Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Webmovie: Code of the Freaks
2022-09-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Code of the Freaks is a documentary film examining the representation of disabled people in Hollywood movies. The film investigates the power of movie imagery to shape the beliefs and behaviors of the general public toward disabled people, and of disabled people toward themselves.
Follow this link for more details and to register for the Webmovie: Code of the Freaks.

Webinar: Ableism 102
2022-09-16 09:30 - 12:00
This workshop builds on what you learned in Ableism 101 with a deeper examination of the causes and impacts of ableism and what it means to be truly inclusive. Prerequisite: Ableism 101.
Please note that this webinar takes place over two sessions, please do not register unless you can attend both sessions.
Follow this link for details and to register for Ableism 102.

Online Book Club
2022-12-15 12:00 - 13:30
Join us online to discuss the book All Our Families by Jennifer Natalya Fink
Weaving together stories of members of her own family with sociohistorical research, Fink illustrates how the eradication of disabled people from family narratives is rooted in racist, misogynistic, and antisemitic sorting systems inherited from Nazis. By examining the rhetoric of genetic testing, she shows that a fear of disability begins before a child is even born and that fear of disability is, fundamentally, a fear of care. Fink analyzes our racist and sexist care systems, exposing their inequities as a source of stigmatizing ableism. All Our Families challenges us to re-lineate disability within the family as a means of repair toward a more inclusive and flexible structure of care and community.
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Webmovie: Defiant Lives
2023-01-13 10:00 - 12:00
Defiant Lives traces the origins of the world-wide disability rights movement. This film tells the stories of the individuals who bravely put their lives on the line to create a better world where everyone is valued and can participate in society.

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on Friday, January 13th at 10:00 – 12:00 PM.

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Registration for this event is now closed.

How to Ask for an Accommodation
2023-01-18 18:00 - 19:30
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For family/guardians & youth ages 12 and under

This training focuses on identifying appropriate accommodations that support a child’s strengths and disability related needs. At the start of the training, youth ages 12 and under will participate in a fun activity to help them explore their strengths, while learning more about accommodations. The second portion of the training focuses on information for guardians and family members including requesting accommodations, the protections provided through IDEA, 504 Plans vs. IEPs, and options when accommodation requests don’t go as planned. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Wednesday, January 18th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

Thursday, February 23rd: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 29th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

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Webinar: Rise UP! Disability History, Resistance and Pride
2023-01-23 13:30 - 15:00
Many of us in the disability community are unaware of the depth of our culture and history and feel shame and stigma instead of pride around our disability identities. Family, friends and human service professionals also lack knowledge of disability history and struggle to find ways to support our journey to disability Pride. Let’s change that!

Join us for this webinar with discussion and activities that promote knowledge of disability history and support the journey to disability pride. Everyone is welcome!

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Monday, January 23rd at 1:30 to 3:00 PM

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

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Organization, if applicable:

If you need an accommodation, please specify:

Webinar: Black Disability History
2023-02-07 10:00 - 11:30
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have made key contributions to advancing civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, yet their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. In this presentation we’ll take a closer look at the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who have helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, February 7th at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (Registration is now closed.)

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webmovie: Citizen Sam
2023-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
This feature documentary is a portrait of Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic city councilor running for mayor of Vancouver. The film blends the rough and tumble experiences of the campaign with intimate moments from Sullivan’s daily life. It is an unflinching portrait of a one-of-a-kind politician.

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on Friday, February 10th at 10:00 – 12:00 PM. — (Registration has closed. Please check back for June-December trainings.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Black Disability History
2023-02-16 13:30 - 15:00
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have made key contributions to advancing civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, yet their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. In this presentation we’ll take a closer look at the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who have helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webmovie: Far from the Tree
2023-02-28 13:30 - 16:00
Far from the Tree is a documentary that examines the experiences of families in which parents and children are profoundly different from one another in a variety of ways. The film explores expectations that parents put on their children and whether those expectations come from the children’s needs or the parents’ need to be seen as a “good parent.” (This film contains adult themes.)

— (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

— (Registration is now closed.)

Online Book Club
2023-03-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join us online to discuss the book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Landau.
An Approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more accessible, inclusive place.
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— (Registration is now closed.)

Webinar: Intro to Neurodiversity
2023-03-07 13:30 - 15:30
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds. The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement for people with brain differences. In this workshop, we will discuss how neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement, and communication differences. We will examine how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities and how you can support the neurodiversity movement.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Registration:
(Registration is now closed.)

