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Disability Network Eastern Michigan
Fort Gratiot Open House
On April 19, 2022, we had an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM)'s Fort Gratiot office. We are proud to be serving the Thumb region and expanding our partnerships. Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined us virtually. You can watch Governor Whitmer's remarks and the ribbon-cutting ceremony by clicking the links below.
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Thank You, Randy Charon!
After many years of service, Randy Charon is stepping down as a DNEM Board member.
Randy was introduced to the Ann Arbor Center for Independence Living in 1999 when he was rehabbing at the University of Michigan Hospital for a hunting accident that paralyzed him from mid-chest down. He found the Oakland Macomb Center for Independent Living closer to his home in Sterling Heights. His attendance at our Empowerment meetings led him to be asked to join our Board of Trustees.
Prior to his accident, Randy was a Heating and Cooling Technician for Pipefitters Local 636. He has been married to his wonderful wife Danielle for 45 years.
Randy has been a staunch advocate for all people with disabilities. Thank you for your service, Randy. You will be missed.
If you share Randy's passion and are interested in becoming a Board Member, please contact Kelly Winn at KWinn@DNEMichigan.org.
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Adaptive Kayaking Workshop
Come join a fun group and learn the sport of kayaking in a safe, accessible environment. All abilities are welcome; no kayak experience is necessary. Multiple locations are available this summer and all supplies will be provided. Snacks, water, and a swag bag will be provided! The cost is $10 per kayaker.
June 17, 2022, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI 48348
July 22, 2022, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm
Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, MI 48348
August 04, 2022, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
Addison Oaks County Park
1480 West Romeo Road, Leonard, MI 48367
August 12, 2022, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
Stoney Creek Metro Park
4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Twp, MI 48316
Sign up for your one-hour spot today! For questions or to register, contact Carrie Gerdeman at 248-268-4160 or CGerdeman@DNEMichigan.org.
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Inclusion and Kayak Volunteer Training
Oakland County Parks and DNEM are collaborating to provide Inclusion Training for all staff and volunteers. This workshop is a prerequisite for all assisting with this summer’s Adaptive Kayaking Program. Registration is required. Participants will learn:
- How to work with people of all abilities
- About different types of disabilities, including hidden disabilities
- Proper language and etiquette
- How to identify and navigate potential barriers.
May 12, 2022, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Waterford Oaks Activity Center
2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328
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June 13, 2022, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Disability Network Eastern Michigan
4351 24th Ave., Suite 1, Fort Gratiot, MI 48059
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DNEM Volunteer Program
Disability Network Eastern Michigan's REC-IT (Recreation, Education and Community Inclusion Team) is busy planning outdoor adaptive recreation workshops for summer enjoyment, such as:
- Disability Dirt Days at Holly Oaks Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Park
- Adaptive Kayaking Workshops
- Adaptive Fishing Outings
In order to run these community events, we need the support of people like you! We are creating the DNEM Volunteer Program for those who wish to give by sharing their passion for recreation activities. This is the perfect opportunity to support the community and enjoy memorable experiences with others.
We would love to know more about you and how you might like to help people with disabilities enjoy more independence. Please click the link below to complete a brief form.
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DNEM Community Recreation Survey
Disability Network Eastern Michigan is expanding its Recreation, Education and Community Inclusion Team (REC-IT) programming. We value your input so we can create meaningful inclusive programs in your community. Please take a few moments and complete this survey.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) provides case management and supportive services to very low-income veterans to prevent the imminent loss of a Veteran's home or identify a new, more suitable housing situation for the individual and his or her family; or to rapidly re-house Veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without this assistance.
SSVF veterans receive four required services: Outreach, case management, connection to resources and VA benefits, and connection to mainstream resources and benefits.
DNEM serves Veterans with the SSVF in Huron, Tuscola, Sanilac, Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. In 2021, 265 veterans were served by our agency across these 8 counties. All veterans enrolled in the SSVF program are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of these services, you can contact us at:
810-987-9337 - St. Clair County
586-268-4160 - Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties
810-648-2555 - Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac Counties
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Have you visited the DNEM Events Calendar?
Disability Network Eastern Michigan is proud to host a wide variety of virtual, in-person and hybrid events. 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.
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Upcoming Events:
05/11 - Virtual Peer Support Group
05/12 - Inclusion & Kayak Volunteer Training
05/12 - Inclusive Art
05/15 - Disability Dirt Day
05/16 - Parents + Disability Peer Support Group
05/16 - Beginner ASL Series
05/16 - Intermediate ASL Series
05/17 - Virtual Game Night
05/18 - Beginner ASL Series
05/18 - Beginner 2.0 ASL Series
05/19 - RISE: LGBTQ + Disability Peer Support
05/24 - Virtual Peer Support Group
05/26 - Inclusive Art
05/26 - Women + Disability Peer Support
05/27 - Men + Disability Peer Support
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Save the Date! 07/26 - ADA Day Picnic: Bridging Paths to Independence |
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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:
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Fort Gratiot
Phone: 810-987-9337
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Sandusky
Phone: 810-648-2555
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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.
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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.
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Accommodations Please contact DNEM with accommodation requests.
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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. |
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Follow our social media pages to remain up-to-date with everything happening at DNEM. |
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