A Summer of Advocacy & Celebration @ SILC

Kids are heading back to school, leaves are starting to turn, and we’re looking back on an August filled with educational opportunities, recreation, and fun across Michigan. Amid all the excitement this past month, we worked to make real progress on our State Independent Living Plan goals and to enhance the lives of Michiganders with disabilities. From educating people about ableism and bias to helping people plan for emergencies to hosting social and recreational gatherings, SILC and the CILs are raising awareness, changing perspectives, and promoting inclusion one webinar, celebration, or event at a time. We’re grateful for your support and proud to serve our Michigan communities. 


For the latest news, events, and resources, follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit www.misilc.org.


August Recap

In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in August:

 

Disability Equity Challenge

The Disability Equity Challenge invited people to challenge their assumptions about disability and promoted understanding, inclusion, and equity by signing up to receive 21 awareness-raising emails over 21 weekdays. The CILs and United Way organizations across Michigan co-led this effort to shift our culture’s perspectives and expectations of people with disabilities. We had a total of 1496 participants from South Central Michigan United Way counties (Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo), Washtenaw County.

 

Emergency Planning Training

Our State Plan for Independent Living Objective 1.3 is to ensure people with disabilities are prepared for a range of emergency situations, from natural disasters to pandemics. In August, Disability Network Mid-Michigan hosted a three-session training program to teach over 100 participants how to create an action plan and support network, develop a “Go Kit” and evacuation plan, and to complete advanced care directives and ensure their personal safety. 

 

DiversAbility Days

On August 5th and 25th, Disability Network Eastern Michigan and Oakland County Parks teamed up to provide two DiversAbility Days of accessible recreation for everyone. Participants enjoyed food, fun, and activities including archery, fishing, biking, pontoon boat rides, and geocaching. Everyone had a great time

 

National Senior Citizens Day

Senior citizens comprise a growing part of Michigan’s population and the disability community, and they deserve our recognition and support. They are also a key part of our outreach and State Plan for Independent Living. #NationalSeniorCitizensDay occurred on August 21st and reminded us all to respect the contributions and important roles of our elders, help them age-in-place, and acknowledge our collective need for access and inclusion. Find resources for senior citizens at your local CIL: dnmichigan.org/cils/ 

 
 

Allen Beauchamp​

Board Member Allen Beauchamp and his wife Joan live in Negaunee in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Allen oversees environmental, health, safety, and employee training procedures at Argonics, Inc. In addition to his role at MISILC, Allen is a board member and treasurer at Disability Network Upper Peninsula (SAIL), a member of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council, and the General Manager of the only adaptive sled hockey organization in the Upper Peninsula. In his free time, Allen enjoys playing sled hockey, adaptive downhill skiing, hand cycling, kayaking, and going for rides with his wife on their side-by-side.

Melinda Kulasa

Melinda "Mindy" Kulasa is a MISILC Board Member and has spent her career helping people and nonprofits thrive. She is currently a Preferred Educator with Professional Edustaff and Educational Services Group, previously owned a professional advisory services firm helping nonprofits and small businesses, and worked in development for the Bronson Health Foundation and in leadership roles at First of America / National City Bank. She is also a chairperson and past treasurer of the board for Disability Network--Southwest Michigan,  and has served with many other organizations in Southwest Michigan including Saint Ann Parish, Vineyard Academy, Junior Achievement, Michigan City CDC, and the United Way. 

Stephanie Deible

Stephanie Deible is a MISILC Board Member and disability services professional devoted to empowering people with disabilities and promoting independent living. She is a Community Inclusion Specialist with Disability Network West Michigan, a Youth Engaged in Leading and Learning ambassador with Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, and the prior Executive Director of Ms. Wheelchair America, a nonprofit organization giving women who use wheelchairs a platform for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and advocating for themselves and others.

 
 

Zoom Trivia Tuesdays
Every Tuesday at 1:30pm
Test your trivia skills and make some friends on Zoom with the Ann Arbor CIL’s virtual trivia. RSVP to anna@aacil.org or call 734-971-0277 x 17

Paving the Way to Self-Determination Program

Paving the Way to Self Determination is an online program supporting children with developmental disabilities (ages birth-12) and their families by introducing the concepts and tools they need to lead self-determined lives.
Topics include:
Disability Pride, History, and Allyship
Social Security Benefits 
Supported Decision Making
How to Ask for an Accomodation

Learn more or register at www.dnswm.org/services_menu/independent-living/paving-the-way-to-self-determination/

 

55+ Virtual Peer Support Group
Every Thursday at 1pm Starting Sept. 1st

Connect with other people with disabilities aged 55 and older to discuss various topics related to living with a disability. Group meets via Zoom and pre-registration is required; call (313) 788-0794 for more information. 

Weekly Webinars

Join Disability Network Southwest Michigan each week in September for webinars addressing ableism and serving customers with disabilities. Days and times vary; visit  www.dnswm.org/events/2022-09/ to learn more or register. 

Webmovie Code of the Freaks
September 30th at 10:00 am

A documentary film examining the representation of disabled people in film and the impact on perceptions and identity. Learn more or register at www.dnswm.org/webmovie-code-of-freaks/

 
 

Increasing Access in Michigan’s Great Outdoors

Did you know that recreational areas across Michigan have made major changes to improve accessibility? From track wheelchairs at Sleeping Bear Dunes to adaptive systems at Interlochen Center for the Arts for people with hearing impairments, organizations are making inclusion a priority in Michigan’s top vacation spots. Learn more about accessible destinations in Michigan at www.traversecity.com/blog/post/accessing-the-inaccessible/ or by connecting with your local CIL: dnmichigan.org/cils/

New Parking Signs for New Perceptions

In August, one day before the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4075 and HB 4076, which update accessible parking signs across Michigan. The new signs replace the word “handicapped” with “reserved” and depict a more active person using a wheelchair, challenging stereotypes and perceptions about people with disabilities or those who need mobility assistance. MISILC, the CILs, and several other partners in the disability rights movement have worked for years to modify the prior design, which was adopted in 1969. Learn more at  www.dnmm.org/post/state-of-michigan-approves-update-to-parking-signs-for-people-with-disabilities

MISILC Executive Committee Chair Statement on Kamala Harris’ ADA Anniversary Speech

To honor the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Vice President Kamala Harris attended a roundtable discussion about disability rights. 

As the group went around the table and introduced themselves, the Vice President also mentioned her pronouns and a description of what she was wearing. 

And that was all it took for social media, and even other politicians, to erupt and begin mocking her for it. That moment broke my heart. 

The truth is all VP Harris was doing was giving a quick aid for the visually impaired. Self-description is meant to be helpful to those who are blind or have low vision.

As Chair of Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), I see the obstacles that Michiganders with disabilities face every day, including those with visual impairments. The goal of our organization is to help them live full and independent lives. In order to do that, it requires some level of acceptance and accommodation from all of us, just as the VP provided. 

On the anniversary of the ADA being signed into law, how fitting that the VP considered people in her audience who experience low vision or blindness.  It takes just a few seconds to add a description of yourself or the space you are in, yet it is a way to connect with audience members who, for any number of reasons, can’t see the speaker.  Most people understand why it is important to have close captions and/or sign language interpreters available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.  Adding one or two sentences to describe the speaker and setting is exactly the same. Imagine reading a novel or play that does not contain any descriptions of the characters or setting.  That is hard to imagine because such a book would not sell. 

What does it say about us when rather than applaud our VP for acknowledging those with disabilities, we choose to mock her all over social media? I can only hope this was a teachable moment for some who didn’t understand what she was doing. Even if it only impacted a few people, we took a step forward. I also take solace in the fact that our highest levels of leadership are acknowledging people with disabilities and listening to them. I can only hope that this, along with other aids, becomes a familiar and common practice one day. I think we can get there, but it will require empathy and the willingness to learn from all of us. 

