Regional advisory committees to meet for disability-summit while local group pursues employment initiatives

Committee members said Fishers will host a regional advisory summit this week that brings together local advisory councils on disability from Indianapolis, Lawrence, Westfield, Carmel and Noblesville to share best practices and brainstorm regional priorities.

Kelly described a three-hour program of introductions, short presentations and timed brainstorming sessions in which table scribes will capture successes, ongoing challenges and potential regional outcomes. “We’re going to talk about what’s worked over the years for Fishers,” Kelly said, and participants will consider next steps for regional collaboration.

On employment, the committee discussed potential fall activities for Disability Employment Month. Members said plans include an Oct. 21 workshop at 8:30 a.m. (in person or virtual) featuring a representative from CVS discussing their employment initiatives, as well as a resume and interview-skills workshop and an employer roundtable. Kelly and other members described outreach to current employer partners and proposed “thank-you” cards to encourage employers to refer other firms and to strengthen partnerships.

Committee members also discussed coordinating with the Fishers Event Center and Community Center on job postings and potential recruitment of program participants for center roles. The committee said it will continue to organize networking meetings with employers and job coaches and that additional venue and scheduling details will be shared by email.

Several members emphasized that employment increases life satisfaction and can reduce demand for reactive services; one member said hiring people with disabilities “can have a ripple effect on all things in our community.”