March is Disability Awareness Month—a time to honor and celebrate the strengths, contributions, and unique perspectives of individuals with disabilities. This month, Indianapolis is lighting up with a fantastic array of events and activities designed especially for children with special needs and their families. From dazzling fundraising galas to sensory-friendly performances and interactive workshops, each event is an opportunity to build community, share resources, and inspire inclusion.
Each event reflects Indianapolis’ commitment to fostering inclusion and community support during Disability Awareness Month. Whether you’re seeking cultural enrichment, valuable resources, or simply a fun family outing, this March lineup offers something truly special for every family in our city. Let’s come together to celebrate diversity, empower one another, and create a more inclusive future!
This list is created in partnership with Tendercare Home Health. For over 30 years, Tendercare has been helping medically complex children and their families thrive at home. Whether through paying family members to deliver care or connecting children with experienced pediatric nurses, Tendercare strives to enrich children’s lives at home in every way.
March Events for Children with Special Needs
10th Anniversary Gala of GiGi’s Playhouse
Indiana Roof Ballroom
March 1, 5 pm – 10 pm
Celebrate a decade of empowering individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This milestone gala offers a cocktail reception, dinner, inspiring entertainment, and a silent auction—an elegant evening designed to spotlight community impact and future opportunities. Get more info and tickets here.
Cat in the Hat Play
Civic Theater, 3 Carter Gm, Carmel
March 1, 2 pm
Step into a whimsical world with a special adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic “The Cat in the Hat.” This performance is tailored for children with social, physical, and cognitive disabilities, complete with an ASL interpreter and a designated quiet space to ensure everyone feels welcome. Get your tickets here.
Janus Developmental Services Resource Fair
Janus Developmental Services, 1555 Westfield Road, Noblesville
March 1, 10 am – 12 pm
Discover vital resources—from Medicaid Waivers and Vocational Rehabilitation Services to guardianship and special needs trusts. Hosted by The ARC Advocacy Network, this fair is a treasure trove for families seeking guidance in the world of special needs support.
Westfield Sensory Day
Westfield Washington Public Library, 17400 Westfield Blvd
March 1, 1-4 pm
Enjoy a free, sensory-friendly community event filled with crafts, activities, and complimentary refreshments courtesy of Bee Free. Explore vendor booths, enjoy a debut community art exhibition, join a sensory storytime session, and cap it off with a closed-caption movie screening.
Chuck E. Cheese Sensory Friendly
Your local Chuck E. Cheese
March 2, 9-11 am
Every first Sunday of the month, experience a sensory-friendly session at Chuck E. Cheese with dimmed lighting, adjusted sound levels, and a compassionate staff, creating a calming and welcoming environment.
Bollywood Bash
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym, 13644 N. Meridian St., Carmel
March 2, 10 am – 12 pm
Get ready to groove with a vibrant Bollywood-style dance class led by former choreographer Namrta Khanna. Open to children ages 3-10 (and older upon inquiry), this energetic session invites moms to join in the fun, dance, and play! Find more information on the We Rock the Spectrum website.
Fishers Disability Awareness Month Kick-Off: Connected Through Language
Fishers City Hall Theater
March 3, 8:30-10 am
Start Disability Awareness Month with a powerful kick-off event hosted by Mayor Scott Fadness and the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability. This morning session fosters dialogue and celebrates community inclusion.
One Zone: Disability Awareness Breakfast
Fishers City Hall Theater
March 5, 8:30-9:30 am
Begin your day with a light breakfast featuring coffee and pastries. Listen to insights on the positive impact of hiring individuals with disabilities from Dr. Jim Dalton, President and CEO of Damar Services, Inc. Registration required.
Storytime at Fort Ben Library
Fort Ben Library
March 13, 10:30 – 11 am
Delight in an all-ages sensory-friendly storytime featuring songs, tales, and crafts. Post-story, explore sensory play with dedicated toys, coloring sheets, and creative crafts.
March Disability Awareness Art Exhibition
Fishers City Hall Theater, 1 Municipal Drive, Fishers
March 14, 6 – 9 pm
Immerse yourself in a celebration of artistic expression at this “Second Friday” event. Enjoy live music, diverse artworks, and inspiring commentary from local arts advocates honoring artists of all abilities.
GiGi’s Kitchen Kids
GiGi Playhouse
March 15, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Focus on healthy lifestyles and practical cooking skills in this engaging session for children aged 6-12. Learn kitchen safety, food preparation, and teamwork under expert guidance—and enjoy the shared meal you create!
Sensory Friendly Afternoon at the Indiana State Museum
Indiana State Museum
March 16, 3 – 5 pm
Explore the museum in a uniquely sensory-friendly setting. With lowered lighting, interactive learning stations, social narratives, and sensory-based activities (including a special Sensory Bag), this afternoon promises an enriching experience.
Museum My Way
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
March 18, 4 – 7 pm
Experience the museum like never before. Museum My Way tailors exhibits and interactive activities to create an accessible and engaging experience for families with disabilities and sensory sensitivities. Cost is $8 per person.
Caregiver Webinar: An Introduction to ABA and How It Can Help You at Home
Online by Bierman ABA Services
March 19, 6 pm – March 29, 8 pm EDT
This free webinar, led by Sarah Costa, M.S.Ed., BCBA, LABA, LBA, offers an introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Learn how ABA can support your child in developing new skills, improving behaviors, and achieving developmental goals—all from the comfort of home. Be sure to register ahead of time.
Sensory Friendly Movies
Regal Theater in Carmel and Avon
March 29, 12 pm
End the month on a magical note with a sensory-friendly screening of Snow White. Enjoy a movie experience with dimmed lights and adjusted sound levels that create a comfortable setting for children with sound sensitivities.
AMC
March 8 and March 22, Time and Movie TBD
AMC is thrilled to join forces with the Autism Society to bring you special movie screenings designed with everyone in mind. We brighten the room and lower the volume to create a space where you’re free to dance, walk, shout, or sing along! Experience our Sensory Friendly Film program every second and fourth Saturday, perfect for a family-friendly outing.
See our full list of theaters offering sensory-friendly movies.
Find all the best adaptive sports, dance, art classes, and more in our guide.
