On Wednesday, March 20, Michigan City Mayor, Ron Meer and the Human Rights Commission and will kick off DisAbility Awareness Month by saying “thank you” to Michigan City Area School Bus Drivers and Monitors and Student Support Services staff members who serve students with disAbilities. A special early morning donuts and coffee event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at the MCAS Transportation Department where Mayor Meer, Director of Student Support Services, Stacy Attar and Carl Ridle, Executive Director of the Michigan City Human Rights Commission will say “thank you” to all who get our students to/from home and school, safely. The MCAS Transportation Department is located at 1100 South Woodland Avenue.
“Our drivers were thrilled last year when they were recognized for the transportation excellence they provide students of all abilities,” said Sue Harrison, Director of Transportation, Michigan City Area Schools. “They are excited to be honored again this year and have come to enjoy the time spent with the Mayor, Human Rights Commissioners, Student Services Staff and School Board Members.”
At 2:15 p.m. Mayor Meer will recognize MCAS Student Support Services department staff, including educators, therapists, support staff and principals from all area schools who educate, inspire and encourage children of all ages and abilities to thrive. Nineteen percent of Indiana’s population consists of adults and children with disabilities. And with over 1,200 students all having an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a document developed for public school students who need special education services, it is important to provide students with unique teaching techniques that will enable them to learn in a way that best meets their specific needs.
The celebration will take place at the Michigan City Area Schools Administration Building located at 408 South Carroll Avenue. Middle and High School staff will be recognized at 2:00 p.m. and elementary at
3:00 p.m. The Michigan City Area Schools Special Education program serves students across the district in a variety of settings, pre-K through grade 12. Staff members provide services in the areas of academics, behavior, social-emotional wellness, speech, occupational and physical therapy, and more. For more information, visit www.educateMC.net/specialed or call (219)873-2000. The Michigan City Human Rights Commission provides all citizens with equal opportunities in the areas of employment, housing, and education. The Commission is committed to the citizens of Michigan City and to provide and promote equal opportunities by enforcing Human and Civil Rights issues and advocating for anti-discriminatory systems and tolerance of all people. For more information, visit www.emichigancity.com/cityhall/departments/humanrights.