Jan Lampman

Chair of Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council

MI SILC July Newsletter

It’s been 32 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and while so much has changed, creating truly accessible communities takes time. It also takes a combination of resources and initiatives from organizations across our state and country. That’s where our CILs come in. From raising awareness and reducing intrinsic bias to connecting residents with career support, home modification assistance, life planning, and more, each CIL provides valuable services that make independent living possible today while we work to achieve a more accessible tomorrow. This month’s issue recaps the incredible events and opportunities organized by our CILs and helps us make the most of summer this August with more great events and educational opportunities. 

SILC is also seeking new council members! If you are passionate about creating a more accessible Michigan and serving our residents and communities, learn more about our council or submit an application today. 

Thanks for reading, and follow us on Instagram or Facebook for more events, resources, and the latest news.

 

July Recap

Man with long beard and woman with short hair stand behind a table with a white cloth outside


Celebrating ADA Day Across Michigan
Our CILs and partners held celebrations across Michigan to recognize the importance of this law and for some much-needed social engagement. From picnics in the park to family-friendly activities and live music, our celebrations were memorable and exciting. Check out the great photos captured by participants and CIL staff!

Remembering Mike Zelley
Mike Zelley was a devoted advocate for disability rights at every level, a community leader, and co-founder and former President of The Disability Network. He also served as the Chair of the National Task Force on Technology and Disability, where he spearheaded the implementation of 20+ national disability-related policies. He was also a prior Chair of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, the statewide MIJOB Coalition, and a participant on countless boards, committees, and councils in Flint and Genesee County. We are devastated by his loss and grateful for his lifelong commitment to people with disabilities. Our condolences are with Mike’s wife, Lana, and his family. The Disability Network intends to name its new building in honor of Mike, and his family has designated TDN as the recipient of memorial contributions. Make a gift in honor of Mike here.


The Philosophy of Independent Living
Our approach to independent living is based on four key concepts: choice, control, freedom, and equality. Our CILs, partners, Statewide Plan for Independent Living, and day-to-day operations focus on promoting these concepts and helping people live the lives they envision. Learn more about the origins of this philosophy at The Independent Living Institute.


Mosaic @ SVSU
There’s still time to see Mosaic, an inclusive art exhibition at Marshall M. Fredericks Museum at Saginaw Valley State University! Running through August 27th, the exhibition features and celebrates art created by community members with and without disabilities on 16 x 20 canvases. Learn more or plan your visit at marshallfredericks.org/mosaic


Michigan Alliance for Families
The Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, referral, education, mentorship, and more to Michigan families who have children with disabilities and/or who receive or are eligible for special education services. They are instrumental in helping residents support their children in achieving their educational goals. Connect with the Michigan Alliance for Families at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org

Great Lakes Loan Closets
For people in need of durable medical equipment and mobility aids temporarily, Great Lakes Loan Closets provide connections to local organizations that offer no- or low-cost equipment loans. Find a resource near you at loanclosets.org/michigan

Steve Locke

SILC's Executive Director, Steve Locke, has been a committed advocate for people with disabilities since growing up with two siblings with significant disabilities. He worked with Disability Network Mid-Michigan from 2006-2019, was appointed to the MISILC council by Governor Granholm and a MISILC council member for six years, and is now MISILC's Executive Director. When he's not helping MISILC create a more inclusive and accessible Michigan, he enjoys spending time with his husband and raising rescued Great Danes and English Mastiffs. 

Jamia Davis

Jamia Davis is the Secretary of the MISILC Executive Committee and is eager to use her skills and empathy to help other people with disabilities thrive. A graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, Jamia received one of just two Leadership Achievement Awards for her graduating class. She completed her internship in Estate Planning, including powers of attorney and guardianship matters, and was recently admitted to the Michigan Bar Association. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, volunteering, and going to concerts.

Glen Ashlock

Glen Ashlock is a SILC Board Member and the Assistive Technology Manager at the Region 2 Area Agency on Aging. He has spent more than 30 years teaching classes and working with individuals with a wide range of disabilities to provide assistive technology services and increase safety and independence. As a member of the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame both individually and with the Michigan Thunderbirds, he is a strong advocate for sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Glen earned an MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan and is a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional. Glen is married and enjoys cycling and boating with his family.

