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.
Less-Than-Happy Holidays: Dealing with Loneliness and Sadness this Season
For some people, the holiday season is the happiest of them all…for others, it’s the hardest. Many people struggle with loneliness, sadness, and even full-on seasonal depression this time of year, making it difficult to feel particularly festive. Financial stress, a lack of friend or family support and companionship, grief over lost loved ones, and the high expectations of gift giving and celebrating can take a toll if you let them. Whatever you’re feeling this December, the best gift you can give to yourself and those around you is prioritizing your own well-being. Below are five tips for protecting your mental health over the holidays!
Practicing Gratitude and Planning New Goals at MI SILC
November brought unseasonably warm weather, gatherings with friends and family, and opportunities to connect with people across our communities. Now, as we approach the new year, we’re looking back on our achievements in 2022 and planning even more education, advocacy, and community-building for 2o23.
Candidates with Disabilities Make Their Marks on the Ballot and in Their Communities
Approximately 26% of Americans live with disabilities, yet, disability is a form of diversity often underrepresented in our government and community leaders. At MISILC, we believe that the best way to create inclusive communities is to put people with disabilities at the helm, bringing new perspectives and demonstrating how to harness our talents.
Planning the Happiest of Holiday Seasons!
October was scarily good here at SILC as we shared resources and information with our communities, participated in social and recreational events, and gathered your insight to hone our FY2024 State Plan for Independent Living. We also honored Disability Employment Awareness Month with educational webinars for employers and job-seekers and showed how inclusion makes all of our worlds better. Now, we’re looking ahead to the holiday season and planning even more outreach and activities in support of independent living. See what we accomplished this past month and what’s on the horizon for SILC and the CILs! Thank you for your support,
- Steve Locke, MI SILC Executive Director
For the latest news, events, and resources, follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit www.misilc.org.
Share Your Insights!
Different month, different survey! We’re seeking responses from people with disabilities and their families about potential service needs and resource gaps in your community. This survey will help SILC and the CILs, plus Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP), and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) provide the best service possible to our residents.
Please click the link that applies to you below, and thank you for your participation!
If you are a Michigan resident with a disability, click here.
If you are a family member or a friend of a Michigan resident with a disability, click here.
A Look Back
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in October:
Disability Employment Month
October was Disability Employment Month, and it is an important reminder that people with disabilities are capable and dedicated employees and that they are still more likely to be un- or underemployed compared to people without disabilities. Last month, our CILs hosted webinars for employers about how to make workplaces more inclusive and how a diverse staff benefits everyone, and we’ll have more training sessions to come. Together, we can battle misperceptions and reduce disparities in the workforce for people with disabilities.
Invisible Disability Awareness Week
Invisible disabilities are too often overlooked, even though they can have as much of an impact on our lives as more apparent disabilities. Ensuring people with invisible disabilities have the resources they need starts with raising awareness about this issue. In a win for disability rights advocates and organizations like us, Governor Whitmer signed a proclamation declaring Oct 16-22nd as “Invisible Disability Awareness Week.” This is a crucial step in broadening society’s perceptions of disability.
The Inclusion Event
On Oct. 13, DisAbility Connections brought participants together for “The Inclusion Event,” a night of socializing, art, and a fun food-preparation experience with The Great British Baking Show contestant Lizzie Acker. It was a fantastic evening for all, and we can’t wait for next year’s event!
Disability Network Northern Michigan has proudly served northern lower Michigan since 2002. Based in Traverse City, DNNM is led by a board and staff composed primarily of people with disabilities. They provide independent living support, career planning, recreation and social opportunities, and more for people with apparent and “invisible” disabilities alike. Thank you to DNNM for your hard work!
Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula (SAIL) is the UP’s resource for information and referral, peer support, career planning, recreation, and many other services. SAIL is based in Marquette and has served communities across the UP since 1998. They are proud to promote inclusion and fight ableism every day with their important work. Thank you, SAIL!
Spirit Club Fitness: Join a one-hour, inclusive virtual exercise program.
Click your preferred dates or locations below to register:
Mondays from 9:30 - 10:30 AM via Disability Network Southwest Michigan
Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. via Disability Network Northern Michigan
Intro to Neurodiversity
Learn about ableism, inclusion, and neurodiversity in our Intro to Neurodiversity webinar series.
