409 Linden Avenue  Jackson  MI  49203   www.disabilityconnect.org
  

Celebration of 27th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By:  Parrish L. Stahl  

 Martin Luther King said, “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere”.          The ADA is celebrating its 27th birthday.  It was signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Largely a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical or mental disability; similar in some aspects to the Civil Rights Law of 1964, which made discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, and other characteristics illegal. For those of us who remember a time before the ADA, it is undeniable that the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 changed lives. The days of not being able to even do something as fundamentally American as visit a city hall, vote, use public transportation, like, buses, airlines and trains, receive employment services or even attend a public meeting are not that far removed.  Is the world perfectly accessible?  Not by any stretch of the imagination.  With that said, people do not generally have to crawl on the floor or upstairs to use a restroom and the world is still changing slowly, too slow for some.  The work is never ending and the good part is minds and hearts are still being moved.
Hot Air Jubilee comes off with Flying Colors!

Staff and volunteers had lots of fun while also earning money for disAbility Connections.  We thank our volunteers from the bottom of our hearts!

dC staff, board and volunteers assisted in directing and  organizing  parking for this years Jubilee held the weekend of July 14,15 &16 at Ella Sharp Park. 

It is the opportunity to be a part of a very spectacular community event, get our name out and make sure that individuals with disabilities have good,safe access to the event.
  • AUGUST 8TH,  FRIDAY 7:30 pm    

REGIE HAMM LIVE! Benefit concert at Michigan Theatre to support the Music Therapy Program at Lyle Torrant Center For tickets call: 787-8910..

  • AUGUST 23RD, WEDNESDAY 6-8 PM

GOGOs swim party at the Williams    home, hot dogs and beverages provided, bring a passing dish! RSVP to Holly by August 16th at 998-3097.


        SAVE THIS DATE!!!

  • OCTOBER 5TH, THURSDAY ~  DISABILITY AWARENESS DINNER                        COUNTRY CLUB OF JACKSON ~ SPEAKER: STATE SUPREME COURT JUSTICE RICHARD BERNSTEIN
  SB184 HOUSING /ACCESSIBILITY         TAX INCENTIVE UPDATE
 

Bill provides a $5,000 tax credit for improvements to a principal residence


    LANSING, Mich. — A bill introduced by Sen. Vincent Gregory (D–Lathrup Village), that would provide an income tax credit to taxpayers who purchase a qualified residence or retrofit their home to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities, today passed the Michigan Senate, 33-3.

    Under Senate Bill 184, for a homeowner to earn the tax credit, the purchased residence or planned renovations must meet accessibility and visitability standards, and be certified by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

“Improving physical access in our homes helps to eliminate barriers and provides greater opportunities — especially with regards to employment and social freedoms,” Sen. Gregory said. “The architectural features of a home influence the quality of life and independence of not only the resident, but also others who may have physical limitations to their everyday lives.”

    The credit can be claimed for either four percent of the total purchase price of a qualified principal residence, or up to 50 percent of the cost to retrofit an existing residence. The amount of the credit would be capped at $5,000.

Sen. Gregory worked closely with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and other organizations to develop legislative solutions that would improve the daily lives of individuals and their families living with physical limitations, but was quick to point out that accessibility credits benefit everyone.

    “My hope is that this bill will alleviate some financial burdens and help older adults and disabled individuals stay in the comfort of their own homes, and communities, for as long as they are safely able to do so,” Sen. Gregory said.

SB 184 now heads to the Michigan House of Representatives for a vote.


disAbility Connections
providing ACCESS!
disAbility Connections / Jackson Rotary Ramp Project is allowing  people access to and from the community!  "It is the opportunity to come and go from home safely", " I'm finally free! and "It's beautiful!"   are common statements of ramp recipients. 

With several more ramp builds to be done this season, we are always looking for volunteers of all ages. Contact Lora at 998-3081.
Teri Dermyer enjoying her new ramp thanks to DC / Rotary Volunteers.
GOGO CAMP 2017
"Under the Big Top"
Over 40 GOGOs gathered this year at Camp McGregor four our annual summer camp  event! Our AWESOME Volunteers make it an event to remember!
The GOGOs is a social group for adults (over age 18) who gather monthly for friendship and fun. Call Holly at disAbility Connections for more information on joining the GOGOs.  As any GOGO would tell you..."you'll be glad you joined us"! 

  Many people and organizations assist in making GOGO Camp awesome!  Our boat was donated by Krupa's Boat Mart, we had wagon rides, swimming, hiking, bike riding, arts and crafts, circus games,  lunch and a big family/friend pot luck dinner. It is also a great time for parents and caregiver's to come and relax at the lake. 
Special thanks go to the Lion's Club, Thrivent Insurance/Investments, disAbility Connections and the Jackson County ISD.
See more GOGO camp photos on facebook at "Welcome to GOGOs of Jackson MI https://www.facebook.com/confusedmom75/?ref=br_rs