Across Indiana, accessibility is becoming a greater priority as communities create more programs, services and public spaces that enable people of all abilities to live, work and participate fully.
The list below includes some longtime Hoosier summer staples, but it also features relatively new opportunities for fun in the sun among Hoosiers of all ages and abilities.
Indiana TOPSoccer
For those who still have fútbol fever after Spain won the World Cup, try TOPSoccer — a program for children and adults with disabilities all across Indiana. (See the complete list of TOPSoccer clubs.) All coaches and administrators have formal US Youth Soccer training, which includes experience in modifying the sport for players with common disabilities. In addition, the program offers individualized support from “Buddies” as well as adaptive equipment and a non-competitive environment. If you or a loved one can’t make the summer camps and training sessions, register now to play in the fall!
Midtown Plaza, Carmel
With paved, ADA-compliant pathways and step-free access to fun hot spots, this downtown Carmel hub hosts a wide variety of summertime activities. Start the day off with a refreshing iced coffee from Java House’s outdoor order menu. Then, maybe use your caffeinated energy on a game of ping pong or cornhole. Be sure to check out the colorful “Sail” sculpture and “The Life Cycle” art piece, which depicts the metamorphosis of a butterfly within a garden. Cool off in one of two splash pads or grab a bite to eat from one of many accessible, conveniently located restaurants surrounding Midtown. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a movie outside. (Movies at Midtown is showing family-friendly movies on its outdoor screen at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now through October.) Live sports games are often shown as well. See the picture below for a look at the recent outdoor screening of the World Cup.
Indianapolis Central Canal
With elevators, paved pathways and several access ramps on either side, the Central Canal is a highly accessible summer spot. Enjoy the breeze from the water and access a number of the city’s top attractions, including the Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana History Center, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo and U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial.
Indiana State Fair (August 7-23): Two New Train Rides
The State Fair has long been an accessible, ADA-compliant event — providing assisted listening devices and ASL interpreters, enabling wheelchair access, welcoming service animals, etc. But this year, there’s a new way for attendees of all ages and abilities to enjoy the Fair accessibly. Fairgoers can now board two new trains that offer a cool, comfortable, narrated ride across the Fairgrounds. Each train holds about 90 passengers and travels a one-mile loop before returning to a newly built depot where riders board and exit. The trains also include ADA-accessible compartments for guests who use wheelchairs or need step-free access.
Additionally, as part of its partnership with Indiana AgrAbility, the INDATA team will once again be at the AgrAbility booth in the Corteva Coliseum for demonstrations of assistive farm equipment. Fairgoers will be able to see such AT devices as remote control animal gate openers, tractors with lift seats, and cordless drills for making holes and planting seeds.
Easterseals Crossroads’ Sensory Garden
This is the newest hot spot on the list, as its ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in late May of this year. This 10,000-square-foot outdoor space not only serves as a soothing environment for children with sensory processing needs, but it also offers Easterseals and INDATA another venue for sharing information about assistive technology and other resources for people with disabilities. Pictured below is Easterseals’ Vice President of Adult Services Brian Norton demonstrating AT devices for summer activities.
These are just a few of the many accessible and welcoming warm-weather opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy this summer. Now it’s time to get out there and have some fun!
Indiana TOPSoccer image courtesy of instagram.com/michianaechosoccerclub.
Midtown Plaza image courtesy of facebook.com/cityofcarmelin.
Indiana State Fair train image courtesy of Indiana State Fair.
INDATA AgrAbility booth image courtesy of INDATA.
Sensory Garden images courtesy of Easterseals Crossroads.
This is a wonderful reminder that inclusion goes beyond providing access — it’s about creating experiences where everyone feels welcome. The sensory garden and adaptive sports programs are great examples of how communities can support people of all abilities.