Webinar: Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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 time:

Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 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: Mental Health Through a Disability Lens
2026-05-06 14:00 - 16:00
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:

Wednesday, May 6, 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: Ableism 101
2026-05-12 13:00 - 16:00
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 is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 1:00 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: Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
2026-05-14 13:30 - 15:00
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging — especially for people with disabilities who too often encounter bias, barriers, and assumptions. This engaging and empowering presentation helps participants learn how to confidently advocate for their health and well-being in medical settings. Through real-life examples and practical tools, we’ll explore how to communicate effectively, recognize medical ableism, and build strong relationships with providers. Participants will also learn strategies for preparing for appointments, tracking symptoms, and understanding their patient rights. Whether you’re new to self-advocacy or looking to strengthen your skills, this session offers the knowledge and confidence to take charge of your healthcare journey.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 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: Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:30
Navigating the healthcare system can be challenging — especially for people with disabilities who too often encounter bias, barriers, and assumptions. This engaging and empowering presentation helps participants learn how to confidently advocate for their health and well-being in medical settings. Through real-life examples and practical tools, we’ll explore how to communicate effectively, recognize medical ableism, and build strong relationships with providers. Participants will also learn strategies for preparing for appointments, tracking symptoms, and understanding their patient rights. Whether you’re new to self-advocacy or looking to strengthen your skills, this session offers the knowledge and confidence to take charge of your healthcare journey.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 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: Disability Language & Etiquette
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:30
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:

Tuesday, June 9, 10:00-11:30 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: You CAN Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits!
2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:00
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 session will be offered at the following time:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 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
2026-06-25 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:

Thursday, June 25, 2026, 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: Disability: A Source of Pride
2026-07-08 14:00 - 16:00
Society sends messages to people with disabilities that disability is “bad” – something we should fix, change, or hide. We don’t agree! In this workshop, we will explore and celebrate our disabilities as an important part of who we are. Join us to celebrate disability!

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 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: Understanding Hidden Disabilities
2026-08-11 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 time:

Wednesday, August 11, 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: Supporting Autistic People
2026-08-27 10:00 - 12:00
Autistic brains develop differently, and Autistic people often require unique support to thrive. In this workshop, we will explore how the Autistic brain works and why focusing on behavior rarely helps Autistic people. We will also discuss affirming ways to support Autistic sensory, movement, communication, executive function, and emotional needs.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 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.
