Disability Network Southwest Michigan's quarterly newsletter |
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Starts October 1st
21-Day Disability Justice Challenge
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We have partnered with United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region to create the 21-Day Disability Justice Challenge which will take place throughout the month of October. The 21-Day Disability Justice Challenge is designed to raise your awareness, increase your understanding, and shift your perspective about disability in our culture.
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Removing barriers opens new doors |
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Hailey, a 22 year old, has all the hopes and dreams of a lot of young women -- get a job, enjoy her friends, and be independent. In Hailey's case, her first step was to figure out how to get out of the house. Hailey has spina bifida, she uses a wheelchair and lives with her family in a split level home.
We were able to coordinate the funding for Hailey to get a stair lift and a ramp at her door. Follow this link to read Hailey's story. |
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Until we meet again . . . |
On September 30, Joel Cooper will be retiring after 20 years with Disability Network and nearly 50 years of supporting people with disabilities to be fully included in their communities.
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2021 Volunteers of the Year
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This year’s Volunteer of the Year was awarded to two brothers, Brad and Dale Dyksterhouse, who have brought a great deal of talent, energy and commitment to the Ramp Up program. They have generously shared their knowledge and guidance in the training of three new building groups for our Ramp Up program.
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” It reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disability Network Southwest Michigan offers several services directed toward businesses to assist with being more inclusive of employees with disabilities. Visit the Business Services page of our website. |
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Kalamazoo On-Demand Transportation Millage |
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On November 2, voters in Kalamazoo County will vote on a tax renewal to support on-demand public transportation van services through the Metro Connect Program. This is not a new tax. “Public transit is an essential service here in Kalamazoo County. People need public transit to get to jobs, medical appointments, grocery shopping and services in the community,” Metro Executive Director Sean McBride said. “Metro Connect is sometimes peoples’ only option to get there and many of the riders are senior citizens and people with disabilities.” |
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Disability Network Online Book Club |
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We are bringing back our book club. The new book club will be held online once every three months. Join us in November for: |
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November 10 | 6PM
Disability Visibility
Edited by: Alice Wong
Activist Alice Wong brings together this urgent, galvanizing collection of contemporary essays by disabled people. This anthology gives a glimpse into the rich complexity of the disabled experience, highlighting the passions, talents, and everyday lives of this community. It invites readers to question their own understandings. It celebrates and documents disability culture in the now.
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Community Education Programming
You can find our upcoming presentations, workshops and webinars on our website. If you have any questions or want to request a workshop for you organization contact Miranda at grunwellm@dnswm.org or 269-345-1516 x120. |
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Disability Network Southwest Michigan serves 8 counties in Southwest Michigan:
Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren
Office Locations:
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Kalamazoo: 517 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Kalamazoo, MI 49001, phone: (269) 345-1516
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St. Joseph: 2900 Lakeview Avenue., St. Joseph, MI 49085, phone: (269) 985-0111
For the accessibility and well-being of our employees and visitors, Disability Network Southwest Michigan is a fragrance-free office. Please do not wear scented products when visiting.
Our Publications:
You can sign up online for our publications at www.dnswm.org, or contact Dale at
abbottd@dnswm.org or (269) 345-1516 x123. Current and past issues of our publications are available on our website.
This newsletter is available in alternative format upon request.
Support Our Work:
You can help support the work we do with a tax-deductible donation to Disability Network. Visit our website to donate online or call Kristen at (269) 345-1516 x119.
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Visit out website to learn more about us:
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