LOCAL EVENTS

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

NOTE: Don’t forget to apply for the Access Pass! The Access Pass Program allows families that meet the specific requirements listed below to visit The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and all participating locations for $5 per family member per visit for up to two adults and all dependent youths living in the household. You qualify if you receive:

• Hoosier Healthwise Insurance (Indiana’s health care program for lowincome families, pregnant women and children)

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

• Apply here: https://www. childrensmuseum.org/ visit/hours/access-pass.

Museums

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Museum My Way An adaptive museum experience Mar. 18, July 15, Oct. 14, Dec. 9, This special event is an opportunity for visitors with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities to experience the museum in a new way. Families and groups of all abilities are welcome to play and learn together!

• Limited capacity

• Quiet area with sensory items

• Some music is turned down or off

• Edited lighting effects in some areas

Tickets go on sale 6 weeks before events https:// www.childrensmuseum. org/museum-my-way

First Thursday Night- First Thursday every month Feb. 6, 4:00 pm

On the first Thursday of every month, we open our doors from 4–8 p.m. for just $6 admission per person! Why should you visit? Admission is just $6 per person for the entire museum. That’s a savings of more than 75% per ticket!

It’s the ONLY time the museum is open to the public in the evening, so it’s a perfect after-hours night for your family.

It’s not as crowded as you might think! We have limited capacity on First Thursday Nights. Parking is always free!

Our Food Court is open, so you can grab a quick and easy dinner for the whole family. Low cost. Low crowds. Late night play! https:// www.childrensmuseum.org/ visit/calendar/event/273

Various Events

Mar. 1- Mar. 31, Opens at 10 AM 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208,

BIG Snowball Fight0 https://www. childrensmuseum.org

Conner Prairie — Indiana’s Living History Museum Winter on the Prairie Mar.1 through Mar. 16, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm

Join us for special programming highlighting the beauty of winter! Winter on the Prairie is a one-of-a-kind way to experience everything Conner Prairie has to offer. Grab your boots and mittens as you journey across acres of nature to explore. Discover the tranquility and beauty that can only be found after a fresh snow. Then, join the residents of Prairietown and warm up by the hearth as you take in the smells of the food on the fire. Make new friends as you learn how winter was embraced with parlor games and time spent indoors with friends and family much like it is today. Looking for a place to play? Check out Featherston Barn that features elements of Discovery Station and special programming that celebrate creativity and play!

Sensory-Friendly Hours

The second Sunday of every month, from 10 AM to noon, are sensory-friendly hours at Conner Prairie! Enjoy a calm environment Check-in with Guest Relations, stating that you are here for will get free admission and may stay as long as you wish. Various events Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038. Phone: 317-776-6000 or 800966-1836 https://www. connerprairie.org/events/list

Indiana State Museum Sensory Friendly Afternoon Mar. 16 and Apr. 27, 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 Experience the Indiana State Museum in a sensoryfriendly way! Each month, we’ll lower the lights and reduce distractions to give children and adults with sensory processing differences a chance to enjoy an interactive learning experience in a comfortable and accepting environment. Social narratives will be available at the ticket counter and sensory–based activities will be spaced throughout the museum. Plus, check out a Sensory Bag to make your experience even more enjoyable. Check calendar for dates https://www. indianamuseum.org/calendar/

Various events

Feb. 1- Feb. 28, check website for events and times. https://www.indianamuseum. org/calendar/

Family Fun

Indianapolis Zoo

XZOOBERANCE SPRING

FESTIVAL Mar. 20 through Apr. 20, 12:00 pm- 4:00 pm Thursday through Sunday Sprouting up just in time for spring break, xZOOberance is the perfect family-friendly experience to overcome the winter cabin fever. The Bicentennial Pavilion will be buzzing with spring-centric activities, a DJ, dancing, living artworks and animals. https://www.indianapoliszoo. com/zoo-events/xzooberance/ Various events scheduled daily Mar. 1- Mar. 31, 9:00 am- 4:00 pm 1200 West Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46222 https://www. indianapoliszoo.com/

Sensory Friendly Play at Urban Air Noblesville

Mar. 2, 9:00 am- 11:00 am 14450 Mundy Dr, Noblesville, IN 46060

Urban Air’s Sensory Friendly Play day is typically held on the first Sunday of the month. Check the Noblesville calendar for the latest info. https://calendar.google.com/ calendar/u/0/embed?src=hi8j9brk94jgnc71kmslc13js8@ group.calendar.google.com

Sky Zone South Sensory Play

Mar. 3, 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm Every month first Monday of the month https://www.skyzone.com/ programs/sensory-hours/

Sensory Fun Fridays runs every Friday from 9:00am-10:00am. 4150 Kildeer Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Jump an socialize in a comfortable, friendly environment. Enjoy the freedom of jumping. Sensory hours provide a quieter, toneddown jumping experience for those with special needs.

