The Fehribach Group

Creating an Accessible Super Bowl

2012-01-12T09:47:00.007-05:00

Written by Larry Markle, director of Disabled Student Development at Ball State University

Though the home town team will not be represented, the city of Indianapolis will be at the center of the football world on Sunday, February 5, when the Super Bowl is played at Lucas Oil Stadium. With a goal of hosting the most accessible Super Bowl ever, staff and volunteers have been at work for months to ensure that the game and all of the events surrounding it are welcoming and accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Ball State graduate and Indianapolis attorney Greg Fehribach is co-chairing the ADA Disability Inclusion Committee for the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. Fehribach and his committee have been busy training the thousands of volunteers in best practices for making the game day and the events leading up to the Super Bowl as a first-class experience for fans with disabilities. In addition to providing training and literature detailing best practices in working with persons with disabilities, Fehribach and his committee have created a hotline that can be reached for specific questions relative to accessibility.

“Indianapolis has had over 15 years of commitment to accessibility for guests and neighbors who are aging and who have disabilities,” Fehribach stated. “This year’s Super Bowl is the marquee event that will illuminate the hospitality and commitment to the inclusion of fans and guests with disabilities.”

In addition to his work as an attorney and nationally-recognized expert on ADA issues pertaining to facilities (he consulted on the design of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Governor’s Residence, and the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center), Fehribach is a Distinguished Fellow at Ball State’s Bowen Center for Public Affairs. Heading up the Disability Project at the Bowen Center, Fehribach is studying the employment of individuals with disabilities from a public policy perspective and working to create jobs and internships for college students with disabilities. As part of his work with the Bowen Center, Fehribach teaches courses at Ball State on the political and economic impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Fehribach has enlisted some of his students as volunteers for this year’s Super Bowl. “We’re excited that several of our students have immersed themselves as volunteers to assist with the Disability/Mobility Assistance Team,” Fehribach said. “This is exactly how we’d hoped the project would work.”

Greg Fehribach checks out accessibility options while attending the 2007 Super Bowl in Miami.

Accessibility at the Holidays

2011-12-09T15:40:00.005-05:00

'Tis the season for gatherings. Beginning with the upcoming holidays and ending with the Super Bowl in February, Indianapolis will be host to a series of unforgettable parties and events, many of which will show our community at its absolute best.

Mary Beth and I understand how much work goes into planning events. We probably attend hundreds of receptions, dinners, parties and luncheons each year. It's one of the many aspects of our work that we really enjoy. We also have thrown our fair share of gatherings over the years. In September, we hosted a number of colleagues, neighbors and friends for an informational evening about the new Eskenazi Health.

In our years attending and hosting events, we've learned that things don't always go as planned. It may rain at an outdoor event. Perhaps a caterer gets stuck in traffic and is late. That's why most event planners and hosts begin planning well in advance, compiling detailed lists of tasks and responsibilities. Considerable care is taken to ensure the needs of guests are met, so everyone can fully participate in the festivities.

Recently, I attended a luncheon where I, along with numerous colleagues, was honored for a professional accomplishment. At the appointed time, everyone proceeded to the stage for a photo. But, because the location wasn't accessible, I couldn't get to the stage to participate. I couldn't even leave my table because the tables had been placed close together, so much so that it was impossible to navigate my wheelchair in a crowded room. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to share in this special occasion with my colleagues.

Why do I share this? Because I hope others learn from my experience. Just as a host would note a guest's dietary restrictions, accessibility also should be on the checklist. As our population ages and Baby Boomers turn 65 at a record pace, it's very likely that someone at some point in time will require accessible accommodations. At the same time, I strongly encourage people with disabilities to take the initiative and make their hosts aware of their accessibility needs. All too often, misunderstandings arise because of a lack of communication. With the holidays and Super Bowl fast approaching, this is a timely topic for all of us to consider.

In this "teachable moment," I hope - and encourage - all of us to open the lines of communication with each other so we can all focus on the joy of the holiday season. Just add it to the list.

IndyStar Op-Ed: Be Careful Describing People with Disabilities

2011-10-19T11:11:00.008-04:00

Today, The Indianapolis Star ran a letter to the editor that I wrote about how important it is to choose our words carefully in referring to people of diverse backgrounds, particularly people with disabilities. Below is the letter. I look forward to your comments.

"Blind." "Crippled." "Crazy." Those are words that hurt. They hurt the students and parents who choose to attend Indianapolis Public Schools. They hurt the children who excel in school. They hurt the teachers who are on the front lines educating our children. They are words that hurt our entire community.
I have spent my life with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, the reason why I have always used a wheelchair. As a lawyer, husband, father and wheelchair user, I have been on the receiving end of thoughtless comments. However, I generally take those opportunities and turn them into teachable moments.
Last week, Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White used those hurtful words during an interview with a local radio station where he discussed the challenges facing the state's largest school district.
Millions of Americans live with some type of disability. Anyone, at any point in time, can be affected by a disability, whether it's physical or cognitive. Maybe it's an aging baby boomer in need of a joint replacement, a child with autism, or a life forever changed by an unforeseen accident. A disability is simply not a condition of a select few.
Diversity encompasses more than just race and gender; it includes disability, educational background and, of course, economic status. At the same time, this unfortunate episode highlights how important it is that we choose our words wisely, because words -- and the context in which we use them -- have a lasting and damaging effect.
I don't doubt that White and the IPS system face tremendous challenges. But I hope, in this teachable moment, we all remember that we are a stronger -- and better -- community because of our willingness to embrace the diversity of our neighbor. Our children -- and their futures -- deserve no less.
Gregory S. Fehribach
Distinguished Fellow, Bowen Center for Public Affairs, Ball State University

The Transformative Eskenazi Health

2011-10-07T09:22:00.017-04:00

Last week, Greg and I hosted an event for colleagues, friends, and neighbors to brief them about a project that is very important to us: the new Wishard Hospital, which will be called Eskenazi Health. When we welcomed our guests at our home I told them that the Foundation had approached us about making a donation and we were happy to do so - but we wanted to do it our way.

