March is Disability Awareness Month, sponsored by the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. Throughout March, the Hamilton East Public Library will offer an array of programs and resources for individuals, parents, caregivers, and allies to promote awareness of disabilities, provide resources and opportunities for individuals, caregivers, and allies to connect and understand each other better. Explore our Disability Awareness Month events and register for an event here. Learn more about local Disability Awareness Month celebrations by visiting the City of Fishers webpage here and learning more about the Achieve More Together goal to include partners in and around Hamilton County
KIDS
Storywalk │ March 1 – 31 │ Holland Park in Fishers
Join us for a self-guided Storywalk at the accessible Holland Park. The featured book is “Can Bears Ski?” by Raymond Antrobus. Illustrated by Polly Dunbar.
TEENS
Intro to ASL │ Tuesday, March 15, 22, 29│ 6:30 – 7:30 PM │ Fishers Library
Teens and adults are invited to this Intro to ASL (American Sign Language) class series during Disability Awareness Month. Deaf educator Michelle Cleary will lead the classes and teach some basic signs to expand your communication skills with people with hearing loss. This is a 3-week series of classes. For grades 6 and up.
ADULTS
Check your Shelf Book Club │ 1st Thursday Each Month | March 3+ │ 2 – 3 PM │ Fishers Library
A book club for adults age 18+ with intellectual or developmental disabilities, plus their caregivers or allies.
Know the 10 Warning Signs │ Tuesday, March 1 │ 2 – 3 PM │ Virtual
Learn to recognize common warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, what symptoms to look for, and what steps to take in this presentation by Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana.
Autism 101 | Thursday, March 3 | 7 – 8 PM | Virtual
Rachel Deaton of the Autism Society of Indiana will highlight behavioral, communication, and social challenges individuals with autism often experience, strategies for assisting individuals on the autism spectrum, and the challenges parents and individuals on the spectrum face every day.
Button Making for Neurodivergent Learners with Teaching Artist Wendy Kiefel | Saturday, March 5 | 11 AM – 12:30 PM & 2 – 3:30 PM | Ignite Studio at Fishers Library
Participants can design their own buttons using pencil, marker, simple collage or any other preferred paper based medium. Pre-printed designs will also be available. 1 on 1 instruction from the instructor is limited, so patrons needing continuous support to participate should bring their support person. Ages 16 and up.
Dyslexia Information & Advocacy Workshop | Wednesday, March 9 | 6:30 – 8 PM | Virtual
The Dyslexia Institute of Indiana will cover the basics of dyslexia, how to advocate for loved ones, and simulations on these topics.
Ask the Advocate: Learning More About Your Child’s IEP | Thursday, March 10 | 6:30 – 8 PM | Virtual
Questions about your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan)? Join Shelia Wolfe, a Special Education Consultant, and learn more about how to make the most of your child’s educational needs. This will be a Q&A format so come with your inquiries!
Meet the Author: Marvelous Margaux | Monday, March 14 | 10 – 11 AM | Fishers Library
Meet the author of Marvelous Margaux, Liz Subrin! Listen to Liz read aloud from her book(s) Marvelous Margaux, a book series about her stepdaughter who battles a disorder called Dub15Q. Learn more about Liz and Margaux here!
Dementia Friends Community Info Session | Tuesday, March 15 | 1 – 2 PM | Virtual
This is a brief but impactful way of learning about dementia, understanding and appreciating the perspective of someone living with dementia, and having the knowledge you need to better communicate and interact with those living with the disease and their family caregivers.
Orton-Gillingham Approach to Early Reading | March 15 | 6:30 – 7 PM | Virtual
The Orton-Gillingham Approach was created for dyslexia and reading issues. Presenters will review the Orton-Gillingham Approach and how to implement some of the techniques to assist early readers for all levels of reading. Presentation is geared towards teachers of early readers and parents but all are welcome.
Adults on the Spectrum | Thursday, March 31 | 7 – 8 PM | Virtual
In this presentation, the Autism Society of Indiana focuses on the challenges of autism as an adult and where to find services in Indiana.
NEW! Accessibility Web Page
Don’t forget to check out our all new Accessibility web page that will highlight library resources available to our community! HEPL is committed to making our buildings, collections, programs, and services accessible to all community residents, whether in-person or virtually.