Respite Night at Carter’s Play Place! Hosted by LEL Home Services Mar. 13, 5:15 pm- 8:00 pm Every 2nd Thursay of the month

Carter’s Play Place1021 Kendall Ct, Westfield, IN We will provide DSPs, Carter’s socks, pizza, and drinks. Admission is $15 for the first child and $13 for each additional sibling. All children under 2 are $10. RSVP is required and all participants must complete CPP’s waiver here: https://lilypadpos3. com/carters/onlinewaiver/ waiver.php This will be led by Danneika Edmondson, and you may RSVP at https://forms. gle/pKWjupvmf1VdruoP7 or direct any questions to engage@lelhs.com

My Autism Ally- Spring into Reading with Dr. Seuss Mar. 23, 12:00 pm- 3:00 pm 2101 East Coliseum Boulevard Fort Wayne, IN We are once again partnering with Purdue Fort Wayne School of Education to host our annual sensory friendly Dr. Seuss Party and you are invited to be part of the fun! The focus of the event is to celebrate reading, have fun with crafts and games and get valuable information about resources in our community. This event is FREE. Join us on Sunday https://www. pfw.edu/campus-map

Adaptive Youth Fun Night

Mar. 29, 5:30 pm- 8:00 pm Monon Community Center, 1195 Central Park Dr W, Carmel, IN 46032

Designated for kids ages 6 to 12 years of age. Kids will get to enjoy a night of fun activities and swimming in the indoor waterpark. Dinner provided from Texas Roadhouse. The fee for this event is $36. https:// indywithkids.com/events/ adaptive-youth-fun-night/

AMC Theatres Check website for location, date and times AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly. https://www.amctheatres. com/programs/sensoryfriendly-films

The Arts

Adaptive Dance

Mar. 6, 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Every first Thursday through May 2025 the Arc of Hancock County, 8535 N Clearview Dr, McCordsville, IN 46055 We are proud to announce that we received a minigrant from the Community Foundation of Hancock County to turn our Adaptive Dance (Body Rock) classes from March and April into a regular monthly program. These classes will be held at Hancock Wellness Center - McCordsville in the Community Room every first Thursday of the month from August 2024 through May 2025 from 5:00-6:00pm. This class is free, but you must be registered. Parents of participants under 18 years old must be present. We cannot wait to see you there! Please use the link to register: https://arcofhcadaptivedance. eventbrite.com

Adaptive Ballet Series

Check website for Spring Season dates

4055 Roy Wilson Wy, New Palestine, IN 46163

Come join us for a fun and inclusive ballet class tailored for all abilities! Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this class is designed to accommodate everyone. This program is designed for individuals with disabilities of all ages. No experience necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Parents and guardians must stay for participants under 18 years of age. For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ adaptive-ballet-winter-sessiontickets-916528640837?af f=ebdsoporgprofile

Beef and Boards

Jersey Boys

Feb. 14- Apr. 13

9301 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 https://beefandboards. com/Online/default.asp

Jubilate Choir

Butler University, Lilly Hall, Room 133

Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 PM

The Jubilate Choir is for singers with special needs in grades 3-9. Singers with varying abilities meet each week to grow musically. This tuition-free choir focuses on proper singing techniques, music theory and sight-reading, part-singing, and social skills involved in being a member of a musical ensemble. Though Jubilate has, at its core, the same goals as other choirs in the Indianapolis

Children’s Choir (ICC), singers in Jubilate engage in additional activities like visual and tactile experiences that are catered specifically to the current members of the choir. Director: Lauren Southard For more information, contact Lauren Southard at 317-940-8065 or lsouthar@ icchoir.org. https://icchoir. org/special-needs/

Gigi’s Playhouse

Various classes during the week. 5909 E. 86th St., Indianapolis, IN 46250 317-288-8235 indy@gigisplayhouse.org https://gigisplayhouse.org/ indianapolis/sfcalendar/

