DNWML Header.
DNWML Newsletter
Edition #11
July 14, 2023
News & Updates
NEW U of M Football Parking

What's not to LOVE about U of M football! Except maybe, finding parking for the home games...

Do you have trouble finding parking for home U of M football games? Want a guaranteed spot of your choice for one game, multiple games, or the whole season? 

COST
$30 per spot for each game

INFO
If you require an accessible parking spot, please indicate this information in your email.

All proceeds from parking passes go directly to funding and supporting Disability Network WML!

Contact Dana at parking@dnwml.org to reserve your spot or click the button below!
CHECK IT OUT Experience a Virtual Work Day
Participants Needed

Level Up Lab is looking for 18- to 26-year-old autistic individuals to participate in a new virtual computer program designed to help practice conversations at work.
Spend time at a virtual store and practice talking to customers, coworkers, and supervisors.

CONTACT
Scan the QR code to participate
(734) 666-5838

Click the button below to register!

You can earn up to $215 for your participation!
Disability Pride Exhibition
June 30, 2023 - August 4, 2023
Show us YOUR PRIDE!
What makes you, YOU?

Eleven artists share work that speaks to their disability experiences at a disability-centered gallery space, during Disability Pride month and our annual Americans with Disabilities Act Picnic.

This show includes 2D works, sculpture, culinary art, and performance.

Featured Artists:
  • Tess Carichner
  • Allison Cowherd
  • Zach D.
  • Amy Everett
  • Charista Guzman
  • Shalonda Jemison
  • James Murtha
  • Joseph Ouelette
  • Rick Stephens
  • Jeffrey VanDyke
  • Patrick N. Warren II
Welcoming Trust by Shalonda Jemison. Image description in show link.
Golden Eagle by Brian Riggs. Image description in show link.
The Rising by Charista Guzman. Image description in show link.
Gallery Be
Disability Network WML - Ann Arbor Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
FUN in the SUN ADA Picnic
#WashMonLivYourLife
Get to know your gracious hosts by watching our silly
Ann Arbor Office staff member intro video above!
Celebrating 33 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law!
July 26, 2023
3:00pm - 7:00pm

Disability Network WML - Ann Arbor Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Join us for:
  • Disability Pride Art Exhibition
  • Guest speakers
  • Local vendors
  • Raffle prizes
  • Food trucks and drinks
  • Inclusive games and sports
  • Tours of our facilities
Please contact Claire or Krystina with any questions or concerns! (734) 971-0277
CA$H 4 SPLA$H

Donations received during the picnic give you a chance to slime our Executive Director, Alex!

(Can be cash, check, or digital donation.)
U of M School of Civil and Environmental Engineering logo.
Enabling Independent Mobility
in People with Disabilities
University of Michigan
Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility?

Are you interested in helping to improve end-to-end mobility systems for people with physical disabilities?
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with the Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, is working on a 4-year project aimed at improving end-to-end (E2E) mobility experiences for people with physical disabilities (PPD) who use wheelchairs to get around.

The project will investigate determinants for successful E2E system performance from the perspective of PPD; integrate new navigation and maneuvering algorithms to support personal mobility of PPD; and explore social and economic factors conducive to promoting widespread adoption in our communities.

We are recruiting a COHORT of adult individuals from the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area who use either a manual or powered wheelchair as their primary means of mobility to be part of our project.

Duties and Benefits:
  • Provide input to help design future wheeled mobility technology
  • Spend 2.5 hours per week reporting on your mobility experiences in the community (e.g. navigating public transportation, exploring unknown indoor environments)
  • Receive $15/hour (rate increases from the second year)

If you are interested in learning more and joining our COHORT, please sign up for an interview by clicking the button or emailing the individuals listed below.

INFO
Carol Menassa - menassa@umich.edu
Vineet Kamat - vkamat@umich.edu
Classes, Events, & Groups
Delishability
Cooking Class

Are you interested in growing your culinary skills?
Want to be the next Top Chef?
Want to get out of the house and have some fun?

This is a 10-week, 1hr per week, cooking course for all people with disabilities and all experience levels.

  • A course designed for people with disabilities, of all experience levels
  • Define “healthy eating”
  • Develop your cooking skills in a nurturing environment

Each week we will be learning and utilizing cooking skills. On cooking days, all meals will be prepared in approximately 30 minutes and shared amongst participants. On non-cooking days, we will learn various cooking skills and healthy eating habits.

REGISTRATION CLOSED/FULL.

COST
$5 per class

DATES
Thursdays starting July 13
1:00-2:00pm
Calendar to be provided upon registration.

CONTACT
Krystina - krystina@dnwml.org or 734-971-0277
DNWML Fitness Center OPEN
By Appointment

The Fitness Center at DNWML Washtenaw Office is now open by appointment only. Please note, Fitness Center appointments have a maximum of 2 hours AND for safety reason, a minimum of two people MUST be scheduled for the same appointment.

Schedule your appointment today!

CONTACT
Camp New Horizons
Youth Summer Camp

Disability Network is happy to announce Camp New Horizons, a day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 16-26. Camp New Horizons will take place over two separate weeks this summer, during which youth can engage with one another, learn new skills, and broaden their horizons.

SPORTS WEEK - Registration Closed/Max Capacity
June 19 - June 22, 2023
Daily from 8:00am - 3:00pm
Each day campers will get to engage in a different accessible sport including sitting volleyball, basketball, personal fitness, and culminating in a group bicycle outing at Gallup Park. Brought to you in partnership with U of M Adaptive Sports.

ART WEEK - Registration Closed/Max Capacity
July 31 - August 3, 2023
Daily from 8:00am - 3:00pm
Campers will experiment with new materials, learn about process-driven techniques, and collaborate on a mural. Brought to you by Ann Arbor Thrift Shop.

CONTACT
Krystina - krystina@dnwml.org
DNWML and TRI header image featuring large text "HAAAAY!" and a horse with a hand holding a pencil.
Disability Network + Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Plein Air Art Series

Do you like HORSES? What about ART?

Join our Plein Air Art Series, presented by Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston and Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Each of the classes features a different type of artistic media/technique and is focused on horses as our subject matter. All classes begin with learning foundational techniques and building familiarity with materials. All classes conclude with a "plein air" or outdoor/observation art session, where we get to see real live horses. There is NO COST to participate.

Registration is required for each month's set of classes. You may sign-up for all of the series.

REGISTER and find out more by clicking the button(s) below.

DATES
Mondays, 1:30pm-3:00pm

  • May
  • 5/8 - Meet at Disability Network for a foundational drawing class
  • 5/22 - Meet at TRI to draw horses live, from observation
  • June
  • 6/12 - Meet at Disability Network for a foundational photography class
  • 6/26 - Meet at TRI to photograph horses in their element*
  • *Inclement weather rescheduled date TBD.
  • July
  • 7/10 - Meet at Disability Network for foundational mosaic techniques
  • 7/24 - Meet at TRI to recreate horses in mosaics

Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston
3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48018

Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
3425 E Morgan Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108

CONTACT
Claire - claire@dnwml.org
SPIRIT Inclusive Fitness Club
Are you looking to stay active at home and connect with others? Our fitness club on Zoom welcomes all abilities with three different adaptations of exercises all on one screen! Participants are welcome to do the workout as presented or modify it as they are comfortable.

Wednesdays at 4:00pm
INFO
  • Boxing: July 12
  • Zumba: July 19
  • On hiatus after July 19

REGISTER
Theatre Program

Are you ready to show off your star potential?!
Are you loud or quiet?
Love being in front of people or with just a few good friends?
Theatre is for YOU!!

Come meet new friends and get to know the art of theatre: performance-acting, dancing, singing & movement, skill-building, and more!

Also, please note: if you have registered before there is no need to register again; you will be sent all information for every workshop for as long as you choose.

Register or email the staff contact to receive every meeting's information, Zoom links, materials, and get the latest details on in-person classes and events!

INFO
Mondays
5:30-6:45pm
Zoom

DATES
  • July 17
  • August 7
  • August 21
  • Virtual Theatre on Zoom will be taking a short break after August 21 workshop.

CONTACT
Robin - robin@dnwml.org OR (734) 971-0277 x380
Art Programming

Make some creative time for yourself, alongside friends. Learn new techniques, socialize, and get a little messy! Submit project or artist suggestions below.

We are beyond excited to announce the launch of In-person Art Classes at our Monroe Office.