Inclusive Kayaking Workshops with Disability Network Eastern Michigan on August 4th in Shelby Township and August 12th in Leonard, Michigan from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm (kayaking sessions are 90 minutes long). All abilities are welcome, no kayak experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. Register for Shelby Township here or for Leonard here.

My Personal Protection Plan (MyP3) emergency planning seminars with Disability Network Mid-Michigan. August 4th, 10th, and 18th from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. In seminar one, create an action plan and support network, then pack your “go kit” and make an evacuation plan in part two, and finally, focus on personal safety and advanced care directives in session three. Register at the link here.

DiversAbility Day in Oakland County, August 5th from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Try adaptive sports including archery, kayaking, bicycling, pontoon boating, cornhole, and geocaching. Learn more or register here!

DiversAbility Day in Oakland County, August 5th from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. Try adaptive sports including archery, kayaking, bicycling, pontoon boating, cornhole, and geocaching. Learn more or register at the link here!

Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette, August 11th from 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. The language we use is powerful and can reveal hidden assumptions we might not realize we have. This webinar allows participants to explore new ideas, ask questions in a safe environment, and challenge assumptions about what it means to live with a disability. Learn more or register at the link here!

Raise money and go “Over the Edge” On August 20th with Disability Network Flint & Genesee! Take the leap for independence and help us meet our $80,000 fundraising goal to support people with disabilities in our county. Participants who raise $500 with the help of friends and family can rappel down the side of the Durant Luxury Apartments on August 20, 2022! Learn more and sign up here.

WebMovie: The “R” Word, August 24th from 3:00 pm-4:30 pm. The R-Word documentary film confronts the word retard(ed) through the stories, hopes, and dreams of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their siblings. Register at WebMovie: The “R” Word | Disability Network Southwest Michigan (dnswm.org)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council Celebrates the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

LANSING, Mich. (July 25, 2022) – As we celebrate the 32-year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, it’s important to highlight our state’s own efforts to aid Michiganders living with disabilities. Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council (MI-SILC) is tasked with helping those with disabilities live independent and successful lives across the state. 

“The anniversary of the ADA is such an important milestone,” says Steve Locke, MI-SILC’s executive director. “It was a critical step towards equality for those with disabilities, but we obviously still have a very long way to go.” 

MI-SILC, and their partners, promote a philosophy of independent living. This includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access, and individual and systems advocacy to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity of people with disabilities. They promote integration and full inclusion of people with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

“We really are just a conduit,” says Jan Lampman, MI-SILC’s Executive Committee Chair and Council Member. “We connect folks with our statewide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), who offer lots of resources to help them live independent lives.” 

The CILs provide an array of services and programs. For example, the Disability Network of Kent County (DAKC), which covers Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties, aims to help individuals with physical, cognitive, mental, and sensory disabilities and their families. They have a variety of projects underway. DAKC raised $2.5 million to fund its Capital Campaign to renovate new space on the Special Olympics Michigan campus. Their occupational therapy team is helping seniors by completing home modifications and allowing them to age at home. DAKC also is completing a summer career preparation workshop for youth and they kicked off a young professional group with networking opportunities and service projects. They are consulting with businesses and organizations about how they can include accessibility, including a recent partnership with Gerald R. Ford International Airport for an accessibility review. They also reach out to traditionally marginalized populations with their Black & Brown Community Partner Luncheons. 

“We have so much going on here,” says Nathan Slauer, DAKC’s Annual Fund Manager. “We’re a very cohesive team and we are working relentlessly to help our community’s residents with disabilities. I think that’s apparent from what we’ve achieved, but we’re not letting our foot off the gas anytime soon.” 

SILC’s partnership with the CILs has led to many success stories. Jeffrey VanDyke, a peer mentor and graphic designer with Disability Network of West Michigan (DNWM), which covers Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Lake, and Mason Counties, originally started out as a consumer. 

