Outside the Box expanding to Fishers to support people with disabilities
(HAMILTON COUNTY REPORTER) — Local not-for-profit organization Outside the Box (OTB) will open a day program in Fishers to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities toward living their best lives.
An industry leader currently supporting almost 300 people at their Indianapolis campus, OTB has been working with stakeholders in Fishers for more than five years toward this expansion. An innovative program known for teaching life skills in a peer-matched, curriculum-based, community integrated structure will be the first full time offering of its kind in the city of Fishers. Participants will participate in meaningful, individualized activities that include art and cooking classes as well as prevocational training. The program empowers autonomy and personal independence.
While ultimately, the program will find its future home in the planned Fishers Community & Recreation Center in partnership with the City of Fishers Parks Department, the organization will start their Fishers program at 9795 Crosspoint Blvd. with a planned opening date of July 10.
“We are thrilled to finally be bringing Outside the Box programming to the Fishers community,” said Val Brennan, President of the Board of Directors for the organization. “We are grateful for the support of the city of Fishers leadership and look forward to continued collaboration to serve the needs of the community.”
“OTB has been active in the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, and are helping people get jobs through our employment supports program in Fishers,” OTB Executive Director Michelle Miller said. “In partnership with the SouthPointe Village Apartment development, also the first of its kind in Fishers, we are supporting people with disabilities seeking more inclusive and independent living. Expanding into Fishers with a day program, is the logical next step in to supporting this remarkable community.”
Fishers City Councilwoman Cecilia Coble, who also serves as the Co-Chair for the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability, said, “I am excited to hear of OTB’s Fishers expansion. This is so desperately needed in our community. I am proud of our committee’s advocacy in helping to bring more community supports for adults with disabilities!”
For individuals and their families who want to learn more about Outside the Box, information can be found at OTBonline.org. Further, to ask questions or schedule an intake for program consideration, email Fishers@otbonline.org.
To see Outside the Box in action, anyone is welcome to schedule a tour of the program in Indianapolis near 56th Street and Binford Boulevard by calling (317) 253-6658.
