IMPORTANT: DNWML Office Closure
March 5, 2024 – 10:00am-12:00pm
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March Mocktail Mixology:
Adult Mixer
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Mocktails 🍹 Games 🍹 Friends
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Thursday, March 28
5:30 – 7:30pm
Disability Network Washtenaw Office
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You asked for it…and we listened!
An adult (18+) mixer is here!
Join us for an evening of enjoyment and creativity with old friends and new. We are going to mix it up with creating mocktails (non-alcoholic drinks,) playing games, good conversation, and 2000’s R&B Music.
INFO
Registration closes March 21. On your form, suggest your favorite Y2K-era song to bump at the event. Entry donations appreciated.
CONTACT
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NEW Applications OPEN for
John Weir Academic Scholarship
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We invite all students with disabilities enrolling in their first or second year of college during the school year to apply for the John Weir Academic Scholarship, named in honor of one of the Center for Independent Living founders.
ELIGIBILITY
For new applicants, to be eligible for the John Weir Scholarship, you must:
- Have a significant disability of any kind – for example, physical, visual, developmental, cognitive, hearing, learning, emotional, or other;
- Live in Washtenaw, Livingston, or Monroe County, Michigan; and
- Plan to attend, be starting, or in the first two years of a 2- or 4-year college, university, or trade school program.
*A scholarship recipient is eligible for a renewal of their scholarship for an additional year if they are entering their 2nd year of a 2- or 4-year colleague, university, or trade school program.
DEADLINES
- All application materials MUST be completed online or postmarked by Monday, April 15, 2024.
- Awardees will be announced by May 15, 2024.
INFO/CONTACT
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NEW ADEN Benefits Workshop in Monroe
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Are you a Social Security disability beneficiary and want to know how working will affect your benefits? Are you afraid of losing benefits or medical coverage if you return to work?
Join us for our Beneficiary Outreach Event and learn about following important topics that will help you return to work:
- Did you know, if you receive SSDI benefits, that you can work for up to 12 months with no earning limit, and keep your SSDI cash benefits?
- Did you know that if you receive either SSI or SSDI disability benefits, that you are entitled to assistance in the return to work, including career counseling and job search assistance through the Ticket to Work program?
- If you receive SSI disability benefits, did you know you can keep your Medicaid health insurance even if you are not entitled to an SSI cash benefit due to earnings?
- Would you like to know more about resources that help you plan for the future and become more financially self-sufficient? (For example, home ownership, saving for retirement, college or other related needs.)
Learn more about Work Incentives through the Social Security Administration and how they can help you to return to work successfully, plus additional programs and
services you may be eligible for! There is no cost to attend this event.
LOCATION
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston – Monroe Office
15515 S Dixie Hwy | Monroe, MI 48161
DATE
Thursday, March 21, 2024
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This event is geared toward Social Security disability beneficiaries, Human Services Providers, Medicaid Service Coordinators and Human Resource Professionals who
wish to know more about Social Security disability benefits and available Work Incentives. Light refreshments served.
CONTACT
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Want to Sponsor DNWML’s
ADA Picnic this July?
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Help us celebrate the 34th anniversary of signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
We offer a variety of tiered options for sponsoring our event, suitable to any interested business or organization.
Your support gives you extensive, months-long promotion through picnic signage, marketing materials, and even, our limited edition event t-shirt–AND MORE!
Picnic details:
Friday, July 26, 2024
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Disability Network – Washtenaw
3941 Research Park Dr | Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Itinerary:
- Keynote/feature speakers
- Fun activities like tie-dye station, crafts, slime station, adaptive sports, and more!
- Disability Pride Art Exhibition
- Informational tables and booths for services from Disability Network, as well as external organizations
- Raffle items and special prizes for the first 34 guests
- Free food and drinks
QUESTIONS?
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Fancy Dancy Valentine a Smashy Dashy Good Time!
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Fancy Dancy Valentine was an absolute blast! Held on February 16, it was an evening filled with joy, laughter, and a whole lot of dancing.
Our event attracted a fantastic turnout, with friends, family, and even some new faces joining in on the fun. From elegant ballroom moves to funky disco grooves, everyone hit the dance floor with enthusiasm, creating an electric atmosphere. We enjoyed delicious heart-shaped treats and created fun Valentine’s crafts.
The night was a celebration of friendship and grooooves, with guests enjoying delicious treats, lively music, and memorable moments together. It truly was an unforgettable evening that left everyone smiling and looking forward to the next youth dance/hangout this spring!
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Image description: TOP – several event-goers sit or stand in our Conference Room, coloring and chatting at purple tablecloth-covered tables. They’re watching performances by Theatre Be in the background. MIDDLE – event goers sit and stand a tables covered in rose petals and decorated with flowers. They’re eating snacks and candy and smiling. BOTTOM – dancers fill the dance floor, having a fabulous time.
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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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Classes, Events, & Groups
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Kari Havenaar, new addition to our DNWML Washtenaw office and Community Support Specialist, is hosting one of our brand new social support/recreational groups: Coffee Klatch!
Looking for an entertaining, relaxed, and snacky experience? Welcome to Coffee Klatch.
The German word “kaffeeklatsch” translates to coffee (kaffee) + gossip (klatsch). It refers to a group of friends getting together over a cup of coffee. Join friends at the Washtenaw/Ann Arbor office on Mondays, to share coffee and various snacks, good conversation, and a chance to cozy up.
Snacks and coffee will be provided by DNWML, so some supplies may be limited.
INFO
Mondays, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Gathering Space
Washtenaw Office
CONTACT
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Fun Facts about Kari:
- I love going outside, and reading my books.
- My dog is my best friend, he is the best boy ever.
- I love learning new things and exploring new topics.
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Image description: Kari, who has fair skin and light brown curly hair piled in bun on top of their head, sits at a table with a large coffee cup and water bottle in front of them. They’re wearing a dark gray pullover and laughing.
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NEW Your World Support Group +
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
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During the March meeting, DNWML support group Your World hosts Kelly Blackwell, Co-director of the Assistive Technology Program at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition. Kelly will talk about MDRC in general but more specifically about what the assistive tech program does and how it empowers people with disabilities, particularly underserved populations.
INFO
Your World: Navigating Life with Blindness and Low-Vision
March 6
12:00-1:00pm
Virtually via Zoom (contact Renee to get info)
CONTACT
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- February 26, 2024 – Coffee Klatch (In-person)
- 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 26, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions
- 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 28, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio
- 10:00 am-12:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 28, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:00 am-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- February 28, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:30 am-3:30 pm
- Monroe DNWML
- February 29, 2024 – Virtual Art Class
- 11:00 am-12:00 pm
- Zoom
- February 29, 2024 – Movie Club
- 4:00 pm-5:00 pm
- Zoom
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- February 29, 2024 – Theatre Program
- 5:30 pm-6:45 pm
- Zoom
- March 4, 2024 – Coffee Klatch (In-person)
- 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- March 5, 2024 – DNWML Closed
- 10:00 am-12:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- March 6, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:00 am-3:00 pm
- Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- March 6, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours
- 11:30 am-3:30 pm
- Monroe DNWML
- March 6, 2024 – Your World: Navigating Life with Blindness and Low Vision
- 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
- Zoom
- March 7, 2024 – ASL Virtual Theatre Workshop
- 1:00 pm-2:00 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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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
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
DNWML is 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 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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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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