Doing it our way found us on our front porch in our downtown neighborhood, sharing critically important details about a community health initiative that stands to transform health care in Central Indiana. Eskenazi Health, as outlined by Matt Gutwein, president and CEO of Marion County's Health & Hospital Corporation, presents a unique opportunity for our community in that we are building a brand new 21st Century hospital facility, which will serve everyone.

How this hospital is being built is one of the many reasons why Indianapolis is a truly remarkable community. Ernie Vargo, president and CEO of the Eskenazi Health Foundation, shared how Sid and Lois Eskenazi's unprecedented gift of $40 million allowed the Foundation to set its fundraising goal even higher. The Indianapolis Business Journal reported last week that Fifth Third Bank's $5 million gift was inspired by Kevin Hipskind's experience with Wishard. Hipskind, an executive vice president with the bank, was treated at the hospital's renowned burn unit when he was burned on 37 percent of his body after a backyard brush fire.

And, more poignantly, Wishard Health Services employees have stepped up and have donated approximately $2.2 million to the Eskenazi Health Foundation. Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO and medical director of Eskenazi Health, shared with us how these employees, at every level, have come forward to join this effort. Their support speaks volumes about their commitment and dedication to the hospital's mission.

If you were to scan the faces of those at our gathering, nearly everyone present does not rely on Wishard as a safety net for their health care. Yet, everyone at some point in their lives could find themselves at Eskenazi Health for treatment, whether it's Midtown Community Mental Health, the trauma center, or preventative care.

Like Kevin Hipskind, they recognize that more than the county's underserved and uninsured are treated at the hospital. It's where Indiana's finest medical minds are trained through IU Medical School. It's where administrators from Eskenazi Health, the medical school, Regenstrief Institute and Purdue College of Pharmacy will be located together for the first time in a building named in honor of Fifth Third. And, it's where members of our community - from all walks of life - will join together in a profound and meaningful way to make life better for the people of our city.

-Mary Beth Fehribach

Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Jim Miner, chairman of the H&H Board of Trustees; Dr. David Crabb, H&H Board of Trustees member ; Dr. Lisa Harris; Ernie Vargo; Peggy Miner.

The Power of Self-Reliance

2011-09-26T16:04:00.014-04:00

When I was a student at Ball State University many years ago, there were few people with disabilities that I could turn to for advice, particularly when it came to securing a job once I graduated. In fact, I graduated from college and earned masters and legal degrees – all before the ADA became law. I’ve written before how the ADA allowed me as a young lawyer to meet with nearly all of my clients without concerns about accessible accommodations.

More than 20 years later, people with disabilities are able to physically access the proverbial meetings with clients, thanks in large part to the ADA. However, people with disabilities are unemployed – and underemployed – at a rate that is disproportionately higher than people without disabilities. Looking for and maintaining a job has proven more challenging and complex for all Americans, and people with disabilities are particularly feeling that pain.

That’s one of the many reasons why the team at the Bowen Center is helping the students we serve as part of The Disability Project step up their game. This semester, we will be offering a series of forums that will assist students with disabilities learn how to make themselves marketable to future employers. We will teach them how to compete for and secure internships. We will connect them with the University’s Career Center. We will spend time helping them prepare a compelling resume. We’ll also explore and share strategies for succeeding in interviews.

Simply put, we’re going to help them learn how to help themselves find a job.

The students we work with, by the very nature of their circumstances, already are self-reliant and have proven their mettle in overcoming the obstacles of daily living. I have no doubt that they will continue to not just meet, but exceed, expectations. I’m looking forward to sharing more about their progress as they continue to make their way on the road to graduation, and ultimately, self sufficiency.

The Meaning of Labor Day for People with Disabilities

2011-09-09T15:40:00.007-04:00

Earlier this week, the National Organization on Disability recognized nine U.S. companies for their work in hiring and engaging people with disabilities. You can read more about why the NOD selected these companies as the “Fine Nine” on their website.

Two things really stood out about the NOD’s announcement of the Fine Nine, which was wisely timed to coincide with Labor Day, a holiday dedicated to the American worker. First, the NOD cited some alarming statistics from a 2010 Harris survey that they sponsored with the Kessler Foundation. The survey found that employment remains the biggest gap between people with and without disabilities. Among working-age people with disabilities, only 21 percent reported that they are employed full or part time, compared to 59 percent of people without disabilities. That’s a gap of 38 points.

The second was the headline in the article the United Press International published about the study. “Disabled workers always in recession,” accurately sums up the situation that people with disabilities – many of whom are educated and eager to work – face throughout their lives. Unfortunately, when people with disabilities are denied access to employment opportunities, they are forced to rely on government assistance. In today’s economic climate of austerity and frugality, particularly on the state and local levels, people with disabilities may lose these critical safety nets they have come to rely on.

So, where do we go from here? We must continue to encourage people with disabilities to get an education, and challenge them to use that education in non-traditional ways. We must continue to educate businesses about the potential for people with disabilities to help boost their bottom line. We must continue an open and candid dialogue, especially as Baby Boomers reach retirement age – everyday.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis Earns Top Local Honor for Commitment to Access & Inclusion

2011-08-12T14:23:00.013-04:00

Indianapolis recently commemorated the 21st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act with the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability's Access and Inclusion Awards. For the last several years, this annual awards ceremony honors individuals, businesses and organizations that promote enhanced access and quality of life for people with disabilities.

The list of local award recipients who have contributed to greater access and inclusion is both long and diverse. Previous honorees include the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana's Sports Program, CICOA's Lifelong Living Community Initiative, and the Indiana School for the Deaf's "Vibrations" program.

This year, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis received the Accessibility Award. I have been privileged to work with the Museum's president, Jeff Patchen, and the director of exhibit development, Jennifer Pace-Robinson, over the years. Under their leadership, The Children's Museum has made a concerted effort to develop an inclusive and seamless museum that everyone can participate in, regardless of whether or not they have a disability.

I have written before about how The Children's Museum is accommodating to all guests, including the personal recollections of staff members who have observed parents, children and grandparents with disabilities enjoying the many unique and customized exhibits. From a personal standpoint, the Museum is committed to ensuring a fully inclusive experience, and even has included accessibility checklists into their exhibit design and development process. They are most deserving of this recognition.

