Spring is the time for rebirth, and SILC is channeling this season’s energy into new initiatives and approaches for connecting with the disability community in Michigan. This is the first of a monthly email newsletter recapping key events, accomplishments, and milestones in our work serving and representing people with disabilities. We’ll also proudly highlight staff stories and anecdotes from our disability community about the resources they’ve used to improve their lives. Finally, we’ll be on the move to events across our state sharing information about independent living, the CILs, our goals and objectives from the current State Plan for Independent Living, and highlighting resources from our communities.
This month, get a sneak peek at our new outreach campaign, meet your Ann Arbor-area and Jackson CILs, hear from our Executive Director, and more! Thank you for reading, and if you have a story or photo you’d like to share for a future newsletter, please get in touch!
Executive Director, StEVE LOCKE’S Corner
Throughout April and May, SILC and our IL partners developed and launched our latest statewide outreach initiative: “Shine a Light.” Through this campaign, we’re raising awareness about disability issues and access in our society today, highlighting stories and experiences of people with disabilities throughout Michigan, and “shining a light” on the people and organizations working to make our state and society more inclusive and equitable for people with disabilities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, check out our new Shine a Light landing page, or catch us at an event in your area to see this campaign in action!
SILC recently joined the IMPART Alliance Coalition, an MSU-led research team and alliance working to lift personal care attendants (PCAs) out of poverty, achieve living wages, and invest in the workforce. We continue to support their efforts to increase access to quality PCAs for people with disabilities throughout Michigan and the services they need to live independently.
The 2022 SILC Congress, “Pandemic to Possibilities: SILC Solutions” took place in San Diego from May 16th-18th. MISILC staff met with people from other SILCs, CILs, and DSEs across the county across the country to share ideas and knowledge and attend educational workshops.
SHINE A LIGHT ON LOCAL CILS
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (AACIL)
Since 1976, our CIL has provided vital information and referral, peer and caregiver support, career planning, and awareness and advocacy services to the Ann Arbor, Monroe, and Livingston regional areas. Our staff members are primarily people with disabilities as well, so we understand the challenges facing the communities and people we serve, and are working hard to find solutions alongside our network of partners across Michigan. Connect with us at annarborcil.org, at an upcoming event, or by calling (734) 971-0277 (Ann Arbor) or (734) 682-5271 (Monroe) today!
Meet DISABILITY CONNECTIONS
disAbility Connections knows that independent living means having control over your life and how you live it, and we are dedicated to providing the services and support you need to achieve your goals. Established in 1996, our staff and board include many people with disabilities who can relate to our disability community and effectively advocate for greater access and opportunities. We are proud to be part of the greater Jackson community and bring information and referral, peer support, events, career planning, and many other services to our neighbors. Learn more at j-cil.com or by calling (731) 668-2211.
DISABILITY NETWORK WEST MICHIGAN HELPING TO ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNITY
AND WORKPLACES
On May 18th, Disability Network West Michigan provided an information session to employers interested in learning more about hiring candidates with disabilities. Misperceptions about the disability community contribute to disparities in employment and income/poverty status that greatly impact people’s lives. By dispelling myths and helping employers learn about programs and services available to support employees with disabilities, we hope to increase the number of opportunities available to people with disabilities who are looking for employment.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and people with disabilities experience mental health issues at significantly higher rates than the general population. According to the 2016 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, approximately 28% of adults with disabilities rated their mental health as “poor,” compared to just 8% of adults without disabilities. People with disabilities also have higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and chronic medical conditions that can negatively impact mental health and wellness. If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact your local CIL, or for immediate assistance, the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Camp Sunshine is Back!
Holland, Michigan’s Camp Sunshine has provided fun-filled summer adventures for people with developmental disabilities since 1983. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the camp plans to return this summer with four overnight sessions. Learn more or become a counselor at campsunshinemichigan.org!
Sharing Stories, Finding Solutions
In mid-April, Disability Network Lakeshore launched the first of a new weekly series about living with a disability. In partnership with CILs and Disability Network offices throughout West Michigan, the series is co-edited by Lucia Rios, a Michigan-based disability advocate, and takes a solutions-based approach to help readers understand how they can advocate for people with disabilities and promote access and inclusion for all in their own lives. Find the series here.
Michigan CILs Particpate in Legislative Day at the Michigan Capitol
Tuesday, May 10, staff and community supporters of Michigan's network of CILs participated in a legislative day at the Michigan Capitol. Attendees spent the day meeting with state legislators to discuss the mission and services provided by the 15 Centers for Independent Living that make up the statewide Disability Network Michigan association as well as to highlight local success stories from each of our regions.
Max, a resident of Saginaw County, was eager to meet with multiple legislators and their staff. Max originally came to Disability Network Mid-Michigan (DNMM) for assistance with soft skills to help him maintain his newly acquired job. During the time he was working with DNMM he was connected with our Peer Support Program due to his desire to increase his social network. The Peer Support Program engages individuals in self-advocacy training which was of great interest to Max. He immediately volunteered to attend Legislative Day so he could tell his story about how he is working, maintaining his own apartment, and connecting with others, all due to the assistance of DNMM and Max’s personal desire to be independent. Max was especially excited to connect with his State Representative, Amos O’Neal, and for DNMM staff member Terri Robbins to take this picture to remember the experience.
In addition to meeting with legislators, the network was pleased to recognize two legislators as “Champions of Independent Living:” State Representative Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon) and State Senator Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth).