About the Committee
The committee is made of active citizens that are engaged in their community, ask the tough questions, and get results when it comes to disability advocacy. The committee meets quarterly and provides information regarding disabilities to the community of Fishers through presentations and speakers.
In 2017, the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability received the Champions of Inclusion Award from the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities in recognition of their efforts.
Committee Leadership
The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability is co-chaired by Fishers City Councilor Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman, a Fishers resident and owner of Insights Consulting.
Subcommittees
The Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability is comprised of seven subcommittees:
March Disability Awareness Month Subcommittee
The March Disability Awareness Month Subcommittee plans the events for the month of March each year. Members also work with community partners to establish a yearly theme, procure sponsors and guest speakers. Each year, the City of Fishers recognizes and celebrates the contributions of the disability community through the arts, athletics, employment, and advocacy. This committee is co-chaired by Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman.
Housing Subcommittee
The Housing Subcommittee looks at how Fishers can provide housing that is accessible and affordable. It meets with local developers and City staff to move this initiative forward and has partnered with HAND and most recently with RealAmerica to build the first multi-family project that includes units that are accessible and affordable for the disability community. This committee is co-chaired by Wilbur Sutton and Tish Biggs.
Infrastructure/Accessibility Subcommittee
The members of the Infrastructure/Accessibility Subcommittee work with City staff on the ADA Transition Plan. Large capital improvement projects are reviewed for recommendations on ADA and universal design. The most recent highlights are the 7-million-dollar modification to the Nickel Plate Amphitheater and the highly anticipated Nickel Plate Trail. This committee is co-chaired by Karen Russell and Tom Dickey.
Technology/Communication Subcommittee
The Technology/Communication Subcommittee focuses on advances in technology related to accessibility and works to improve communication through collaboration with City of Fishers Departments such as Public Relations and Community Engagement, Planning and Zoning, and Fishers Fire Department & Emergency Services. Highlights include developing the Special Needs Registry, File of Life Program, and sonic boom boxes for Fishers Police vehicles. This committee is co-chaired by Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman.
Employment Subcommittee
The Employment Subcommittee brings awareness of employment opportunities and helps educate area employers of the large workforce capacity of individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. The Fishers Disability Inclusion Business Networking Group was established to connect vocational training specialists with HR representatives to provide a network of potential employees with area employers. This committee is co-chaired by Chrissy Pogue and Michelle Steltz
Transportation Subcommittee
The Transportation Subcommittee focuses on solutions for transportation for jobs, independence, and access to the community. Ongoing discussions about the continued need for access are also being addressed. Future considerations include autonomous technology and ride sharing programs. This committee is co-chaired by Cecilia Coble and Kelly Hartman.
Age-Friendly Committee
The Age-Friendly Committee focuses on accessibility for Fishers' aging population including housing and transportation. In 2019, the City of Fishers joined the network of AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, an affiliate of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. The Age-Friendly Committee assisted in developing the AARP Age-Friendly Action Plan with City staff as part of this designation.