Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival
2025-04-24 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Detroit) | 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 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

DNWML Buildings Closed - Staff available via phone or email
2025-04-25, 2025-05-02, 2025-05-09 | Washtenaw DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
All DNWML offices are closed to the public on Fridays.
Staff is available from 8:30am to 12:00pm via phone or email.

DNWML Staff Remote - Buildings Closed
2025-04-28, 2025-05-05, 2025-05-12 | Washtenaw DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
All DNWML offices are closed to the public on Mondays.
Staff is available from 8:30am to 4:30pm via phone or email.

Livingston County Community Conversations
2025-04-28 12:00 - 13:30 | Black Iron Coffee Roasters, 119 W Grand River Ave., Howell, 48843, United States
Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, and we’d like you to get to know us!
Join us at one of two locations to learn more about our staff and the services we provide in Livingston County, including:
– Increasing accessibility
– Employment opportunities
– Benefits counseling
– Recreation opportunities
We will be at the Black Iron Coffee Roasters on March 24 & April 28 from 12pm to 1:30pm.
Our Livingston County office is located at: 123 E Washington St, Howell, MI 48843

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

Studio Be: Open Studio (in person)
2025-04-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-05-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Washtenaw 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

Empower Hour
2025-04-30 12:30 - 13:30 | Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Raisinville Rd, Monroe, MI, 48161, United States
Anyone who identifies as having a disability is welcome to join our new peer support group at our Monroe office!
Each Wednesday, individuals will gather for one hour to connect. Share lived experiences and coping strategies and provide support to each other physically and emotionally, as we all tackle the social challenges that come with having a disability.
We will meet at Monroe County Community College, Founders Hall F-129

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 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

Digital Skills Training @ Ann Arbor District Libraries
2025-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Westgate Branch District Library, 2503 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Device Accessibility Overview
– Come learn about settings and devices that make smartphones and computers easier for people with disabilities to use! DNWML staff will demonstrate and explain ways to make technology more friendly to people with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive challenges, and direct your to resources you can turn to that can help with getting technology to fit into your life
This training will meet in the West Side Room of the Westgate Branch.
Open to all ages and abilities.
Check out the program flyer: Digital Skills Training Flyer

DNWML Closed
2025-05-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Washtenaw DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
All DNWML offices will be closed from 10am to 12pm for a Staff Meeting.

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 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

Under the Umbrella
2025-05-07 14:00 - 15:00 | Monroe DNWML, 1070 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161, United States
Enjoy pride without barriers; connect, share, and thrive!
A group centered around chosen family, connection, and mutual support. A space for every identity and every ability.
Individuals with intersectional identities who also have a disability, as well as friends and family members, are invited to offer support, guidance, and resources.
Discuss experiences, bond over common ground, and learn from each other.
A Bi-weekly meetings in-person at the DWNML Monroe office.
Check out the program flyer: Under The Umbrella flyer

General Peer Support Group
2025-05-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom, Virtual
A space designed for conversation and support,
Join our inclusive peer support group. We’re gathering monthly for enriching discussions covering a wide array of topics that touch all aspects of our lives.
Our community is open and welcoming to individuals of any disability, gender, race, or ethnicity. Join us as a valued member of our diverse and compassionate community!
The General Peer Support Group meets virtually once a month from 2pm to 3pm.
To register please contact Kari@dnwml.org
Download program flyer here: General Peer Support Group Flyer

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

SCI Virtual Meet Up: Spinal Solidarity
2025-05-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom, Virtual
SCI Virtual Meet Up: Spinal Solidarity
Living with a spinal cord injury can be challenging in many ways. Join us to connect with others with SCI, get help tackling your own needs, and provide help and advice to others.
This group meets the second Tuesday of the month, 12:00-1:30pm.
Download program flyer here: Spinal Solidarity Flyer

Call for Art - Disability Pride Art Exhibition
2025-05-14, 2025-05-15 | Washtenaw 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

Your World: Navigating Life with Blindness and Low Vision
2025-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom, Virtual
Your World: Navigating Life with Blindness and Low Vision
Join us on Zoom for a welcoming discussion group for people who are blind or experiencing vision loss. Topics will be participant-driven and sessions will empower group members to embrace their self-identities and individuality as people with low vision, while strengthening belonging and community inclusion. Your World is a group where we discuss different topics involving navigating life with low vision. We share resources, tips, and perspectives to help us enhance the quality and autonomy of our lives. Group facilitators are professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who experience blindness or vision loss. Assistive technology support will be available.
Your World meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 12:00-1:00pm.
Anyone over 18 with low vision or blindness can participate.
Contacts: Renee (734-889-9370)

Download program flyer here: Your World Flyer

!DN! RPG Club
2025-05-14 12:30 - 14:30 | Washtenaw 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
