How to Ask for an Accommodation
2023-01-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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

Register:

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Rise Up! Disability History, Pride & Allyship
2023-02-21 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
Many parents and guardians of a child with disabilities are unaware of the rich history in the disability community. Family and friends can sometimes lack the knowledge of disability history and struggle to find ways to support their loved-one’s journey to disability pride. Let’s change that! (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)
Choose from the following dates/times:

Tuesday, February 21st: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Thursday, April 20th: 6:00 – 7:00pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.
Register:
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Powers of Attorney
2023-05-09 15:30 - 17:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
The purpose of this training is to provide family members with an introduction to powers of attorney as an alternative to guardianship. Focus will be given to the law as it applies to persons with developmental disabilities. The presenter will address how the scope, intent and content of powers of attorney can differ and the importance of understanding the different types of powers of attorney that are available to support your family member. (Presented by Lisa Lepine, attorney & the Executive Director of The Arc of Macomb County.)
To learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination.
Register:
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Problem Solving and Decision Making
2023-03-14 18:30 - 19:30
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For youth ages 12 and under
Problem solving skills help children gain confidence and independence. Learning how to make decisions is a valuable life skill. These skills are necessary for all children, but even more important for children with disabilities. This fun, interactive training for youth up to age 12 will provide the opportunity to learn more about, and practice, problem solving and decision making. (Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families.)
Choose from the following dates/times:

Tuesday, March 14th: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Thursday, May 11th: 6:30 – 7:30pm

To learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination.
Register:
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Understanding Neurodiversity
2023-01-26 15:30 - 17:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For families/guardians

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 your neurodivergent loved ones. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Thursday, January 26th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 8th: 12:00 – 1:30pm

Tuesday, May 16th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.

Register:

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Ableism and Implicit Bias
2023-05-18 18:30 - 19:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
Ableism is the discrimination against people with disabilities based on the belief that “typical” abilities are superior. To address ableism, we must start by acknowledging we all have unconscious bias. These unconscious attitudes and stereotypes impact our understanding, actions, and decisions. This session will define implicit bias, help participants be more aware of their own bias, and explore strategies to challenge our unconscious beliefs. (Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families.)
Choose from the following dates/times:

Tuesday, March 7th: 6:30 – 7:30pm
Thursday, May 18th: 6:30 – 7:30pm

To learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.
Register:

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PtW: The Power of Disability Language
2023-10-12 18:00 - 19:30

PtW: Learning About MiABLE Accounts
2024-03-27 18:00 - 19:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

The ABLE Act was signed into law in 2014 and changed the U.S. tax code to create tax-free savings accounts for eligible people with disabilities. Money can be added to these accounts without fear the account holder’s public assistance will be affected. Join R. Scott de Varona of the Michigan Treasury Department to learn about the features and uses of a MiABLE account for your loved one.

This event is presented by R. Scott de Varona, MBA, MiABLE Director of Michigan Treasury Dept. on:

March 27, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register

Learning About MiABLE Accounts is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Early On - Don't Worry, but Don't Wait
2024-04-09 09:30 - 10:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Do you wonder if your child is on track developmentally? If so, we might be able to help. Early On is a free and federally funded program that is available to all Michigan families of children birth through 3 years of age. By the end of this session, you will have an understanding of what Early On is, who qualifies for Early On, and your role in Early On enrollment and participation.

This event is presented by Wendy Jenks and Kristen Dinsmore of Calhoun County ISD on:

April 9, 2024 at 9:30 to 10:30 AM — Click here to register

Early On – Don’t Worry, but Don’t Wait is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: The Importance of Sensory Play
2024-04-25 18:00 - 18:45
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Join award-winning children’s author, educator, and disability advocate, Justine Green, Ed.D. in this fun-filled discussion on the benefits of sensory play. Learn about activities that help with fine motor, spatial awareness, and sensory skills. Dr. Green has designed her line of sensory play kits and written several books about young self-advocates – including a book about her childhood journey in self-advocacy!

This event is presented by Justine Green, Ed. D., of Completely Me on:

April 25, 2024 at 6:00 to 6:45 PM — Click here to register

The Importance of Sensory Play is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Section 504 - What Parents Need to Know
2024-05-13 18:30 - 20:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability – this includes students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). For students with a disability who are not eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan provides equal access to the general education curriculum. This training will help you learn the difference between a 504 Plan and IEP, how to get a 504 Plan for your child, what supports and services are available and what rights you and your child have.

This event is presented by Stephanie Nicholls of Michigan Alliance for Families on:

May 13, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:00 PM — Click here to register

Section 504 – What Parents Need to Know is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

When a child with a disability demonstrates behavior that impedes their learning or the learning of others, appropriate behavioral supports may be needed to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Does your child have challenging behaviors at school? Come learn about services provided through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to teach and support positive behaviors at school.

Join us to learn:• What a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) is and how to request one• How an FBA leads to the development of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)• How to make sure the BIP utilizes Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)• What to do if the plan isn’t working

Presented by Stephanie Nicholls of Michigan Alliance for Families on:

June 6, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register

Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!)
2024-09-12 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Many parents worry about the employment future of their child with a disability. This training, led by staff who spent years removing barriers to employment for young adults, will focus on important independent living and pre-employment skills that you can help your child start building in their early years in preparation for a successful and fulfilling work life in the future!

This event is presented by Mary Fortney of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

September 12, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 AM — Click here to register

Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!) is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Building Resilience
2024-09-24 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

How do we help children with the skills they need to not just survive, but thrive? Being a caretaker is hard work and at times overwhelming. A caring and resilient adult’s role is crucial in the formation of a resilient child. In this course, we will identify the skills that go into becoming a resilient adult, how to instill that resilience in our children, provide some scientific insights, and provide some practical tools and resources.

This event is presented by Anne Kooy of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

September 24, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 AM — Click here to register

Building Resilience is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: The Basics of Supported Decision Making
2024-10-21 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Every adult has the right to make life decisions, to direct their life and to be treated with dignity, as an autonomous adult. All adults need and get advice and counsel when making different life decisions. Many options, other than guardianship, are available to provide counsel, guidance, and assistance with making decisions. Person Centered Planning and Self-Determination require that adults with disabilities are respected and honored to make life decisions with the support and counsel they need to remain as independent and autonomous as possible. This presentation will discuss tools, that can be used to support people in decision-making while retaining their rights.

This event is presented by Mary Shehan of The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council on:

Monday, October 21, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

The Basics of Supported Decision Making is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: IEP - A Closer Look
2024-10-23 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

This workshop will help you take a more in-depth look at the core areas of the IEP and prioritize your greatest concerns. You will learn how to address concerns through the IEP process and improve your ability to have productive conversations.

This event is presented by Stephanie Nicholls of Michigan Alliance for Families on:

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

IEP – A Closer Look is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: The Importance of Sexuality Education for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2024-11-04 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

The lack of sexuality and relationship education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead to high rates of abuse, being charged with sex crimes, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Explore the importance of building sexual self-advocacy skills and how to support, educate, and empower individuals with I/DD to become sexual self-advocates.

Presented by Mary Shehan of The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council on:

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

The Importance of Sexuality Education for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!