REGISTER/INFO
Claire - claire@dnwml.org
In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions

FOCUS
Every other week will focus on a collaborative class with TRI (see above) and guided technique sessions.

INFO
Weekly on Mondays
1:30-3:30pm
Ann Arbor Office

NEW
Every third Tuesday
10:00am - 12:00pm, though hours vary
Monroe Community Spaces
SCHEDULE
  • 7/17, ZOOM* - Guided Session *Please note this Guided Session will be held via Zoom NOT in-person*
  • 7/19, Ann Arbor Office - In-person Open Studio
  • 7/20, Zoom - Virtual Art Class: Open Studio
  • 7/24, Ann Arbor Office - In-person: Guided Session
  • 7/26, NO CLASS - Annual ADA Picnic Celebration at the Ann Arbor Office
  • 7/27, Zoom - Virtual Art Class
In-person Art Class:
Open Studio

INFO
Weekly on Wednesdays
10:00am-12:00pm
Washtenaw Office
Virtual Art Class:
Open Studio

INFO
Weekly on Thursdays
1:30-3:00pm
Zoom:
Have an artist, project, or technique suggestion?
Want to show your artwork at our onsite (Washtenaw) Gallery Be?
OREO Club

We’re getting together to explore each month’s flavor, connect with other people, and engage in great discussions. We’ll talk cookies and life, create Oreo-themed artwork, and collaborate on a customized Oreo order to share. Oreo cookies will be provided for pick-up at the Washtenaw Office

Please complete the survey below so we can improve on our amazing OREO Club!
INFO
ON BREAK TILL FALL

CONTACT
Claire - claire@dnwml.org
Trivia Tuesday

Do you just HAVE to know? Or do you already have the answers? Find out by joining us online for Tuesday Trivia & Games!! Our club will be adding to the laughter and learning by adding new activities each session. Join as a team or play on your own, take score or just play for fun, the choice is yours. You will always get to decide what kind of questions and games we will explore!

Email the staff contact to receive the Summer Trivia Zoom link & all updates and news on monthly trivia & games!

INFO
Third Tuesday of the month
4:00-5:00pm
Zoom

DATES
  • July 18
  • August 22
  • Break after August 22

REGISTER
Robin - robin@dnwml.org
Movie Club

All ages and abilities! Winter session runs from January 5th through March 30th.
INFO
Weekly on Thursdays
4:00-5:00pm
Zoom

SCHEDULE (all available on Netflix)
  • 7/20 - Pink Panther 
  • 7/27 - Bullet Train 

REGISTER
For ALL of your favorite programming and groups...
Find them on our DNWML Calendar!
Where you can:
  • See event details
  • Register for events
  • Find out who's hosting
  • Download it to your personal calendar
  • And more!
Support & Connection
Monroe Food Pantry

Open to Monroe County residents.

Located at our Monroe Office:
15515 S Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48161

Walk-ins welcome!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00am - 2:00pm

If you’d like to support our food pantry, please consider making a financial donation on our website!

INFO
Tara - tara@dnwml.org OR
(734) 682 - 5271
Nursing Facility Transition Updates

With Medicaid renewals approaching, we are working closely with facilities to help folks who will no longer qualify for Medicaid in nursing facilities.

If you or anyone you know are currently working with a nursing facility in our three-county service area, please share what you know about the NFT program along with our contact information! Flyer PDF available here.

INFO
Jean - jean@dnwml.org OR Nika - nika@dnwml.org
Resources & Information Group
Sharing Knowledge, Empowering All of Us

Do you wish you knew more about all of the resources that may be available to you? Do you wish that everything could be discussed in one place, with knowledgeable people willing to share helpful ideas?

Whether you receive SSI, SSDI, SS Retirement, or generally have a disability or a family member/friend who has a disability, join us to share information and resources.

Let us know what topics are important to you!

LOCATION
Monroe Office
15515 S Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48161

DATES
Starts June 20
Third Tuesday of every month
11:00am - Noon

INFO/RSVP
Amy - amy@dnwml.org OR (734) 682-5271 ext. 111
Tech Desk

We know technology can be frustrating, but you don't need to learn it all by yourself! If you have questions about your portable devices, bring them to our Ann Arbor office during our Tech Desk Open Hours!

We will be available every other Friday from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, no appointment needed.

