An Exciting and Invigorating Year

An Exciting and Invigorating Year

We’re just a month into 2023, and it’s already turning out to be an exciting and invigorating year. From beginning to craft the 2025-2027 State Plan for Independent Living, to exploring the benefits of mentorship, to making plans for another project that will be revealed in the spring, we’ve started the year off strong! Your support and participation with MISILC and the CILs helped us have an incredible 2022, and we’re grateful to have you on this journey in 2023. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts and Michigan’s disability community–we’re so proud to do this important work and collaborate with changemakers across our state. 

Mentorship Makes a Difference

Mentorship Makes a Difference

To kick off this year, we’ve been discussing the benefits of mentorship, especially as they relate to ensuring people with disabilities can live self-directed, independent lives. But first, you might be wondering: what is mentorship, anyway? What do mentoring relationships look like? And, most importantly, what’s in it for me? We’re here to answer those questions and give you the resources you need to mentor or be mentored and reap the rewards.

Less-Than-Happy Holidays: Dealing with Loneliness and Sadness this Season

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!

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.

 
2022 Invisible Disabilities Week Blue Seal

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

RSVP at https://www.dnswm.org/neurodiversity

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/

Woman on tripod bike with service dog

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)

Nov 30, 12pm-1pm (Digital Payments) 

Nov. 10th 10am-3pm (Netflix and Amazon Prime)

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

www.dnemichigan.org/calendar

The Inclusion Event with DisAbility Connections
October 13th

disabilityconnect.org/EVENTS

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.