Bloomington Celebrates Disability Awareness and Accessibility Awareness Months in March and April

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2012

For more information, please contact:
Katie Herron, Chair of Council for Community Accessibility, City of Bloomington, 333.2074
Craig Brenner, Community & Family Resources Special Projects Coordinator, City of Bloomington, 349.3471
Brian Robinson, Interim Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3406, robinsonb@bloomington.in.gov

Bloomington Celebrates Disability Awareness and Accessibility Awareness Months in March and April

Bloomington, IN -- To help our community better understand and be aware of disability-related issues, the state of Indiana has declared March as "Disability Awareness Month." Locally, the City of Bloomington encourages increased awareness during both March and April.

"The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees and protects the rights of people with disabilities and makes discrimination based on a person's disability illegal," said Mayor Mark Kruzan. "At the City, we work hard to ensure equality among all our employees and all Bloomington's residents. We are drawing attention to the ADA and encouraging businesses to become aware of accessible opportunities and hindrances, and to remove those hindrances in order to create a better environment for everyone."

During March, Bloomington and communities across Indiana celebrate "Disability Awareness Month," and the City of Bloomington's Council for Community Accessibility celebrates "Accessibility Awareness Month" in April. Individuals with disabilities and their family members, service providers, faculty and other community members are encouraged to participate in the many events taking place across the community in March and April. A condensed calendar of events is listed below. For a full list of events in March and April, go to bloomington.in.gov/cca.

March 1 - 31. "Early Intervention Appreciation Month" - Mayor Kruzan has proclaimed March "Early Intervention Appreciation Month." Show support for therapists, educators, service coordinators, and others who serve children with disabilities from birth to age three. If you know where early intervention has had a positive impact upon someone, show your appreciation. Write a letter to the editor of your paper. Contact your legislators and tell them how important First Steps and similar programs are. Write a letter thanking a therapist and inviting him or her to the "Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair" on March 3, where early interventionists will be recognized (see below). For information: Cyndi Johnson, 812-720-9603 or info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org.

March 1. Accessibility Online Webinar: "2010 ADA Standards" - On or after March 15, 2012, the 2010 ADA Standards must be used for all new construction or alterations to facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. This webinar will familiarize attendees with the new standards and changes from 1991 standards. Accessibility specialists from the U.S. Access Board will focus on frequently asked questions about the 2010 ADA Accessibility Standards and other areas where guidance is often requested. The webinar will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and is free. However, you must first register online at http://www.accessibilityonline.org. For information: Matt Norris, 812-855-6508 or adainfo@indiana.edu.

March 1. "Disability Awareness Fair" - IUB's Office of Disability Services is sponsoring an interactive event exploring disabilities and resources available at IU and in the community. The Fair will feature information displays, student art and writings, adaptive technology demos and more. It will be held in the lobby of the Wells Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For information: DSS, 812-855-7578 or iubdss@indiana.edu.

March 3. "Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair" - Celebrate Disability Awareness as the Down Syndrome Family Connection goes "On Safari" for its annual "Celebrating Abilities Resource Fair." Fun for kids and the whole family! The Fair is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, featuring live animal entertainment and safari fun, and more than 40exhibitors with products and services for persons with disabilities. There will be break-out sessions on a variety of topics. Free and open to the public, but attendees are invited to bring animal care products as donations (e.g., pet food or treats, Neosporin, white Carefresh bedding, gift cards for animal supplies, heating pads, vaporizers, cotton balls, paper towels, Dawn with bleach or liquid bleach, etc.). For information: Cyndi Johnson, 812-720-9603 or info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org.

March 3. "Kiwanis Action Club Talent Show" - Come support your local Kiwanis Family of Clubs and see them perform for residents of Bell Trace. This event is free and open to the public. The show will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bell Trace, 800 North Bell Trace Circle.

March 6. Disability Awareness Film Series: The King's Speech - This film will be shown at the IU Cinema, 1213 E. 7th Street, at 7 p.m., sponsored by Disability Services for Students and the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences. Tickets are free, but required. You can pick them up at the IU Auditorium box office during regular hours or 30 minutes prior to any IU Cinema screening. For information: IU Cinema, 812-856-2503 or iucinema@indiana.edu.