Thursday, November 3, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wednesday, November 9, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Citizen Sam Documentary
Nov. 11, 10am-12pm: Learn about the life and experiences of Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic city councilor running for mayor of Vancouver. Join us online or by phone, and register at https://www.dnswm.org/webmovie-citizen-sam/
Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals Webinar
Learn about the differences between service animals and emotional support animals, including relevant laws. RSVP at https://www.dnswm.org/webinar-dos-donts-of-assistance-animals-2/
Thursday, November 17, 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Tuesday, November 29, 1:30 - 3:00 PM
Book Club: All Our Families
(by Jennifer Natalya Fink)
Start reading now and join the online book club on Dec. 15 from 12pm-1:30pm to discuss Fink’s exploration of disability and family narratives. Sign up at https://www.dnswm.org/event/online-book-club-4/
Men’s and Women’s Peer Support
Zoom Men’s Group, Mondays from 10am-11am hosted by Disability Network Northern Michigan. RSVP at https://www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/mens-group-november-zoom-meetings-2/
Zoom Women’s Group, Tuesdays from 11am-12:30pm hosted by Disability Network Southwest Michigan. RSVP at https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group-2021-10-05-2022-09-27/2022-11-08/
Thriving With Technology
Learn how to use technology safely with Disability Network Northern Michigan. Join a weekly Wednesday session or our monthly one-day training. To register, click the link for the date/time/topic you prefer below:
Nov. 2, 12pm-1pm (TikTok, Instagram)
Nov. 16, 12pm-1pm (Alexa and FitBit)
Trivia Tuesdays with the Ann Arbor CIL
Test your knowledge via Zoom every Tuesday from 1:30pm-2:30pm.
RSVP to anna@aacil.org or 734-971-0277 x 17
LGBTQ+ and Disability
Nov. 17, 6pm-7pm: Discuss issues at the intersection of disability and LGBTQ+ identity in a peer group—join Disability Network Eastern Michigan’s RISE: LGBTQ + Disability Peer Support Group: https://www.dnemichigan.org/event/rise-lgbtq-disability-peer-support-group/2022-11-17/
Parents and Disability Support
For resources and peer support while raising a child with a disability, join our parent peer support groups. Click the link of your preferred session to learn more or sign up!
Nov 15 from 7pm-9pm, hosted by Disability Network Northern Michigan
Nov 21 from 12pm-1pm, hosted by Disability Network Eastern Michigan
A PlayABLE Park for Port Huron
Port Huron is the latest city to make sure everyone can have a fun-filled playground experience. Port Huron Parks & Rec is currently revamping the Gratiot Park playground to include an accessible merry-go-round, wheelchair swings, a ramped play structure, and more. “PlayABLE Walk and Roll” is expected to open in Spring 2023. Learn more: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/the-keel/devnews/PlayABLE.aspx
A Dedicated Doctor and a Generous Grant = Better Opportunities for All
Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, physician and Director of UofM Disability Services and Adaptive Sports program, recently received a million-dollar grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support programming for people living with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Okanlami was a high-performance athlete and trained to be a physician when he experienced a spinal cord injury himself in 2013. He learned about adaptive sports during physical therapy and has advocated for access and inclusion in recreation, medicine, and our greater society ever since. Read more about Dr. Okanlami and this grant at https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/hero-doctor-dedicated-empowering-disabled-community-receives-million-91785093 or find inclusive athletic opportunities for people with a range of disabilities at https://www.umadaptivesports.com
Recognizing Talent & Hard Work
Disability Advocates’ Executive Director Dave Bulkowski was honored as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s top 200 most powerful business leaders. Learn more at https://grbj.com/grand-rapids-200/
Continuing our Commitment this Fall
As the seasons change, our CILs are still packing the calendars with educational webinars, recreation activities, and other events that promote independent living. From raising awareness about voting rights and the direct care crisis to ensuring everyone can enjoy the crisp fall weather, we’re empowering Michiganders with disabilities and creating more inclusive communities across our state. We’re also gearing up for a new State Plan for Independent Living, and we need your help. Read on to learn more about how we’ve spent the past few weeks and what’s ahead for SILC and the CILs. Thank you for your support!
- Steve Locke, MI SILC Executive Director
For the latest news, events, and resources, follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit www.misilc.org.
A Look Back
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in September:
Racing for Representation
Everyone loves a good race, and over the summer, Disability Network Mid-Michigan (DNMM) and Greater Midland Community Centers demonstrated the importance of making recreation events more accessible and inclusive with their Summer Race Series. In June, DNMM sponsored the Dow Run Walk; in July, they were a sponsor of the Tri-Kids-Try youth triathlon, and in August, DNMM sponsored the Loons Pennant Race, which combines a run/walk race with an evening of minor league baseball. Thank you to all who participated!
