BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Disability Network Southwest Michigan - ECPv6.6.4.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.dnswm.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Disability Network Southwest Michigan REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20220313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20221106T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220809T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220809T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220804T125630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T125630Z UID:14122-1660071600-1660077000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:How to Ask for an Accommodation (PTWTSD) 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-ask-for-an-accommodation-ptwtsd/ CATEGORIES:Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220810T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220810T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20210708T161021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220929T193158Z UID:14050-1660129200-1660132800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:TAG Team DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/tag-team-3-2021-10-13-2022-08-10/ LOCATION:Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo\, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway\, Kalamazoo\, MI\, 49001\, United States CATEGORIES:Advocacy Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040540 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220817T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220817T200000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220804T123809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T123809Z UID:14111-1660762800-1660766400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Disability Pride & History (PTWTSD) 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/disability-pride-history-ptwtsd/ CATEGORIES:Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220809T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220809T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220804T125630Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T125630Z UID:14122-1660071600-1660077000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:How to Ask for an Accommodation (PTWTSD) 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-ask-for-an-accommodation-ptwtsd/ CATEGORIES:Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T173000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20211207T153814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20211207T154552Z UID:12675-1641484800-1641490200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support-Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220606T103000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220531T202003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220923T162445Z UID:13681-1654507800-1654511400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/spirit-club-virtual-exercise-3/ CATEGORIES:Social END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220111T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20211207T154839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221129T183330Z UID:12768-1641895200-1641900600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-tuesday/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220610T153723Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220912T200956Z UID:13836-1662541200-1662552000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Ableism 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-ableism-101-11/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220907T190000 DTSTAMP:20260610T040541 CREATED:20220804T131012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220804T131012Z UID:14131-1662573600-1662577200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:IL Philosophy & Self Directed Services (PTWTSD) 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/il-philosophy-self-directed-services-ptwtsd/ CATEGORIES:Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR