The month of March is dedicated to bringing awareness and promoting independence, inclusion and integration of people who have disabilities in Indiana, known as Disability Awareness Month. The theme this year is “Love Where You Live†and in that spirit, I wanted to share with you how you can get involved.
Vanderburgh County is blessed to be home to the Arc of Evansville, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities and empowers them to gain independence, build relationships and achieve their full potential. Throughout March, they are hosting multiple events in our community, and I encourage you to attend an upcoming “Giveback Day†where a local restaurant will donate 10 percent of their sales to this organization, supporting those with disabilities.
For anyone hosting an upcoming event, you can invite a representative from the Arc of Evansville to discuss the role our community plays and how you can make a positive impact in the lives of those with disabilities. Other ways to get involved include organizing a charity event or donation drive to collect items like sweatpants, construction paper or glue sticks that really go a long way to support those with disabilities. There are countless ways to participate in Disability Awareness Month, and for additional resources or more information about “Giveback Days†or other ways you can get involved, please visit http://arcofevansville.org/march-is-disabilities-awareness-month/.
As a lawmaker and member of Ways and Means, I will continue to be an advocate for Hoosiers with disabilities. The House recently voted and passed the budget bill, and although this legislation has been sent to the Senate for further consideration, in our version of the budget, we increased the per pupil funding amount that schools receive to support students with severe or moderate disabilities. These grants allow students with disabilities more opportunities to succeed in the classroom.
While the budget is still up for discussion, another bill making its way through the legislative process is House Bill (HB) 1093. This legislation requires the State Department of Health to collect information that would be dispersed by health facilities and health care providers to parents who receive prenatal or postnatal test results for disabilities such as Down Syndrome. This bill would give expectant and current mothers updated resources and information regarding disabilities that could impact their child’s life.
Keeping parents informed about the condition of their child is key for them to prepare and receive proper care. Additionally, this legislation addresses the fact that only 10 percent of mothers who find out their child has been given debilitating prenatal diagnosis choose to continue their pregnancy. With access to better resources, parents have more opportunities and can be more aware of organizations that could provide additional support.
Working on legislation that benefits those with disabilities has been an honor. I hope members within our community will consider participating in one of the Arc of Evansville’s upcoming events or find another way to promote Disability Awareness Month. I know from personal experience you will feel blessed by participating.