Paving the Way to Self-Determination
In August, the first round of online training sessions began for the Paving the Way to Self-Determination program assisting children with developmental disabilities and their families. The goal of this program is to change perceptions and help families envision–and achieve–a self-determined life for their children. From learning about the history of the Disability Rights movement to disability pride and allyship, asking for accomodations, supported decision-making, and more. Learn more or register for upcoming sessions at www.dnswm.org
Advocating for Direct
Support Professionals
Direct Support Professionals Week was held from September 11th-17th to recognize the vital role direct support workers play in independent living. MI SILC is proud to support advocacy efforts across Michigan fighting for better wages, benefits, and professional development for direct support workers, and this advocacy is part of our current State Plan for Independent Living. See our plan at www.misilc.org/state-plan-for-independent-living
Celebrating Disability Voting Rights Week
Election Day is around the corner, and with high-profile races for governor and the state legislature in the mix, it’s important that every eligible voter has the chance to weigh in. Disability Voting Rights Week was held from September 12th-16th, and highlighted the need for a range of voting options to ensure people with disabilities can have a voice in their government, too. To learn more about accessible voting options in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov
Preparing the Next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
It’s time to give MI SILC a new roadmap into the future, and we still need your input! In mid-September, the link to our Community Needs Assessment went live and we began gathering information and experiences to create our FY2024 SPIL. Your feedback ensures that our goals and objectives address the needs of people with disabilities and move the needle toward a more inclusive Michigan. Participate at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJYLTXD
Mark Pierce
Board Member Mark Pierce is a decorated Marine, a native Michigander, and has more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofits. He has served as the Executive Director of Disability Network Capital Area since 2014. As a person with a disability himself, Mark believes that people with disabilities have the right to participate in all aspects of the human experience, including employment, homeownership, raising a family, and more. Mark and his wife Regina have four adult children and 7 grandchildren. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Urban Ministry Leadership, and most importantly, he makes a mean bbq!
Sleeping Bear Dunes Track Chair Reservations
Now through Oct 24
www.friendsofsleepingbear.org/programs
American Sign Language Classes
October 3rd and throughout month
The Inclusion Event with DisAbility Connections
October 13th
REC-IT Inclusive Art in Troy with Disability Network Eastern Michigan
October 13th and 27th
www.dnemichigan.org/event/rec-it-class-art-class-4-week-series/2022-09-08/
Disability Network Northern Michigan Parent Network October Meeting
October 18th from 7pm-9pm
www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/parent-network-october-meeting/
RISE: LGBTQ + Disability Peer Support Group with Disability Network Eastern Michigan
October 20th from 6-7pm
www.dnemichigan.org/event/rise-lgbtq-disability-peer-support-group/2022-10-20/
Indepen-DANCE: Halloween Takeover! with Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula
October 20th from 6:30-8pm
http://www.upsail.org/event/indepen-dance-halloween-takeover-630pm/
Speed Thrills
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein has attained incredible success by any measure – attending college and law school, becoming an accomplished attorney and Michigan Supreme Court Justice, and participating in 25 marathons and an Ironman competition, among other achievements. The fact that he has been legally blind since birth has only inspired him to both represent people with disabilities and advocate for valuing and including them in every aspect of our society. Recently, he checked a new activity off of his bucket list—driving a car. With verbal cues from local Sheriff Chris Swanson, Bernstein’s first driving experience was racing a car around a dirt track at the Genesee County Fair. The same training from Achilles International that prepared him for his marathons helped him coordinate with Swanson to navigate the track. In regard to both his career and his newfound driving skills, Justice Bernstein said, “People with a disability know what we can accomplish, but the real thing is for those who are not disabled to give us an opportunity. ” Read more by clicking here.
Coffee for a Cause in Ann Arbor
In September, Ann Arbor coffee shop Bitty & Beau’s Coffee opened with the goal of employing people with a range of disabilities. Owners Ben and Amy Wright are the parents of three children with disabilities, and are committed to changing perceptions and increasing employment opportunities. “Eighty percent of people with disabilities don’t have jobs — and we’re out to change that, not just by providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, but by showing our guests what’s possible,” Amy Wright said in a statement. Visit Bitty & Beau’s Coffee at 305 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor or learn more about the shop at this link.
Indiana Study Supports Educational Inclusion
In another boon to inclusivity, a recent study in Indiana demonstrated that high school students with disabilities performed better academically when they were placed in general education classrooms versus lower-inclusion settings. It’s clear that when people with disabilities are integrated into their communities, everyone benefits. Learn more about this study and its implications for education policy by clicking on this link.
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