It was an emotional event.  It started with the Outside the Box Choir singing the Celebration song and the energy in the room was vibrant.  At other times, tears were shed, some tears of joy but also sad memories of the past.

It was the Disability Awareness Month kickoff Friday morning at a packed Launch Fishers Theater.  Keynote speaker Stacey Oldham spoke of her personal journey with Multiple Sclerosis.  She was told at age 20 her life expectancy would only span to about age 50.  She has celebrated her 59th birthday and looks forward to a marriage ceremony soon.

Stacey talked not only of her own experiences, but how advances in treatments and medical science in general have created longer life expectancies and a general better quality of life for those dealing with disabilities.

Mayor Scott Fadness, a supporter of city efforts in aiding the disabled, spoke of Fishers as a young city, progressing like a human in the teen years.  Fishers has been undergoing rapid growth for many years, but has some maturing ahead in the future.

City Council President Cecilia Coble was the emcee for the kickoff event.

Stacy Oldham was not only the keynote speaker, she was also recipient of the 2024 Life Without Limits Award.  The Cornerstone Employer Award went to Lauren Hayes of Heartland Church.

HSE Special Education teacher Jillian Mack was presented with the Accessibility Award.  She was surprised that school officials arranged for her 4th grade class to attend the ceremony, and her students chanted “Go, Miss Mack” as she accepted the honor.

Another major theme of the kickoff was how people with disabilities can become productive members of society with just a little accommodation from an employer.

The emotions were strong for the Fishers Disability Awareness Month Kickoff Friday morning.  But that was just the beginning.  For more on what will happen throughout the month of March, use this link.