July 20th, White House East Room. President Obama spoke about the accomplishments of this momentous civil rights legislation. Millions of Americans with disabilities have had the chance to develop their talents and make their unique contributions to the world.
And thanks to them, America is stronger and more vibrant; it is a better country because of the ADA. This civil rights milestone has improved the quality of life for more than 50 million Americans. Though it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, we are still grappling with economic inequality.
The dedication and work ethic of people with disabilities make them valuable employees. However, these assets are often overlooked by employers. It is this disparity that encourages me to discover more opportunities for qualified students with disabilities so that they may attain independence and professional fulfillment. I am happy to say that I am not alone in the trenches. As a former Ball State University t rustee and a current t rustee of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County, it is a privilege and a pleasure to introduce a partnership with these prestigious institutions at Eskenazi Health.
Not only do these students gain valuable professional experience in their fields of study, they develop professional networks and relationships, which often lead to productive employment. The program recently received support from Lilly Endowment to help it expand. In addition, we have grown our list of partners with the addition of Emmis Communications, who is hosting a student with a disability for a summer internship. With the continued support of organizations, including the Lilly Endowment, the Lilly Foundation, and the Central Indiana Community Foundation CICF , and efforts of our valued partners, our reach will grow to touch even more lives filled with promise and hope.
And with each individual dream fulfilled, we realize the power and possibilities of the ADA and America. Mary Beth and I presented the Fehribach Awards to students who have maintained high academic standards while being involved in the Ball State community outside of the classroom. Ball State is committed to challenging students with disabilities to enhance their careers and elevate their futures. In collaboration with Director Larry Markle and his team at the Office of Disability Services, we have presented this longtime award to students with varying disabilities.
With great pride, I would like to introduce the Fehribach Award Winners:. Elise Basiletti, a senior Special Education major, is a student with an incredible array of extracurricular activities. While maintaining a 3. Elise also works at two Chick-Fil-A restaurants, and was involved in the Indiana School for the Deaf residential program last year.
She has over a 3. Julie has been a four year member of St. She is a member of Kappa Delta sorority, where she held multiple leadership positions. Derrick has a 3. Malia Finch, a senior Legal Studies major, holds a 3. Will Kuhn is a senior Telecommunications major who holds a 2.
He interned at Eskenazi Health Hospital in , and has been integral in helping that program grow. Along with her work, Amanda holds a 3. She is a member of the University Conduct Board, and studied abroad in England for a year. By ensuring access for all Hoosiers, Ball State continues to be a forerunner for economic equality.
We expect these students to be the next generation of leaders who will take on the responsibility for accessible and inclusive public policy. Jessica Finkel with her parents, Ken and Ann.
Jessica Finkel, program associate-professional programs, with the OI Foundation shares her thoughts below about her recent experiences in at the OIF National Conference in Indianapolis. Finding out that the OIF National Conference was going to be held in Indianapolis was especially exciting for me; not only was I going to be a part of planning an OIF National Conference for the first time, but it was going to be in my hometown! I love coming home to Indianapolis.
It is incredible to see how the city has changed and improved over the past six years. Indianapolis is a home to wide and accessible sidewalks, fabulous restaurants and welcoming people.
Everywhere you go, the people of Indianapolis are there with a welcoming smile and a helping hand. I have to admit, I did not appreciate the friendly waves and smiles of neighbors and strangers until I left Indianapolis. I sometimes miss being able to strike up a conversation with the stranger next to you, which certainly is not as welcomed in the Washington, D.. C area, where I live now.
Everywhere I turned, conference attendees were talking about how beautiful the canal and park areas were and how accessible the canal is. With more than people participating, many in wheelchairs or using walkers, it felt like a casual afternoon stroll instead of a mile walk in degree weather plus humidity.
Volunteers from the Indianapolis community showed up to help cheer on the participants and pass out water bottles. Again, showing their Midwestern hospitality, only smiles adorned the volunteers. After sitting in a forum all morning, a large group of us had decided to walk to Steak-n-Shake for lunch on Friday afternoon. While a little bit longer of a walk from the JW Marriott, it is an easy walk with the smooth sidewalks and drop-off ramps.
The staff was quick to make sure signs and line dividers were moved so there was plenty of space for us. Fehribach Center offers eight-week internships in the summer, fall and spring.
Previous interns have worked in such diverse areas as:. The deadline to apply for the summer internship program is Jan. For more information, please call To support the Gregory S. Fehribach Center, please visit www. Fehribach Center Living in Indy. Fehribach Center The Gregory S.
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