PtW: Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child
2024-12-10 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Disability pride refers to a positive outlook that a child can develop over time about their own disability. Pride helps to develop self-esteem, self-worth, and an understanding of abilities. In this presentation, we will help you to empower your child to embrace their disability as part of their identity and see the gifts and community it brings with it.

This event is presented by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 PM — Click here to register

Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

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: Black Disability History (Back by popular demand!)
2025-02-06 13:30 - 15:00
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have advanced civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, but their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. Join us to learn about the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

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: Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals
2025-03-19 10:00 - 11:30
Many people don’t know there are different types of assistance animals. Join us to learn the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. We will discuss the laws about which types of assistance animals must be allowed into different places.

This event is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 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.

Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 1
2025-04-23 10:00 - 16:00
Join us online for the fifth annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival! All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The film festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a discussion on the films presented at the festival.

Wednesday, April 23Theme Day: Adventure• The Peanut Butter Falcon from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM• Keep the Change from 1:15 to 3:15 PM• Mission Possible: Quest for the Lost Conference (submission by Filmmaker Rob Packard) from 3:30 to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, April 24Theme Day: Resilience• Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM• Defiant Lives from 1:00 to 3:00 PM• Discussion of Festival Films from 3:15 to 4:00 PM

Register

All events are free and open to the public. Sign up for as many events as you like. Register online or contact Eliot Carter via email at ecarter@dnwml.org or by phone at (734) 971-0277 x520.

This event is a collaboration between Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.

Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 2
2025-04-24 10:00 - 16:00
Join us online for the fifth annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival! All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The film festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a discussion on the films presented at the festival.

Wednesday, April 24Theme Day: Resilience• Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM• Defiant Lives from 1:00 to 3:00 PM• Discussion of Festival Films from 3:15 to 4:00 PM

Register

All events are free and open to the public. Sign up for as many events as you like. Register online or contact Eliot Carter via email at ecarter@dnwml.org or by phone at (734) 971-0277 x520.

This event is a collaboration between Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.

Webinar: Mental Health Through a Disability Lens
2025-05-20 15:00 - 16:30
Many people view mental health conditions as separate from disability. However, examining mental health through the lens of disability can provide valuable insights. In this workshop, we will:

Learn about mental health from a disability perspective

Explore how ableism impacts people with mental health disabilities

Examine how current mental health practices can oppress people

Discuss ways to develop inclusive and empowering practices for supporting mental health

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 3:00 to 4:30 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
2025-05-21 14:30 - 16:30
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

How ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities

How you can support the neurodiversity movement

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:30 to 4:30 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: LGBTQIA+ Disability History
2025-06-11 15:00 - 16:30
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Queer disabled people have advanced both LGBTQIA+ rights and disability rights, but the intersection of these civil rights movements is often overlooked. In this presentation, we will examine the parallels and connections between the two movements.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 3:00 to 4:30 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.

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.

Webinar: Some Basics of Employing People with Disabilities
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:30
This presentation highlights key aspects of the ADA and employment. We will cover the steps involved in the process of identifying appropriate reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Information addressed includes the role of medical documentation and the interactive dialogue process to finding reasonable accommodations. Learn more about how job descriptions, employment policies, and clear written and verbal communication help to determine reasonable accommodations and support inclusivity. Select other employment laws to consider also will be discussed.

The information in this presentation is limited and covers general concepts. We do not provide legal advice.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

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: Disability & Healthcare Equity
2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00
Despite civil rights laws that require equal access to healthcare, disabled Americans experience serious healthcare disparities compared to their non-disabled peers. In this workshop, we will examine the many barriers that limit disabled people’s access to quality healthcare and discuss ways to improve healthcare equity for people with disabilities.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 10:00 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: Inclusive Employment Practices
2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30
Learn how to recruit and retain employees with disabilities. This workshop will cover:

Myths and facts about disability in the workplace

How and why to make a reasonable accommodation for job applicants and staff

How to write inclusive job descriptions to expand your talent pool

This event is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: What to Do When an Employee Discloses a Disability
2025-10-14 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop helps employers understand their responsibilities when an employee discloses a disability. We will discuss what a “reasonable” accommodation is, when an employee must disclose a disability, and why they may not want to.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: 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 Language & Etiquette
2025-11-06 14:30 - 16:00
The language we use is powerful and can reveal hidden assumptions we might not realize we have. Our words can be hurtful even when well-intended. This workshop challenges assumptions about what it means to have a disability. Participants will be able to explore new ideas and ask questions in a safe environment.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 2:30 to 4:00 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: Accessible Content
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:30
In this workshop, learn how to create content that is accessible to everyone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to see your page, read your words, or hear your recording. Creating accessible content means they can still get your message. Learn how to use best practices to be inclusive in all your communications.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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.

Movie & Discussion: The R-Word
2025-11-20 13:30 - 15:00
This documentary film confronts the word retard(ed). The film tells the stories of a diverse group of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the same hopes and fearsas everyone else and of their siblings who advocate on their behalf and turn their love and pride into action.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 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: Ableism 101
2025-12-03 09:00 - 12:00
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

Ableism is the oppression of people with disabilities. This workshop will define and explore different types of ableism. We will examine how the words we use to talk about disability can contribute to equality or stigma. Participants will begin to unlearn their unconscious bias around disability.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 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: Ableism 101
2025-12-09 13:00 - 16:00
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

Ableism is the oppression of people with disabilities. This workshop will define and explore different types of ableism. We will examine how the words we use to talk about disability can contribute to equality or stigma. Participants will begin to unlearn their unconscious bias around disability.

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 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: Ableism 102
2025-12-17 13:00 - 16:00
Ableism 102: Next steps in dismantling Ableism

This workshop builds on the lessons of Ableism 101 to explore the next steps in dismantling ableism. We will dig deeper into the causes and impacts of ableism and how to create true inclusion. Participants will identify how they can fight ableism within their spheres of influence.

Prerequisite: Ableism 101.

This webinar will take place at the following time:

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 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 History 101
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:30
The Disability Rights Movement is left out of most history classes. Join us for an overview of the movements led by disabled activists. We will highlight important historical figures and key moments in disability history. Participants will begin to understand how the Disability Rights Movement fits into civil rights history and how the Disability Justice Movement is changing the conversation around disability.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00 to 2:30 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 Accessibility
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:30
Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of creating inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of ability or disability, can participate fully. This presentation will explore the importance of accessibility, practical strategies to address common access barriers, the legal framework surrounding accessibility, and basic principles of accessibility. We’ll introduce the core principles of accessibility, including universal design, designing for inclusion, and offering accommodations.

This webinar will take place at the following time:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: Beyond Stigma: Harm Reduction & Disability (Special Presentation!)
2026-01-22 14:00 - 16:00
This presentation is provided in collaboration with Kalamazoo Harm Reduction & Street Medicine Kalamazoo.

Join us for a powerful discussion on the connection between Disability and harm reduction. This presentation will explore how stigma, systemic barriers, and medical discrimination impact Disabled people. We’ll examine how harm reduction aligns with Disability justice, why substance use disorder is recognized as a Disability, and how lack of access to care forces people into dangerous alternatives. Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, we’ll highlight the urgent need for autonomy, equity, and policy change. Attendees will gain actionable steps to challenge stigma, advocate for inclusive harm reduction, and support Disability rights. Let’s work together to create a future where no one is denied the care and dignity they deserve.

This event is being offered at the following times:

Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 10:00 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: Beyond Stigma: Harm Reduction & Disability (Special Presentation!)
2026-01-27 10:00 - 12:00
This presentation is provided in collaboration with Kalamazoo Harm Reduction & Street Medicine Kalamazoo.

Join us for a powerful discussion on the connection between Disability and harm reduction. This presentation will explore how stigma, systemic barriers, and medical discrimination impact Disabled people. We’ll examine how harm reduction aligns with Disability justice, why substance use disorder is recognized as a Disability, and how lack of access to care forces people into dangerous alternatives. Through real-world examples, interactive discussion, we’ll highlight the urgent need for autonomy, equity, and policy change. Attendees will gain actionable steps to challenge stigma, advocate for inclusive harm reduction, and support Disability rights. Let’s work together to create a future where no one is denied the care and dignity they deserve.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, January 27, 2025 from 10:00 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: Understanding Hidden Disabilities
2026-02-05 10:00 - 12:00
Hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately visible by looking at a person. Though unseen, these disabilities affect daily life and can lead to discrimination. People with hidden disabilities often encounter barriers in employment, education, and social settings due to a lack of understanding. In this workshop, we will explore the impact of hidden disabilities, debunk common myths, and identify ways to be an active ally.