March 8. "Parent Connections for Independence" - The monthly meeting of this support group for parents of adults with disabilities will be held at St. Mark's Church at 7 p.m. The group meets the second Thursday of each month, alternating monthly presentations with parent discussions. For information: Vonnie Peischl, vpeischl@indiana.edu, or Suzie Rimstidt, 812-332-1916 or sicilmonroe@msn.com.

March 10,11. "I Am You" - Stone Belt and the Bloomington Playwrights Project (BPP) present "I Am You," a series of dramatic monologues written and performed by individuals with disabilities. There will be a Talk-Back experience and reception after the Saturday performance. Also, the Stone Belt Art Gallery at the BPP will be open during performances, which take place at the BPP, 107 W. 9th Street, at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office. Tickets are $20 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday. For information: Amy Jackson, 812-332-2168, Ext. 314, or ajackson@stonebelt.org.

March 13. "IUB Disability Roundtable" - This monthly meeting of the Disability Roundtable will be from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Building L. The mission of the Roundtable is to promote full participation of people with disabilities in the IU community. Members of the Roundtable include those on campus who have interests in disability-related issues. The Roundtable provides a forum for exchanging ideas and resources about disability-related topics and proactively supporting the University's inclusion and accessibility policies. For information: Alice Voigt, 812-856-4422, ajvoigt@indiana.edu, or Sharon Hauss, 812-855-6508, sahauss@indiana.edu. Visit the Roundtable website: www.disabilityroundtable.indiana.edu.

March 14. Accessible University: "Faculty Perspectives on Accessibility" - This event hosted by IU's Disability Roundtable will feature faculty members sharing classroom accommodations for their students with disabilities. The presentation will be held in the Dogwood Room of the Indiana Memorial Union from noon to 1 p.m. For information: Alice Voigt, 812-856-4422 or ajvoigt@indiana.edu.

March 15. "Natalie's Night at Nick's" - On Thursday evening, March 15, the Council for Community Accessibility will benefit from "Natalie's Night" at Nick's English Hut on Kirkwood Avenue. Ten percent of dinner and drinks served in the back room plus all of the server's tips will be donated to the CCA.

March 19. American Council for the Blind Meeting - The monthly meeting of Bloomington's Chapter of the American Council for the Blind will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. These meetings occur on the third Monday of each month. For information: Barbara Salisbury, barbara.salisbury@att.net.

March 20. ADA Audio Conference: "No Pets Allowed: Service Animals and Postsecondary Institutions" - Recent revisions to regulations implementing Titles II and III of the ADA have raised increased focus on service animals in a variety of settings. Postsecondary institutions face unique challenges around these issues regarding service animals in student housing, classrooms and public spaces. This audio conference will explore scenarios that often play out in postsecondary education and discuss the interplay between laws governing non-discrimination in housing versus equal access to programs and services. Join this panel of presenters for a discussion and engage in an interactive question and answer period. This free audio conference will be hosted by the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community in Building L from 2 to 3:30 p.m. For information: Matt Norris, 812-855-6508 or adainfo@indiana.edu.

March 20. Disability Awareness Film Series: "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" - This film will be shown at the IU Cinema, 1213 E. 7th Street, at 7 p.m., sponsored by Disability Services for Students. Tickets are free, but are required. Pick them up at the IU Auditorium box office during regular hours or 30 minutes prior to any IU Cinema screening. For information: IU Cinema, 812-856-2503 or iucinema@indiana.edu.

March 21. "World Down Syndrome Day" - If you've been touched by Down syndrome, join the Down Syndrome Family Connection for a "pitch-in" dinner at Ellettsville Christian Church. The dinner takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For information: Cyndi Johnson, 812-720-9603 or info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org.

March 21. ADA Legal Webinar: "Olmstead Planning: Litigation, Collaboration, and the All Important Financial Calculation" - This webinar will address the essential aspect of budget planning for litigation, policy making and Olmstead planning. The presenter will cover pros and cons of litigation versus working with policy makers and suggest a hybrid approach of litigation and working with policy makers to affect change. The webinar will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m., using an accessible online conferencing system. The webinar is free, but you must register at http://www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/ADALegal/. For information: Matt Norris, 812-855-6508 or adainfo@indiana.edu.

March 22. "Way to Go" Travel Training - Bloomington Transit hosts free individual and group travel training sessions to teach people to use city buses. Sessions are typically held the fourth Thursday each month. Additional classes can be arranged. Interested persons or groups must RSVP. For information: Eli McCormick, Customer Service Manager, mccormick@bloomingtontransit.com.