While the annual Access and Inclusion Awards have evolved into the leading event for the Indianapolis disability community, it's important to note the Indianapolis has made accessibility and inclusion an important part of city policy for decades. Before the ADA even was enacted, local disability activists led by James K. Pauley, founded the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability in the '70s. The Council, which works directly with the Mayor's Office of Disability Affairs, is a key stakeholder in ensuring our city, its assets, and amenities are accessible for everyone. This work was recognized by a much wider audience in 2009, when the National Organization on Disability awarded Indianapolis with its Accessible America Award, touting the City as the nation's leader in accessible environments.

The awards remind us that we have much to celebrate. However, we cannot rest on our laurels. We may have made significant headway into ensuring physical accessibility, yet we now face an even greater challenge. Working together, we must find new and creative solutions to solving the employment gap for people with disabilities, particularly those individuals with college educations and other advanced degrees. I hope you'll join me in getting to work.

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: Connecting our Community

2011-07-19T14:59:00.011-04:00

As downtown dwellers, my wife Mary Beth and I spend a great deal of our time during the warmer months traveling to work, meals with friends, and Mass Ave. businesses along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene & Marilyn Glick.

While I was fortunate to provide consultation about the trail's physical elements, like many projects, the Cultural Trail is about more than curb cuts and eye-catching public art. In Indianapolis, the Cultural Trail is all about connections.

Consider this: Mary Beth regularly rides her bike from our home to our downtown office. She is able to safely navigate city streets - in the thick of rush hour traffic - because of the Cultural Trail. Riding her bike along the trail has added benefits. It's one less car on the streets, and it has a positive impact on her health.

We often leave our accessible van parked in our driveway, and use the trail to meet up with friends for dinner along Mass Ave. Or, I might roll along the trail on my way to one of Mass Ave.'s many accessible businesses. On a recent summer night, Mary Beth and I ran into friends and neighbors on our way to Yogulatte for some frozen yogurt. Mass Ave. is a thriving cultural district that embraces diversity, and the trail is a key amenity in linking everyone together.

The connections the Cultural Trail fosters - whether it's physical infrastructure of human relationships - are what make up a community. It's neighbors gathering at a coffee shop. It's suburban residents parking their cars and shopping at locally owned businesses. And it's employers, making investments in our neighborhoods. These types of connections happen every day along the Cultural Trail.

I encourage people with and without disabilities in Indianapolis to take some time to explore the Cultural Trail. It's a great way to connect with our community - and each other.

A view of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail looking

east on Massachusetts Avenue.

The Palladium: Sensitive to Guests with Disabilities

2011-07-08T16:35:00.008-04:00

This morning, the Indianapolis Business Journal featured an article about a local woman who faced a challenge in purchasing a ticket for a wheelchair user at The Palladium. In the story, I discuss the many amenities of The Palladium, and how the staff will be participating in even more training to ensure people with disabilities are able to fully enjoy their experience.

People with disabilities present great opportunities to businesses and other organizations. When an individual purchases a ticket for an event, regardless of the price, they are exercising their purchasing power. That's why the work we do is so critical. We help ensure people with disabilities - and the aging population - can do more than purchase the ticket. We help ensure they can fully participate in the event or programming that is offered to them.

To everyone at The Palladium who is committed to accommodating people with disabilities and their guests, thank you for your work.

The 2011 Fehribach Awards

2011-06-13T09:51:00.011-04:00

The Ball State University Disabled Student Development Awards Ceremony was held on April 12, 2011 in the Student Center's Cardinal Hall. As we have shared before, The Fehribach Group is pleased to sponsor The Fehribach Awards as part of this recognition ceremony.

This year, we recognized six Ball State students with disabilities who excelled in and out of the classroom and who furthered the cause of access and opportunity either through direct action and/or through their example.

Working with Director Larry Markle and the Disabled Student Development Department, the following outstanding students received our award:

Scott Beesley, a senior health education major, who is a member of the BSU Club Lacrosse team.
Brooke Bonnell, a graduate student in the sociology program, who is working on a research project about the parent-child bond.
Dietrich Eherenman, a graduate student in the information and communication sciences program, who is a two-time winner of the Disabled Student Development's Bush Scholarship.
Donelle Henderlong, a junior English major, who is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
Kaleb Kelham, a junior accounting major, who is a pledge for Beta Alpha Psi, a national scholastic and professional fraternity for financial information professionals.
Grace Kreitl, a senior history major, who has completed five half marathons and plans to do a triathlon this summer.

Congratulations to the 2011 Fehribach Award recipients. We applaud all of their achievements and look forward to their continued successes.

The 2011 Fehribach Award Winners. Pictured from left to right are: Dietrich Eherenman; Scott Beesley; Donelle Henderlong; Grace Kreitl; Greg Fehribach; Mary Beth Fehribach; Kaleb Kelham; Brooke Bonnell.

Enhancing the Arts Experience

2011-05-26T16:09:00.007-04:00

For people with disabilities, the arts serve as a creative outlet and endless source of opportunity. Studies have shown that immersion in the arts directly enhances an individual's potential for personal and social success. Art is a great equalizer, and now more than ever, people with disabilities can wander through a museum, shop at an arts and crafts show at a community center, and sing along with their favorite musician at a concert hall, all without the barriers to access and enjoyment.

Supporting the arts is an important part of what we do at The Fehribach Group. I'm honored to serve on the board of directors for the Arts Council of Indianapolis. I've also provided ADA consulting to several arts venues across Central Indiana, including The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and most recently, The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.

The Center for the Performing Arts encompasses three local theaters: The Studio Theater, The Tarkington and The Palladium. The Palladium, Central Indiana's newest premier concert hall, opened to the public on January 22 of this year.

The new concert hall will undoubtedly attract a diverse mix of visitors. We kept that in mind as we assisted with all facets of design to ensure accessible restrooms, paths of travel, and gathering areas. All three venues offer maximum accessibility to guests with disabilities.

Additionally, guests can choose from a variety of price points, depending on whether they would like to sit in the orchestra pit or in a box. Visitors also can choose from an eclectic mix of acts, such as the prestigious Vienna Boys Choir and funk/jazz tap-dancing favorite, Savion Glover.

The ability to provide everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, with options of how, when and whom they would like to see at The Center for the Performing Arts is exactly what makes these venues inclusive to all of its guests. So I encourage you to sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

The JW Marriott: Luxury & Accessibility in Downtown Indianapolis

2011-03-23T11:31:00.010-04:00

One of the most exciting developments since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act 20 years ago has been the opportunity for travelers with disabilities to secure and enjoy a variety of lodging opportunities and experiences.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Americans with disabilities have $175 billion in discretionary spending power. When it comes to travel, people with disabilities and their families return to their favorite vacation spots, hotels and restaurants because of the quality of service and ease of accessibility. The ADA has been a catalyst in encouraging the hospitality industry to recognize the economic potential of creating accessible lodging that accommodates the needs of people with disabilities.

To that end, I am pleased to compliment the new JW Marriott Indianapolis on its grand opening and its commitment to the creation of the most accessible and largest JW Marriott in the world. I was privileged to serve on the Marriott Place Indianapolis design team, consulting on the accessible features of the JW Marriott Indianapolis, the Fairfield Inn & Suites and the JW Marriott Convention Center.

All of these facilities were designed to host visitors with a variety of accommodation needs. The Fehribach Group provided consultation on the fully accessible hotel bar and restaurant areas, along with the guest rooms and showers, convention and gathering spaces, and parking services. The JW Marriott provides guests with deluxe accommodations, and for those who seek a more affordable price point without sacrificing the luxury, the adjoining Fairfield Inn & Suites is also an accessible option.

The JW Marriott Indianapolis is also connected to the newly renovated Indiana Convention Center via skybridge and gives visitors and guests access to some of our city's greatest tourist attractions. Guests are just blocks from Victory Field, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Indiana State Museum, Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Fieldhouse, to name a few.

Providing people with disabilities a variety of options is what makes an experience inclusive. I often remind my clients that when a facility design works for people with disabilities, it works for all. The recent opening of these new venues give our guests with disabilities the freedom to make a choice and participate alongside every visitor. It's what makes our community both unique - and inclusive.

The Disability Project: Putting People with Disabilities to Work

2010-12-30T14:51:00.004-05:00

Recently, The Indianapolis Star and the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette published a letter to the editor from Dr. Ray Scheele and Dr. Sally Jo Vasicko, the co-directors of Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs. In their letter, they discuss one of the Bowen Center's newest initiatives: The Disability Project. I'm serving as a Distinguished Fellow in support of The Disability Project, and I am most proud to be involved with such a challenging and worthwhile endeavor.

You can read the letter here, as it shares just what Ball State and the Bowen Center are doing to address employment barriers for people with disabilities. As an alumnus, supporter and former trustee of Ball State, I am so proud of my alma mater for its unwavering commitment to educate, engage, and aid in the employment search for people with disabilities.

On behalf of my colleagues at the Bowen Center, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to The Lilly Foundation, as well as the Marion County Election Board, for providing initial seed funding in order to move forward with substantive projects. It's an honor to work with dedicated professionals, who, in a nonpartisan way, are looking at how we can increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

As we close the door on 2010 and embark on 2011, Mary Beth and I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Greg Fehribach

Tips for Navigating the Job Search Process

2010-11-19T15:58:00.009-05:00

One of the most frequent questions the students I teach ask is, "how can I market myself to potential employers?" In these tough economic times, it's essential young college graduates - particularly those with disabilities - use every weapon in their arsenal to promote themselves to prospective employers. One of the oldest, and arguably most successful, strategies involves networking.

Networking is a great way for someone to launch themselves into the next phase of their professional life. Some of the best jobs aren't listed in the newspaper classifieds, and can't be found on web career listings. In today's competitive marketplace, it's up to the interested party to do the research. This reason alone is why networking is becoming an increasingly important tool for people with disabilities.

According to a 2010 survey conducted by the Kessler Foundation and the National Organization on Disability, only 21 percent of all working-age people with disabilities are employed, compared to 59 percent of people without disabilities. People with disabilities are less likely than those without disabilities to socialize with friends, relatives or neighbors. Unemployment for people with disabilities is alarmingly high.

So how does a person with a disability begin the networking process? The following list contains some helpful steps to get you started:

Find a mentor. Seek out the encouragement of someone you feel comfortable with and someone who has the same goals and perspective as you. Mentors can be professors, current employers, family friends and community leaders. They can provide you with valuable career advice, while connecting you to other professional networks.
Know where to go. Many public events and meetings directly relate to the disability community, whether its health care, transportation, employment or education. Search community calendars to find the best fit. Most of these events come at no cost to the attendee. Consider joining service groups, Internet list-servs, and alumni organizations. If you are passionate about certain issues or causes, find ways to volunteer or attend fundraisers. You will undoubtedly meet many people who share your interests.
Be prepared. Manage expectations as to who you think will be attending the event. Consider everyone you know to be a contact and an outlet to even more networks. Come up with a list of questions that may be asked of you and that you want to ask of the guests, and always have a resume on hand. This is paramount to making a good first impression.
Stay organized. All networking should be catalogued by keeping track of the business cards you collect. Follow up with the people you met with a brief e-mail or thank you note. Suggest a lunch or coffee meeting if you wish to learn more.
Play the game. You never know who you may run into at the grocery store, a local park or the coffee shop. Take the opportunity to reintroduce yourself and start up conversation where you last left off. It's always important to stay fresh in the minds of those who can be most helpful.

Continually developing and exercising these networking skills will help you stand out, while increasing your self-confidence when meeting new people and adapting to new situations. These five steps will help you get started on the road to sustainable employment and economic independence.

Good luck!

Access and Inclusion: A College Senior's Perspective

2010-09-29T17:14:00.007-04:00

Ball State Senior Patrick Mautner shares his thoughts about how access and inclusion at one of America's top campuses is helping prepare him to enter the job market.

For those of us fortunate to call a college campus home, fall is a particularly special time of year. The possibilities of a new academic year seem endless.

As a senior at Ball State University, I am making plans to graduate. Like most seniors, I'm doing all I can to make myself marketable to future employers. As a student with a disability, I think I'll be able to hold my own in this very competitive job market.

Why? Ball State's accessible and inclusive environment is helping prepare me to make meaningful contributions to our economy.

One of the main reasons I chose Ball State was because of the Disabled Student Development program and Director Larry Markle. I met with him when I was narrowing down my choices, and I just thought he had the perfect attitude and philosophy toward students with disabilities. I knew he would be a good mentor to have during my time at the school.

I see the Americans with Disabilities Act at work nearly every day at BSU. I've found that it is one of the most accessible campuses for students with disabilities. It has become accessible to the point where it's almost uncommon NOT to see a student with a disability every day. Along with that, I think the best part is the fact that everyone is OK with it. I don't think I have ever seen a single incident where a student or professor singled out a person with a disability. I do make professors aware of my situation ahead of time and they work with me privately if needed, but aside from that it seems that I am treated just like everyone else on campus.

Technological advances - especially the internet and its capabilities - are essential in connecting people with disabilities to our communities. At BSU, we're on the cutting edge of inclusive and accessible technologies. I personally have benefited from accessing lesson plans on my professors' websites. Texting and email/internet access has greatly helped me, due to my hearing loss.

People with disabilities have to deal with countless challenges that crop up during the course of our daily lives. The ability to address those challenges and keep moving forward will serve me well in the workplace. Armed with my education from and experiences with Ball State, I'm up for the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.

Our trip to Washington, D.C.

2010-08-20T11:36:00.010-04:00

This issue of The Indiana Lawyer features an article about the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It includes an interview with my husband Greg, and touches on his experiences as a lawyer, inclusion and accessibility consultant, and a person with a disability.

Greg, our boys Daniel and Luke, and I had a wonderful trip to Washington, D.C. to commemorate this landmark civil rights legislation. But, as you'll read in the article, we did encounter some challenges during our visit. A lack of accessibility prevented us from enjoying tourist amenities together. On this trip, when we celebrated how far people with disabilities have come, we were once again reminded of still how far we have to go.

In our many years together, I have had the privilege to be a part of the many advancements that we have made in Central Indiana in terms of access and inclusion. These advancements have made a difference in the lives of people with disabilities, as well as those who love them. The commitment of community leaders to ensuring our spaces are accessible and inclusive has had a tremendous impact on our collective success as a state and as a city.

I hope you enjoy the article.

Mary Beth Fehribach

The ADA: Traveling the Journey

2010-07-19T15:52:00.019-04:00

"This act is powerful in its simplicity. It will ensure that people with disabilities are given the basic guarantees for which they have worked so long and so hard: independence, freedom of choice, control of their lives, the opportunity to blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of the American mainstream." President George H.W. Bush

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act. On that sunny July day, I was in attendance as then-Governor Evan Bayh's representative to the White House and witnessed the signing of this landmark piece of civil rights legislation.

The ADA has had a tremendous impact on millions of Americans with disabilities, their friends and loved ones. I am one of those Americans. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "brittle bone disease," I have utilized a wheelchair since childhood. I graduated from college, earned masters and legal degrees - all before the ADA became law. For a young lawyer, the ADA meant that I could finally enter nearly any business and meet clients and colleagues without concerns about accessible accommodations. Up until the ADA, the logistics of a simple client meeting presented a daunting challenge.

The ADA is continually evolving. It's been a privilege to see this process firsthand, working with businesses and organizations in the public and private sectors to create accessible and inclusive spaces. The physical access the ADA has encouraged - ramps, curb cuts, audio tools, for example - is tangible evidence of the progress we have made. Businesses and organizations across the country have applied a comprehensive approach to integrate structures and programming, thus increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate. Not only can we now access the park, we also can enjoy a picnic in the pavilion with our family and friends because of the accessible features.

As I look back to where people with disabilities have been - and where we're going - there is much to celebrate. By law, we are afforded the same rights as other Americans and diverse groups. But, we have much to do if we are to fully blend into the fabric of our nation.

People with disabilities have the ability and the desire to participate in our economy. Yet, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is disproportionately higher than for the general population. With technology revolutionizing how we connect to each other and our jobs, people with disabilities have an opportunity before them to apply their skills in ways never thought possible. After all, if a person can navigate the complexities of living with a disability, they can certainly navigate the challenges of full-time employment. Indianapolis has long been a national model for encouraging all levels of access and inclusion. Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs is identifying and addressing employment barriers for people with disabilities. I'm proud to be a part of that effort.

Next week, I'll return to the White House to witness President Barack Obama commemorate the 20th anniversary of the ADA. That a man with a disability will come to the nation's capitol to celebrate a landmark civil rights legislation with our country's first African-American president speaks to the power of America. Even more, we will celebrate this milestone publicly, in the same house where an American president 70 years ago hid his disability from the world.

How far we have come. How far we have to go. Yet, we can - and will - travel the journey together.

The Americans with Disabilities Act: An evolutionary process

2010-07-15T10:05:00.007-04:00

Juli Paini, the director for the City of Indianapolis Office of Disability Affairs, shares her thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I was a student at Indiana University when Congress passed the ADA. The ADA received a lot of attention when President Bush signed it into law and I began to notice that people were more aware of people with disabilities.

The ADA helped raise my comfort level talking about my disability, as well as the comfort level of the people around me. While I had always adapted to the situations that faced me as a person with rheumatoid arthritis, the law established a civil rights framework of legal protections that had not previously been available to me and others with disabilities.

After I graduated from IU, I entered law school at IU-Bloomington. My motivation to pursue a legal career was definitely influenced by my disability. I knew there were people - with and without disabilities - who needed access to quality legal services and someone to advocate on their behalf. After passing the bar, I practiced law for several years. When the opportunity arose ten years ago to direct the City of Indianapolis' ADA Program, I took it immediately.

Indianapolis already had an effort in place relative to access and inclusion before the ADA was signed into law. Mayor Hudnut established the Mayor's Advisory Council on Disability, which is still in effect today. Peter Bisbecos, a talented lawyer, served as Mayor Goldsmith's ADA coordinator during a construction boom in our city. The City put a priority to make access and inclusion a part of what we do. It's a bipartisan approach that has carried through several administrations and continues to this day. In fact, the National Organization on Disability recognized Indianapolis with its 2009 "Accessible America" award, a tribute to this collective work.

In all of our projects, we look at access and inclusion in a holistic way. Whether it's employing audible signals for the visually impaired, or creating mentorship opportunities, or including people with disabilities when we define diversity, the perception of people with disabilities and how we integrate the ADA is evolving.

Initially, everyone thought of the ADA in terms of physical access. As the years have gone by, we're now looking at the ADA in terms of its significance to the issue of employment, and how that affects any other independence that the act brings. Economic independence helps people enjoy the physical independence.

People with disabilities - and the ADA - have come a long way since this landmark legislation became a part of our lives. As we look to the future, we still have much more to do. I hope the Indianapolis model will help other communities realize that they can be at the forefront of accessibility and inclusion, and do it in a creative and bipartisan way.

The 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

2010-06-30T09:57:00.000-04:00

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It was one of my greatest honors to be in attendance when President George H. W. Bush signed it into law in the White House Rose Garden.

In the history of our nation, twenty years is a brief span of time, especially when it involves government policy. But for my generation, and the generations before and after me, this policy in particular has had a remarkable effect. This groundbreaking bill of rights represents a springboard for people with disabilities who, as the late Senator Ted Kennedy said, "deserve the opportunity to work for a living, ride a bus...and do all the other things that the rest of us take for granted."

In the coming weeks, I hope you'll enjoy a series of thoughtful posts that discuss the ADA, and what it's meant for people with disabilities in their personal and professional lives. We'll also take a look at what the future holds for people with disabilities, and the importance of engaging this eager and educated population in our global economy.

The Fehribach Awards

2010-06-18T10:41:00.023-04:00

When I was a student at Ball State University almost 30 years ago, there were few students with disabilities on campus. Today, the campus serves nearly 600 students with disabilities each year. Its facilities are among the nation's most accessible. Ball State also offers a state-of-the-art transportation system that is essential for students with disabilities to travel to and from classes, work, and social activities.

One of the cornerstones of Ball State's commitment to students with disabilities is its Disabled Student Development department. Led by Director Larry Markle, the department serves a vital function in empowering students with disabilities to take control over their educational experiences. Earlier this year, disabilityfriendlycolleges.com named Ball State one of the top 75 colleges for students with disabilities, in that they go above and beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have a strong personal connection to Ball State - as both a graduate and a person with a disability. I was so honored - and humbled - in 2009 when a longtime award and scholarship program for students with disabilities was renamed the Fehribach Awards. The awards honor students with disabilities and recognize academic achievement. They also applaud students for their involvement in activities outside of the classroom. Working with Larry Markle and the Disabled Student Development department, we honored the following outstanding students in 2010:

Samantha Cook, a senior speech pathology major, who has studied abroad in Australia.
Patrick Mautner, a junior history major, who is involved in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and the College Republicans.
Laura Medcalf, a junior elementary education major, who is one of the founders of the Ball State Power Soccer team.
Josh Mitchell, a graduate student in the student affairs program, who has worked with Recreation Services and Academic Advising.
Jennifer Vetor, a senior general studies major, who has served as the vice president of Disabled Students in Action as well as a student worker in the Adaptive Technology Lab.

Each of these talented students represents the future for both people with disabilities and for our country. I'm extremely proud to be able to be a part of their journey, and look forward to the many accomplishments that are undoubtedly ahead of them.

The 2010 Fehribach Award Winners. Pictured from left to right are: Jennifer Vetor; Greg Fehribach; Mary Beth Fehribach; Josh Mitchell; Laura Medcalf; Patrick Mautner; Samantha Cook.

A Career Road Map to Sustainable Employment

2010-05-10T13:44:00.029-04:00

As a Distinguished Fellow with Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs, I have the honor and privilege of participating in the Center's innovative project to help identify and address the barriers to employment that face college-educated people with disabilities.

One of my responsibilities as a fellow is to teach a political science course, The Disability Culture: Enhancing Today's Economy. It's the first of its kind to be offered by Ball State and offers an extensive analysis of public policies dealing with Americans with disabilities in the workplace. This semester, students gained an insider's view of the political process from guest lecturers Tim Berry, auditor of the State of Indiana, and Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis and senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications for Eli Lilly and Company. Both lecturers highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, especially in light of the current job climate.

Recent college graduates are having a difficult time finding jobs. The environment is much tougher for graduates with disabilities. That's why the students who took my course were required to prepare a "Career Road Map to Sustainable Employment," a business/political agenda for the next 10 years, which included their employment goals. This exercise underscores my belief that it's incumbent upon us to determine our own destinies, so that ultimately we can become self-sufficient members of our communities.

I wish all 2010 graduates the best as they begin on their career paths. Your ability to navigate the complexities of life will serve you well in your quest for meaningful employment. Education in all its forms is the cornerstone to a civilized culture. Cherish your higher education as we count on you to enhance today's economy.

Why we all should connect with Indy Connect

2010-03-07T17:11:00.005-05:00

In recent weeks, Central Indiana residents have been introduced to Indy Connect, a regional transportation initiative that has the potential to transform transportation in our community. It includes multiple modes of transportation - expanded roads, commuter and light rail, enhanced bus service, and bike and pedestrian walkways - to give us more ways to connect to our jobs, our loved ones, and our activities.

Decades of research - plus an unprecedented collaboration of businesses, government organizations, and not-for-profit groups - have produced a draft plan which lays out how we can integrate new and existing modes of transportation. The plan and the organization's web site also feature a draft regional map that allow residents to pinpoint exactly how they will be affected, and ultimately benefit.

Too often, transportation concerns are a barrier for people with disabilities to find and maintain employment. Imagine finally securing a job, but concerns about how you are going to transport yourself to it every day overwhelm you in the process. I drive a van - with a lift - that is accessible for my wheelchair. If there's a glitch with the lift and I have to take the van into the shop, I simply can't get to work, and thus, contribute to our economy.

I also hear concerns about transportation from the students with whom I work at Ball State University. They are educated, well-trained, and eager to enter the workforce. Yet, they fear a lack of accessible transportation may prohibit them from finding a job when they graduate.

