Carmel Clay Parks & Rec Celebrates Inclusion for Disability Awareness Month

Focusing on inclusion is in line with Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s (CCPR) core value of including all ages, levels and abilities in everything they do. Beginning today, they’ll be celebrating Disability Awareness Month. While CCPR promotes inclusion year-round, this month the organization spotlights the topic to further raise awareness and promote independence, integration and inclusion of all people in the community. CCPR hosts a variety of adaptive recreation programs for all ages throughout the year and is committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.

CCPR will host its second annual barrier-free theatre performance March 23 and 24. Barrier-free theatre is a form of drama therapy in which participants with and without disabilities write and act in their own production. For this year’s performance, Colors of Unity, participants chose to focus on the theme of family. This theme is reflected in the cast’s original music and script. Barrier-free empowers participants, increases self-confidence and improves self-awareness. It also creates a positive, inclusive and creative environment.

“This year, creating our theatre production has been extremely thrilling because we have seen so much growth and understanding of self and our community,” said Michelle Yadon, inclusion program supervisor for Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation. “The cast believes that all people should be shown hope, peace, joy and love.”

Tickets are now on sale for Colors of Unity. Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend. Showtimes are March 23 at 6 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. An American Sign Language interpreter will be at the March 23 performance. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased at the Monon Community Center or online at carmelclayparks.com.

For more information about barrier-free theatre or adaptive programming, contact Michelle Yadon at myadon@carmelclayparks.com.