Accessible Dance II
2025-04-10 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Each session includes an intro and theme sharing, group check-ins, follow-along warm-ups, technique patterns, movement exploration, and group activities.
Week by week, we will work toward our final performance!
Let’s dance and express ourselves together!
Follow Heather on instagram – @heatherfriesebanet

Movie Club
2025-04-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom, Virtual
Watch a movie, then chat with folks! Join DNWML Movie Club!
How does it work? Each week, watch a planned movie on your own time, and then we get together virtually to talk about it and have some fun! It’s that easy! Movie club sessions include trivia, thought-provoking questions, and laughter.
Weekly on Thursdays
4:00-5:00pm
Zoom
Date range: January 16 through April 17, 2025
Program breaks: February 6, February 20, March 20, April 3

Movie List:
January 16 – Bad Boys
January 23 – Bad Boys II
January 30 – Bad Boys for Life
February 6 – Program Break
February 13 – Bad Boys Ride or Die
February 20 – Program Break
February 27 – The Karate Kid III
March 6 – Barbie
March 13 – Bad Boys for Life
March 20 – Program Break
March 27 – (TBD)
April 3 – Program Break
April 10 – (TBD)
April 17 – CANCELLED

Spring Arts Expo
2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston Spring Arts Expo,where we bring together a dynamic blend of visual art, literature, dance, and theatre in one vibrant celebration of creativity.
Come be part of this interactive and inclusive experience that celebrates the richness of the arts in all forms.
VISUAL ART: A solo art exhibition reception, showcasing stunning installation, photography, and interactive works by artist, Gwynneth Vanlaven, offering a glimpse into their creative journey in Waiting To Be Seen.
LITERATURE: A book signing and Q&A with the talented author, Melissa McPherson, providing an intimate conversation about her latest work and the inspiration behind it. The Lesser Remain is a survival story for those of us who would typically be left for dead. melissamcpherson.com
DANCE: An original choreographed performance by Accessible Dance II participants, led by guest facilitator Heather Friese Banet, expressing and exploring through movement.
THEATRE: Live performances by Theatre Be actors, supported by Director Robin Bennett, bringing stories to life through powerful, live theatre.

Waiting To Be Seen - Solo Art Exhibition: Gwynneth Vanlaven
2025-04-15 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-16 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-17 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-24 09:00 - 16:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
A solo art exhibition reception, showcasing stunning installation, photography, and interactive works by artist, Gwynneth Vanlaven, offering a glimpse into their creative journey.
March 17 to April 25, 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Thursday in Gallery BE at the DN Washtenaw Office.
Reception: April 10, 6pm to 8pm
Flyer: Waiting to be Seen

DisScribe Writers Group
2025-04-17 09:30 - 10:45 | Zoom, Virtual
DisScribe Writers Group
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Are you hoping to improve your writing and editing skills?
Do you need a buddy to keep you on track with your writing goals?
Our open writing group is dedicated to supporting and empowering the creative writing efforts of individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, DisScribe offers a welcoming space for sharing ideas, honing your craft, and connecting with fellow writers.
Join us for inspiring workshops, collaborative writing sessions, and valuable feedback that celebrates diverse voices and stories.
Let’s create together!
Download program flyer here: DisScribe Flyer
INFO
9:30-10:45am
via Zoom
Starting February 13
March Theme: Writing for Publication!
– March 13 & 20
April Theme: Writing for Performance!
– April 3 & 17
CONTACT/REGISTER
Will – info below

Studio Be: Virtual
2025-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Virtual
Studio Be: Virtual

The Zoom version of our popular Art Class. Just as social, fun, and creative as the in-person option! Open studio style: share what you’re working on, get feedback, or just chat all things art (and beyond!)
Zoom link given upon contacting Claire.
To receive weekly Art Programming email updates, contact Claire!
Download the program flyer here: Art Program Brochure

Dreamy Delights & Ice Cream Night
2025-04-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
You’re invited to celebrate spring with ice cream and light snacks!
Join us for an ice cream social and have fun with friends.
Wear your comfiest pajamas or loungewear and come relax!
Pajamas, tasty trivia, and fun games!
Registration required and closes on April 14th: see website below for registration link or contact Anna (email below).
$5 suggested donation supports food/supplies costs.
Ages 18+ welcome.
Dreamy Delights Flyer