“I initially came to DNWM as a consumer,” says VanDyke. “From there, I volunteered and ultimately participated in an On-Job-Experience at our DNWM office. It essentially is a trial work period where I was able to try out various work accommodations in a safe environment and with the support of coworkers in an inclusive atmosphere. Ultimately, I was hired as a graphic designer in 2019, a position which I still hold today, and I have expanded into being a peer mentor as well.” 

For more information or to connect with a CIL in your area, please visit https://www.misilc.org. 


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Warm weather is finally here, and this is the closest we’ve been to a “post-pandemic” summer in two years: it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors and our Michigan communities, both local and distant. The good news is, our CILs have the resources to help you make every vacation or staycation memorable. In this month’s issue, we’ll recap some of June’s most important topics and exciting events, say hello to our featured CILs and staff, and discuss what’s on the horizon for SILC and the disability community come July. 

We’re glad to have you with us on this journey! Thanks for reading, and if you’re looking for the latest from SILC, find us on Instagram or Facebook.


- Steve Locke, MI SILC Executive Director

June Recap

The More You Know…
This month, DNSWM hosted a series of interactive webinars addressing ableism, neurodiversity, the intersection of LGBTQ+ and disability rights movements in honor of Pride Month, and more. These informative sessions provided a useful foundation for people learning more about disability rights or working to become allies and advocates for the movement. Sessions begin again in September—stay on top of the latest webinars and events at https://www.dnswm.org/events/

Michigan Recreation for Everybody
Participants had an amazing time at the Accessible Recreation Day on June 16th, hosted by Disability Network Northern Michigan, Grand Traverse County, and Norte. The event featured hands-on, family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy and introductions to local disability resources. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next summer or check out other DNNM events at https://www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/

Great Ideas & Guest Speakers Galore 
Absolutely Accessible Kent! took place on June 9th to discuss how to increase access and inclusion throughout Kent County. The event featured Keynote Speaker Robin Jones plus architecture and planning experts Jonathan White and Hansel Baumann. Participants learned about the DeafSpace variety of inclusive design, how Universal Design improves urban planning and envisioned a world accessible to all.

Experience Accessibility
The Kent County Home Accessibility Center is open now! Located within Disability Advocates of Kent County’s space in the Special Olympics United Sports & Inclusion Center, this interactive showroom demonstrates how residents can modify bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home to promote accessibility. To learn more, contact Disability Advocates of Kent County at (616) 949-1100

 

How prepared are you? Make an Emergency Plan today!
From severe weather to food and water shortages to a pandemic, having a plan for the unexpected can literally save your life. Disability Network Capital Area has launched a unique program that helps residents with disabilities and their families develop emergency plans, survival kits, and more. Take a course or get started on your plan today at https://www.dncap.org/programming/emergency-preparedness-programming/

Are you over age 62 and living with a disability?
You may qualify for grant funding to modify your home! Disability Network Kent County is the proud recipient of one of just 32 Housing and Urban Development Older Adults Home Modification grants. They will be using the grants to help lower-income seniors modify their homes and age in place in their communities. Recipients must be over 62, own a home, and earn less than 80 percent of the median income in their area. Contact Disability Network Kent County to learn more!  

Maria Paton-Glassbrook
Disability Network–Capital Area

Maria is the Community Resilience Coordinator, she started her role at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. From organizing COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics to developing our unique emergency preparedness program, Maria is a vital part of our team and an asset to our clients and communities.

Jan Lampman
SILC Board Member

Jan is a career advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, having served in roles ranging from Direct Support Professional to Group Home Manager. Today, she is a SILC Board Member, the mom of two young men, and the owner of Community Drive, a training and consulting organization helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities thrive. Jan is a vital part of our organization and is committed to supporting people with disabilities in achieving their goals. 