In Central Indiana, our elected and community leaders recognize the need to be inclusive of people with disabilities when addressing transportation needs. Ball State's Jo Ann Gora, for example, has continued to support a state-of-the-art transportation system for students with disabilities. At the same time, people with disabilities, their loved ones and friends, must make their voices heard on why accessible transportation is so important.

They'll get the opportunity to do so this year. Throughout 2010, Indy Connect will be holding public meetings so citizens can comment on the draft plan. To learn more about Indy Connect, and to sign up for periodic updates, please visit www.indyconnect.org.

In a community like ours where employment centers are dotted throughout the region, it's imperative we connect everyone to available jobs. Indy Connect is a great first step.

People with Disabilities will add Value to your Business

2010-02-01T13:13:00.003-05:00

Recently, computerworld.com featured a Q&A with Neil Jacobson, founder and CEO of Abilicorp about how people with disabilities are well-suited for IT careers. In the article, Jacobson explains why people with disabilities are reliable and dependable employees:

"Many of us who have significant physical disabilities have to be creative and persistent for our own survival. Because we are often not able to do things the 'normal' way, we are literally forced to be creative and perform tasks however we can, and we carry that creativity into problem-solving in the workplace. We have to be persistent and know there's always a way to accomplish a task."

Jacobson continues this line of thought by explaining that people with disabilities also make good managers, because we are skilled at navigating the complexities of daily life and communicating our needs to others.

It's an intriguing concept, especially in light of today's economic climate. With Indiana's unemployment rate at 9.9 percent, and our national jobless rate at 9.7 percent, I don't doubt that people with disabilities are out of work right now. Yet, people with disabilities are prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to our economy. The National Organization on Disabilities estimates that people with disabilities are better educated than ever, and are local, dedicated employees. Neil Jacobson - who worked for the same company for 29 years before launching his firm - has firsthand experience, helping place people with disabilities in good paying jobs.

As a person with a disability, I hope employers take a second look at people with disabilities when making hiring decisions. The diverse culture of our nation - and our world - has opened up emerging markets that many of us never thought possible. Understanding diversity has a significant impact on our collective potential for economic success. In these tough economic times, a diverse employee base - including people with disabilities - can simply help boost a company's bottom line.

Year in Review

2009-12-21T12:50:00.006-05:00

Recently, I have been reflecting on this past year and how nearly everyone I know has faced some type of challenge. For some, it is the loss of a job or depletion of savings. For others, it is tightening the family budget to cope with a difficult economy. And for others, it is a reorganization of priorities to accommodate work and personal life.

People with disabilities face challenges every day. And like others in our country, we too, have been affected by this once-in-a-lifetime economic event. We are having a tougher time finding - and keeping - employment. As our population ages and health care costs rise, we are digging deeper to pay for much-needed medical care.

We all are learning that the old model of doing things - at least the model we know - is changing. And it's up to all of us to take the initiative and adapt to these changes. But what do we do when we don't have all the answers? What do we do when the end result of all this change isn't clear?

In the last year, I've learned that we must bring forward the vulnerable among us. A great example is the unprecedented coalition of businesses, labor organizations, medical professionals, faith-based leaders, citizens, and elected officials who made an effective case for a new Wishard Hospital. Because of the work of these individuals and groups, all citizens will continue to benefit from top-notch health care.

I've also learned that those who risk being left behind have strength and power in their numbers. We all have the right to vote, but we must register and become informed of how to exercise this unique power. For people with disabilities, it is incumbent upon us to make our voices heard, either through citizen engagement with elected and community leaders, or through our pocketbooks. In the digital age, it is becoming easier for people with disabilities to communicate and work together.

In the year ahead, I am looking forward to serving as a Distinguished Fellow with Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs, and engaging a new generation of leaders in developing strategies to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the aging population.

A Greek philosopher once said, "Nothing endures but change." As we move into the second decade of the second millennium, this ancient teaching still applies. How we adapt - and grow - is up to each of us.

In the coming year, we have much to look forward to...and much more to do. On behalf of The Fehribach Group, I wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

Bowen Center for Public Affairs

2009-10-07T15:46:00.004-04:00

Recently, I've been engaged with Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs as a Distinguished Fellow. Part of my work will include a course in public policy that will address and identify the obstacles people with disabilities face as they seek employment. I'll also be providing students with guest lectures and offering workshops for disability policy throughout Indiana. Additionally, we'll help educate policymakers on how to build inclusive strategies into their communities.

The fellowship is funded by a grant from the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services. The division's director is Pete Bisbecos, who is determined to address the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from contributing to our economy.

Working with Ball State on an initiative that empowers people with disabilities is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I'm very appreciative of our state's dedication to increasing the economic prospects for our disabled population. I'm also appreciative of Ball State's visionary leaders for supporting not just this project, but the Bowen Center and its excellent team of public servants.

For generations, Ball State has always demonstrated a strong commitment to people with disabilities. With this fellowship, we now have the potential to have a lasting impact on the lives of countless people who are ready and determined to contribute their time and talents to grow Indiana's economy.

I look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the academic year.

Start with Art

2009-09-21T16:03:00.010-04:00

Each year, I look forward to participating in the Start with Art luncheon, which kicks off Indianapolis' arts season. It was an honor to attend this year among business associates and friends, all of whom share the belief that the arts have limitless potential to bring together people of diverse backgrounds.

I have had the opportunity to work with several arts organizations -- on a professional and volunteer basis -- to ensure that facilities, programming and exhibits are inclusive for people with disabilities, the aging population and others. It's been rewarding to be a part of so many dynamic offerings and to provide people with disabilities more variety for their entertainment dollar.

The arts encourage us to look beyond the visual characteristics that distinguish us and look deeper into exactly what it is that makes us different and how those differences can enhance our overall quality of life. In Indianapolis, the arts community is a key facilitator in helping all of us appreciate those differences.

