Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month & World Behavior Analysis Day
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting neurodiversity, inclusion, kindness, and acceptance. It is an opportunity to recognize the strengths, contributions, and lived experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities while continuing to advocate for meaningful support for them and their families.
This month invites us to reflect, learn, celebrate, and grow. For many families, this may mean learning new strategies to support a child’s development, advocating for inclusive opportunities, or discovering activities where children can safely participate, explore, and thrive.
At Integrity Learning Center, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the world in ways that are supportive, engaging, and inclusive. Finding activities that accommodate sensory needs or accessibility considerations can sometimes feel challenging. Thankfully, many organizations throughout the Indianapolis area offer sensory-friendly and inclusive experiences designed so that children of all abilities can participate comfortably.
Here are some inclusive and sensory-friendly activities around Indianapolis that families may enjoy exploring.
Sensory-Friendly Activities
Indianapolis Children’s Museum-Museum My Way
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers a quarterly sensory-friendly event called Museum My Way.
During these special sessions, families can experience the museum with:
- Reduced noise levels
- Lower lighting and stimulation throughout exhibits
- Sensory-friendly environments designed for accessibility
This allows families to explore the museum in a calm and welcoming setting.
Indianapolis Zoo – Sensory Friendly Hours
The Indianapolis Zoo offers designated sensory-friendly visiting hours that include accommodations such as:
- Reduced sounds and lighting
- Quiet zones located throughout the zoo
- Sensory bags available through the Hix Institute
These adjustments make it easier for children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the animals and exhibits.
Conner Prairie – Sensory Friendly Sundays
On the second Sunday of each month, Conner Prairie hosts a sensory-friendly experience featuring:
- Reduced stimulation in exhibits
- Quiet spaces for breaks
- Adjusted environments to support visitors with sensory needs
This allows families to enjoy the museum and outdoor experiences at their own pace.
Indiana State Museum – Sensory-Friendly Afternoon
The Indiana State Museum offers a monthly sensory-friendly afternoon that includes:
- Lower lighting levels
- Reduced noise throughout the museum
- Sensory stations available for visitors
These accommodations provide a comfortable environment for families who benefit from a quieter museum experience.
Inclusive Events Happening This March
Several special events in the community celebrate inclusion, creativity, and accessibility throughout the month.
Disability Awareness Art Exhibition
Fishers City Hall Theater: 1 Municipal Dr, Fishers, IN 46038
March 14 | 6–9 PM
This exhibition celebrates creativity and expression by highlighting artwork created by individuals with disabilities.
GiGi’s Kitchen Kids
GiGi’s Playhouse 5909 E 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
March 15 | 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Children ages 6–12 can participate in a hands-on cooking session focused on:
- Kitchen safety
- Food preparation
- Healthy lifestyle habits
- Teamwork and collaboration
Participants will prepare and enjoy a meal together while learning practical life skills.
Sensory-Friendly Movie: Snow White
Regal Theaters (Carmel and Avon)
2222 E 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033
10400 US-36 W, Avon, IN 46123
March 29 | 12 PM
End the month with a sensory-friendly screening of Snow White, featuring:
- Dimmed lighting
- Adjusted sound levels
- A comfortable environment for children with sound sensitivities
Celebrating World Behavior Analysis Day
March is also a time to celebrate World Behavior Analysis Day (WBAD), which highlights the important role of behavior science in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an evidence-based intervention for autism and is recommended by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics to help support skill development and independence.
Applied Behavior Analysis can help individuals:
- Develop communication skills
- Improve social interactions
- Build independence
- Learn daily living skills
- Reduce challenging behaviors that interfere with learning or participation
Click here to learn more about our Play and Purpose Model at Integrity Learning Center and how it supports meaningful skill development for children and families.
Continuing the Journey Toward Inclusion
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion goes beyond awareness. It involves creating opportunities, accessibility, and meaningful participation in our communities.
By continuing to learn, advocate, and celebrate neurodiversity, we can help build a world where individuals with developmental disabilities feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.
At Integrity Learning Center, we are proud to support families in the Indianapolis area by providing evidence-based ABA services and community resources.
Author: Adrianna Contreras, BS, RBT
