DNWML Newsletter
Edition #28
March 22, 2024
News & Updates
Camp New Horizons RETURNS
Parent & Guardian Info Night
Camp New Horizons is a summer day camp for youth with disabilities, ages 14- to 26-years-old. At Camp New Horizons, campers will make friends, learn new skills, and experience inclusive sports and art programming–and more!
In 2023, we held two week-long camps. Due to popular demand, we’ve added a third week for 2024!
INFO
Tuesday, April 16 @ 6:00 – 7:00pm
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Register below and join us April 16 to learn about:
  • Camp dates
  • Themes/subjects for each week
  • Costs
  • Meet our staff
  • Tour our building
CONTACT
Krystina – krystina@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9108
FUN FACT
2023 New Horizons Art Week Campers created a mural for our building that was accepted into and will be displayed at the summer-long Embracing Our Differences exhibition at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti!
2022-2023
Terry Frye
Solo Exhibition
JOIN US!
Closing Reception
March 29 @ 6:00 – 7:30pm
Gallery Be @
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
2022-2023 is comprised of artist Terry Frye’s abstract work and reflects the artist’s creative journey over the past two years.
The pieces featuring acrylic paint on foamcore board sway slightly upon the passing of a viewer, illustrating the impact of external observation. Computer- and smart phone-altered hand drawn sketches mirror the intersection of analog and digital techniques.
Features:
Photos of artwork – Image descriptions – Audio tour
Image descriptions: TOP – Abstract painting. Vertical streaks in shades of gray, with spirals of white and black. Hints of light blue at the top of the painting. MIDDLE – Abstract painting in dark gray, with streaks of white and black cross-hatched across the composition. Lines of blue, yellow, and orange appear throughout. BOTTOM – Two side-by-side images. On the left, yellow background with layers of sketchy black lines intersecting in a cross in the center of the image. On the right, yellow background with two parallel black flourishes. 
Introducing Our New Blog
Intersectionality Unleashed:
Amplifying Diverse Voices
Blog #1 – Women + Disability + Advocacy
Over the past 200 years advocacy for people with disabilities has pushed the envelope, changed culture, shifted language, and improved the circumstances of millions of people. Of course, the journey is far from complete.
As with all social movements, the contributions and voices of women are often diminished or not heard at all. March is Women’s History Month and…
DNWML Partners with Ann Arbor Public Schools
for 19 Years
Check out this awesome video showcasing our
Disability Awareness Workshops!
In an article from the AAPS District News, “Fourth graders at Abbot Elementary recently participated in hands-on activities that allowed them to get a sense for the struggles some of their peers deal with daily—and the innovative ways they compensate. Abbot was the 16th Ann Arbor Public School so far this school year to participate in a Disability Awareness Workshop run by the Disability Network of Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.”
Shout out to Karen, our Disability Awareness Workshop Coordinator! Find out more about how YOU can get involved in our DAWs in our Support Section below.
NEW Nature’s Nurture
Nature- and Plant-Centered Rec Program
Grow with us and discover nature’s benefits with DNWML’s newest community program, Nature’s Nurture!
We’ll be cultivating curiosity with this seasonal appreciation of nature.
  • Collaborative exploration
  • Gardening and horticulture learning opportunities
  • Peer discussions
  • Virtual and in-person meetings, all inclusive, 18+
INFO
Last Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm
  • March 26, 2024
  • April 30, 2024
  • May 28, 2024
CONTACT
Janeen – janeen@dnwml.org OR (734)-889-9690
We STILL Want to Hear From You!
Short Programming Day and Time Survey
Do you regularly attend DNWML classes or events?
Do you have a hard time attending events due to timing conflicts?
We want to hear from you!
Please take 5-10 minutes to complete our short Programming Day and Time Survey.
We want to be sure that you’re getting the classes, groups, and events you want, when you want them.
Thank you!
NEXT WEEK
March Mocktail Mixology:
Adult Mixer
Mocktails 🍹 Games 🍹 Friends
Thursday, March 28
5:30 – 7:30pm
Disability Network Washtenaw Office
Our mixer is almost 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 is closed. You must be registered to attend.
CONTACT
Help Sponsor the DNWML ADA Picnic
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?
Krystina – krystina@dnwml.org OR Claire – claire@dnwml.org
Classes, Events, & Groups
Upcoming Classes
  • March 25, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 26, 2024 – In-person Office Hours for Livingston Co. 11:00 am-4:30 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 26, 2024 – Nature’s Nurture 7:00 pm-8:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 27, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 27, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 27, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Monroe DNWML
  • March 28, 2024 – Virtual Art Class: Open Studio 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • March 28, 2024 – March Mocktail Mixology: Adult Mixer 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 1, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 2, 2024 – DNWML Closed 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 3, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 3, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 3, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:30 am-3:30 pm at Monroe DNWML
  • April 4, 2024 – Virtual Art Class: Open Studio 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
  • April 4, 2024 – ASL Virtual Theatre Workshop 1:00 pm-2:00 pm at Zoom
NEW Your World Hosts Special Guest
Your World: Navigating Life with Blindness and Low Vision hosts another special guest! For the month of April, Scott Norris of the Braille and Talking Book Library in Lansing will be joining the group to talk about everything new at the National Library Service and at our Michigan regional library.
INFO
Wednesday, April 3
12:00-1:00pm
CONTACT
Renee – renee@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9370
Learn more:
For ALL of your favorite programming and groups…
Find them on our DNWML Calendar!
Where you can:
  • See event details
  • Register for classes and events
  • Contact facilitators
  • Download it to your personal calendar
  • And more!
Support
REMINDER Applications OPEN for
John Weir Academic Scholarship
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
Andrea – andrea@dnwml.org
DNWML Tech Desk / Computer Lab
Open Hours at Washtenaw Office
The 21st Century Assistive Technology Program from DNWML is here to help you get online, use your device, and make it accessible for you and your unique needs!
Our Tech Desk hours are your chance to talk to one of our technology specialists, no appointment needed!
Bring in your portable device (such as a laptop or smartphone) and we can assist in the following ways:
  • Understanding common applications like Email and Microsoft Office
  • Finding and activating low-cost home internet
  • Exploring your AT needs and enabling accessibility settings
INFO
WASHTENAW OFFICE
Wednesdays
11:00am – 3:00pm
CONTACT
Eliot – eliot@dnwml.org
Seeking Volunteers for
Disability Awareness Workshops
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.
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
Karen – karen@dnwml.org OR
(734) 971-0277 ext. 430
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
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
Mark – mark@dnwml.org OR 517-586-0233
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
Washtenaw/Livingston: Dana – dana@dnwml.org
Monroe: Krystina – krystina@dnwml.org
Monroe Food Pantry
Open to Monroe County residents.
Located at our Monroe Office:
15515 S Dixie Hwy
Monroe, MI 48161
Walk-ins welcome!
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9:00am – 2:00pm
If you’d like to support our food pantry, please consider making a financial donation on our website!
INFO
Tara – tara@dnwml.org OR
(734) 682 – 5271
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
NFT Team – nft@dnwml.org
American Dream Employment Network Member logo. Simple yellow sun with rays on top of blue lettering.
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
Tennery – tennery@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9110
Community Resources
Movement & Meditation Class
Heather’s movement classes focus on somatic meditation, intriguing improvisations, and creative choreography for the disabled and non-disabled community!
Every Thursday at 7:00pm on Zoom
Cost is $10-30, sliding fee
Check out Heather’s website and learn more about her classes and mission here: 
Statewide Autistic Adult Committee Info Session
Full Spectrum Agency for Autistic Adults is launching a statewide autistic adult committee to help collect and report feedback from our peers around the state. They are looking for autistic people 18+ who are interested in serving on the committee, as well as agencies and allies who want to support this effort with advocacy, time, and/or financial support…
Future Planning for Aging Caregivers (FPAC) Project
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) has partnered with Dani Plan to bring you the Future Planning for Aging Caregivers project. This project will guide family caregivers to plan for their loved one’s future. Project participants will work with a Family Support Navigator (FSN) to use the Dani Plan platform to create a care plan. The project will use an online platform to store important information related to your loved one.
Input Opportunity: Ensuring Wheelchair Users Can Fly with Dignity
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking public comments on a new proposed rule designed to ensure airline passengers who use wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity.
An estimated 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and many encounter barriers when it comes to air travel. In 2023, 11,527 wheelchairs and scooters were mishandled by carriers required to report data to DOT.
The proposed rule would set new standards for prompt, safe, and dignified assistance…
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.