CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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ELECTION DAY IS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd
Your VOTE is your VOICE. Make sure you make a plan to vote! Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls are open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Click here to find out where your polling place is.
You do have options when it comes to voting, and the Plan Your Vote tool makes voting easier and more convenient than ever. There's a lot on the line this election, make sure your voice is heard. Plan. Your. Vote.
You can vote absentee before November 3rd at either your city or township clerk's office. If you already have an absentee ballot, but have not yet sent it in, DO NOT MAIL IT. It is likely it will not arrive in time to be counted on Election Day. You can drop it off at your clerk's office or at one of the drop-box locations in your area.
There are lots of websites providing information for voters. We recommend visiting the Secretary of State's Michigan Voter Information Center and/or MichiganVoting.org.
If you have questions about voting or if you're interested in seeing a sample ballot before you vote, check out this episode of What's Up Wednesday! We welcome special guest Ann Manary, Midland County Clerk, as we discuss voting rights, ballot issues, and common questions and concerns about voting, especially with regard to COVID concerns.
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| | What's Up Wednesday - Election 2020 |
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WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY:
VETERANS DAY
Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. While the election season may have highlighted divisions, on Veterans Day, we stand united in respect for our veterans, their families, and the sacrifices they have selflessly made for all of us.
The theme for Veterans Day 2020 is: "Vision: Veterans in Focus."
"Looking back on centuries of Veterans' service and sacrifice and what we have learned from the past, we must always maintain the vision for the future of Veterans," said U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie. "Putting the Veteran at the center, on Veterans Day we continue to honor all who served, while focusing on the needs of the next generation of Veterans and the Veterans facing service-connected disabilities."
In keeping with that focus, DNMM will be observing Veterans Day by discussing issues facing veterans with disabilities, with emphasis on awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. We'll be discussing these issues during our What's Up Wednesday episode at noon on November 11th.
If you or a loved one are a veteran and you have questions regarding anything from support services to adaptive equipment, please join us for our special Veterans Day edition of What's Up Wednesday!
Episodes air at Noon the 2nd Wednesday of the Month
Live on Zoom!
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DNMM NURSING FACILITY TRANSITION SERVICES PROGRAM EXPANDING
DNMM's Nursing Facility Transition Services is expanding! We can now offer the same services to people in hospitals and acute care settings that we have been providing for years to folks in nursing facilities.
So what exactly does this mean? The expanded transition program can work with anyone who is in a hospital, acute care setting, or nursing facility that wishes to transition back into the community. Once an assessment is completed a determination will be made for the program services the person is eligible for.
A few of the services that are available include:
- Assistance with housing applications
- First month's rent
- Security Deposit
- Furniture
- Household items
- Grocery purchasing
- Ramp installation
- Some Durable Medical Equipment
- Home healthcare service setup
- Continued support to maintain housing, benefits and eligibility through MDHHS
Anyone can make the referral, it does not have to be an employee of a hospital or care facility. It can be anyone that desires transitioning back into the community. Once a referral is made, DNMM will complete an assessment to see if the hospital resident qualifies for the program services.
Face-to-face contact with residents is possible, but due to COVID concerns, contact through virtual media is preferred.
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Live and Silent
Virtual Auctions
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In-Home Roaring 20s
Dining Experiences
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Virtual Peer Groups
Mondays - 11:00am
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Tuesdays - 11:30am
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Alt. Tuesdays - 3:00pm
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Wednesdays - 10:30am
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Alt. Wednesdays 2:30pm
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Thursdays - 2:00pm |
Friday Matinee Movies - 1:00pm
November selections include: Fantastic Mr. Fox, Turkey Hollow, and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
CONTINUES THROUGH DECEMBER 7th
The Medicare open enrollment period runs October 15th - December 7th. As you prepare to enroll, you should review your 2021 "Medicare & You" handbook . It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. You should also think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2021, preview health and prescription drug plans, and you should consider speaking with one of DNMM's MMAP-certified Medicare specialists. We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you!
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| | We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you! |
Our specialists can also provide assistance if you need extra help paying for your Medicare Part D prescription plan. Our specialists can work with you to see if you are eligible for the Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. We can help you with screening questions and do the application over the phone in as little as 15 minutes!
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| | Medicare - Low Income Subsidy Program |
Do you need help paying your Medicare premiums? Call us today to see if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. We can assist you with checking your eligibility and doing the application over the phone. Our MMAP-certified specialists can be reached at 1-800-782-4160.
CALL US TODAY! WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
1-800-782-4160
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NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ALZHEIMER'S AWARENESS MONTH
President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in 1983. Alzheimer's Disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer's affects nearly 5.4 million Americans, and the number is growi ng.
While the entire month is dedicated to raising awareness about the disease, it also focuses on increasing support for caregivers and sharing available resources.
It is commonly thought Alzheimer's only affects seniors, but this is wrong. Early onset Alzheimer's targets those under the age of 65. Over time, the disease becomes debilitating because of its progressive nature. Available treatments slow the progression, but there is no cure.
Caregivers provide 24-hour care in most circumstances. As the disease progresses, the stress becomes overwhelming. Often, they receive respite from visitors but many become isolated as time passes. A broad spectrum of resources from support groups to memory care and educational tools provides caregivers assistance. Continuing research requires support and early screening programs. As we increase our knowledge of the disease and improve treatments, early intervention will improve outcomes.
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Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to help people with disabilities, including older adults, do what they want to do.
DNMM has produced a series of videos showcasing various assistive technology items that assist people with everyday tasks. From reachers to canes, from magnifiers to jar openers, and from wheelchairs to apps for your tablet, there are many options out there to help you maintain your independence.
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| Assistive Technology:
Let's Cook! (Part 1) |
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| | Assistive Technology - Magnification Devices |
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We can help you find the right item for your needs.
Call 1-800-782-4160 today!
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At Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, inclusion is a universal human right for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other discernible quality. To be inclusive is to promote a sense of belonging, respect, and value for who you are as a person. It is about equal access and opportunities for everyone. Inclusion is an integral part of our Independent Living philosophy and of our agency's vision of "Accessible and Inclusive communities that provide opportunities for individual choice."
In the twelve counties we serve in Mid-Michigan, Disability Network offices have been, and continue to be, places of solace, understanding, and information for all. We are committed to promoting and protecting diversity and inclusion, within our offices, among our community partners, and throughout the 15 Centers for Independent Living in Michigan.
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Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to help people with disabilities, including older adults, do what they want to do.
DNMM advocates for the removal of barriers to independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Mid-Michigan area. DNMM pledges to ensure accessibility. Each year, DNMM conducts a review of its own architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, transportation, and other barriers that may exist which prohibit full access to our services.
If you have any issues of concern regarding the accessibility of DNMM services and facilities, we encourage you to share that information with us.
Please send your concerns or suggestions to:
Executive Director
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
1705 S. Saginaw Road
Midland, MI 48640
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