March 23 - 29. Ivy Tech - Bloomington: "Celebrating Community" - Disability Awareness Month activities will take place in the 2nd floor rotunda at Ivy Tech Community College, 200 Daniels Way, from March 23 through March 29. This year's theme features a diverse group of people - different ages, ethnicities and abilities - talking and interacting with one another in a city park. The unique illustration style and message encourages everyone to ignite community spirit by getting involved in the communities where they live and work. This year's materials are sponsored by Duke Energy and resources are provided by Ivy Tech - Bloomington students. The public is invited to this free event. For information: Sue Gauck, 812-330-6046 or sgauck@ivytech.edu.

March 26. City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility - The monthly meeting of the City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility (CCA) will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room #135. The meeting is open to all who are interested in making Bloomington a more accessible city. For information: Craig Brenner, 812-349-3471 or brennerc@bloomington.in.gov.

March 27. South Central ArtsWORK Indiana Meeting - Artists, writers, performers and others pursuing creative careers: Are you interested in increasing opportunities for artists with disabilities? Join us to promote supportive networking and build arts career skills. Monthly meetings are held at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room. Presentation and/or discussion topic to be announced. Meetings are free, accessible and open to the public. Free parking is available in the adjacent lot after 5 p.m. South Central ArtsWORK Indiana is a regional affiliate of ArtsWORK Indiana. Local partner organizations include the City of Bloomington and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. For information: www.artsworkindiana.org/?pageId=159, or Jane Harlan-Simmons, 812-855-6508

March 27. Erik Stolhanske - Come to Whittenberger Auditorium in the Indiana Memorial Union to hear Erik Stolhanske - actor, writer, producer, speaker and member of the comedy group, Broken Lizard. He is probably best known for his role as "Rabbit" in the hit comedy, Super Troopers. He has written, produced and starred in all of Broken Lizards' films, including Puddle Cruiser, Super Troopers, Club Dread and Beerfest. Growing up, Erik was missing something important...a leg. Born without a fibula, Erik learned to walk, play sports and even became team captain of his high school baseball team, all with a wooden leg. Erik tells a poignant and often humorous story of overcoming obstacles and staying true to oneself, even when the odds are stacked against you (source: Erik Stolhanske official website). Eric's presentation will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. For information: Tanner Terrell, 812-855-7578 or terrellt@indiana.edu.

March 28. Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee - Interested citizens are invited to be part of the local transportation planning process. The goal of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is to foster and develop citizen awareness of transportation policy and planning. At monthly meetings, the CAC reviews transportation projects and policies and makes recommendations to the Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. This month's meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 in the McCloskey Room #135 at City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street. To participate or for information: Raymond Hess, 812-349-3423 or hessr@bloomington.in.gov. Visit their website: http://bloomington.in.gov/mpo.

March 29. Disability Awareness Film Series: "Lars and the Real Girl" - This film will be shown at the IU Cinema, 1213 E. 7th Street, at 7 p.m. Tickets are free, but are required and available at the IU Auditorium box office during regular hours or 30 minutes prior to any IU Cinema screening. For information: IU Cinema, 812-856-2503 or iucinema@indiana.edu.

April 10. Accessible Technology Webinar: "Improving the Web Accessibility Game Plan" - In 2011, a discussion began online and at conferences about the "game plan" to promote web accessibility. Karl Grove from Deque Systems will discuss the conversations and the direction of web accessibility. The free webinar will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. You must register at www.ada-audio.org/Webinar/AccessibleTechnology. For information: Matt Norris, 812-855-6508 or adainfo@indiana.edu.

April 10. "IUB Disability Roundtable" - This Disability Roundtable meeting will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Building L. The mission of the Roundtable is to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in the IU community. Roundtable members include those on campus with interests in disability issues. The Roundtable provides a forum for exchanging ideas and resources and proactively supporting the inclusion and accessibility. For information: Alice Voigt, 812-856-4422 or ajvoigt@indiana.edu, or Sharon Hauss, 812-855-6508 or sahauss@indiana.edu. Visit the Roundtable website: www.disabilityroundtable.indiana.edu.

