BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Disability Network Southwest Michigan - ECPv6.6.4.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Disability Network Southwest Michigan X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.dnswm.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Disability Network Southwest Michigan REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230505T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230505T133000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20230228T205724Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230505T160549Z UID:19712-1683288000-1683293400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webmovie: Deej DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webmovie-deej/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20220823T192649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T161752Z UID:14213-1664458200-1664465400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Brain Injury Survivors Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/brain-injury-survivors-meeting-2022-09-29/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230504T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230504T120000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20230228T203120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230503T204251Z UID:19698-1683194400-1683201600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability in Tech & Media DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-disability-in-tech-media/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20230321T193248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230321T193248Z UID:20235-1679493600-1679497200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Chronic Pain Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/chronic-pain-support-group/ CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T120000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20230516T185032Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T185254Z UID:21091-1683025200-1683028800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Phenomenal Women Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T113000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20221129T193316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T193559Z UID:15748-1673344800-1673350200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-group-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T173000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20221129T194035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230206T200209Z UID:15753-1672934400-1672939800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143423 CREATED:20220823T192649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T161752Z UID:14213-1664458200-1664465400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Brain Injury Survivors Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/brain-injury-survivors-meeting-2022-09-29/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20230321T193248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230321T193248Z UID:20235-1679493600-1679497200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Chronic Pain Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/chronic-pain-support-group/ CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220928T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220928T133000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20210708T161408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162244Z UID:14066-1664368200-1664371800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Access Team DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/access-team-3-2021-10-13-2022-09-28/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20230227T213214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T191652Z UID:19662-1761658200-1761663600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: How\, When & Why to Disclose Your Disability to an Employer DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/how-to-disclose-your-disability-to-an-employer/ CATEGORIES:Educational,General END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20210708T160355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T184725Z UID:14000-1664276400-1664276400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Phenomenal Women Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group-2021-10-05-2022-09-27/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230421T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230421T113000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20230227T205530Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230421T141837Z UID:19653-1682071200-1682076600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webmovie: Bottom Dollars DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webmovie-bottom-dollars/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230221T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230221T130000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20221117T223822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230118T231418Z UID:15268-1676980800-1676984400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Rise Up! Disability History\, Pride & Allyship DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/rise-up-disability-history-pride-allyship/ CATEGORIES:Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20220823T192649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T161752Z UID:14213-1664458200-1664465400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Brain Injury Survivors Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/brain-injury-survivors-meeting-2022-09-29/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20230321T193248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230321T193248Z UID:20235-1679493600-1679497200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Chronic Pain Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/chronic-pain-support-group/ CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20210708T160355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T184725Z UID:14000-1664276400-1664276400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Phenomenal Women Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group-2021-10-05-2022-09-27/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T113000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20221129T193316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T193559Z UID:15748-1673344800-1673350200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-group-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230105T173000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20221129T194035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230206T200209Z UID:15753-1672934400-1672939800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143424 CREATED:20220823T192649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T161752Z UID:14213-1664458200-1664465400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Brain Injury Survivors Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/brain-injury-survivors-meeting-2022-09-29/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20230321T193248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230321T193248Z UID:20235-1679493600-1679497200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Chronic Pain Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/chronic-pain-support-group/ CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20210708T160355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T184725Z UID:14000-1664276400-1664276400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Phenomenal Women Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group-2021-10-05-2022-09-27/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220929T153000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20220823T192649Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T161752Z UID:14213-1664458200-1664465400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Brain Injury Survivors Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/brain-injury-survivors-meeting-2022-09-29/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230322T150000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20230321T193248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230321T193248Z UID:20235-1679493600-1679497200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Chronic Pain Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/chronic-pain-support-group/ CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220927T110000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20210708T160355Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230516T184725Z UID:14000-1664276400-1664276400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Phenomenal Women Support Group DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/phenomenal-women-support-group-2021-10-05-2022-09-27/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230110T113000 DTSTAMP:20260624T143425 CREATED:20221129T193316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T193559Z UID:15748-1673344800-1673350200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin 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. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-group-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR