CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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THE CENSUS HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 31st
Make Sure You're Counted!
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census to count the number of people living in the United States. Starting in March, census invitations were mailed to households, and now, more than ever before, the Census Bureau is encouraging people to fill out the census electronically (i.e. online). You can also call the Census Bureau directly to file at 1-844-330-2020.
DO YOU NEED HELP FILLING OUT THE CENSUS? CALL DNMM TODAY! 1-800-782-4160
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| | Census 2020 - Safety First |
WHY DOES THE CENSUS MATTER?
The census count has consequences we will live with for the next decade, if not longer. This makes the stakes even higher.
Michigan stands to lose millions of dollars in federal support for programs that use census data. These include Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, Section 8 Vouchers, and Head Start/Early Start - for which Michigan received more than $14 billion in 2015.
The Census Bureau has identified people with disabilities as a hard-to-count population, which means they are at a greater risk of being under-counted in the census. The reasons for this include accessibility challenges and wider systemic inequalities. People with disabilities are also over-represented among other groups that are considered hard-to-count, such as people of color, people with low incomes, and people experiencing homelessness.
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| Census 2020 Video Ad: Michigan (Confidentiality)
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| | DNMM's Terri Robbins Discusses Census 2020 |
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OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
DNMM is participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"Increasing Access and Opportunity" is the 2020 theme for October's annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year is the nation's 75th observance of NDEAM, which is administered by the Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The observance culminates the Department's commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
"Ensuring that America's workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. "Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities."
"We are proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said DNMM Executive Director Kelly PeLong. "People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt. Now more than ever, flexibility is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America's workplaces. As we celebrate NDEAM, we will spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. "
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages - during October and throughout the year - by visiting the ODEP website at www.dol.gov/odep.
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Join DNMM for our virtual book club! For October, we'll be reading "Wonder," the book that started the "Choose Kind" movement and a major motion picture. If you're interested, please email [email protected].
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Virtual Peer Groups
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"Just Dance"
Mondays - 11:00am
Get up and Dance! Dance! Dance!
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"Social Lunch"
Tuesdays - 11:30am
Grab a bite to eat and join us for a friendly chat.
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"Amazing Women"
Alternate Tuesdays 3:00pm
Ladies, a hangout group just for you!
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"Bingo!"
Wednesdays - 10:30am
Just a little friendly competition!
Bingo...it's a classic!
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"Guy Time"
Alternate Wednesdays 2:30pm
Guys, this is your time to shine.
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"ACTIVITY GROUP"
Thursdays - 2:00pm
October activities include a fall color tour, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, a farm tour.
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"MOVIE MATINEE"
Fridays - 1:00pm
October shows include: "Goosebumps 1 & 2, Haunted Mansion, Girl vs. Monster, and The House With a Clock in its Walls"
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SUPPORT DNMM ON AMAZON PRIME DAY!
Amazon Prime Day is an annual deal event just for Prime members on Oct. 13-14, delivering incredible savings on products from small businesses and top brands. Beat the holiday hustle & shop for everyone on your gift list during Prime Day!
You can also turn on AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app.
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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD BEGINS OCTOBER 15th
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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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's Information and Referral team 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.
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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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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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