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:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250423T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20230307T155119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T142938Z UID:20036-1745402400-1745424000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 1 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/nothing-about-us-without-us-virtual-film-festival/ CATEGORIES:Educational,Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250424T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20230307T155814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T143006Z UID:20043-1745488800-1745510400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 2 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/nothing-about-us-without-us-virtual-film-festival-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational,Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20240422T183448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T215235Z UID:26934-1746007200-1746012600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Accessible Content 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-accessible-content-3/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250611T163000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20230606T205527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T174036Z UID:21558-1749654000-1749659400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: LGBTQIA+ Disability History 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-lgbtqia-disability-history-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250709T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20240422T213341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T183116Z UID:26944-1752067800-1752073200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability History 101 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-mental-health-through-a-disability-lens/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20240919T203027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T183600Z UID:32110-1752746400-1752751800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Some Basics of Employing People with Disabilities 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/buildingresilience/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250730T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250730T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20250227T195924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T185033Z UID:37792-1753882200-1753887600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Some Basics of Employing People with Disabilities 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-some-basics-of-employing-people-with-disabilities/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T120000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125026 CREATED:20240430T201027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T160235Z UID:27133-1755684000-1755691200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability & Healthcare Equity 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-healthcare-equity/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251008T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20230814T145359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T184043Z UID:22433-1759917600-1759923000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Inclusive Employment Practices 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-inclusive-employment-practices/ CATEGORIES:Educational,General END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251014T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20250915T175218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T184134Z UID:72879-1760436000-1760441400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: What to Do When an Employee Discloses a Disability 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-what-to-do-when-an-employee-discloses-a-disability/ CATEGORIES:Educational,General END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251028T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 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:20251120T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20240422T181904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T194107Z UID:26930-1763645400-1763650800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Movie & Discussion: The R-Word 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-drunk-on-too-much-life/ CATEGORIES:Educational,General END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20251117T201447Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T145659Z UID:75915-1764770400-1764774000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Beyond the Ramp: Reimagining Accessibility in Healthcare (Guest Presentation) 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-beyond-the-ramp-reimagining-accessibility-in-healthcare/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T143000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20231208T205954Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T224936Z UID:24841-1768309200-1768314600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability History 101 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-intro-to-neurodiversity-6/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20251125T214533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T224912Z UID:76650-1768989600-1768995000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Intro to Accessibility 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-intro-to-accessibility/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260122T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20250915T180637Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T225335Z UID:72887-1769090400-1769097600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Beyond Stigma: Harm Reduction & Disability (Special Presentation!) 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-preparing-for-employment-brand-new-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T120000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20251117T203432Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T225126Z UID:75930-1769508000-1769515200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Beyond Stigma: Harm Reduction & Disability (Special Presentation!) 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-beyond-stigma-harm-reduction-disability-special-presentation/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T120000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20250915T193002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T225330Z UID:72915-1770285600-1770292800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Understanding Hidden Disabilities 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-understanding-hidden-disabilities/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T130000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20250915T180344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T204606Z UID:72883-1770897600-1770901200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Supporting Families of Children with Invisible Disabilities (Guest Presentation by Dr. Tamiko L. Garrett) 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-preparing-for-employment-brand-new/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T193000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20251209T192949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251215T235156Z UID:78128-1771437600-1771443000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:#DWord Book Club 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/dword-book-club-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Book Club,Educational,Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T120000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20240110T011038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T185141Z UID:25284-1772011800-1772020800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability & the Whole Person 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-intersectionality-3/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125027 CREATED:20251209T223604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T224504Z UID:78148-1773136800-1773142200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Accessibility in the Wild: An Introduction to Physical Accessibility 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-accessibility-in-the-wild-an-introduction-to-physical-accessibility/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260311T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20240108T235315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T224710Z UID:25233-1773235800-1773241200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities 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-ableism-102-part-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T163000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20231207T133440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T225018Z UID:24800-1773759600-1773765000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Understanding Social Security Benefits 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/ptw-understanding-social-security-benefits-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20251209T224037Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T225054Z UID:78151-1774531800-1774537200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Accessibility in the Wild: An Introduction to Physical Accessibility 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-accessibility-in-the-wild-an-introduction-to-physical-accessibility-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20231208T204630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T195453Z UID:24830-1775656800-1775664000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Intro to Neurodiversity 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-intro-to-neurodiversity-4/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260414T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20240221T192518Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T204706Z UID:25925-1776160800-1776166200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Supporting Autistic People 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/ptw-understanding-neurodiversity-3/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20241217T222753Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T163915Z UID:35388-1776263400-1776268800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Do’s & Don’ts of Assistance Animals 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-dos-donts-of-assistance-animals-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260423T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20240430T202536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T220211Z UID:27142-1776938400-1776943800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals 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-dos-donts-of-assistance-animals/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T160000 DTSTAMP:20260615T125028 CREATED:20240422T214350Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T195312Z UID:26951-1778076000-1778083200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Mental Health Through a Disability Lens 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-mental-health-through-a-disability-lens-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR