A phone and computer screen with the DNEM logo and a power cord running between the text. The text says Stay plugged into what's happening at Disability Network Eastern Michigan. Huron Lapeer Macomb Oakland St. Clair and Tuscola Counties.
March 2022
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We've Moved!
Google map of DNEM office located at 4351 24th Avenue Suite 1 Fort Gratiot MI 48059
Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) has moved its Port Huron office to Fort Gratiot! Don't worry, our phone number and two other offices remain the same. Our new office location is:

810-987-9337
COVID-19 Care Package Distribution
The text reads Disability Network Eastern Michigan COVID-19 Care Package Distribution.  Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Hungry Harvest logos and a gift box with hearts inside.
DNEM has partnered with Hungry Harvest to provide food and produce boxes in four locations in the next six weeks. Each box contains 18-22 lbs. of fruits, veggies, non-perishables, and sweet treats. Each serves 2-4 people for 10+ days! DNEM will also distribute personal and household items.

Registration is required. Click the links below to register.
Bad Axe Area
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
10:00am – 11:30am

Event Address:
Huron Behavioral Health
Lapeer Area
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
10:00am – 11:30am
 
Event Address:
The Center Building
Algonac Area
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
10:00am – 11:30am
 
Event Address:
Community First Health
Blue Water Area
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
10:00am – 11:30am  

Event Address:
DNEM
Our Recreation, Education & Community Inclusion Team (REC-IT) is Expanding!  
Just as DNEM has expanded its service area from two to seven counties, REC-IT is expanding to create a variety of events, clinics, and programs for inclusive recreation. 

Part of our expansion is the collaboration with community agencies to grow our skills and provide increased opportunities. Shown in the photo are DNEM staff assisting at the Michigan Adaptive Sports adaptive ski clinics at Pine Knob this winter. 

We are committed to offering inclusive and adapted recreation opportunities for our entire service area. Through the use of simple modifications or specialized equipment, everyone can enjoy an active and healthy leisure lifestyle!  

Please visit our website often to find all the great new REC-IT programs. 
Disability Network Eastern Michigan staff and family at an adaptive skiing event.
Person adaptive skiing.
Person wearing Michigan Adaptive Sports jacket at adaptive skiing event.
A woman doing yoga in a room with a window and a houseplant. The text reads Join Now Online Yoga Classes.
DNEM's REC-IT presents:
Yoga for All
Starting April 7, 2022, join us once a month as we connect online for Virtual Adaptive Yoga. Our Certified Yoga Instructor will guide participants through gentle yoga poses tailored to their ability. This class is accessible to everyone and multiple variations will be taught, including chair level. We welcome you to come explore the many benefits of yoga in an inclusive setting.

Yoga for All meets on the first Thursday of each month from 10:00 to 11:00 am via Zoom. There is no charge to participate. Registration is required.

Have questions? Please contact Carrie Gerdeman at 586-268-4160, extension 6627, or CGerdeman@DNEMichigan.org.
Screenshot of Disability Network Eastern Michigan's new website. The DNEM logo and navigation bar is at the top.  Chat is in the lower right corner. accessiBe is in the lower left corner.
Have you visited the
DNEM Events Calendar?

DNEM launched a new website last month. Now you can learn about and register for all our upcoming events in one place - our Events Calendar! Our offerings include American Sign Language (ASL) classes, peer support groups, Game Night, yoga, and REC-IT classes. You can even subscribe to the DNEM events calendar through Google Calendar and iCalendar. Check it out by clicking the link below.
Did you know?
When durable medical equipment is not covered by insurance, there are multiple loan closets in our area that may have the item you need! Give us a call at 586-268-4160 for more information and to check our closet.
Parents + Disability Support Group
Laughing boy using a wheelchair.  His sister is in the background.
Our Parents + Disabilities support group meets every third Monday of the month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm via Zoom.

Here is what JoAnn S. wrote after a recent meeting, "Thank you for the great meeting yesterday. Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve done a support group and forgot how much inner peace it gives me to know that I’m not alone."

If you are the parent of a child with a disability, you too may find inner peace by talking to other parents who understand your experience.

Have questions? Please contact Jynil Schneider at 586-268-4160, extension 6610, or JSchneider@DNEMichigan.org.
Accommodations Please contact DNEM with accommodation requests.
Beginner American Sign Language (ASL)
A woman is learning American Sign Language on a video chat on a laptop.
ASL is a unique language that includes signs, expression and linguistic features, grammatical and sentence structure, and Deaf culture and community. Start to learn ASL by participating in one of our upcoming classes.

  • Deaf culture is incorporated into each lesson.
  • Registration is limited to 15 participants.
  • The classes are held over Zoom for 6 weeks.
  • There is no charge to participate.

Class #1 begins on March 28th.
It is held on 6 consecutive Mondays from 11:30 am -12:30 pm.
Class #2 begins on March 28th.
It is held on 6 consecutive Mondays from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Class #3 begins on April 6th.
It is held on 6 consecutive Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.
Have questions about our ALS classes? Contact Jay Watson at 810-987-9337, extension 7702, or Jwatson@DNEMichigan.org.
A young man is playing a game on a tablet in front of a Kahoot answer panel.  The Disability Network Eastern Michigan logo. The text reads Virtual Game Night Kahoot Tuesday March 15 2022 6 to 7 pm.
Kahoot!
Tuesday, March 15, 2022
6:00 to 7:00 pm via Zoom

DNEM hosts an online game night once a month.

Test your trivia knowledge as we share some laughs and friendly competition! Invite your family and friends. This event is free and open to everyone. Registration is required.

Have questions? Please contact Lauren Baker at 586-268-4160, extension 6613, or LBaker@DNEMichigan.org.
Did you know?
You can work while collecting SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). There are income limits as well as other criteria to meet. Working while on SSDI may supplement your income, which is always a good thing. It also helps you stay connected to the business world and improve your social life. Our Information and Referral department can answer your questions and direct you in this process. Feel free to call one of our offices and ask for an Information and Referral Specialist to learn more: DNEM Troy 586-268-4160, DNEM Fort Gratiot 810-987-9337, DNEM Sandusky 810-648-2555.
Person using mobile phone
We Are Here For You

We provide up-to-date information and referrals on topics such as advocacy, accessibility, housing, transportation, high school transition, community transition services, and veteran services. We refer individuals to community resources or organizations that are appropriate services that will meet the needs of our consumers.

Our team of Information & Referral Specialists is here to guide and support. Help is only a phone call away!

Our Locations:
Troy
Phone: 586-268-4160
Fort Gratiot
Phone: 810-987-9337
Sandusky
Phone: 810-648-2555
Did you know?
Your information is confidential and secure with us! We do not sell, share, or give your information out to anyone or any other business or agency. We offer confidential guidance and assistance.
Five yellow stars in a row
Your Consumer Experience Defines Our Success

It is our pleasure to serve the community as we believe people with disabilities should have the same civil rights, 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 inclusion for all by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards independence and personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support, and education.
Follow our social media pages to remain up-to-date with everything happening at DNEM.