EVENTS

FUSE Spring Inspiring Abilities Expo

Mar. 1, 9:30 am- 1:00 pm 204 W. Park Ave. Greenfield, IN

Our expo is an opportunity to connect your products and services with families and individuals with disabilities and mental health needs in central Indiana. For more information contact FUSE: https://www.fuseinc.org/

GiGi’s Playhouse Gala

March 1, 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm Check website for more information and registration coming soon. We are excited to announce the Annual GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis Gala, which will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on Saturday March 1st, 2025. This years Gala will not only celebrate the many achievements we have experienced throughout the last 10 years but will also help us to raise the crucial funds needed to ensure the success of our next 10. For more information, please contact Liz Richards, Executive Director, erichards@ gigisplayhouse.org; https:// gigisplayhouse.org/ indianapolis/gala-indy/

2025 Westside Transition Fair

Mar. 4, 5:30 pm- 8:30 pm

Mooresville High School (550 N Indiana St, Mooresville, IN

The WSTC services the following school districts: Avon, Brownsburg, Danville, Decatur, Monrovia, Mooresville, North West Hendricks, Plainfield, and Wayne Township. Information will be available for a variety of services and supports that are available to help individuals transition from high school into adulthood.

Evansville Disability Resource Fair 2025

Mar. 8, 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm

Ivy Tech Community College Southwest (3501 N. First Avenue, Evansville, IN

Self-Advocates of Indiana, Connections

Case Management and Ivy Tech Community College will be hosting a disability resource fair. This resource fair will provide information about community resources and services for individuals disabilities and their families. Exhibitors will talk about the services and resources to assist individuals and families. There will be interactive areas, raffles, and food vendors.

Ask The Arc Webinars Series

Mar. 13, Apr. 10, May 8, 6:00pm- 7:00 pm

Our Ask The Arc webinar series will provide information and discussion on timely topics relevant to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and their support systems. Webinars take place on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. EST. Past webinars will be recorded and posted to view on your own schedule in The Arc of Indiana Academy and on our YouTube channel. Registration is for the complete webinar series. You can pick and choose which ones you want to attend without having to register each time. https:// us06web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_hTnwxka_S-MknIpiQoNrA#/registration

World Down Syndrome Day Celebration!- Indianapolis Mar. 21, 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm 7001 W 56th St. Indianapolis, IN Join Down Syndrome Indiana and GiGi’s Playhouse Indianapolis for a rockin’ Dance Party on World Down Syndrome Day! Dance the night away, get pictures on the red carpet, do some crafts, enjoy cookies and drinks, and more!

WDSD Dance Party (6:00 - 6:30 - Sensory Friendly Dance Party) Register: https://forms. office.com/r/KAV9bJRShA

2025 Hamilton County Disability Resource Fair

Mar. 26, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm 520 East Main St. Carmel, IN This year, Carmel Clay Schools will be hosting the 2025 Hamilton County Disability Resource Fair

Communication: The Eras Tour

Mar. 28, 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm Delaware Township Community Center, 9094 E 131st St, Fishers, IN 46038 Save the Date to join the Hamilton County Youth and Family Alliance through a Healthy Hamilton County. Systems of Care for an inter-generational night of activites about improving communication! Bring someone in your life of another generation!

Communication and Language-Kahoot game! Group discussion about the impact of tech on communication. Create a Storybook with the person you broughtindividual perspectives and communication Dinner provided Questions? Contact us at kludeker-selbert@ hamiltoncountyphhc.org

The Sky is the Limit 2025- Huntingburg Mar. 29, 11:00 am- 3:00 pm Huntingburg Event Center (110 E 14th St, Huntingburg, IN

Brought to you by Differently Able Inc.

Please join us for the 3rd annual The Sky is the Limit! Many folks with Special Needs are unable to attend area festivals because of the large crowds, flashing lights, loud music and even overwhelming number of smells and other sensory issues. So why not make a festival around them! The Sky’s the Limit is being designed to give them a chance to have their own festival with a resource fair for families to learn the different agencies that can help, games centered around their abilities and food trucks. A place where there is no loud music, no flashing lights and others who are learning their way with Special Needs. Games, Food, & other sensory friendly activities.

For more information: Differentlyableinc@ outlook.com

Is there a local event for the special needs community you would like us to promote in an upcoming issue? Email us at Jamie.olson@n2co.com