Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday
2024-01-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | MI
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.

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Tuesday
2024-01-16 10:00 - 11:30

Webinar: Disability in Tech & Media
2024-03-12 13:30 - 15:30
The media we consume shapes our collective understanding of disability. This workshop will examine media portrayals of disability and how they reinforce stereotypes. We will discuss how we can move toward more respectful, authentic representations of disability in the media.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 1:30 to 3:30 PM — (Click here to register)

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Click here to register)

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

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

Webinar: Disability & Intersectionality
2024-03-13 09:30 - 12:00
Intersectionality describes how people’s overlapping identities impact their experiences with privilege and oppression. Presenters will define ableism, racism, sexism, classism, and other forms of oppression and discuss their impact on people with disabilities. We will look at ways to build a more inclusive society for all.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 1:30 to 4:00 PM — (Click here to register)

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

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

Webinar: Disability in Tech & Media
2024-03-20 10:00 - 12:00
The media we consume shapes our collective understanding of disability. This workshop will examine media portrayals of disability and how they reinforce stereotypes. We will discuss how we can move toward more respectful, authentic representations of disability in the media.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Click here to register)

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

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

Webmovie: Two and Twenty Troubles
2024-03-22 10:00 - 11:30
Rachel was a promising young actress before surviving a car accident two years ago. Anthony was born with his physical disability and has been taking a break from acting due to a persistent lack of confidence. Both meet each other at the Nicu’s Spoon Theater – a company whose mission is to provide opportunities to both disabled and non-disabled actors of various ages, genders, races and cultural backgrounds.

This event is offered at the following time:

Friday, March 2, 2024 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (Click here to register)

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

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

PtW: Learning About MiABLE Accounts
2024-03-27 18:00 - 19:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

The ABLE Act was signed into law in 2014 and changed the U.S. tax code to create tax-free savings accounts for eligible people with disabilities. Money can be added to these accounts without fear the account holder’s public assistance will be affected. Join R. Scott de Varona of the Michigan Treasury Department to learn about the features and uses of a MiABLE account for your loved one.

This event is presented by R. Scott de Varona, MBA, MiABLE Director of Michigan Treasury Dept. on:

March 27, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register

Learning About MiABLE Accounts is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Early On - Don't Worry, but Don't Wait
2024-04-09 09:30 - 10:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Do you wonder if your child is on track developmentally? If so, we might be able to help. Early On is a free and federally funded program that is available to all Michigan families of children birth through 3 years of age. By the end of this session, you will have an understanding of what Early On is, who qualifies for Early On, and your role in Early On enrollment and participation.

This event is presented by Wendy Jenks and Kristen Dinsmore of Calhoun County ISD on:

April 9, 2024 at 9:30 to 10:30 AM — Click here to register

Early On – Don’t Worry, but Don’t Wait is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: The Importance of Sensory Play
2024-04-25 18:00 - 18:45
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Join award-winning children’s author, educator, and disability advocate, Justine Green, Ed.D. in this fun-filled discussion on the benefits of sensory play. Learn about activities that help with fine motor, spatial awareness, and sensory skills. Dr. Green has designed her line of sensory play kits and written several books about young self-advocates – including a book about her childhood journey in self-advocacy!

This event is presented by Justine Green, Ed. D., of Completely Me on:

April 25, 2024 at 6:00 to 6:45 PM — Click here to register

The Importance of Sensory Play is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Section 504 - What Parents Need to Know
2024-05-13 18:30 - 20:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability – this includes students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). For students with a disability who are not eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan provides equal access to the general education curriculum. This training will help you learn the difference between a 504 Plan and IEP, how to get a 504 Plan for your child, what supports and services are available and what rights you and your child have.

This event is presented by Stephanie Nicholls of Michigan Alliance for Families on:

May 13, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:00 PM — Click here to register

Section 504 – What Parents Need to Know is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

PtW: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:30
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

When a child with a disability demonstrates behavior that impedes their learning or the learning of others, appropriate behavioral supports may be needed to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Does your child have challenging behaviors at school? Come learn about services provided through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to teach and support positive behaviors at school.

Join us to learn:• What a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) is and how to request one• How an FBA leads to the development of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)• How to make sure the BIP utilizes Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)• What to do if the plan isn’t working

Presented by Stephanie Nicholls of Michigan Alliance for Families on:

June 6, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register

Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies is part of our Paving the Way to Self Determination training series. Be sure to check out the other Paving the Way events HERE!

Webinar: Vote: Know Your Rights
2024-06-18 13:30 - 15:30
We believe everyone’s voice should be heard and that everyone’s vote counts! Whether you are a first-time voter or an experienced voter, you may have questions about the upcoming election and your voting options. If you are a person with a disability, you may also have concerns about casting an accessible, private vote. In this workshop, we will discuss:

Who can vote

How to find out if you are registered to vote

How and when to register to vote

Voting accessibility

How to vote before Election Day

How to vote on Election Day

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 1:30 to 3:30 PM — (Click here to register)

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

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