Dr. Frank Animikwam
SILC Board Member

Frank is a Family Medicine physician, husband, father, Citizen of the Waganakising, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and a tireless advocate for disability rights. He brings a unique medical perspective and critical representation for both Native American communities and the Northern Michigan region to our organization, and we’re grateful for his work

 

Webinar: Disability Pride

July 14, 1:30-3:30pm

In this interactive webinar, we will explore and celebrate our disabilities as an important part of who we are

Oakland County Fair: Individuals with Disabilities Day

July 14, 9:00-3:00pm
Davisburg, MI

Join Disability Network Eastern Michigan at the Oakland County Fair for music, games, exhibits, and free rides during Individuals with Disabilities Day!

Inclusive Kayaking

July 16, 10:00-2:00pm
Port Huron, MI

Come join a fun group and learn the sport of kayaking in a safe, accessible environment.  All abilities are welcome, no kayak experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. 

Gerber National Baby Food Festival: Kids with Disabilities Day

July 21, 8:30-1:30pm
Fremont, MI

Join Disability Network West Michigan for activities, fun, and to learn about resources available for kids with a wide range of disabilities.  

Inclusive Kayaking

July 22, 9:30-4:00pm
Clarkston, MI

Come join a fun group and learn the sport of kayaking in a safe, accessible environment.  All abilities are welcome, no kayak experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. 

ADA Day Picnic

July 26, 10:00-2:00pm
Port Huron, MI

Join Disability Network Eastern Michigan for a party in the park with food, games, and entertainment to celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADA Day Picnic

July 27, 4:00-7:00pm
Auburn, MI

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan and Personal Assistance Options invite you to join them for live music, food trucks, fun and games, kayaking, and fishing.  

ADA 32nd Anniversary Celebration

July 28 11:00-2:00pm
Lansing, MI

Disability Network Capital Area invites you to enjoy this year's 32nd annual Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Access for All Celebration

July 29 3:00-5:00pm
Kalamazoo, MI

Celebrate inclusion and the 32nd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Light summer snacks provided. 

Join us for these upcoming July Events!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council Helps Michiganders with Disabilities Across the State

LANSING, Mich. (June, 2022) – Michigan’s Statewide Independent Living Council (MI-SILC) has been helping Michiganders with disabilities live independent and successful lives across Michigan. 

“We really are just a conduit,” says Jan Lampman, MI-SILC’s Executive Committee Chair and Council Member. “We connect folks with our statewide network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs), who offer lots of resources to help them live independent lives.” 

The CILs provide an array of services and programs. For example, the Disability Network of Kent County (DAKC), which covers Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties, aims to help individuals with physical, cognitive, mental, and sensory disabilities and their families. They have a variety of projects underway. DAKC raised $2.5 million to fund its Capital Campaign to renovate new space on the Special Olympics Michigan campus. Their occupational therapy team is helping seniors by completing home modifications and allowing them to age at home. DAKC also is completing a summer career preparation workshop for youth and they kicked off a young professional group with networking opportunities and service projects. They are consulting with businesses and organizations about how they can include accessibility, including a recent partnership with Gerald R. Ford International Airport for an accessibility review. They also reach out to traditionally marginalized populations with their Black & Brown Community Partner Luncheons. 

“We have so much going on here,” says Nathan Slauer, DAKC’s Annual Fund Manager. “We’re a very cohesive team and we are working relentlessly to help our community’s residents with disabilities. I think that’s apparent from what we’ve achieved, but we’re not letting our foot off the gas anytime soon.” 

SILC’s partnership with the CILs has led to many success stories. Jeffrey VanDyke, a peer mentor and graphic designer with Disability Network of West Michigan (DNWM), which covers Muskegon, Oceana, Newaygo, Lake, and Mason Counties, originally started out as a consumer. 

“I initially came to DNWM as a consumer,” says VanDyke. “From there, I volunteered and ultimately participated in an On-Job-Experience at our DNWM office. It essentially is a trial work period where I was able to try out various work accommodations in a safe environment and with the support of coworkers in an inclusive atmosphere. Ultimately, I was hired as a graphic designer in 2019, a position which I still hold today, and I have expanded into being a peer mentor as well.” 

For more information or to connect with a CIL in your area, please visit https://www.misilc.org. 

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Shine Your Light With SILC

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).