City Commits to Expand Entreprenuership Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Yesterday, the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council approved a proposal to create more entrepreneurship opportunities for people with disabilities.  In a bipartisan vote, the Councillors unanimously approved the inclusion of the Disability Business Enterprise category to the city’s contracting program. 

Under the new DBE, people with disabilities who own businesses will have the opportunity to join their counterparts – racial and ethnic minorities, women, and veterans – to participate in the process by which our local government has elected to diversify its contracts with vendors.  As a result of this resolution, one percent of annual spending would be targeted to businesses owned by people with disabilities. 

This action marks a tremendous step forward for people with disabilities, especially those who possess an entrepreneurial spirit.  Unfortunately, many people with disabilities, including those who pursued college and graduate degrees, are chronically underemployed and unemployed.  They struggle to earn a sustainable living.  Some are forced to rely on public assistance. 

I am thankful for the leadership of our city, particularly Council President Maggie Lewis, Vice-President John Barth, Mayor Ballard and his Chief of Staff Ryan Vaughn, the proposal’s sponsors, and supporters for their pluralistic approach to entrepreneurship.  Once again, Indianapolis is a model for other cities to follow in making all aspects of life better for people with disabilities.

32nd Annual Bowen Institute on Political Participation

Greg Fehribach with Rep. Carson and Mrs. Kim Hood Jacobs at the 32nd Annual Bowen Institute on Political Participation, April 6, 2013

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in Ball State University’s 32^nd Annual Bowen Institute on Political Participation. It was an honor and a privilege to be a presenter for the Institute where U.S. Rep. Andre Carson bestowed the Distinguished Public Service Award to former U.S. Rep. Andy Jacobs, Jr. His wife, Kimberly Hood Jacobs, accepted the award on his behalf. 

This award recognizes  Representative Jacobs' service to the citizens of Indiana through his 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps where he saw combat in the Korean War and was wounded in action. 

Congressman Jacobs has proved to be a great role model for our students.  His service reflects how to fully participate in all levels of politics and government by creating a network of support among constituents, staff members and fellow elected officials.

Through our work with The Disability Project at the Bowen Center and the Institute, we strongly encourage all of our students to fully participate in the political process. During my joint presentation with Linda Phillips, Tippecanoe County Assessor, on “Political Careers in the Public and Private Sectors”, we echoed Congressman Jacobs’ and Congressman Carson’s commitment to working on campaigns, volunteering with local election boards, and taking on causes that are of personal interest. We encouraged the attendees to be informed, involved and engaged. 

It was particularly gratifying to see Congressman Andre Carson so eloquently talk about Congressman Jacobs and his impact on the political process. Concurrently, I enjoyed spending time with Kim Hood Jacobs, who herself is committed to public service and served with me as a former member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees.  

To learn more about the Bowen Center for Public Affairs, please visit their website here.