Some examples of services we can provide:
  • Make it easier to find the sites and programs you use frequently
  • Investigate the source of "pop-ups" and other computer annoyances
  • Find the accessibility settings you need to read, type, and navigate your laptop, Chromebook, smartphone, or tablet

SCHEDULE
  • June 23
  • July 7
  • July 21
  • August 4

Tech Desk will be closed on May 26th for Memorial Day Weekend.
American Dream Employment Network Member logo. Simple yellow sun with rays on top of blue lettering.
American Dream Employment Network

The CIL is now a member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). ADEN is a national administrative Employment Network providing services to individuals receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits under the Ticket to Work program. For individuals receiving SSA disability benefits, the return to gainful employment can be complicated and challenging. As a new Member of ADEN, we at The CIL, want to invite all of our current customers/clients who are receiving Social Security disability benefits to explore assigning your Ticket to Work.

To read and hear about success stories of ADEN Participants improving their financial situation, visit:

INFO
Tennery - tennery@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9110
Safe Connections

Safe Connections is an evidence-based curriculum that highlights healthy relationships and sexuality for individuals with disabilities. Adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities ages 18 and up.

INFO
Weekly on Wednesdays
6:00-8:00pm
Zoom

REGISTER
Your World: Navigating Life
with Blindness and Low-Vision

Join us on Zoom for a welcoming discussion group for people who are blind or experiencing vision loss. Topics will be participant-driven and sessions will empower group members to embrace their self-identities and individuality as people with low-vision, while strengthening belonging and community inclusion. Your World is a group where we discuss different topics involving navigating life with low vision. We share resources, tips, and perspectives to help us enhance the quality and autonomy of our lives. Group facilitators are professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who experience blindness or vision loss. Assistive technology support will be available.

INFO
First Wednesday of the month
12:00-1:00pm
Zoom

SCHEDULE
  • On break for the month of July
  • August 2

REGISTER
Renee - renee@dnwml.org OR Mark - mark@dnwml.org
Caring Connections for Parents with Disabilities

This is a caring and supportive space for disabled parents to share their struggles and joys as parents. We share stories, strategies, and resources. Further, we grow in our pride and identities as disabled people while navigating life as parents and caregivers.

INFO
Third Tuesday of the month
7:00-8:00pm
Zoom

SCHEDULE
  • ON BREAK FOR REMAINDER OF YEAR

REGISTER
Renee - renee@dnwml.org OR Celleste - celleste@dnwml.org
DNWML Loan Closet

The DNWML is happy to provide individuals with disability-related equipment at no cost. Equipment availability, color, brand, or style may vary. Our loan closet’s inventory is dependent upon new or gently-used donations.

Equipment includes (but might not be limited to:)
  • Wheelchairs
  • Reacher/grabber tools
  • Shower chairs
  • Tub transfer chairs
  • Walkers
  • Canes
  • Rollator walkers
  • And more!

Other items are considered on a case-by-case basis.

INFO
Krystina - krystina@dnwml.org
Community Resources
NEW The Wave
Accessible Ann Arbor Art Fair Transportation
One-way and round-trip transportation to and from the Ann Arbor Art Fair on Saturday, July 22.

Accessible/wheelchair transportation available!

FARES
Seniors, children, folks with disabilities
  • One-way: $10
  • Round-trip: $15

All other passengers
  • One-way: $20
  • Round-trip: $30
Call 734-433-1338 to reserve your ride!
Kids' Voices Matter
Michigan League for Public Policy
As we develop the 2023 Kids Count in Michigan Data Book, we want to make sure to listen to the voices of those who matter most in our work: kids! If you work with young people, ages 12-18, who will share their experiences and ideas to help our efforts to improve outcomes for kids in our state, please invite them to complete this 10-question survey.
Youth Council
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) Youth Council brings together 25 high school students from Washtenaw County to provide a unique opportunity for youth to make a meaningful impact in the community through grantmaking and service. The Youth Council is designed to enhance the decision-making skills of young people, provide a space to assess and determine the most urgent concerns of Washtenaw County youth, and develop leadership skills and a love of philanthropy at an early age.
Youth Council graphic.
Responsibilities include the following:
  • Attend monthly meetings at the Community Foundation Office in downtown Ann Arbor
  • Participate in foundation-wide events as needed
  • Attend site visits, team-building activities, and volunteering opportunities
  • Review, score (online), and provide insight into between 20-30 grant applications each year

INFO
Free Citizenship Class
Jewish Family Services
Jewish Family Services logo.
In-person classes are enrolling NOW
ONLINE classes start in July
All Michigan residents are eligible

Civics (US History and Government) N-400 Application Naturalization Interview Practice English Writing, Reading, and Speaking

We also help you complete the N-400 application for free!

