Celebrate National Disability Awareness Month with these events and resources
CARMEL, Ind., Feb. 26, 2026 - The City of Carmel is shining a light on inclusive programming and community events that celebrate individuals of all abilities and promote greater understanding and accessibility ahead of and during National Disability Awareness Month.
From Carmel’s Midtown Plaza to Noblesville High School, local leaders and organizations are partnering to host a series of "limitless" events—ranging from sensory-rich community days and adaptive competitions to regional resource fairs—all dedicated to making Hamilton County a place where everyone belongs.
Adaptive Virtual Art Exhibit
Throughout March
Midtown Screen in Midtown Plaza and City digital channels
365 Monon Blvd., Carmel
In a beautiful display of local talent, this annual virtual exhibit—Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation, held in partnership with the Carmel Arts Council—will showcase the work of artists with disabilities. Look for these exciting pieces on the Midtown screen all month long and featured in the City of Carmel’s weekly e-newsletter.
Calling all artists!
The Carmel Advisory Committee on Disability, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and the Carmel Arts Council are taking submissions from Carmel residents with disabilities until Sunday, March 1.
Because the exhibition is virtual, there is no limit on the type, or size of eligible artworks. If it can be photographed it can be in the exhibition! Each artist may submit up to four pieces.
To be eligible for the exhibition, art must be new (not shown in previous exhibitions), family friendly and without overt advertising of a business, political party or religion. Must be by an artist with disability residing in Carmel or participating in a program in Carmel.
To access the form to submit your artwork, click this link.
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March Disability Awareness Book List
Throughout March
Carmel Clay Public Library
Starting Sunday, March 1, the library will share a list of recommended books to highlight authors with a disability or books with characters with a disability.
Hamilton County Disability Resource Fair
Wednesday, March 4, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Noblesville High School
18111 Cumberland Rd., Noblesville
Families and individuals are invited to connect with a wide network of local advocates and service providers. This regional fair features Pure Abilities recreational therapists, music therapists, behavior consultants and PAC/DSP providers, offering a comprehensive look at the support systems available throughout the county.
Community Sensory Day
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New location this year! Carmel Fire Department S.A.F.E. House
210 Veterans Way, Carmel
Join the community at the Carmel Fire Department S.A.F.E. House for a day of sensory-friendly fun, sponsored by Xfinity. This event features snacks courtesy of BraunAbility, free giveaways and sensory activities.
Inclusive Theater Performance - Fireside Mysteries
Saturday, March 14, 6 - 8 p.m.
Sunday March 15, 2 - 4 p.m.
Monon Community Center - Multipurpose Room A, B & C
This production was developed over six months by Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation's inclusive theater ensemble, featuring neurodivergent actors who collaboratively created the original script and characters. This performance celebrates creativity, inclusion and the power of storytelling.
Reserve tickets to the Saturday, March 14 performance
Reserve tickets to the Sunday, March 15 performance
About National Disability Awareness Month in Hamilton County
National Disability Awareness Month is observed annually in March to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more inclusive society. These local events are made possible through the collaboration of the City of Carmel, the Carmel Advisory Committee on Disability, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and various Hamilton County partners.
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