If this message is clipped, click "View Entire Message" at the bottom of this email. | | American Sign Language (ASL) Classes | | ASL classes are held once a week via Zoom. Choose from five skill levels. | |
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March 30 - May 4, 2026 (6 Mondays)
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Learn the basics of American Sign Language and Deaf culture. No prior experience is required.
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March 31 - May 5, 2026 (6 Tuesdays)
10:30 - 11:30 am
Build on the skills learned in Beginner ASL with more vocabulary, grammar, and conversational practice.
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March 30 - May 4, 2026 (6 Mondays)
10:30 - 11:30 am
Develop everyday signing skills and build confidence holding natural conversations in ASL. Basic and Basic 2 ASL classes are recommended first.
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March 31 - May 5, 2026 (6 Tuesdays)
1:00 - 2:00 pm
This class is the next step for students who have completed Intermediate ASL or have equivalent experience. Expand your vocabulary, refine grammar, and strengthen conversational fluency.
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April 1 - May 6, 2026 (6 Wednesdays)
1:00 - 2:00 pm
For students who are confident in their signing skills, and ready to refine their fluency and cultural understanding. Advanced vocabulary, complex grammar, classifiers, and expressive techniques are emphasized.
| | | | Third Thursday: Developmental Disability Awareness | | |
Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Zoom
| Learn about services, supports, and advocacy for developmental disabilities in Michigan. | - Who is the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council? What does it do?
| - What is the difference between intellectual and developmental disabilities?
| - What is the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act? Why does it matter?
| Presenter: Tedra Jackson, Deputy Director, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council | | | Register for a DNEM Community Activity | | |
Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) is a Center for Independent Living (CIL), proudly serving Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties.
If you reside outside of these counties, we’re happy to assist you in connecting with the CIL that serves your area.
To register for DNEM activities, you will need a RecDesk calendar account.
| | | | To help with the registration process, we have created these two videos: |
Questions about RecDesk?
Contact the RecConnect Team
REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org
586-268-4160
| | Indoor Archery & Adaptive Games | | |
Get ready to play!
Join us for indoor fun, featuring adaptive archery, golf, cornhole, and more. Move from station to station, try new games, and challenge yourself at your own pace. Our staff will help you explore adaptations if needed. Come hang out and build skills in a space where everyone belongs.
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Friday, March 6, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm
DNEM Troy Office
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Friday, May 15, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm
DNEM Troy Office
| | | Questions about Indoor Archery & Adaptive Games? | | |
Let your creativity shine!
Explore a variety of art forms, including pottery, painting, and pastels. No experience is needed. Modifications and adaptive equipment will be provided. Caregivers are welcome to attend if one-on-one support is needed.
March 9, April 13, & May 11, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Huron County Tech Center, Bad Axe
| | Virtual Games & Social Hour | | |
Play games, share some laughs, and have fun online!
This monthly game night is open to everyone. Invite your family and friends.
March 10, April 14, & May 12, and June 9, 2026
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Zoom
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Music, dancing, and good vibes!
Join us for an hour of singing, dancing, and socializing with other people with intellectual disabilities.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm
DNEM Troy Office
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Wednesday, April 18, 2026
5:00 - 6:00 pm
DNEM Troy Office
| | | Let your creativity shine! Come make unique crafts in a fun, relaxing environment. The class is accessible, and all abilities are welcome. | |
Mondays, April 2, 9, and 16, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 pm
DNEM Troy Office
| Questions about the Craft Class? | | |
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Disability Network Eastern Michigan Troy Office
Join us for a special night of fun - singing, dancing, and sweet treats!
| | Questions about the Spring Karaoke Dance? | |
Contact the RecConnect Team
REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org
586-268-4160
| Games & Social Hour in Lapeer | | |
It's game time! Come have fun and make new friends while playing games in a relaxing, welcoming space. The group meets every other Monday.
April 13, 27, & May 11, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
DNEM Lapeer Office
| | Questions about Games & Social Hour? | | | | |
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
DNEM Troy Office
Choose One Time Slot:
10:30 am - 12:00 pm or
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Whether you are new to the sport or want to learn how to use adaptive equipment, our therapists will be there to assist. No experience is necessary. All equipment is provided.
| | AMPeD in Action: How Disability Network Eastern Michigan Is Driving Systems-Level Change
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| | AMPeD represents a renewed commitment to the core mission of Centers for Independent Living to support individuals with disabilities in living full, self-directed lives in their communities. | | | | |
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At Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM), advocacy is not just about solving individual problems. It is about improving systems so they work better for everyone. Through our AMPeD program, DNEM is proud to help shape meaningful statewide change that reduces barriers and increases access to essential supports.
People with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with complex needs often experience the greatest impact from fragmented or difficult to navigate systems. When access barriers are reduced at the structural level, more people receive the support they qualify for, and independence and stability increase.
One powerful example of this work is DNEM’s partnership in the MI Bridges 3.0 project, a statewide effort focused on improving how Michigan residents access and manage public benefits.
Over the past year, DNEM joined residents, community partners, and agency staff to share real world experiences navigating the MI Bridges platform. These conversations helped identify both what works and where significant barriers remain. This is the heart of systems advocacy: listening to lived experience and using that insight to redesign processes that impact thousands of people.
Together, the project focused on three key priorities:
- Making it easier for residents to access and manage benefits online.
- Strengthening tools available to community partners who support applicants.
- Creating smoother pathways for enrollment across multiple benefit programs.
Through research and user testing, DNEM and other partners helped identify persistent challenges that many Michiganders face. These barriers do not just slow down paperwork. They can delay food assistance, health care coverage, and other critical support. Addressing them is essential for independence and community belonging.
Using feedback from community partners like DNEM, the MI Bridges 3.0 project developed and tested multiple prototype solutions aimed at reducing administrative burden and improving access. These innovations reflect a shift from reactive problem solving to proactive system design, which is a key goal of AMPeD’s policy and advocacy work.
While not all proposed improvements may ultimately be implemented, the project has established a clear direction for strengthening access and reducing barriers across Michigan’s benefits system.
AMPeD will continue to advocate, collaborate, and lead efforts that transform policies and systems, ensuring that access and independence are not ideals, but realities.
| | Disability Network Eastern Michigan has a team of Community Information Specialists ready to assist you in finding resources. We can support inquiries about advocacy, accessibility, housing resources, transportation, high school transition, community transition services, veteran services, and more. Call us! | | |
Oakland and Macomb County:
586-268-4160
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Thumb Region:
810-987-9337
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Accommodations: Please contact DNEM with accommodation requests.
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Do you need support now?
Or are you worried about a loved one who may need crisis support?
| | Your Consumer Experience Defines Our Success | | It is our pleasure to serve the community as we believe people with disabilities should have the same options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities. We hope you will share your experience with us, allowing us to connect with others who will benefit from our services. Please take a moment to provide a Google review. | | Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting independent living by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education. | | Follow our social media pages to remain up-to-date with everything happening at DNEM. | | | | |
