Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has received a donation of 20 new wheelchairs from Lilly’s Cardiometabolic Health Global Medical Affairs Department. This contribution aims to support families in need by providing essential resources.

Dr. Megan Carlson, the IPS director of health services, explained that the district will loan these wheelchairs to families requiring temporary assistance. "We use them for families who may be in transition—those who need a temporary wheelchair, are new to the state and not yet connected with a medical provider, or do not have insurance," Carlson stated. "We loan them out to help fill in the gaps."

Carlson emphasized that this donation highlights the importance of strong community partnerships in ensuring access to critical resources for IPS families.

IPS works with various organizations across Indianapolis to support students and their families beyond educational needs. These partnerships provide vital services through grants, donations, and volunteer efforts.

March is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, which Carlson noted underscores the barriers faced by people with disabilities. IPS participates in this effort by ensuring students with disabilities receive necessary support.

Dr. Michelle Jackson, IPS executive director of teaching and learning, collaborated closely with Lilly to secure this wheelchair donation. She noted that IPS and Lilly have maintained a long-standing partnership through grants, donations, and volunteerism.

Lilly's contributions include the Lilly Counseling Initiative Grant funding Future Centers in IPS high schools and volunteer efforts enhancing school campuses' aesthetics.