Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Webinar: Accessibility in the Wild: An Introduction to Physical Accessibility
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
This workshop is a practical introduction to understanding and improving accessibility in your community spaces, programs, and services. Participants will learn basic concepts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including how accessibility applies to entrances, doors, paths of travel, service counters, signage, parking, and more. Through real-world examples and simple tips, attendees will gain insight into common barriers and learn small but meaningful ways to make spaces more inclusive. The session will also highlight how Disability Network Southwest Michigan can support you in making your spaces accessible to everyone. No prior experience is needed—this session is for anyone who cares about creating welcoming, accessible spaces for all community members.

This event is being offered online at the following times:

Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM – (Click here to register)

Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM – (Click here to register)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
2026-03-11 13:30 - 15:00
In this presentation, learn how to make an emergency plan for your household. Everyone needs to prepare for emergencies, yet most of us don’t think about it until we are in crisis mode. Whether an emergency forces you to leave your home or stay in it, you can feel secure knowing you have a plan.

This webinar will take place at the following times:

Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Understanding Social Security Benefits
2026-03-17 15:00 - 16:30
Parents and guardians often feel lost when it comes to navigating Social Security disability benefits for their loved one with a disability. This training will provide an overview of the two Social Security disability benefit programs – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – which can provide financial support to individuals with disabilities. Presenters will touch on the benefit application process, important factors around turning age 18, the impact of parental income/assets, and the myth that people receiving benefits can’t hold employment to reach further financial security.

This event is offered at the following times:

Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 3:00 to 4:30 PM — (Click here to register)

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Accessibility in the Wild: An Introduction to Physical Accessibility
2026-03-26 13:30 - 15:00
This workshop is a practical introduction to understanding and improving accessibility in your community spaces, programs, and services. Participants will learn basic concepts of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including how accessibility applies to entrances, doors, paths of travel, service counters, signage, parking, and more. Through real-world examples and simple tips, attendees will gain insight into common barriers and learn small but meaningful ways to make spaces more inclusive. The session will also highlight how Disability Network Southwest Michigan can support you in making your spaces accessible to everyone. No prior experience is needed—this session is for anyone who cares about creating welcoming, accessible spaces for all community members.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM – (Click here to register)

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Intro to Neurodiversity
2026-04-08 14:00 - 16:00
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds. The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement for people with brain differences. In this workshop, we will discuss:

How neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement, and communication differences

How ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities

How you can support the neurodiversity movement

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Supporting Autistic People
2026-04-14 10:00 - 11:30
Autistic brains develop differently, and Autistic people often require unique support to thrive. In this workshop, we will explore how the Autistic brain works and why focusing on behavior rarely helps Autistic people. We will also discuss affirming ways to support Autistic sensory, movement, communication, executive function, and emotional needs.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Do’s & Don’ts of Assistance Animals
2026-04-15 14:30 - 16:00
Many people don’t know there are different types of assistance animals. Join us to learn the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. We will discuss the laws about which types of assistance animals must be allowed into different places.

This event is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 2:30 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30
Many people don’t know there are different types of assistance animals. Join us to learn the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. We will discuss the laws about which types of assistance animals must be allowed into different places.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Supporting Autistic People
2026-04-30 14:30 - 16:00
Autistic brains develop differently, and Autistic people often require unique support to thrive. In this workshop, we will explore how the Autistic brain works and why focusing on behavior rarely helps Autistic people. We will also discuss affirming ways to support Autistic sensory, movement, communication, executive function, and emotional needs.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Mental Health Through a Disability Lens
2026-05-06 14:00 - 16:00
Many people view mental health conditions as separate from disability. However, examining mental health through the lens of disability can provide valuable insights. In this workshop, we will:

Learn about mental health from a disability perspective

Explore how ableism impacts people with mental health disabilities

Examine how current mental health practices can oppress people

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

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Ableism 101
2026-05-12 13:00 - 16:00
Ableism is the oppression of people with disabilities. This workshop will define and explore different types of ableism. We will examine how the words we use to talk about disability can contribute to equality or stigma. Participants will begin to unlearn their unconscious bias around disability.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

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

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

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

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

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

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Ableism 102
2026-05-27 13:00 - 16:00
This workshop builds on the lessons of Ableism 101 to explore the next steps in dismantling ableism. We will dig deeper into the causes and impacts of ableism and how to create true inclusion. Participants will identify how they can fight ableism within their spheres of influence.

Prerequisite: Ableism 101.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120!

Note: Clicking the button below to add this event to your calendar does not take the place of registration. You still need to provide your contact information above.

Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette
2026-06-09 10:00 - 11:30
The language we use is powerful and can reveal hidden assumptions we might not realize we have. Our words can be hurtful even when well-intended. This workshop challenges assumptions about what it means to have a disability. Participants will be able to explore new ideas and ask questions in a safe environment.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Tuesday, June 9, 10:00-11:30 AM — Click here to register

Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: You CAN Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits!
2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:00
People receiving SSI/SSDI Benefits from Social Security often believe they will lose these vital sources of income if they are employed. However, with the right planning and resources, individuals can make informed decisions that allow them to reach greater financial stability than receiving benefits alone. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of how a service called Benefits Planning can help individuals transition back to work successfully.

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

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

This session will be offered at the following time:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 PM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.

Webinar: Accessible Content
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:30
In this workshop, learn how to create content that is accessible to everyone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to see your page, read your words, or hear your recording. Creating accessible content means they can still get your message. Learn how to use best practices to be inclusive in all your communications.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection. Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120.
