We’re days away from 2023, and in addition to the excitement that’s brewing for new endeavors in the new year, I’ve been reflecting on all the good that 2022 brought. Many of us reconnected in person for the first time since COVID hit. We enjoyed outdoor recreational activities, social gatherings, and educational or supportive sessions with peers. We celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the ADA—recognizing both how far we’ve come and the work that is yet to be done. We also saw how the pandemic has impacted life moving forward—with more remote work and virtual engagement opportunities than ever before. Now, we’re getting ready to welcome the new year, showcase the achievements of disability advocates in Michigan and beyond, and demonstrate what’s possible when we make our spaces and society more accessible and inclusive. Our past year of progress inspires me, and I’m eager to get a head start on the next one. Enjoy the remainder of 2022, and have a safe and happy New Year!
- Steve Locke, Executive Director, MI SILC
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A Look Back
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in December:
Celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities
On December 3rd, the world recognized the dignity, humanity, and value of people with disabilities. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations in 1992. This year’s theme was “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world,” challenging people in many industries to include disability access in new initiatives and use innovation to improve opportunities and outcomes. The UN’s Disability Inclusion Strategy is also a model for how the world can address inclusion and equality on a global scale.
“Weathering” Winter’s Challenges
Winter can be beautiful, but from the mobility impacts of ice and snow to seasonal sadness, it can also be a struggle. The good news is, there are resources to help. Mental health support, snow-clearing assistance, utility payment programs, and more are available through many municipalities and nonprofit organizations. A universal resource is the United Way and Michigan’s 211 program. Dial 211 or visit mi211.org to connect with operators who can direct you to a wide range of local resources. You can also contact your city or county government to inquire about programs and services in your area. Find State of Michigan mental health resources at this link.
Preparing for a Benefits Boost
Inflation has increased the cost of just about everything, but come January, Social Security recipients will see an 8.7% increase in their benefits amounts adjusted based on cost of living. The Social Security Administration mailed letters to recipients in early December notifying them of their new benefit amounts, but the new payment totals are also visible in online accounts. In addition, senior citizens will notice a decrease in Medicare premiums heading into the new year. Learn more about the recent changes at the link below, and connect with your local CIL for help applying for or managing federal and state disability benefits: Social Security Benefits Increase in 2023Social Security Matters (ssa.gov)
Jane Vermuelen award recognizes Michigan disability advocates
Jane Vermuelen spent her life fighting for the dignity and rights of all people with disabilities, and now, Wayne State University is making sure her memory lives on and inspires the work of others. The Jane Vermuelen award will be presented annually to an advocate with a disability who is effecting change in the disability community. The nomination period is January 1 - May 1 each year. Newly created Jane Vermeulen award to recognize leaders in Michigan’s disability community - Today@Wayne - Wayne State University
Disability Network Wayne County employee crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan
Jamie Junior is a mom, advocate, and Disability Network Wayne County-Detroit employee living with Cerebral Palsy. Now, she can add Ms. Wheelchair Michigan to her list of achievements. One of three contenders in Michigan, Ms. Junior was selected for the title based on her work with the disability community and passion for service. She will now move on to the national Ms. Wheelchair America pageant in August 2023. Congratulations on your victory Ms. Junior, and thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of other people with disabilities. Learn more at this link.
Disability advocates make their mark with social media, imagine a Twitter-free future
Social media is where people across the globe go to share their thoughts, viewpoints, and realities with the world, and especially in the era of COVID, it’s become a prime platform for people with disabilities to achieve visibility and representation on their terms. This year, more artists, pop stars, interabled couples, models, and other influencers with disabilities uplifted one another’s voices and demanded their rightful places in our digital and interpersonal societies. Before its controversial purchase in late 2022, Twitter was a leader in accessibility and visibility for people with a wide range of disabilities; with its future uncertain, it remains to be seen which platform will be at the forefront of disability advocacy in 2023 and beyond. Learn more at this link.
Up North Recreation - All of January:
Winter is “Sno-Fun” with Disability Network Upper Peninsula! From Jan. 3rd to 26th, join snow recreation events like snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, and more in Marquette, Escanaba, Houghton, and Ontonagon. Check the calendar at http://www.upsail.org/events/month/2023-01/ to sign up for your preferred date and location!
Technology Seminar: Jan. 4th from 12 to 1pm
Learn to Survive and Thrive with Technology in an inclusive virtual session presented by Disability Network Northern Michigan. Register here: https://www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/virtual-technology-session-january-zoom-meeting/
Spirit Club Fitness Sessions:
Kickstart your New Years’ fitness resolutions with virtual sessions! Choose the link below that matches your preferred date and time.
Mondays 9:30 to 10:30am DNSWM https://www.dnswm.org/spirit-club/
Mondays and Wednesdays 4 to 5pm Ann Arbor CIL https://www.annarborcil.org/calendar/month/2023-01/
Wednesdays 1:30 to 2:30pm DNNM https://www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/spirit-club-january-zoom-meetings/
Virtual Movie Club with Ann Arbor CIL!
Jan. 5th and every Thursday from 4 to 5pm.
Learn more at https://www.annarborcil.org/event/virtual-movie-club/2023-01-05/
Trivia Tuesdays with Ann Arbor CIL!
Jan. 10th and every Tuesday from 4 to 5pm.
Learn more at https://www.annarborcil.org/event/trivia-tuesdays/2023-01-10/
Virtual Healthy Cooking Class with DNEM!
Jan. 10 and 17 from 11am to 12pm.
Register at https://www.dnemichigan.org/event/virtual-healthy-cooking-class/2023-01-10/
Disability Remakes the World Seminar with DAKC!
Jan. 10th from 10am to 2pm Learn more and purchase tickets at https://www.dakc.us/event/disability-remakes-the-world-embracing-accessibility-challenges-as-design-opportunities/
WEBINAR: The Basics of Supported Decision Making with DNSWM
Jan. 12th from 3:30 to 5pm. Learn more or register at https://www.dnswm.org/event/the-basics-of-supported-decision-making-ptwtsd/
Inclusive Art with DNEM’s REC-IT Program
Jan. 12th and 26th from 1 to 2pm.
Register here: https://www.dnemichigan.org/event/rec-it-class-art-class-4-week-series/2023-01-12/
Webmovie and Discussion with DNSWM
Jan. 13th from 10 to 12pm.
Register at https://www.dnswm.org/event/defiant-lives/
Caring Connections for Parents with Disabilities via Ann Arbor CIL
Jan. 17th from 7 to 8pm.
Sign up at https://www.annarborcil.org/event/caringconnections-3/2023-01-17/
WEBINAR: Rise Up – Disability History, Resistance, and Pride
Jan. 23rd, 1:30 to 3pm
https://www.dnswm.org/webinar-rise-up-disability-resistance-history-pride/
Social Night Out with REC-IT Ft. Gratiot
Jan. 25th, 6 to 8pm.
Sign up at https://www.dnemichigan.org/event/rec-it-night-fort-gratiot/
Feathers and Fedoras Fundraising Gala for Disability Network Mid-Michigan.
Feb. 11th from 5:30 to 10pm
Tickets at https://www.dnmm.org/events