SUMMER QUARTER BEGINS IN JULY
  • 6 hours of class time per week/11-week course
  • In-person class meets 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday Online classes will have evening hours

Class is in English, with ESL support

INFO
734-769-0209 x376 | Text: 734-436-1113
www.jfsannarbor.org | 734-763-0209
Powered Prosthetic Leg Research
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is looking for:
  • Healthy adult volunteers, 18-70 years old
  • With a single above-knee amputation
  • Willing to be compensated $40/hour

This research studies design and control of powered prosthetic legs and will help new prosthetics improve quality of life. Testing sessions will take place on the University of Michigan North Campus. Testing includes walking, stair climbing, sit-stand, and other lower-limb activities in a laboratory environment.

REGISTER
IRB HSBS Study # HUM00166976

INFO
Robert Gregg - rdgregg@umich.edu OR (734) 763-1156
Michigan Development Disabilities Council
Call for Entries
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council seeks public art submissions in celebration of Disability Pride Month in July.

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC), a part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Self-Advocates of Michigan (SAM) are proud to co-host the “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition, a celebration of Disability Pride Month through art made by Michigan artists with developmental disabilities.

The call for artwork is now open, and MiDDC and SAM will be accepting submissions from Michigan residents who identify as a person with a developmental disability until Friday, June 2. The “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition will take place both in-person and online in July. It will highlight the contributions of artists with disabilities while breaking down the stigmas preventing these artists from accessing more opportunities in the art world.

“Disabilities are a beautiful and natural part of human diversity, and we are thrilled to work with artists with disabilities to showcase their pride through art,” said Vendella Collins, MiDDC executive director. “This art exhibition is a powerful way to shine the spotlight on the rich diversity of artists with disabilities and serve as a reminder that art has the power to break down barriers and connect people of all abilities.”

MiDDC and SAM are seeking a wide range of artwork that explores the theme of Disability Pride. Disability Pride is the idea that persons with disabilities should feel inspired and celebrate their identity as a person with a disability. Disability Pride recognizes that people with disabilities have unique experiences and perspectives that are valuable contributions to society.

All artwork that meets the submission criteria will be displayed in an online gallery on MiDDC’s website. Selected artwork will be displayed at an in-person pop-up exhibition at Lansing Shuffle, 325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing on July 11 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The pop-up “Breaking Barriers” Art Exhibition will be open to the public.
To submit artwork for consideration, please visit Michigan.gov/DDCouncil. 
Digital Skills Learning Lab for Returning Citizens
Build Essential Tech Skills for Everyday Life
For anyone who has been formerly incarcerated.
  • 10-11 am: Digital literacy lessons, different topics each week
  • 11 am-12 pm: Work with a tutor on a topic of your choice
  • Learn at your own pace with support from experienced tutors
  • Earn certifications in basic computer skills

DATES/TIMES
May 5th through August 25th
On Fridays, 10 am - 12 pm

LOCATION
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
4925 Packard St, Ann Arbor 48108

No registration needed. Personal devices are welcome.

SCHEDULE
  • July 14th: Spreadsheets and Excel
  • July 21st: PowerPoint and presentations
  • July 28th: Using Zoom
  • August 4th: Using the internet for information
  • August 11th: Using the internet for job search
  • August 18th: Keeping safe while using the internet
  • August 25th: Social media and privacy on the internet

INFO
Contact Zev - miklethun@washtenawliteracy.org OR (734) 337-3370
Michigan SPIL Development
Community Needs Assessment
Survey
The Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council is conducting a survey to gather information about programs and services that provide support and opportunities for people who have disabilities to live independently in the community. The information collected will help to assess how those programs and services are meeting the needs of people who have disabilities living in Michigan. Results of the survey will provide the Statewide Independent Living Council with the information necessary to work with advocates and policymakers to create new initiatives and to enhance existing services for Michiganders who have disabilities.

