About Disability Awareness Month
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 2009 campaign theme is “Disable the Label.” This year’s artwork, shown throughout this site, features a diverse group of people — those with and without disabilities — who are of different ages and ethnicities, working together to paint over negative labels on a graffiti-covered wall. The text reminds us that defining people only by their disabilities can be hurtful and limiting. But when we see others for who they really are, we can learn a lot about their true character. This year’s campaign materials are sponsored by Salin Bank. We are excited to feature one of their employees in our poster.
This is the 19th 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.
Please visit our Materials Library to view and/or download materials that can help you plan and conduct an event in your area. To order our standardized kit, simply print the Order Form and return it as noted. We’ll then send you our free materials.
Thanks in advance for your efforts to help raise awareness and understanding of disability issues in your home, business, school or neighborhood!