My Point of View Recap

March Disability Awareness Month

BY KELLY HARTMAN, MA COCHAIR, FISHERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DISABILTY

In Fishers, March is a month for empowering awareness and encouraging belonging for people with disabilities in a community that strives to be smart, vibrant and entrepreneurial, “for all.” Those last two words as added by Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness to the city’s tag line are of utmost importance. This encapsulates what March Disability Awareness Month is all about.

Awareness of the statistics alone is staggering. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s, Division of Human Development & Disability, 1 in 4 Americans have some a type of disability. Specifically, in Indiana, more than 175,000 Hoosiers over the age of 18 are challenged with basic activities of self-care, and more than 400,000 struggle with independent living.

March Disability Awareness Month celebrated the important role and contribution people who happen to be challenged with a disability. These people should never be defined by a diagnosis or challenge, but should be celebrated for their successes and abilities. The month kicked off with awards presentations for employment, accessibility and personal success!

From employment initiatives spotlighted in partnership with One Zone to a Second Friday art exhibit hosted by Fishers Arts Council, there was something for everyone. The month presented for the fifth year by Old National Bank – the theme was “Fueled for the Future” reflecting a partnership with the Indy Fuel who will find their future home in Fishers.

The month of awareness culminated by an invite only event called “My Point of View Day.” This is a highly anticipated annual finale hosted by the Advisory Committee on Disability and attended by the Mayor. The Mayor intended to bring community stakeholders together to listen, learn and plan for the future. This year 117 people came together. People with disabilities, their families, service providers, and business leaders were joined by elected officials from the city, county, state and federal level.

The large group was divided into eight themed groups. Tasked with sharing lived experience, successes and remaining challenges in each area, the subcommittees were asked to come up with three potential action steps. These goals then provide direction for the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability in partnership with the community partners to effect change.

While some of these areas are very specific to the City of Fishers, interestingly enough, the three top concerns of people across the state of Indiana as it relates to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were represented. Whether planning for after school transition years, program development for adults, or the challenges in community inclusion -- access to housing, employment and transportation are interrelated. These are long standing challenges in our state and many others nationwide.

For people striving to live their best life while using social security and Medicaid to access needed supports, these important resources needed to achieve self-sufficiency and personal success are further convoluted by federal rules.

Imagine you get a job with a four hour shift one afternoon, but you cannot get there as there is no reliable, timely public transportation. You could use a ride share service, but the cost is $15 each way. After taxes, you will net around $8. Even with social security, when rent and utilities will cost at least $1200 a month – the math just doesn’t work. It is these kinds of challenges for people with disabilities that “My Point of View Day” tackles.

The eight subcommittees outlined the current status and prioritized three potential areas to improve inclusivity and empower a sense of belonging for all people in our community. Here is the summary:

Housing

Fishers is forward thinking in accessible housing options, citing both Southpointe Village and Cumberland Cottages as successful models, however the waiting lists remain long.

1. Encourage the state to reconsider more flexibility of the Settings Rule to allow for intentional housing.

2. Work with local builders to add accessibility features to their list of potential upgrades for new buyers.

3. Encourage the division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services to reconsider greater access to more comprehensive services like the Community Integration and Habilitation HCBS program.

Public Safety

Police vehicles are equipped with sonic boom boxes that release vibrating tones to alert deaf and hard of hearing drivers, Smart 911 allows for families to list special needs within their households and all first responders receive specialized training on disabilities.

1. Further promote community access to Smart 911.

2. Educate the public on fall prevention with the newly launched program through Fishers Health Department.

3. Explore the need for more mobility friendly infrastructure. (curbs, ramps, rails)

Employment

Investability, an employment initiative grant funded by the Hamilton County Community Foundation is focused on employment of people with disabilities engaging 30 or more employers in Hamilton County. Additionally the Fishers Allies for Disability Employment, a business to business networking group also is very active toward better outcomes in this area. One Zone and local school systems are also integral partners.

1. Develop “ally” program to recognize businesses actively employing people with disabilities.

2. Advocate for funding to provide employer education.

3. Develop “next steps” guide for families who have kids transitioning out of school into the work force.

Transportation

Local public transportation provider

Hamilton County Express is making good progress with fleet expansion and improvement in number of trips, and ride denial rates. With an update in the Riders Guide, new software implementation and hiring more drivers, they are striving for greater outcomes.

1. Conduct county wide transportation study to determine true need of community.

2. Expand marketing of current available options through Hamilton County Express.

3. Collaborate between Hamilton County cities toward integrated solutions.

Networking

The Fishers community has a robust network of peer-to-peer opportunities for people with disabilities including Thrive Social Club, Kiwanis Aktion Club, and expansive school-based programs like Best Buddies and Unified Sports.

1. Promote upcoming Fishers Farmers Market “Accessibility Day” on July 13.

2. Create central access to resources for families in need of disability supports.

3. Develop special interest groups where parents and caregivers can readily connect.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

Several accomplishments have been achieved by Fishers Parks and Recreation in offering sensory friendly options within events. Further considerations for accessibility like ADA picnic tables, adult changing tables, playground equipment and beach access mats have been integrated into public spaces. Fishers Arts & Culture Commission has funded inclusive projects. Fishers Arts Council has been an integral partner during Disability Awareness Month to display work by local artists who have disabilities.

1. Develop pathways for people with disabilities to have careers in the arts and greater opportunity to commission and sell their art.

2. Consider inclusive and adaptive programming and potential support through the new Fishers Community Center including a flexologist.

3. Explore a “buddy program” connecting the community with people who have disabilities facilitating unified dance and other performing arts.

Deaf & Hard of Hearing

KODA (Kids of Deaf Adults) is a growing group in our community and is beginning to partner with our Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. Closed Captioning is included for all movies shown for the Parks Department and an assisted listening system was installed in the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater.

1. Reach out to the business community and request closed captioning be a standard expectation.

2. Assure that interpretation services are available at public events.

3. Appoint a deaf individual to participate on the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability.

Event Center

The Fishers Event Center is an 8500 seat entertainment and sport venue that will house: the Indy Fuel, a minor league hockey team, the Fishers Freight and indoor professional football team, and Indy Ignite, a professional women’s volleyball team, along with many community events like high school commencements, concerts and more. This facility has a planned opening date of December 2024.

1. Assure true accessibility in restrooms including adult changing tables, and assure signage and direction is clear for all.

2. Proactively consider emergency planning to incorporate individuals with disabilities and their special needs

3. Include disability advocates and people with lived experience in the overall planning and execution of all accessibility planning.

According to Merriam Webster, awareness is defined as, “the quality or state of being aware: knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists.” What we all learn from March Disability Awareness Month activities is that we still have a long way to go. My Point of View Day is a great way to see perspective from many angles and to get “Fueled for the Future.” As we strive not just for inclusivity for all people in our communities, we hold out hope that we can also empower a sense of belonging. Just as Dr. Phil McGraw said, “Awareness without action is worthless.”

To learn more about the work of the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability and their efforts toward inclusive communities for all people, you can go to: https://fishersin.gov/ boards-commissions/fishers-advisorycommittee-on-disability/