The proposed $35.5 billion 2024 budget for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) would provide more than $300 million to increase wages for people working in nursing homes. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed $210.1 million to go toward increasing the wages of direct care professionals at nursing homes across Michigan. Another $90 million would be going to increase the wages of non-direct care nursing home staff. In all, this would increase the average by $1.50 per hour.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in October:
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 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.
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
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
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
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/