Studio Be: Open Studio (in person)
2025-04-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Studio Be: Open Studio (in person)
Make art and learn about artists and new techniques in a relaxed social environment. Drop-in, open studio style. Try a new material and experiment in the studio alongside your friends.
To receive weekly Art Programming email updates, contact Claire!
Download and print the flyer: Art Program Brochure

Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival
2025-04-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Virtual
All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a conversation on the films shown. Sign up for as many events as you like. All events are free and open to the public.
Register online at https://bit.ly/25dnff or by contacting Eliot Carter (contact info below)
Wednesday’s Theme: Adventure

The Peanut Butter Falcon 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM

After running away from a residential nursing home to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler, a man who has Down syndrome befriends an outlaw who becomes his coach and ally.
Content note: offensive language

Keep the Change 1:15 to 3:15 PM

When aspiring filmmaker David is mandated by a judge to attend a social program at the Jewish Community Center, he is sure of one thing: he doesn’t belong there. But when he’s assigned to visit the Brooklyn Bridge with the vivacious Sarah, sparks fly and his convictions are tested. Their budding relationship must weather Sarah’s romantic past, David’s judgmental mother, and their own pre-conceptions of what love is supposed to look like.
Content note: offensive language and mention of sexual activity

Short Film by filmmaker Rob Packard 3:30 to 4:00 PM

Mission Possible: The Quest for the Lost Conference is a Mission Impossible spoof created by Ann Arbor-based filmmaker Rob Packard as a promotion for the 2025 LHON Conference. Starring blind actors and meant for a blind/low-vision audience, this short film creatively uses audio descriptions to engage the audience and create suspense – where will the LHON Conference be this year? After the showing, we will have a Q&A with the stars of the film.

This event is a collaboration of Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.
Flyer: Film Festival Flyer 2025

Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival
2025-04-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Zoom, Virtual
All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a conversation on the films shown. Sign up for as many events as you like. All events are free and open to the public.
Register online at https://bit.ly/25dnff or by contacting Eliot Carter (see contact info below)
Thursday’s Theme: Resilience

Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Love After War delves deep into the intimate lives of injured veterans and their romantic partners. It is a story of coming home and sexual healing. The accounts illustrate how each faces the challenges of disability and musters up the courage beyond what was needed for war to restore connection.

Defiant Lives 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Defiant Lives introduces the world to the most impressive activists you’ve never heard of and tells the story of the rise and fight of the disability rights movement in the United States, Britain and Australia.
Content note: Offensive language, institutional abuse and neglect, and violence toward people with disabilities

Film Festival Wrap-Up Discussion 3:00 to 4:00 PM

A group-led discussion about the films we have watched over the past two days and how people with disabilities use the arts and creativity to affect social change.

This event is a collaboration of Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.
Flyer: Film Festival Flyer 2025

Studio Be: Guided Sessions (in person)
2025-04-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Studio Be: Guided Sessions (in person)
Make art (and friends!) and learn about artists and new techniques in a relaxed social environment. Rotating through different media, we explore materials and processes in a guided manner. No previous experience is necessary. Materials provided.
To receive weekly Art Programming email updates, contact Claire!

Download and print the flyer: Art Program Brochure

Nature's Nurture
2025-04-29 12:30 - 14:00 | Zoom, Virtual
Grow with us and discover nature’s benefits with Nature Nurture!
We’ll be cultivating curiosity with this seasonal appreciation of nature.

