On May 15, IU1’s Hand in Hand program held its annual end-of-year picnic at Ten Mile Park, offering students, families, and staff a fun-filled day of connection and celebration. Hand in Hand, a program within IU1’s Hearing Impairment Support, prioritizes inclusive learning environments, ensuring that all students, regardless of hearing ability, can fully engage in these festive activities and connect with their peers.
Under the pavilion, children enjoyed games like giant Jenga and Connect 4, along with creative stations for face painting, bracelet making, and more. Outside, students played kickball, wiffle ball, KanJam, explored the playground, and participated in a variety of outdoor games. A lunch of pizza, chips, fruit, and cookies was served, with plenty of drinks available to help everyone stay hydrated on the sunny day.
Adding a special touch to the event, a time capsule from the year 2000 was opened after it was recently discovered at IU1’s Central Office. The capsule included polaroid photos, information on staff members from that time, forget-me-not flower seeds, a cassette tape, and more—offering a nostalgic glimpse into the program’s past and a celebration of how far it has come.
