Client News
Disability Awareness Month materials now available
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities will unveil its Disability Awareness Month 2010 campaign at the Annual Conference for People with Disabilities Nov. 16. But starting today, Hoosiers may order free Awareness Month materials to begin planning the many important disability awareness activities that take place across the state each March.
There are more than 1 million people with disabilities living in Indiana. The Governor’s Council coordinates Disability Awareness Month to promote inclusion, independence and employment for these Hoosiers – part of the 54 million Americans with disabilities.
The 2010 Disability Awareness Month theme is “Free Your Mind.” The campaign poster features people of different ages and ethnicities – with and without disabilities – lying on the grass and gazing at the sky with optimism and enthusiasm. The text reminds us that by embracing people’s differences, we open ourselves to a world of new possibilities. When we free our minds and see the potential inside everyone, we’ll expand our horizons – and our circle of friends. This year’s campaign materials are sponsored by Duke Energy, a leading U.S. energy company supplying and delivering energy to approximately 4 million customers. Duke Energy Indiana’s operations provide 6,500 megawatts of electricity capacity to approximately 780,000 customers, making it the state’s largest electric supplier. Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis also contributed to this year’s Disability Awareness Month effort.
Each year, the Council facilitates Disability Awareness Month by providing free resource materials to help Hoosiers plan activities in local communities. Disability Awareness Month materials include information and activity planning packets, with topics ranging from planning disability-focused art contests to increasing ADA awareness in a business. In addition, the Council offers theme-specific materials, including posters, bookmarks and stickers – all at no charge.
As in previous years, Disability Awareness Month 2010 will be celebrated with community-based activities carried out by thousands of people across the state.
“Disability Awareness Month is a perfect time to engage the community in a myriad of activities that span the entire year,” said Suellen Jackson-Boner, executive director of the Governor’s Council. “Awareness fairs, policy seminars, ADA training, essay contests and displays in schools, government agencies and businesses are just a few of the activities Disability Awareness Month has inspired.”
For more information about the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities and Disability Awareness Month, visit www.IndianaDisabilityAwareness.org.
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The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities’ focus on advocacy and leadership training began in 1980 and has flourished in the areas of systems change advocacy, self-advocacy groups, Partners in Policymaking, grassroots efforts, community leadership, public policy and civic engagement. Over the past 25 years, the Council has empowered tens of thousands of Hoosiers with disabilities to create positive change throughout the state.