Collaborative exploration
Gardening and horticulture learning opportunities & experiences
Peer discussions

Virtual meetings on the last Tuesday of the month from 12:30pm to 2pm.
All inclusive, 18+ audience.
Registration required, see (website) link below
Download & print the flyer: Nature’s Nurture flyer

DisScribe Writers Group
2025-05-01 09:30 - 10:45 | Zoom, Virtual
DisScribe Writers Group
Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Are you hoping to improve your writing and editing skills?
Do you need a buddy to keep you on track with your writing goals?
Our open writing group is dedicated to supporting and empowering the creative writing efforts of individuals with disabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, DisScribe offers a welcoming space for sharing ideas, honing your craft, and connecting with fellow writers.
Join us for inspiring workshops, collaborative writing sessions, and valuable feedback that celebrates diverse voices and stories.
Let’s create together!
Download program flyer here: DisScribe Flyer
Specific Thursdays 9:30-10:45am via Zoom
CONTACT/REGISTER
Will – info below

Theatre BE - Mini Session
2025-05-01 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-05-08 15:30 - 17:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Join Theatre Be as we laugh and learn together!
We’ll be spending each week in this mini session playing theatre games, exploring scene building and improv, and expressing ourselves through acting. We’ll have a supportive and friendly environment where the rules are simple: BE yourself and BE encouraging!
There will NOT be a performance in the mini session; instead we will be having and end of session party for our company!
Every Thursday from May 1 to June 5. June 5th will be the End-of-Session Party
Ages 14+ and all abilities welcome.
No registration required
Program Flyer:Theatre Be Mini Session

DNWML Staff Art Show
2025-05-07 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-08 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-13 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Color Me Impressed!
Artwork by DNMWL staff: Dana DeBord, Rebecca Dooley, Kari Havenaar, Krystina Johnson, Claire Moore, Janeen Mussleman, & Will Purves
Come check out the art Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 4pm
Reception June 3 from 1p to 2p
Virtual Exhibition & Audio Tour: dnwml.org/staffshow
Check out the flyer: Staff Art Show

Sweet Circle Oreos & Candy Club
2025-05-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom, Virtual
Join us for the spring/summer session of Sweet Circle, where we’ll talk cookies, candy, and living with disability.
Sweet Circle is s fun and fantastic opportunity to sample new candy adn cookie flavors and socialize with your peers. Using Oreos and candy as our conversation piece, we will discuss our opinions on seasonal varieties while considering our own personal flavor profiles as individuals.
– Are you double-stuffed compassion, sandwiched with advocacy cookies?
– Maybe you’re dipped in caramel charisma and sprinkled with anxiety?
– Maybe you’re sweet and salty?
– Any combination is welcome!
Each participant will be responsible for purchasing their own candy and cookies for each session
Meet virtually (via Zoom) on the 2nd Friday of each month from 11a to 12p
– May 9
– June 13
– July 11
– August 8
Contact Anna (see info below) to RSVP and get specifics on candy and cookie selections for each month.
Check out the program flyer: Sweet Circle flyer

Call for Art - Disability Pride Art Exhibition
2025-05-14, 2025-05-15 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Call for Art – In this Together: Joy & Interdependence in Disability Culture
Join us for our Third Annual Disability Pride Art Exhibition at DNWML.
This year’s exhibition celebrates the beauty of interdependence, the power of community, and the full spectrum of joy within disability culture. We are seeking artwork by disabled artists that reflects the richness of disabled lives – not as isolated stories of struggle or inspiration, but as nuanced and deeply connected, complex, and joyful experiences.
We welcome submissions across all mediums: including visual art, photography, sculpture, video, performance, sound art, mixed media, and more!
Submission deadline: June 8
Exhibition dates July 1 to Aug 15, 2025 during Disability Pride Month at the DNWML Washtenaw Office.
Check out the website (below) for more information and/or to submit a description of your art to consideration in the exhibition.
Check out the flyer: CALL FOR ART Dis Pride 25

!DN! RPG Club
2025-05-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Come Adventuring With Us!
Do you enjoy tabletop role-playing games?
Are you interested in meeting fellow gamers, or perhaps becoming a Games Master (GM) or creating your own RPG content?
Join us twice a monthly for sci-fi and fantasy adventures!
– Drop-in sessions – come once in a while or every time!
– No experience needed
– No materials needed or rules to buy; all materials will be supplied for you
– Ages 18+
Select Wednesdays, 12:30p to 2:30p
In-person session at DNWML – Washtenaw Office
To register, join the mailing list, and/or save a seat in advance contact Will (william@dnwml.org)
Program flyer: RPG Club Flyer