Your participation in the process is vital and we appreciate your time and consideration in completing this survey. The Statewide Independent Living Council needs to hear directly from people who have disabilities, their family members, friends, caregivers and other stakeholders.

If you have any difficulty taking this survey, please contact Tracy Brown at #833-808-7452 or by email: tracy@misilc.org.
Self Advocates Speaking Freely
Zoom Group

Self Advocates Speaking Freely is a Zoom group run by disability self-advocates for self-advocates. It helps connect self-advocates nationally and internationally and provides as a support group.

A daily Zoom call, self-advocates can come and hang out and speak to whatever you want. The Zoom was created during early 2020 and still operates on a daily basis starting at 4pm EST. There is a Dance Party hosted every Saturday night by Washington State's own self-advocate and DJ, Shawn Lathom.

  1. Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/696430494518845
  2. In order to join the group, please answer ALL questions.
  3. Once all questions are answered, you are accepted into the group and then can receive the Zoom link.

INFO
Daily
4:00pm
Zoom
Hope for Aging Caregivers

Do you have a loved one with a disability?
Do you feel like you are carrying the world on your shoulders?
Hope for Aging Caregivers is here to help!

The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) has partnered with Hope Trust to bring you the Hope for Aging Caregivers project. This project will guide family caregivers to plan for their loved one’s future. Project participants will work with a Family Support Navigator (FSN) to use the Hope Trust platform to create a care plan. Hope for Aging Caregivers aims to improve the health and well-being of aging family caregivers of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The project will use new technology that enables coordinated, cost-effective, and sustainable care planning.

You have two (2) ways to learn more about this opportunity. You may:

CONTACT
Elizabeth Janks - e.janks@wayne.edu
Nia Anderson - cp8512@wayne.edu
Washtenaw Community Concert Band
Free Community band concerts

Washtenaw Community Concert Band (WCCB) is providing FREE community band concerts.

If you require accommodations, please make a reservation to insure your accommodations are met. There is limited space. If an attendant or a friend will be accompanying you to the concert, please provide this information at the time of your reservation. After you have made your reservation, on the day of your reservation please arrive by 7pm and check in with an usher. A reservation is not required for the April 23 concert.

Please contact Chris Schwartz at concertcoordinator@wccband.org a minimum of 2 weeks in advanced of the concert you would like to attend.
2023 CONCERT DATES
  • Thursday, July 27, 7:30pm - Second Summer Concert: Final concert of the season
Free Virtual Trainings & Resources for Families
Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Disability Network Southwest Michigan is pleased to be entering its second year of the program, Paving the Way to Self Determination, which is now available for families throughout Michigan to assist them in raising the expectations people have for children with developmental disabilities.

This free program focuses on concepts that will introduce children with disabilities and their families to the empowerment that leads to living an independent and self-directed life.

Paving the Way to Self Determination provides free, online educational opportunities and other resources for families on topics such as disability rights, accommodation requests, building resilience, understanding neurodiversity, social security benefits, and disability pride. The program also provides Information & Referral services to families throughout the state and access to the Charting the LifeCourse program for self-determination.

Paving the Way to Self Determination offers an opportunity for families to reframe their mindset about disability. Rather than see disability as something negative or limiting, Paving the Way to Self Determination helps parents and their children to think of disability as a form of diversity.

Let’s raise the bar of expectations so our children can look forward to a brighter future – one of their choosing!

 By introducing families and their children to a different paradigm, one that includes supported decision-making and self-determination, we believe the assumptions and stigma that follow children with disabilities into adulthood can be erased, paving the way to a new path of inclusion and belonging.

Paving the Way to Self-Determination is in collaboration with The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, The Arc Michigan, Michigan Alliance for Families, and Charting The LifeCourse, and is made possible through funding from The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

INFO/CONTACT
Mary Fortney - fortneym@dnswm.org
Common Ground

Common Ground is a 24-hour crisis services agency dedicated to helping youths, adults, and families in crisis. Through their crisis line, in-person, and virtual services, they provide professional and compassionate free service (they’ll ask for insurance information if the individual has it, but don’t turn individuals away). There is also a crisis “urgent care” type facility.
 
Common Ground Crisis line: 1-800-231-1127
 
Fox 2 news interview link:
The mission of Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston is to empower the lives of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more inclusive community for all.