Ableism 101
2023-03-15 07:30 - 10:30, 2023-03-09 09:00 - 12:00
Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This webinar is being offered on the following dates:Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 1:30 to 4:30 PM — (Registration is now closed.)Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Your Name: (required)

Your Email:

Your Phone:

Organization:

If you need an accommodation, please specify:

Webinar: Ableism 101
2023-03-09 13:30 - 16:30
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This webinar is being offered on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Registration is closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Registration is now closed.

Webinar: Ableism 101
2023-03-14 09:00 - 12:00
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This webinar is being offered on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Registration is now closed.

Webinar: Ableism 102
2023-03-22 13:30 - 16:00
Ableism 102: Next steps in dismantling Ableism

This workshop builds on what you learned in Ableism 101 with a deeper examination of the causes and impacts of ableism and what it means to be truly inclusive. Prerequisite: Ableism 101. Please note that this webinar takes place over two sessions, please do not register unless you can attend both sessions.

This webinar is occurring on:

Ableism 102 Part 1 – Wednesday, March 22nd at 1:30 to 4:00 PM AND — (Registration is now closed.)

Ableism 102 Part 2 – Wednesday, March 29th at 1:30 to 4:00 PM

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

(Registration is now closed. Please check June Events Calendar for next availability.)

Webmovie: GATTACA
2023-03-30 12:00 - 14:30
Film Synopsis: In the not-too-distant future, where genetic engineering of humans is common and DNA plays the primary role in determining social class, Vincent is conceived and born without the aid of this technology. Vincent faces extreme genetic discrimination and prejudice. The only way he can achieve his life-long dream of becoming an astronaut is to break the law and impersonate a “valid,” a person with genetic advantages. (Content Note: This film addresses eugenics and suicide.)

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

— (Registration is now closed.)

Webinar: How, When & Why to Disclose Your Disability to an Employer
2025-10-28 13:30 - 15:00
In this workshop, we will discuss how, when, and why to talk to an employer about your disability. We will also review protections under the ADA and employment resources to help you.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:00 PM – (Click here to register)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Disability in Tech & Media
2023-05-04 10:00 - 12:00
The media we consume shapes our collective understanding of disability. In this workshop, we will discuss media portrayals of disability, how they may contribute to stereotypes, and how we can move toward more respectful, authentic representations of disability in the media.

This event is being offered online at the following times:

Thursday, May 4th, 2023 at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 at 1:30 – 3:30 PM

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

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Registration for May 4th is now closed.
May 17th at 1:30 PM

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Webmovie: Deej
2023-05-05 12:00 - 13:30
Abandoned by his birth parents and presumed incompetent, DJ Savarese (“Deej”) found not only a loving family but also a life in words, which he types on a text-to-voice synthesizer. As he makes his way through high school and dreams of college, he confronts the terrors of his past, society’s obstacles to inclusion, and the beauty of his own senses. In his advocacy on behalf of other nonspeaking autistics, he embraces filmmaking and poetry, and discovers what having a voice can truly mean.

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on Friday, May 5th, 2023 at 12:00 – 1:30 PM. — (Registration is now closed.)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Registration for this event is now closed.

Webinar: Ableism 101
2023-06-06 13:30 - 16:30
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 at 1:30 to 4:30 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Register:

Registration is now closed. Please check back for future dates, Thank you!

Webinar: Disability Allyship
2024-07-18 10:00 - 11:30
Allies are essential to any social justice movement, including the Disability Rights Movement. How can you become a Disability Ally? The Disability community has moved beyond waiting for support, people speaking for us, and people telling us what our rights are. Today, the Disability community wants our Allies to be fighting alongside us, inviting us to tables where we’re never invited, and taking action against oppression when they see it. In this workshop, we will learn what it takes to be an Ally for the Disability community and how to become a better Ally.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (Click here to register)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Disability & Intersectionality
2025-01-15 09:30 - 12:00
Intersectionality describes how people’s overlapping identities impact their experiences with privilege and oppression. Presenters will define ableism, racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression and discuss their impact on people with disabilities. We will look at ways to build a more inclusive society for all.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Intro to Neurodiversity
2023-08-24 10:00 - 12:00
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds. The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement for people with brain differences. In this workshop, we will discuss how neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement, and communication differences. We will examine how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities and how you can support the neurodiversity movement.

This webinar will be offered online at the following times:

Thursday, August 24th, 2023 at 1:30 to 3:30 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. Please register in advance below. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Registration:

Registration is now closed. Please check back for future dates, thank you!

Note: Clicking the button below to add this event to your calendar does not take the place of registration. You still need to provide your contact information above.
