March is Disabilities Awareness Month

Disabilities Awareness Month brings attention to issues of importance for individuals with disabilities. Evansville ARC plans and provides educational activities to encourage independence, respect and understanding of disabilities. Various themes have been incorporated to promote positive perceptions about independence, inclusion, and the abilities we all possess. Evansville ARC wants to educate others to recognize that all people deserve to be appreciated for who they are, not a disability they may have.

You can support persons with disabilities all year long!

Choose Words Wisely

• Put people first! Instead of saying "the blind boy" say "the boy who is blind."
• Focus on what someone can do, not what he or she cannot do.
• Give everyone a change to say something. Everyone has ideas and talents to contribute.
• Say "My friend has a disability rather than my friend is handicapped."
• Wait to offer help until someone is ready. Then ask permission to assist them.
• It is OK to ask questions if you are not sure what to do.

You can find more tips and other useful information by visiting the website of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities.

Would your class, club or group like to have a presentation about Disability Awareness? Please contact Jennifer Bayer, at (812) 428-4500 x309 to schedule a presentation.