indianapolis/sfcalendar/

Events

The Be A Star: Annual Transition and Community Resource Fair -Bloomington

Apr. 1, 5:00 pm- 7:30 pm

Bloomington High School North 3501 N Valleyview Dr., Bloomington, IN 47404

This will be a great opportunity for students with disabilities of any age, along with their families, to connect with resources to help prepare them for their active lives in our community.

They Sky is the Limit Special Needs Festival & Resource Fair

Apr. 6, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm

110 East 14th Street, Huntingburg, IN 47542

Differently Able, Inc presents THE SKY IS THE LIMIT Special Needs Festival & Resource FairGames, Food Trucks, Public Speakers & Other Sensory-friendly activitiesFor more information contact: Differentlyableinc@outlook.com

Elkhart County Disability Resource Fair

Apr. 13, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Elkhart Central High School 1 Blazer Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46516

This event is being held in conjunction with a Unified Track Meet where athletes from various schools will be coming to participate in Track and Field events.This event will have guest speakers, presentations and demonstrations in addition to an exhibit area featuring local community resources. Here are some examples of the activities available at this event: INSOURCE - presentation discusses how a student accesses general education curriculum and special education services, provides an overview of the components of the IEP, and emphasizes parental involvementSelf Advocates of Indiana - An individual with lived experience will be sharing how to advocate for yourselfINDATA - presentation and demonstration on using technology to live your best lifeMass Mutual - presentation on Planning for Financial Future using ABLE AccountsBehavior Services and Therapy - conducting live demonstrations of Music and Recreational Therapy servicesPATINS Project - Hands-on lab of devices and communication aids to help students be more successful with communication and educational tasksLa Ventana - Basic Cooking Skills demonstrations to help students and adults be more self sufficient   For information: https://fb.me/e/6G2Lgp13Y

Down Syndrome Indiana (DSI) Annual Conference 2024: Advocacy in Action, Building Your Village

Apr. 13, 8:15 am- 3:00 pm

510 N New Jersey St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 

Parents and caregivers of individuals with Down syndrome are invited join us on Saturday, April 13th, 2024 for Down Syndrome Indiana’s Annual Conference, Advocacy in Action: Building Your Village! For additional information info@dsindiana.org  To Register: https://dsindiana.org/dsi-annual-conference/?blm_aid=7959525  Cost $25.00

Southeastern Disability Resource Fair 2024-Sellersburg

Apr. 13, 11:00 am- 2:00 pm

Ivy Tech Community College (8204 Highway 311, Sellersburg, IN 47172

Connections Case Management, Self-Advocates of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College present the 3rd Annual Southeastern Disability Resource Fair, now in the new home of Ivy Tech Community College!This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.To be a vendor please reach out to info@connections-in.com for more information.Autism Walk & 5K- Autism Evansville

Apr. 20, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm

Vanderburgh 4-H Center 201 E Boonville New Harmony Rd, Evansville, IN 47725

Aspire Indiana Health InSHAPE 5k & 1 Mile Run/Walk  

Apr. 20, 7:30 am- 10:30 am

Connor Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN 46038

Aspire Presents the 2nd Annual InShape Run/Walk! Join us again for our Aspire To Get InSHAPE Fun Run/Walk in support of Aspire Indiana Health's InSHAPE! Enjoy the 5k or 1 mile course through the beautiful historic grounds of Conner Prairie!  Come enjoy this family friendly, SUPERHERO themed event on Saturday April 20, 2024!  Grab your super suits and capes and we will see you there! Kids aged 5 and under are Free!

The registration fee allows you to participate in the 5k and 1 mile route if you so choose as each event is starting at different times. You may choose to participate in one event as well and enjoy all the festivities.

InSHAPE is a fitness program designed for individuals living with a serious mental illness. The goal of this evidence-based program is to improve health, well-being, and longevity, prioritizing 6 essential elements; wellness focused, participant-driven, multidisciplinary, individualized, health mentors, and community involvement.

To Register and get schedule go to: https://www.aspireindiana.org/inshape

Best Buddies Friendship Walk- Indianapolis

Apr. 21, 9:00 am- 12:00 pm

Celebration Plaza at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204

ScheduleSunday, April 21, 2024Check-in: 9:00 AMOpening Ceremonies: 10:20 AMWalk: 10:40 AMCelebrate Until: 1:00 PMEvent Contact NatalieSeibert@bestbuddies.orgTo Register: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/indianapolis/?engageddonorid=fb619495-b6e8-43c3-acff-37d5d10c2377&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=Summa

Event Details

Crown Point Exceptional Education Department Transition Fair 2024

Apr. 23, 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Crown Point High School (1500 S Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307

5th Annual Exceptional Learners Resource Fair- Chesterton

Apr. 24, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm

Chesterton High School, 2125 S 11th St, Chesterton, Indiana 46304

Fieldhouse Side Entrance (Door 31).For more information contact Ezra Burke: eburke@duneland.k12.in.us

SibShops-Indianapolis

Apr. 25, 5:00 pm- 8:30 pm

5377 E Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46219 317-748-4802

SIBSHOPS ™ is a national acclaimed program that provides peer support within a recreational environment for children who have a sibling with special needs.Registration Information: www.creativepathwaysindy.org, janschreibman@gmail.comCOSTS:

One Sibling $15Two Siblings $20More than two Siblings $25with specialSibshops is a fun-filled event geared toward specific needs of siblings with a brother/sister with special health and developmental needs.1. Siblings have opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting2. There is opportunity to discuss common joys and concerns with others3. Siblings have opportunity to learn about disabilities and the implications for the future growth and challengesAGES: 6 to 13y.o. and 14 to 18y.o.INCLUDED: Arrive at 5:30pm for light dinner followed byprogrammingDSI Terre Haute Buddy Walk

Apr. 27, 9:00 am- 11:30am

Memorial Stadium, 3300 Wabash Ave. Terre Haute, IN. 47803

Participants can park on the streets around Memorial Stadium, where permitted, or they can park in the grassy areas around the stadium. The preferred grassy area to park would be on the EAST side of the stadium off N. 34th St.If you have any questions about the event or parking please contact Dixie at, Dixie@dsindiana.org.

9a Registration, Kids Zone, and Exhibitors10am team awards and announcements10:21am our one mile Walk around the stadium kicking off at 10:21am11:30am wrap up

Register today at https://charity.pledgeit.org/TerreHaute2024

Northwest Indiana Disability Information and Resource Fair

Apr. 27, 10:00 am- 2:00 pm

Saint James Hall., 9640 Kennedy Ave, Highland, IN 46322

HOSTED BY THE ARC OF INDIANA & THE DIOCESE OF GARY, INOFFICE OF INTERCULTURAL MINISTRYFor information, please contact Ofelia Jiminez Sahagunofelia@arcind.org or 317.977.2375

DSI Buddy Walk Lafayette

Apr. 28, 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm

McCutcheon High School, 4951 Old US Highway 231 S (4951 Old US Highway 231 S, Lafayette, Indiana 47909 Meet at the football field!Check In Begins at 1:00 and the walk starts at 2:21PM!

If you have any questions, please contact Liz at volunteer@dsindiana.org.Register today at https://charity.pledgeit.org/BuddyWalkLafayette2024