This event is being offered online at the following times:

Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – (Click here to register)

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 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: You CAN Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits!
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30
People receiving SSI/SSDI Benefits from Social Security often believe they will lose these vital sources of income if they are employed. However, with the right planning and resources, individuals can make informed decisions that allow them to reach greater financial stability than receiving benefits alone. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of how a service called Benefits Planning can help individuals transition back to work successfully.

We’ll discuss what is provided in Benefits Planning services and why these services are crucial for long-term financial stability. Additionally, we’ll explore the various Social Security Disability work incentives (special Social Security rules that support a beneficiary in a successful return to work) including how and when they apply while employed.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to balance employment goals with Social Security Disability benefits and access the support they need for a smooth transition back to work.

This event is offered at the following time:

Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: Supporting Families of Children with Invisible Disabilities (Guest Presentation by Dr. Tamiko L. Garrett)
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
This is a Special Guest presentation by Dr. Tamiko L. Garrett.

Many disabilities are not immediately visible — yet they deeply impact a child’s daily life, learning, and relationships. This presentation will explore the unique challenges caregivers face when seeking support and services for children with invisible disabilities such as ADHD, autism, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. Participants will learn practical strategies to build stronger partnerships between caregivers and providers, improve communication, and create more inclusive and understanding environments in schools and service settings.

This event is taking place at the following time:

Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 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.

About Dr. Tamiko L. Garrett:

Dr. Tamiko L. Garrett is the creator and Executive Director of Parents for Transition (PFT) a non-profit organization in Kalamazoo, MI. Parents for Transition provides caregivers and youth impacted by invisible disabilities, educational resources, support, and self-care opportunities.

She is also a parent of a young adult with an invisible disability. Dr. Garrett has 20 years of experience in the field of Education (K-12 and Higher Education). She was inspired to create the PFT due to her own experience navigating a child with an invisible disability through the K-12 system to higher education.

Dr. Garrett completed her doctorate degree from Eastern Michigan University in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Administration in August 2019. Her research interests are parents raising children with disabilities, particularly those with invisible disabilities, and how cultural differences may affect student learning. Dr. Garrett is also a part-time instructor at Western Michigan University in their Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies Department. She teaches methods courses to students majoring in Elementary Education.

Webinar: Understanding Hidden Disabilities
2026-02-17 14:00 - 16:00
Hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately visible by looking at a person. Though unseen, these disabilities affect daily life and can lead to discrimination. People with hidden disabilities often encounter barriers in employment, education, and social settings due to a lack of understanding. In this workshop, we will explore the impact of hidden disabilities, debunk common myths, and identify ways to be an active ally.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 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.

#DWord Book Club Meeting
2026-02-18 18:00 - 19:30
Disability Network Southwest Michigan is excited to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to launch the #DWord Book Club—a book club dedicated to promoting access, inclusion, disability pride, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word.

Join us for an opportunity to engage in respectful, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection.

All are welcome—whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader. This is a cost-free group; readers are not required to have a library card to participate. To ensure accessibility for all, each book is available in print, digital, and audiobook formats through the Kalamazoo Public Library.

Venue

CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library, located at 315 S. Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Registration is not required.

Book Selection

February’s book selection is Disability Intimacy, by Alice Wong.

About: The much-anticipated follow up to the groundbreaking anthology Disability Visibility: another revolutionary collection of first-person writing on the joys and challenges of the modern disability experience, and intimacy in all its myriad forms.

What is intimacy? More than sex, more than romantic love, the pieces in this stunning and illuminating new anthology offer broader and more inclusive definitions of what it can mean to be intimate with another person. Explorations of caregiving, community, access, and friendship offer us alternative ways of thinking about the connections we form with others—a vital reimagining in an era when forced physical distance is at times a necessary norm.

But don’t worry: there’s still sex to consider—and the numerous ways sexual liberation intersects with disability justice. Plunge between these pages and you’ll also find disabled sexual discovery, disabled love stories, and disabled joy. These twenty-five stunning original pieces—plus other modern classics on the subject, all carefully curated by acclaimed activist Alice Wong—include essays, photo essays, poetry, drama, and erotica: a full spectrum of the dreams, fantasies, and deeply personal realities of a wide range of beautiful bodies and minds. Disability Intimacy will free your thinking, invigorate your spirit, and delight your desires.

Follow this link for a Plain Language version of Disability Intimacy.

Accommodations

Accommodations can be provided upon request to (269) 553-7944 or follow this link to email Jade W. at Kalamazoo Public Library.

Webinar: Disability & Intersectionality
2026-02-25 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 times:

Wednesday, February 25, 2026, 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.
