Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Brain Injury Survivors Meeting
2022-09-29 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
This support group is open to adults with a brain injury. This group is a chapter of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan and is very active. The group meets weekly to discuss a variety of topics, host speakers, and attend outings. The group meets every Thursday from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office.

Contact Anne Kooy for more information at (269) 345-1516 x109.

TAG Team
2022-08-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG Team) monitors the day-to-day service of public transit to ensure it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn advocacy and leadership skills while making a real difference in Kalamazoo County. No experience needed!
TAG Team meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office. If you have any questions about the TAG Team, please email Kelly or call her (269)345-1516 x 125.
Click here to learn more about our advocacy groups.

Phenomenal Women Support Group
2022-09-27 11:00 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
This women’s support group is open to women with any type of disability. Women are welcome to come share experiences of living with a disability, support other women living with a disability and discuss a variety of topics of interest in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. The group meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 PM. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office.
Follow this link to contact Sarah P. at (269) 345-1516 x116.

Webinar: Black Disability History
2023-02-07 10:00 - 11:30
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have made key contributions to advancing civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, yet their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. In this presentation we’ll take a closer look at the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who have helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, February 7th at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (Registration is now closed.)

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

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

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

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday
2023-01-10 10:00 - 11:30
This group provides an opportunity for Autistic adults to enjoy authentic social interactions and build genuine friendships in a safe and non-judgmental space. All Autistic adults are welcome to attend, including self-diagnosed Autistics and those who were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s or PDD.
Meetings are held online using Zoom. Follow this link for further details on the Autistic Adult Peer Support Group and to complete registration.
For more information email Max or call them at 269-345-1516 x 126.

Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise
2022-06-06 09:30 - 10:30
SPIRIT CLUB is a free 1 hour exercise program. Attend as many or as few sessions as you like.

Mondays at 9:30-10:30 AM

We have contracted with SPIRIT Club to offer this exercise program. SPIRIT Club exercise classes are specifically designed to present a range of options to suit everyone.
Follow this link for more information, and to register for Spirit Club.

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday
2023-01-05 16:00 - 17:30

Understanding Neurodiversity
2023-01-26 15:30 - 17:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For families/guardians

Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds. The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement for people with brain differences. In this workshop, we will discuss how neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement, and communication differences. We will examine how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities and how you can support your neurodivergent loved ones. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Thursday, January 26th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 8th: 12:00 – 1:30pm

Tuesday, May 16th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.

Register:

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Access Team
2022-09-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
The Access Team works on projects that improve accessibility for people with disabilities in our communities and educates businesses and community leaders about barriers to full inclusion. Learn advocacy and leadership skills while making a real difference in Kalamazoo County. No experience needed!
The Access Team meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office. For more information about the Access Team, email Paul Ecklund or call him at 269-345-1516 x117.
Click here to learn more about our advocacy groups.

Disability Pride and History
2023-01-24 18:00 - 19:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For youth ages 12 and under

Disability is a natural, beautiful part of the human condition. People with disabilities are not charity cases, nor items that need to be fixed. This fun, interactive training for youth up to age 12 will highlight the many important contributions that people with disabilities have made in society. It will illustrate the unique perspectives and experiences of young people in the disability community. Most importantly, it will show participants why being a part of this community is an awesome thing, and that we’re amazing, just as we are. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates / times:

Tuesday, January 24th: 6:00 – 7:00pm

Wednesday, February 15th: 4:00 – 5:00pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.

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Webinar: Rise UP! Disability History, Resistance and Pride
2023-01-23 13:30 - 15:00
Many of us in the disability community are unaware of the depth of our culture and history and feel shame and stigma instead of pride around our disability identities. Family, friends and human service professionals also lack knowledge of disability history and struggle to find ways to support our journey to disability Pride. Let’s change that!

Join us for this webinar with discussion and activities that promote knowledge of disability history and support the journey to disability pride. Everyone is welcome!

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Monday, January 23rd at 1:30 to 3:00 PM

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

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

Register:

Your Name: (required)

Your Email (required):

Your Phone:

Organization, if applicable:

If you need an accommodation, please specify:

How to Ask for an Accommodation
2023-01-18 18:00 - 19:30
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For family/guardians & youth ages 12 and under

This training focuses on identifying appropriate accommodations that support a child’s strengths and disability related needs. At the start of the training, youth ages 12 and under will participate in a fun activity to help them explore their strengths, while learning more about accommodations. The second portion of the training focuses on information for guardians and family members including requesting accommodations, the protections provided through IDEA, 504 Plans vs. IEPs, and options when accommodation requests don’t go as planned. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Wednesday, January 18th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

Thursday, February 23rd: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 29th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Register:

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Webmovie: Defiant Lives
2023-01-13 10:00 - 12:00
Defiant Lives traces the origins of the world-wide disability rights movement. This film tells the stories of the individuals who bravely put their lives on the line to create a better world where everyone is valued and can participate in society.

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on Friday, January 13th at 10:00 – 12:00 PM.

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

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

Register:

Registration for this event is now closed.

The Basics of Supported Decision Making
2023-01-12 15:30 - 17:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
Every adult has the right to make life decisions, to direct their life and to be treated with dignity, as an autonomous adult. All adults need and get advice and counsel when making different life decisions. Many options, other than guardianship, are available to provide counsel, guidance, and assistance with making decisions. Person Centered Planning and Self-Determination require that adults with disabilities are respected and honored to make life decisions with the support and counsel, they need and to remain as independent and autonomous as possible. Multiple avenues are available to support individuals to make decisions and direct their own life. This presentation will discuss tools, that can be used to support people in decision-making while retaining their rights.
Presented by Mary Shehan – The Michigan DD Council

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.
