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:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240606T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240606T133000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20240221T195950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240221T201121Z UID:25939-1717675200-1717680600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:PtW: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/ptw-positive-behavior-intervention-strategies/ CATEGORIES:Educational,Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T153000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231208T215719Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240430T202132Z UID:24892-1718717400-1718724600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Vote: Know Your Rights 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-vote-know-your-rights/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240716T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240716T153000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20240612T131926Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T133534Z UID:28440-1721136600-1721143800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability Pride DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-disability-pride/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240718T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240718T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20221123T184924Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T135508Z UID:15593-1721296800-1721302200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability Allyship DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/disability-allyship/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240724T150000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20240612T134907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T134909Z UID:28465-1721827800-1721833200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability Allyship DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-disability-allyship/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240729T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240729T133000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20240612T223323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240612T231041Z UID:28516-1722252600-1722259800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Join Us! ADA Event: Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration 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/join-us-ada-event-americans-with-disabilities-act-celebration/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171200 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240815T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240815T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20240109T222946Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240703T182527Z UID:25247-1723716000-1723721400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-disability-language-etiquette/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240820T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240820T133000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231207T133120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240702T163734Z UID:24794-1724155200-1724160600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:PtW: The Power of Disability Language 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/the-power-of-disability-language/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T163000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231216T000108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240822T161204Z UID:25005-1725975000-1725985800@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-101-7/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240912T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240912T110000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20240221T200549Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240702T162854Z UID:25944-1726133400-1726138800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:PtW: Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!) DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/ptw-preparing-your-child-for-employment-long-before-employment-3/ CATEGORIES:Educational,Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240918T120000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231216T000216Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241024T153945Z UID:25007-1726650000-1726660800@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-101-8/ CATEGORIES:Educational END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240924T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240924T110000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20240221T190152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240702T161902Z UID:25919-1727170200-1727175600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:PtW: Building Resilience DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/ptw-building-resilience/ CATEGORIES:Educational,Paving the Way to Self Determination END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240116T113000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170441Z UID:25097-1705399200-1705404600@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-3/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260615T171201 CREATED:20231222T170800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231222T170801Z UID:25101-1704996000-1704999600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club \n \n \n \n #DWord refers to the word “disability.”  Disability Network Southwest Michigan is thrilled to partner with Kalamazoo Public Library to provide the #DWord Book Club\, a book club dedicated to promoting access\, connection\, disability pride\, and spreading the message that Disability is not a bad word. \nJoin us for an opportunity to engage in respectful\, thought-provoking discussions of books by and about people with disabilities\, uplifting lived experiences from across the Disability Community and creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. \nAll are welcome\, whether you’re new to disability-focused literature or a longtime reader/consumer. This is a cost-free group and participants are not required to have a library card to join. To ensure accessibility for all\, each book is available in print\, digital\, and audiobook formats. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n August Meeting Details \n \n \n \n Wednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PMLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.Registration is not required for in-person participation. \n \n \n \n Accommodations & Joining Virtually \n \n \n \n Accommodations can be provided upon request. Call at Kalamazoo Public Library staff member Jade W. at (269) 553-7944 or reach out to her online. If in-person participation isn’t a good fit for any reason\, contact Jade for the opportunity to participate virtually via Zoom. \n \n \n \n About the Book Selection \n \n \n \n August’s book selection is I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults\, Autism Parents\, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn & Jules Edwards. ABOUT — There is a significant divide between autistic advocates and parents of autistic children. Parents may feel attacked for their lack of understanding\, and autistic adults who offer insight and guidance are also met with hostility and rejection. Meghan Ashburn\, a mother of two autistic boys\, and Jules Edwards\, an autistic parent\, were no strangers to this tension and had an adversarial relationship when they first met. Over time\, the two resolved their differences and are now co-conspirators in the pursuit of disability justice. This book unites both perspectives\, exploring the rift between these communities and encouraging them to work towards a common goal. It provides context to dividing issues\, and the authors use their experience to illustrate where they’ve messed up\, where they’ve got things right\, and what they’ve learned along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/autistic-adult-peer-support-thursday-2/ CATEGORIES:Social,Support Group END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR