A Message from the Executive Director
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As April comes to a close I am able to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy month. A highlight was attending the Disability Policy Summit in Washington DC. Self-advocates from all over the country gathered to learn, share, and talk with each other and our elected officials. The focus was on improving policies which address the diverse needs of the large community of people with disabilities.
Conversations and advocacy ranged from recent changes to Social Security, to addressing the Direct Care Workforce crisis, and to policies to create health equity, especially for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I left DC encouraged, energized, and recommitted to making sure that our CIL is supporting more individuals with IDD and especially those individuals with complex medical needs.
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Alex Gossage
Executive Director
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REGISTRATION OPEN Camp New Horizons
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Registration is now open for Camp New Horizons Summer 2024!
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!
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Performance Arts
7/8 – 7/11
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INFO
Various weeks throughout the summer
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
CONTACT
Krystina – krystina@dnwml.org OR (734) 889-9108
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Taco Bout Self Love Event
Disability EmpowHer Network + Disability Network WML
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Join us for Taco Bout Self Love, an afternoon of fun, socializing, and self love for disabled women, girls, and femme-aligned folks. Oh, and TACOS!
INFO
REGISTER BY JUNE 7
Friday, June 14, 2024
1:00pm-3:00pm
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
3941 Research Park Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48108
CONACT
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We’re Hiring!
Click the job titles below to learn more or apply today.
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Seeking a committed Community Transition Specialist to assist adults and seniors with disabilities in seamlessly reintegrating into their communities of choice. Utilizing Motivational Interviewing and Person-Centered Planning techniques, this role aims to empower individuals to achieve independent living.
Seeking a dedicated Community Support Specialist to join their team. This role will be instrumental in providing a continuum of consumer and community-based information & referral (I&R) and independent living (IL) services across Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) service areas.
Seeking a dedicated Community Support Navigator to join their team. In this role, you will be responsible for providing a continuum of consumer and community-based information & referral (I&R) and independent living (IL) services across Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) service areas.
This role provides a broad continuum of consumer and community based/
independent living (IL) services that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities at home, at school, at work, and in the community.
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A Message from the Tech Desk
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Ending May 1, Many Households Will Pay Full Price for Internet Service
The Federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided discounts on internet service, has ended as of May 1. If you’ve been receiving this discount of $30 a month, you will now have to pay full price for home internet service.
If you will not be able to pay the full monthly amount, call your internet provider as soon as possible, and ask them the following:
- Will I continue to receive internet service after the ACP ends?
- Do you have low-cost plans available?
- If so, will it affect the speed and performance of my internet service?
It’s possible that your only option will be to cancel internet service to your home. If this is the case for you, here are some options for accessing the internet in the community:
- Our Ann Arbor and Monroe offices have computer labs that are open to the public every Wednesday from 11:00-3:00. If you need to use our computers at another time, please call ahead to reserve a spot.
- Your public library will have computers for you to use, and certain libraries will allow you to use them even if you don’t have a library card.
- The University of Michigan has guest computers at several libraries across campus
If you have other questions about the end of the ACP, please contact Eliot at 734-971-0277 Extension 520.
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TOTALLY RAD!
Spring Fling Youth Dance
CANCELLED
Unfortunately, due to low registration numbers, we are cancelling our May Youth Dance. We are planning on scheduling another youth dance this summer, so stay tuned!
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Second Annual
Disability Pride Exhibition
CALL FOR ARTISTS
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Show us YOUR PRIDE! What makes you, YOU?
Share the artwork that speaks to your disability experience at a disability-centered gallery space, during Disability Pride month AND our annual Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Picnic.
Open to all disabled artists, working in all media!*
- 2D media
- 3D media
- Time-based and performance including video, music, poetry, acting, etc.
- Written word
- Other–just ask!
Gallery Be
On-site at Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
APPLY BY MAY 19.
Show dates: June 10, 2024 – August 2, 2024
INFO
Claire – claire@dnwml.org
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Save the Date for our Annual Disability Network
TIE DYE-namite ADA Celebration
34 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act
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Friday, July 26, 2024
3:00pm – 7:00pm
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
3941 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
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Free Food & Drinks✌️Keynote Speakers
Tie-dye Station✌️Raffle Items
Disability Pride Art Exhibition✌️Crafts
Slime Station✌️ Adaptive Sports
Community Info Tables ✌️Prizes✌️More!
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Classes, Events, & Groups
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NEW Theatre Be
Summertime Kickoff
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Be silly! Be dramatic! Be YOU and don’t forget to work up an appetite during DNWML’s Theatre Be Summertime Kickoff!
Come play games, develop skills, and SHOW OFF a bit in a friendly environment and then enjoy pizza, drinks, and some cool treats with friends; it’s sure to beat the heat.
INFO
Monday, June 10
330-5:30 PM
Disability Network – Washtenaw Office
Ages 14+ all abilities welcome:
Theatre is for All!
CONTACT
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UPDATE Movie Club
Summer Schedule
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Spring/Summer Movie Club will resume on May 9th until August 8th!
INFO
5/9 – The Other Guys
5/16 – The Man From Toronto
5/30 – Red Notice
6/6 – The Benchwarmers
There will be no movie club sessions on the following dates:
5/23 – Program Break
6/27 – Program Break
7/4 – Program Break
CONTACT
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UPDATE Delishability Going Weekly
Cooking Class
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Delishability is moving to a weekly schedule! Register today for our next series.
Starting May 16 and running through June 27, Delishability will be offered weekly at our Washtenaw Office.
Participants that attend at least 6 sessions will receive a special gift!
INFO
May 16 – June 27
Weekly on Thursdays
12:30-2:00pm
Washtenaw Office
CONTACT
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- May 6, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 7, 2024 – DNWML Closed 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 8, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 8, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 8, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 8, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:30 pm at Monroe DNWML
- May 9, 2024 – Virtual Art Class: Open Studio 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Zoom
- May 9, 2024 – Movie Club 4:00 pm-5:00 pm at Zoom
- May 10, 2024 – General Peer Support Group 3:00 pm-4:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 13, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 14, 2024 – Monroe Co. In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 10:00 am-11:30 am at Crossroads Clubhouse
- May 14, 2024 – Spinal Solidarity 12:00 pm-1:30 pm at Zoom
- May 14, 2024 – Monroe Co. In-person Art Class: Guided Sessions 1:00 pm-2:30 pm at Fairview
- May 15, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 15, 2024 – In-person Art Class: Open Studio 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 15, 2024 – Washtenaw: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 15, 2024 – Monroe: Drop-in Computer Lab Hours 11:00 am-3:30 pm at Monroe DNWML
- May 16, 2024 – Virtual Art Class: Open Studio 11:00 am-12:00 pm at Zoom
- May 16, 2024 – Delishability Cooking Class 12:30 pm-2:00 pm at Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML
- May 16, 2024 – Movie Club 4:00 pm-5:00 pm at 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 Tech Desk / Computer Lab
Open Hours at Washtenaw Office
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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
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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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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!
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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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Adaptive Speech Recognition User Study
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Are you deaf or hard of hearing? We need your help evaluating a next-generation captioning technology!
Our research team is building a novel online meeting technology that is potentially more personalized and enables collaborative feedback from hearing partners. We are recruiting participants who self-identify as deaf, Deaf, or hard of hearing and who are 18 years of age or older.
The study will include a 90-120 minutes user study online…
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Movement & Meditation Class
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Heather’s movement classes focus on somatic meditation, intriguing improvisations, and creative choreography for the disabled and non-disabled community!
Every Tuesday 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:
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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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