April 10. "Career Accessibility: Strategies for Aligning Your Strengths with Employment" - Geared for Ivy Tech students and graduates with disabilities who are pursuing careers, the focus will be on career decision making considering best fit, job analysis, potential for advancement and employment outlook. The Career Accessibility presentation is free and open to all. The presentation will be held from 4 to 5:15 p.m. on the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus in the Connie and Steve Ferguson Academic Building, Room B-213. RSVP to Katie Anderson at kanderso@ivytech.edu.

April 11. "Accessible University" Topic TBA - This monthly presentation is hosted by IU's Disability Roundtable. Its purpose is to address the needs of students and faculty with disabilities on campus. Various topics are featured each month. The presentation will be held in the Oak Room of the Indiana Memorial Union from noon until 1 p.m. For information: Alice Voigt, 812-855-4422 or ajvoigt@indiana.edu.

April 12. "Parent Connections for Independence" - Monthly meeting of this support group for parents of adults with disabilities at the College Mall Food Court at 7 p.m. The group meets the second Thursday of each month, alternating monthly presentations with parent discussions. For information: Vonnie Peischl, 812-332-1916 or vpeischl@indiana.edu, or Suzie Rimstidt, 812-332-1916 or sicilmonroe@msn.com.

April 14. "Bridge the Gap" - CASCI hosts "Bridge the Gap" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location will be announced at a later date. Designed to provide people on the waiting list for an Advocate an opportunity for fun and socializing, participants will enjoy a "hands on" activity to facilitate volunteer "Friends for the Day" and "Partner for the Day" getting to know each other while celebrating similarities and differences. Afterward, everyone will enjoy a meal. Participants will include matched Advocates and Partners, people on the waiting list, and CASCI's volunteer Friends for the Day. Advance registration required: Diana Reynolds, 812-325-8969 or casci.inc@gmail.com.

April 15. "Bowling Outing" - The Down Syndrome Family Connection is hosting bowling at Classic Lanes in Bloomington from 1 to 3 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be available. RSVP to info@downsyndromefamilyconnection.org.

April 16. American Council for the Blind - The monthly meeting of Bloomington's Chapter of the American Council for the Blind will be held at 7 p.m. at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. These meetings occur on the third Monday every month. For information: Barbara Salisbury, barbara.salisbury@att.net.

April 17. ADA Audio Conference: "Open Dialogue with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission" - This month's ADA Audio Conference will feature an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) update on EEOC Enforcement and Guidance Activities. This is an interactive session and you are encouraged to bring your tough issues and concerns forward. Learn what others are experiencing and hear their questions and issues. This free audio conference will be held at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community, Building L, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. For information: Matt Norris, 812-855-6508 or adainfo@indiana.edu.

April 24. South Central ArtsWORK Indiana Meeting - Artists, writers, performers and others pursuing creative careers: Are you interested in increasing opportunities for artists with disabilities? Join us to promote supportive networking and build arts career-related skills. Monthly meetings are held at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room #135. Presentation and/or discussion topics will be announced at a later date. Meetings are free, accessible, and open to the public. Free parking in the adjacent lot after 5 p.m. South Central ArtsWORK Indiana is a regional affiliate of ArtsWORK Indiana. Local partners include the City of Bloomington and the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community. For information: www.artsworkindiana.org/?pageId=159, or contact Jane Harlan-Simmons, 812-855-6508 or jeharlan@indiana.edu.

April 25. Bloomington/Monroe County Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting - Interested citizens are invited to be part of local transportation planning. The goal of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is to foster and develop citizen awareness of transportation policy and planning. At monthly meetings, the CAC reviews transportation projects and policies and makes recommendations to the Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. This month's meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the McCloskey Room #135 at City Hall, 401 N. Morton Street. To participate or for information: Raymond Hess, 812-349-3423 or hessr@bloomington.in.gov. Visit their website: http://bloomington.in.gov/mpo.

April 26. "Way to Go" Travel Training - Bloomington Transit hosts free individual and group travel training to teach people to use city buses. Sessions are typically held the fourth Thursday of each month. Additional classes can be arranged. Interested persons or groups must RSVP to Eli McCormick, Customer Service Manager, at mccormick@bloomingtontransit.com.

April 30. City of Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility Meeting (CCA) - The monthly meeting of the City of Bloomington CCA will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall in the McCloskey Conference Room #135. The meeting is open to all who are interested in making Bloomington a more accessible city. For information: Craig Brenner, 812-349-3471 or brennerc@bloomington.in.gov.

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