Each March, Disability Awareness Month is celebrated throughout Indiana. And given that adults and children with disabilities represent slightly more than 19 percent of Indiana’s population, disability awareness is 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.
The 2013 campaign theme is “Community Connections.” The poster artwork features a fully connected, livable community with appropriate housing, supportive and accessible community services, and physical and environmental features that allow everyone to live independently. The text, “Access, engagement and relationships.,” reminds us of the vital links that make a connected, livable community. If our communities are to grow and prosper, we must develop “Community Connections” through access, civic engagement and by encouraging neighbors to support one another. This year’s Disability Awareness Month campaign materials are sponsored by Duke Energy.
This is the 23rd year for Disability Awareness Month. Won’t you join thousands of advocates and people with disabilities across the state by conducting community-based activities? Activities include events such as mayoral proclamations; art contests; and awareness campaigns in schools, businesses and government agencies.
Thanks in advance for your efforts to help raise awareness and understanding of disability issues in your home, business, school or neighborhood!
Events during the month of March to celebrate!
- Spread the Word to End the Word – March 6th from 6pm to 8pm at IU’s Wilkie Auditorium, admission is free! Go to www.r-word.org for more
Also, follow us on Twitter, “Like!” us on Facebook and read our new blog to learn more about disabilities and what is going on this month to bring awareness to our communities!