Guests enjoying the Start with Art luncheon. Pictured from left to right are: Jennifer Mendoza, The Fehribach Group; David Jurkiewicz, Bose McKinney & Evans; Sarah Myer, NUVO; Mary Beth Fehribach, The Fehribach Group; Juli Paini, City of Indianapolis Office of Disability Affairs; Jane Henegar; Greg Fehribach; Tom Harton, Indianapolis Business Journal; Matt Gutwein, Health & Hospital Corp. of Marion County; Tony Mason, 2012 Indianapolis Superbowl Host Committee.

The ADA: A Civil Rights Milestone

2009-07-24T14:48:00.004-04:00

On July 26, 1990, I was honored to represent the State of Indiana when President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law at a ceremony on the south lawn of the White House. We were surrounded by supporters, members of Congress, people with disabilities, friends and loved ones as we watched our dreams become a reality.

The 19th anniversary of the ADA is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the progress we collectively have made as a country in terms of civil rights. As with other civil rights milestones, it's also an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have to go.

Before the ADA, I lived in a world without curb cuts, ramps, and little economic opportunity. The ADA marked a significant turning point for people with disabilities. At the same time, it opened up new markets for businesses and other organizations in our communities. That's why I strongly encourage people with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers, to embrace the protections afforded to us by the ADA and become fully engaged in the process. Perhaps it's putting a college degree to work. Or it's advocating for community improvements. Or it's encouraging others to support businesses that accommodate people with disabilities.

The list of how we can become involved is long, but it's ultimately our responsibility to move ourselves forward.

Take Me There: Egypt

2009-07-06T14:24:00.003-04:00

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis recently opened Take Me There: Egypt, an interactive way for young people to immerse themselves in the Egyptian culture. From a plane ride on Egypt Air to dinner at a family home, the gallery offers something for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Children's Museum is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities - particularly children - are able to fully participate in their exhibits, galleries and activities. It's this commitment that allows a child who is a wheelchair user to board that flight to Egypt, and gives the child with a visual impairment the experience of living among the dinosaurs. As offerings to the public are crafted and arranged, the Museum's staff places a key emphasis on how they can make the program accessible for all.

One of the greatest joys of my work is watching people with disabilities enjoy life's experiences without the barriers that they usually face. I'm particularly pleased that parents can take their children with disabilities to The Children's Museum and know that they will have the same immersive and inclusive experience as all other children. In fact, I was told by Museum staff that they once observed a child with a disability accompanied by his grandpa who also had an aging disability - and both were having a great time in the inclusive Dinosphere exhibit.

To learn more about The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, please visit www.childrensmuseum.org.

Diversifying Diversity

2009-05-19T14:34:00.005-04:00

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to make a presentation at the launch of Wishard Health Services' Diversifying Diversity Education Series. The series engages the staff, hospital partners, and the public in ensuring we apply a comprehensive approach to diversity in our personal and professional lives.

As a person with a disability, I believe that diversity is the collective sum of each person's life experiences. During my presentation, I encouraged attendees to look beyond the visual characteristics that distinguish us and instead look deeper into exactly what it is that makes us different and how those differences can enhance an organization's strategic and economic goals. Last fall, The Indiana Lawyer featured local lawyers and law firms in an excellent piece about defining diversity. It's clear that in order to attract and engage the best talent - and serve clients in the best way possible - understanding diversity is essential to our economy.

On a personal note, I was honored to speak to such an outstanding group of Wishard employees and friends. As a board member of the Marion County Health & Hospital Corporation, which oversees the Wishard system, I am so pleased by the contributions of this exceptional community asset. Wishard is Indiana's oldest and largest public healthcare system and serves a diverse array of people. Led by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and the doctors of IU, lives have been positively impacted by the hospital's world-class burn unit, trauma center and satellite medical facilities in our neighborhoods.

To learn more about Wishard Health Services, please visit www.wishard.edu.

A North Side Market Story

2009-03-02T13:22:00.002-05:00

Just like other couples without disabilities, we can get to where we're going regardless of the weather and traffic conditions, as long as the parking spots for customers with disabilities are clear and available.

On a recent weekend afternoon, my wife and I headed to one of our favorite north side markets to do a little grocery shopping. As we swung into the parking lot, we were dismayed at what we encountered. A fair amount of snow from the previous snow storm had been plowed into all of the accessible parking spaces. There was literally nowhere for us to go. I maneuvered my equipped van - which has a ramp on the passenger side - as best I could. As circumstances would have it, the only option for parking was to place the van sideways and roll from my ramp into the lane of oncoming traffic.

Concerned for our safety, and the safety of others pulling in and out of the tight parking lot, we approached the store manager with a reasonable request not to block access in the lot. "That was the only place to put the snow," was his response. Frankly, we were confused. There were plenty of parking spots for non disabled patrons, so a spot or two could have been used for a snow mound without much consequence. With the melting that had taken place by this point in time, the snow could easily have been shoveled by hand to clear the parking spots in question.

It's a dilemma many of us with disabilities face. We need to buy goods and services and we have the purchasing power to contribute to our economy. And like all Americans, we are not limited by where we purchased those goods and services. But if we can't park in the parking lot, we can't get to the market and then we can't spend our money. I suspect this store manager may not be concerned about our ability to shop there, but what about the grandmother in a walker or the father on crutches after knee surgery?

Why do I share this with you? I want people to remember that a disability can affect anyone - at any point in time - at some point in their lives. I also want to remind our fine establishments to give some extra through to where they park the snow for the remainder of winter, or display the mulch this spring.

This experience hasn't discouraged us. We just look at it as an ongoing opportunity to encourage the store manager and his colleagues.

Welcome to The Fehribach Group

2009-01-13T15:43:00.002-05:00

From experiencing my first curb cut in Disneyland in the early 1970s, to playing a role in designing a home for the Superbowl Champion Indianapolis Colts, I know from personal experience that when a design works for a person with a disability, it works for everyone.

As an attorney with a disability, I help my clients look deeper to determine how people with disabilities can enhance and strengthen their economic goals. People with disabilities comprise a powerful spending block, and businesses and organizations nationwide are taking notice.

In coming posts, I look forward to sharing more about what we do at The Fehribach Group and how we help create economic opportunities for both our clients and people with disabilities. I also look forward to passing along my observations about the projects which we are engaged and the impact those projects have on people with disabilities and the community as a whole.

Best,

Greg Fehribach