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Recapping a great event!
Thank you to our artists, guests, sponsors, and staff for an incredible evening. We proudly surpassed our fundraising goal, featured more artwork than ever before and welcomed more guests than last year! Look at event photos below.
Together, the work that each of us does helps towards our vision of being a community where those living with disabilities are empowered to pursue personal growth and choice through access to community resources and supportive services.
| | Unsung Hero Award Winner, Suzanne Gauvreau, with DNEM staff Amy Swinson | | Community Spirit Award Winner, Wheels in Motion, with DNEM staff, Kelly Winn and Carrie Gerdeman | | | | Artist John DeCou shows his wife his ceramic planter. | | Artist JoJo Brown and her mom admire art. | | Artist Michelle McDermott next to her painting. | | Artist Amy Weber with her 3D sculpture. | | Artist Ashley McBride with her ceramic bowl. | | So many Silent Auction choices! | | Both a Tin Can and a Big Ticket Raffle winner! | | | Dominick Socia and DNEM staff, Jeffrey Astein, playing tongue drums | | Violinist Candace Giles accompanying DJ Josh Smokovitz, ILES Entertainment | | | | Such an interesting variety of artwork! | | Sharing the experience with fellow artists. | | | | |
Silver Sponsor
Advia Credit Union
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Bronze Sponsor
Matrix Health & Fitness
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Watch our inspiring Art from the Heart promotional video on YouTube to see how art is making a difference. | | | | We greatly appreciate our sponsors! | | It's not too late for you to donate too! | | Join us for an inclusive Nature Walk at a beautiful Oakland County Park, led by a Park Naturalist. We will begin with hands-on learning about wildlife, followed by a guided walk through nature to explore the spring greenery and local wildlife. Buildings and trails are fully accessible, and all are welcome. | |
Adaptive Cycling Open House
May, 20, 2025
4:00 – 7:00 pm
Independence Oaks County Park, Clarkston
Join us for our kick-off event!
Adaptive cycling provides accessibility and tailored equipment so most people can ride. Come try out a variety of adult-sized adaptive cycles, including handcycles, trikes, tandem bikes, and recumbent bikes. Bring your own bike helmet or wear one of ours.
Sign up and drop in any time between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
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Adaptive Cycling Events
Join us for a bike through the park! Choose a date, adaptive bike, and 1-hour time slot. Bring your bike helmet or wear one of ours.
| | Check out our flyer for additional adaptive cycling dates. | | Thank you, Adaptive Cycling partners! | | American Sign Language (ASL) Classes | | |
ASL classes begin soon!
Classes are held once a week for 6 weeks via Zoom and include aspects of Deaf culture. Please register for only one class at a time.
Choose from 5 Skill Levels:
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Beginner ASL
May 12 - June 16, 2025
Mondays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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Beginner 2 ASL
May 13 - June 17, 2025
Tuesdays, 9:00 - 10:00 am
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Conversational ASL
May 12 – June 16, 2025
Mondays, 9:00 - 10:00 am
(Prior ASL experience required.)
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Intermediate ASL
May 13 - June 17, 2025
Tuesdays, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
(Prior ASL experience required.)
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Advanced ASL
May 21 - June 25, 2025
Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
(Prior ASL experience required.)
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Come hit the greens and discover how golf can be accessible for everyone!
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we've got you covered – no experience is needed and all equipment is provided.
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Ready to elevate your golf game? Join our laid-back modified league!
Each week you will play a few holes—perfect for all skill levels.
You'll be paired with a friendly volunteer or therapist who's there to support your game and keep things fun. It's just $15 per session. Once you register, Oakland County Parks staff will follow up with details and payment process.
| | Thank you, Adaptive Golf League partner and sponsor! | |
Come learn to kayak with us!
No kayaking experience is necessary – all abilities are welcome. Life jackets and kayaking equipment are provided. A $10 donation is encouraged.
Choose a date sign up for a 1-hour time slot:
| | Check out our flyer for additional adaptive kayaking dates. | | Thank you, adaptive kayaking partners and sponsors! | | Using the accessibility settings on your computer is not always easy. Watch this video demonstration of the computer app, Morphic, which creates easier access to common computer accessibility features. | | Autism Awareness Night Fundraiser | | |
Love baseball and want to support a great cause?
Join us for a fun-filled night for the whole family.
July 31, 2025
Unicorns vs. Beavers
Jimmy John’s Field, Utica
- Tickets: Just $25 each
- Gates open: 6:00 pm
- First pitch: 7:05 pm
- All-you-can eat hotdogs, chips and cookies until 7:30 pm
- Unlimited soft drinks, lemonade and water to keep you refreshed
- Meet JJ the Field General, the bat dog
- After the game, Kids Run the Bases!
- Group photo on the field for a lasting memory
- Free parking in Lot A
For every ticket sold, $5 will go directly to Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks to support incredible initiatives. Thank you, United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL)!
“Your exemplary team made our night smooth and effortless. It was an amazing event and everyone went home happy. Jimmy John’s Field is a true field of dreams.” – Stewart
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Questions?
Call or text Oakland County Parks
248-221-8040
| | Activity Registration Process | | 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?
Contact the RecConnect Team
REC-IT@DNEMichigan.org
586-268-4160
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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
| | Accommodations: Please contact DNEM with accommodation requests. | |
Do you need support now?
Or are you worried about a loved one who may need crisis support?
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Your conversations are free and confidential.
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Text, call, or chat 988.
Access to 988 is also available for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers.
| | 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. | | | | |
