By Irina Burke and Jason Wagner
Every March, Disability Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and understanding. We’ve invited Irina Burke and Jason Wagner, both members of the local Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, to share their perspective.
“Irina moved to the U.S. from Ukraine at the age of seven. Jason was born Deaf and grew up in New York City. We both attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and call the beautiful town of Fishers home.
We share the same passion: promoting resources for the Deaf Community and those who wish to learn more about Deaf culture.
Disability Awareness Month is an important time for the community to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and to celebrate their achievements and contributions in all aspects of society.
By sharing knowledge, advocating for resources, and promoting inclusive practices, we believe we can create a world where Deaf individuals thrive without barriers to communication or opportunity.
Some of the valuable resources available to the Deaf community include:
Library Services: Many public libraries offer collections of books in sign language, Deaf culture-related literature, and ASL storytime programs for children.
American Sign Language (ASL) Classes: Picking it up isn’t just about communication—it’s also a great way to connect with and appreciate the Deaf community and its unique culture.
Deaf Advocacy Groups: State organizations like the Indiana Association of the Deaf (IAD) provide legal advocacy, educational materials, and awareness campaigns.
Deaf Community Events: Deaf Awareness Weeks, cultural festivals, and Deaf expos allow people to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the rich culture of the Deaf community.
Captioning and Assistive Technologies: These critical tools ensure that Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals have equal access to information.”
Disability Awareness Month Highlights
City of Fishers Kick-Off Event
Mon. 3/3 | 8:30am | Fishers Municipal Center
One Zone: Disability Awareness Breakfast
Wed. 3/5 | 8:30 – 9:30 a.m | Fishers Municipal Center
Fishers Arts Council Second Friday Arts Reception
Fri. 3/14 | 6-8pm | Fishers Municipal Center
Hamilton County Resource Disability Resource Fair
Wed. 3/26 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Carmel High School
Fishers Parks’ Storywalk
Daily in March | Dawn to dusk | Holland Park
Disability Awareness Month Programs
Registration required
Disability Services and Allyship with Easterseals Crossroads (Teens & Adults)
Mon. 3/3 | 6-7pm | Noblesville Library
Sensory-Friendly Storytime (Ages 0-7)
Tue. 3/4 | 10:30-11:15am | Fishers Library
Neurodivergent Teen Hangout: Game Night (6th-12th grade)
Thu. 3/6 | 6-7pm | Noblesville Library
Sun. 3/9 | 2-3pm | Fishers Library
Unbound by Limits with Teaching Artist Johnson Simon (Ages 10 and up)
Sat. 3/8 | 11am-12:30pm & 2-3:30pm | Ignite Studio at Fishers Library
Autism Family Support Waiver Workshop (Adults)
Sat. 3/15 | 3-4pm | Noblesville Library & Virtual
American Sign Language (ASL) for Beginners
Mon. 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31 | 6pm – 7:30pm | Fishers Library
Preparing for Adulthood on the Spectrum (High School & Adults)
Tue. 3/18 | 7-8pm | Virtual
Notes on Blindness: A Virtual Reality Experience (High School & Adults)
Thu. 3/27 | 5:30-6:15pm | Fishers Library
Thu. 3/27 | 6:30-7:15pm | Fishers Library