“There is no such thing as an autistic kid.  There is no such thing as a blind guy.  People are people first.  I wish we could all wear a T-shirt that says ‘human’.”

Those were remarks from the keynote speaker at Wednesday’s kickoff for Disability Awareness Month in Fishers, Kelly Hartman.  Ms. Hartman and Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble co-chair the city’s Advisory Committee on Disabilities.

Hartman reminded those gathered at the Launch Fishers Huston Theatre that the disabled are the largest minority group in America.  She provided a history lesson in how many states, including Indiana, for a long time segregated the disabled in institutions, often under horrible living conditions.  Only in recent decades, according to Hartman, is that beginning to change.

Much of the change happened in the 1970s, a time when Fishers was a community of just a few hundred people.  As a result, services are not plentiful for the disabled here.

Mayor Scott Fadness reminded those in the audience that Fishers has recently codified the existence of the Advisory Committee on Disability, so the work will continue as elected officials change in the future.  The mayor also complimented Councilor Coble.

“Cecilia, just walk away today knowing that what your work is, and what it does, truly, truly matters,” said Fadness.

Three important awards were handed out Wednesday.

Zach Curtis, an employee of First Internet Bank, received the Life Without Limits prize.

Jason Boyer and the Hampton Inn earned the Cornerstone Employer Award.

The Tsimerakis Family received the Accessibility Award.

The slogan for this year’s Disability Awareness Month celebration in Fishers is “Life Without Limits – Building Our Future Together.”

For more on Disability Awareness Month in Fishers, use this link.