A publication of Disability Network Southwest Michigan 
October 2016 
The LINK disability network logo  

www.dnswm.org
Disability Network
Southwest Michigan
Office Locations: 
517 E. Crosstown Pkwy
Kalamazoo, MI  49001
(269) 345-1516

2900 Lakeview Avenue
St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 985-0111
 
Toll Free:
 (877) 674-5209 
Serving 8 counties in
Southwest Michigan:
BARRY 
BERRIEN 
BRANCH 
CALHOUN 
CASS 
KALAMAZOO 
ST. JOSEPH 
VAN BUREN 
Mission Statement 
We educate and connect people with disabilities to resources while advocating social change. 
Vision Statement 
Our vision is a community that values disability as human diversity, free of attitudinal barriers, where all people benefit with full access and inclusion. 
Disability Network
Publications
The LINK is our quarterly newsletter with information about Disability Network events and programing, as well as general information and updates about disability issues. 
Disability Digest is a monthly e-newsletter focused on Disability Rights issues and upcoming Disability Network happenings.
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Business & Disability Bulletin is a bi-annual e-newsletter directed at businesses & organizations wanting to stay informed about regulations and best practices regarding disability employment.
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This newsletter is available in alternative format upon request.  
Your Vote Matters!

Your Voice _ Your Vote People with disabilities are important in every
election. The people that get elected will make
decisions that affect our day-to-day lives. Voting is
a basic civil right, but sometimes we are told that
we cannot vote or should not vote because of our
disabilities. This is not true. Know your rights!
October is Disability Employment
Awareness Month

_InclusionWorks October is National Disability Employment Awareness
Month. The purpose of which is to educate people
about disability employment issues and celebrate the
many and varied contributions of America's workers
with disabilities.

Held annually, National Disability Employment
Awareness Month is led by the U.S. Department of
Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, but
its true spirit lies in the many observances held at
the grassroots level across the nation every year.
Disability & Employment Workshops
woman pondering As a person with a disability you may be wondering what you should or should not say to your employer, or a prospective employer, about your disability or medical condition. Disability Network is offering a FREE workshop that will inform you of your rights in regards to disclosing your disability at work. You will also learn how to ask your employer for an accommodation and get employment resources to help  navigate your workplace.

This workshop is being offered in five locations throughout our region. Follow this link for more information & a workshop schedule.
Nursing Facility Transition Program
woman at kitchen table The goal of Disability Network's Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program is to provide individuals, regardless of their disability or age, the opportunity to choose community-based living as a viable alternative to nursing facility residency.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan assists with Nursing Facility Transition throughout our eight-county service area. Click here to learn more about the NFT Program.

You can help support our NFT program!
Our Nursing Facility Transition (NFT) program works to help
people in nursing facilities move back into the community.
Some of these people are in need of basic household items.
You can help support our NFT program by donating new or
gently used household items. The value of your donation is tax deductible.Contact Lisa Hansen (269) 345-1516 x111.

Bridging the Gap Bridging the Gap 
Nursing Facility Transition is just one example of how Disability Network is bridging the gap for people with disabilities in  Southwest Michigan. Person-centered planning is incorporated into transition services so that people with disabilities are educated about options and make choices
about their life based on their own individual needs and desires. This is at the heart of each of our core services: Information & Referral, Independent Living, Transition, Peer Support, and Community Education & Advocacy. 
Lunchtime Book Club with a Movie!
Wednesday, December 7, 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. (Kalamazoo & St. Joseph)
 Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving At December's Lunchtime Book Club meeting we will
enjoy a light lunch, discuss the book and then watch the
movie. Didn't read the book? Come join us for lunch and
the movie!
The Revised Fundamentals  of Caregiving by Jonathan Evisonis bursting with energy and filled with moments of absolute  beauty. The story ponders life's terrible surprises as well as what it takes to truly care for another human being.

For more information or to RSVP visit the Book Club page of our website.