Happy Black History Month!
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This month, we commemorate not just the triumphs, but also the often-overlooked intersections that shape the rich narrative of African American experiences.
Today, we shine a spotlight on the indomitable spirit of African Americans who navigate the world with resilience despite the added challenge of disability. From trailblazers who’ve shattered barriers to everyday heroes who defy limitations, their stories illuminate the path towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Let’s honor luminaries like Harriet Tubman, whose strength and determination led countless souls to freedom despite her lifelong struggle with neurological conditions. Let’s celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of individuals like Haben Girma, the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, whose advocacy amplifies the voices of marginalized communities.
In recognizing the intersectionality of African Americans and disability, we embrace the truth that diversity is humanity’s greatest asset. It is within the tapestry of our differences that we find strength, innovation, and boundless possibilities.
As we commemorate Black History Month, let’s amplify the voices of those whose stories are often silenced, and recommit ourselves to building a future where every individual, regardless of race or ability, can thrive and contribute their unique gifts to the world.
Here’s to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and championing a future where inclusion knows no bounds. Happy Black History Month!
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Image description – Photo of Haben Girma, an African American woman, wearing a blue sleeveless dress and sitting at a table, posed next to her assistive device.
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DNWML Honored with Rosa Parks Transit Award
Livingston County Transportation Coalition
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Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston was awarded the Rose Parks Transit Award for our support in actively working to expand public transportation in Livingston County from the Livingston County Transportation Coalition for Rosa Parks Transit Equity Day.
The Livingston County Transportation Coalition and their partners actively advocate for improved public transportation for all in and around Livingston County. Rosa Parks fought for her right to sit where she wanted on public transportation. The Transportation Coalition advocates for all public transportation riders and potential riders to have access to an expanded network that can get them to and from medical appointments, work, school, shopping, and recreation to bring together an inclusive society.
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CTN’s Ann Arbor Inclusive Partners with DNWML
Click below to see the first episode with our new host!
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Episode summary: the new host of the Ann Arbor Inclusive show, Claire, DNWML’s Art & Social Support Program Manager, interviews Eliot Carter, Community Program Manager, to discuss assistive technology such as smartphones to help people with disabilities.
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Do you have a story from the disability community?
What about important information regarding inclusive recreation, adaptive tech, disability advocacy, or something else?
Would you like to share it widely with the Ann Arbor area?
We’d love to hear from you!
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ENDING SOON CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS
Nothing About Us Without Us Film Festival
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4th Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival
April 16th – 18th, 2024
Seeking film submissions
Deadline: Monday, February 12th, 2024
Disability Network Southwest Michigan and
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston
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The festival is seeking film submissions from people with disabilities. Films must be submitted in the form of a private YouTube link, which will be used by festival organizers to pre-screen films and may be used to stream the film during the festival. Filmmakers retain all rights to their films and may remove them from YouTube after the festival. Submissions are not guaranteed to be shown at the festival.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Filmmaker age 18 or older
- Films up to 90 minutes will be considered for showing in their entirety
- At least one person with a disability in a significant production or on-screen role or with significant creative control over the film
- Features a theme related to disability, on-screen representation of a disability, another element of disability inclusion, or the values of the Independent Living movement
- Content appropriate to be shown in secondary school setting
- Accurate closed captions
- All on-screen text described through audio narration (Note: Although not required, comprehensive audio description of visual content is strongly encouraged.)
Films must be submitted in the form of a private YouTube link by Monday, February 12th, 2024 through the online form below.
INFO/QUESTIONS
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REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON
ASL Virtual Theatre Workshop
with OpenSpot Theatre Company
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Join us for a very special 6 week limited engagement with Openspot Theatre happening VIRTUALLY on Zoom! This class welcomes ALL abilities ages 14+ and will focus on the art of acting and communicating using American Sign Language!
ASL is an important communication tool that we can ALL learn! Openspot Theatre will help us learn 100 – 200 words and gestures that will be the foundation for a virtual performance that will be the finale of the 6 week workshop.
DEADLINE
Register by February 22 below
Registration applies to all 6 weekly workshops; please ensure you will be able to attend all dates. Zoom Link provided after registration.
COST
Free!
SCHEDULE
Weekly on Thursdays at 1 PM on Zoom
- March 7
- March 14
- March 21
- March 28 – NO CLASS
- April 4
- April 11
- April 18
INFO
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Seeking Volunteers for
Disability Awareness Workshops
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Image descriptions: TOP – A man in a wheelchair talks to students at a table. MIDDLE – a student balances on a balance board, with their legs restricted. A volunteer is about to throw a ball to the student. BOTTOM – students navigate a path in wheelchairs, outside.
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Your knowledge, and willingness to share your experiences as a person with a disability are needed for the Disability Awareness Workshop (DAW) that Disability Network runs for elementary school children in their schools.
The Disability Awareness Workshop is primarily geared towards 4th graders (9-10 years) and is a hands-on experience that aims to encourage an empathetic understanding of physical, developmental, and learning difficulties. Students also learn about the complexity of daily life for individuals with disabilities, as well as also how innovative and resourceful they are at finding solutions.
DAW WEBSITE
SCHEDULE
Workshops are scheduled over the next 5 months and you can sign up for as many or as few as you want to.
INFO/CONTACT
(734) 971-0277 ext. 430
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February 16, 2024 | 6:00-8:00pm
Dancing 💗 Crafts 💗 Snacks
💗 Performances by Theatre Be 💗
This event is for disabled youth
and young adults, 14-26 years.
For more information/questions,
contact Krystina.
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Tickets are FREE
but you must register below.
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💕
ASL Interpreter
on-site
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*In case of inclement weather, please check our Facebook or Instagram for cancellations.
*Guardians are welcome to stay on site in our dedicated ‘guardian zone’ to learn more about the services DNWML can offer.
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Classes, Events, & Groups
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- February 12, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions
- 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 13, 2024 – Spinal Solidarity
- 12:00 pm-1:30 pm
- Zoom
- February 14, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio
- 10:00 am-12:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 14, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:00 am-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 14, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:30 am-3:30 pm
- Monroe DNWML
- February 15, 2024 – Virtual Art Class: Open Studio
- 11:00 am-12:00 pm
- Zoom
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- February 16, 2024 – A Fancy Dancy Valentine
- 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 20, 2024 – Monroe Co. In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions
- 10:00 am-11:30 am
- Crossroads Clubhouse
- February 20, 2024 – Monroe Co. In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions
- 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
- Fairview
- February 21, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:00 am-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 21, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:30 am-3:30 pm
- Monroe DNWML
- February 22, 2024 – Movie Club
- 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
- Zoom
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For ALL of your favorite programming and groups…
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Where you can:
- See event details
- Register for classes and events
- Contact facilitators
- Download it to your personal calendar
- And more!
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DNWML Fitness Center OPEN
By Appointment
The Fitness Center at DNWML Washtenaw Office is now open by appointment only. Please note, Fitness Center appointments have a maximum of 2 hours AND for safety reason, a minimum of two people MUST be scheduled for the same appointment.
Schedule your appointment today!
CONTACT
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NEW In-person Office Hours in Livingston at Michigan Works
Now Livingston residents have a location in Howell to meet with us on a weekly basis! Please note that if there is inclement weather we may not be available in person.
WHERE
Michigan Works Southeast Office
1200 Byron Rd.
Howell, MI 48843
Next to Trinity Livingston Hospital
WHEN
Most Mondays, 11:30am – 5:00pm
- February 5
- February 12
- February 19 – Closed for President’s Day
- February 20 – Tuesday
- February 26
INFO
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DNWML Loan Closet
The DNWML is happy to provide individuals with disability-related equipment at no cost. Equipment availability, color, brand, or style may vary. Our loan closet’s inventory is dependent upon new or gently-used donations.
Equipment includes (but might not be limited to:)
- Wheelchairs
- Reacher/grabber tools
- Shower chairs
- Tub transfer chairs
- Walkers
- Canes
- Rollator walkers
- And more!
Other items are considered on a case-by-case basis.
INFO
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Monroe Food Pantry
Open to Monroe County residents.
Located at our Monroe Office:
15515 S Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48161
Walk-ins welcome!
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
9:00am – 2:00pm
INFO
(734) 682 – 5271
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Nursing Facility Transition Assistance
We are working closely with facilities to help folks who will no longer qualify for Medicaid in nursing facilities.
If you or anyone you know are currently working with a nursing facility in our three-county service area, please share what you know about the NFT program along with our contact information!
INFO
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American Dream Employment Network
The CIL is now a member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN). ADEN is a national administrative Employment Network providing services to individuals receiving Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits under the Ticket to Work program. For individuals receiving SSA disability benefits, the return to gainful employment can be complicated and challenging. As a new Member of ADEN, we at The CIL, want to invite all of our current customers/clients who are receiving Social Security disability benefits to explore assigning your Ticket to Work.
To read and hear about success stories of ADEN Participants improving their financial situation, visit:
INFO
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Feonix Wants Your Feedback, Ypsilanti!
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Have you struggled with getting a ride?
We want to hear from you!
All participants receive a $50 gift card…
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Snow Match Program
Lend a hand this winter or get help from your neighbors!
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Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone.
The goal is to make sidewalks accessible for all ages and abilities. The City of Ann Arbor’s Snow Match Program pairs residents with nearby neighbors who volunteer
to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks…
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The mission of Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston is to empower the lives of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more inclusive community for all.
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