Central Indiana First Steps

Celebrate education with the Indianapolis Urban League at our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway & Block Party on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Begins at 10:00 a.m. at 777 Indiana Avenue.

FREE Backpacks with school supplies, health screenings, food, and live entertainment. Children must be present to receive a backpack.

Visit the Health and Education Zones for free health screenings for youth, haircuts, stop by the mobile library and receive a free book, and more. For parents, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol screenings, and resources from more than 90 community organizations for parents and youth, including voter registration and affordable extracurricular activities.

In the Kids Zone, enjoy face painting, the bounce house, photos with cartoon characters and mascots, obstacle course and more!

Letz Get it POPPIN with DJ Chocolate Shake, DJ Kenny Kixx, local performers, and Cupid on the center stage! Join the fun while showing off your dance moves with friends, line dancing group, sorority, fraternity, or fitness workout group!

We still need volunteers for this event. Learn more: https://ow.ly/ougn50Zlj0P

Sharing from an Indiana BMV newsletter:

The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is pleased to announce that parents and caregivers of children or adults with specific, diagnosed levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are now eligible to receive a disability parking placard. We recognize that assisting individuals with autism in busy parking lots can be difficult and potentially unsafe. Having access to disability parking will help families and caregivers park closer to building entrances, reducing risk and making outings safer and more manageable.

Eligibility
Parents or caregivers may apply for a disability placard on behalf of an individual diagnosed with:

Level 2 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring substantial support”), or
Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder (“requiring very substantial support”).
Applying for the Disability Placard
Parents or caregivers will need to complete an Application for Disability License Plate or Parking Placard (State Form 42070).
https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=5031

Section 1 should be completed using the individual living with autism's information. Section 2 should be completed with the caregiver's information.

Who Can Sign State Form 42070?
Section 4, The professional certification section of Indiana’s disability placard application (State Form 42070), may be completed by:
A physician with a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine.
A physician who is a commissioned medical officer of the armed forces of the United States or the United States Public Health Service.
A physician who is a medical officer of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
A chiropractor with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-10-1. A podiatrist with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-29-1.
An advanced practice registered nurse with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-23.
A physician assistant with a valid and unrestricted license under Indiana Code 25-27.5.
An optometrist or ophthalmologist with a valid and unrestricted license to practice optometry or ophthalmology in Indiana.

Next Steps for the Parent or Guardian
The applicant must sign all required areas of the application.
Since the applicant is a minor or an adult who cannot sign, a parent may sign on their behalf—no power of attorney is needed.
If someone else is signing for a disabled applicant, they must provide:
Documentation granting signing authority (such as power of attorney or guardianship papers),
Their position of authority printed next to the signature (e.g., “parent/guardian” or “POA”), and
A state issued driver’s license or identification card.

Questions or Concerns
Any questions or concerns can be emailed to the BMV Registrations department. [email protected]

In the US, it is estimated that 1 in 31 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Check out the article from Franciscan Health regarding some common signs of autism and contact First Steps for an evaluation at no cost to you if you suspect any issues with your child. Early treatment can make a significant impact on long-term outcomes. https://www.cibaby.org/make-a-referral

Did you know that 1 in 31 children in the US are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? The signs of autism can be subtle and may appear as early as six months of age. Early treatment makes a difference in long-term outcomes.
https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/autism-spectrum-disorder-signs

🚨 Mark your calendars for Friday, July 17th, from 12:00-1:30 PM EST! 🚨

We’re excited to bring you the next session in our Family-Caregiver Support Series! 🎉

This time, we're diving deep into Waivers, featuring insights from Heather Dane

✨ Bonus? It’s completely FREE to attend! ✨

Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or community advocate, you won't want to miss this! 🙌

🔗 Register now and be a part of the conversation! https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2usIWtbcHiDuR0

Indiana University Project ECHO Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Kate McGill-Brown Elmira Ferris Suzy Smith

Ready to level up your teaching skills—for free? 🚀 Thanks to the United Way of Central Indiana, eligible early childhood educators can attend this year’s Professional Development Conference at no cost. Walk away with practical classroom strategies, official PD hours and a stronger network of local peers.

🗓 Saturday, October 24
📍 Embassy Suites Event Center | Plainfield, IN

Open to organizations in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan and Putnam counties. Free spots are limited.

Register today: https://earlylearningin.org/early-childhood-educator-professional-development-conference/

Check the availability of in your area and register your child today! Free to children ages 0-5 through funding shared by Dolly Parton and our incredible local community partners. https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/