BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Disability Network Southwest Michigan - ECPv6.6.4.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Disability Network Southwest Michigan 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:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T193000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260603T154045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260603T161609Z UID:84141-1787162400-1787167800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:#DWord Book Club Meeting DESCRIPTION:About #DWord Book Club\n#DWord refers to the word “disability.”  \nDisability 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 \nAugust’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. \nAugust Meeting Details\n\nWednesday\, August 19\, 2026\, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM\nLocation: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library\, located at 315 S. Rose St\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49007.\nRegistration is not required for in-person participation.\n\nAccommodations & Joining Virtually\nAccommodations 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. \nAbout the Book Selection\nAugust’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. \nABOUT — 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. \nMeghan 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. \nThis 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. \nFor more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections\, visit our #DWord Book Club page. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/dword-book-club-meeting-aug/ CATEGORIES:Book Club ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/DWord-Book-Club_KPLDNSWM_2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T120000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260812T211429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T212022Z UID:87367-1787824800-1787832000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Supporting Autistic People DESCRIPTION:Autistic brains develop differently\, and Autistic people often require unique support to thrive. In this workshop\, we will explore how the Autistic brain works and why focusing on behavior rarely helps Autistic people. We will also discuss affirming ways to support Autistic sensory\, movement\, communication\, executive function\, and emotional needs. \n\n\n\nThis online event is scheduled for the following time: \n\n\n\n\nThursday\, August 27\, 2026\, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — Click here to register\n\n\n\n\nDisability 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-supporting-autistic-people/ CATEGORIES:Educational ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Supporting-Autistic-People.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T120000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260731T160040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T162637Z UID:86917-1788948000-1788955200@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Disability & Healthcare DESCRIPTION:Despite civil rights laws that require equal access to healthcare\, disabled Americans experience serious healthcare disparities compared to their non-disabled peers. In this workshop\, we will examine the many barriers that limit disabled people’s access to quality healthcare and discuss ways to improve healthcare equity for people with disabilities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis event will take place: \n\n\n\nWednesday\, September 9\, 2026 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM — Register for this event \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDisability 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at (269) 345-1516 x120. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n Add to calendar \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Google Calendar \n \n \n \n iCalendar \n \n \n \n Outlook 365 \n \n \n \n Outlook Live URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/disability-healthcare/ CATEGORIES:Educational ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Disability-Healthcare.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260917T113000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260812T180903Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T215342Z UID:87344-1789639200-1789644600@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Vote: Know Your Rights DESCRIPTION: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. \n\n\n\nIn this workshop\, we will discuss: \n\n\n\n\nWho can vote\n\n\n\nHow to find out if you are registered to vote\n\n\n\nHow and when to register to vote\n\n\n\nVoting accessibility\n\n\n\nHow to vote before Election Day\n\n\n\nHow to vote on Election Day\n\n\n\n\nThis online event is scheduled for the following time: \n\n\n\n\nThursday\, September 17\, 2026\, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM — Register for this event\n\n\n\n\nParticipation 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/vote-know-your-rights/ CATEGORIES:Educational ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Vote-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260922T160000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260818T192517Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260818T194239Z UID:87587-1790087400-1790092800@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Intro to Accessibility DESCRIPTION:Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of creating inclusive environments where everyone\, regardless of ability or disability\, can participate fully. This presentation will explore the importance of accessibility\, practical strategies to address common access barriers\, the legal framework surrounding accessibility\, and basic principles of accessibility. We’ll introduce the core principles of accessibility\, including universal design\, designing for inclusion\, and offering accommodations. \n\n\n\nThis online event is scheduled for the following time: \n\n\n\n\nTuesday\, September 22\, 2026\, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM — Register for this event\n\n\n\n\nParticipation 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this webinar\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/webinar-intro-to-accessibility-2/ CATEGORIES:Educational ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Intro-to-Accessibility-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T190000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260818T195600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T122911Z UID:87592-1790184600-1790190000@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:In-Person Session Community Conversation DESCRIPTION:On behalf of Consumers Energy\, Disability Network Southwest Michigan will host two Community Conversations to hear directly from the Disability Community about their experiences as Consumers Energy customers. Feedback collected will help Consumers Energy make their services more accessible and inclusive. \n\n\n\nAttendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences\, discuss barriers to accessing services and support\, and offer suggestions for improvement. Attendees will also learn about programs available to income-qualified Michigan residents\, including free in-home energy assessments and energy-saving upgrades that may help reduce utility costs and improve home comfort. \n\n\n\nThese events are open to anyone who receives a Consumers Energy bill; you do not need to be a homeowner to participate. Registration is required. \n\n\n\nThere are two opportunities to participate in a Community Conversation. Please register for only one. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn-Person Session*\n\n\n\nWednesday\, September 23\, 2026\, from 5:30 – 7:30 PMDisability Network’s Community Building517 E Crosstown Pkwy\, Kalamazoo\, MI 49001Refreshments will be providedRegister for this session \n\n\n\n*If transportation is a barrier for the in-person session\, please contact us. We may be able to provide limited transportation assistance. Email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirtual Session\n\n\n\nTuesday\, September 29\, 2026\, from 5:30 – 7:30 PMA link to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed after registrationRegister for this session \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Attend?\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card.\n\n\n\nHelp shape the future of services and programming.\n\n\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to speak directly to Consumers Energy representatives.\n\n\n\n\nDisability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this event\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/community-conversation-session-1/ CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Consumers-Community-Conversation.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260929T190000 DTSTAMP:20260824T150523 CREATED:20260819T122316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T122659Z UID:87650-1790703000-1790708400@www.dnswm.org SUMMARY:Virtual Community Conversation DESCRIPTION:On behalf of Consumers Energy\, Disability Network Southwest Michigan will host two Community Conversations to hear directly from the Disability Community about their experiences as Consumers Energy customers. Feedback collected will help Consumers Energy make their services more accessible and inclusive. \n\n\n\nAttendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences\, discuss barriers to accessing services and support\, and offer suggestions for improvement. Attendees will also learn about programs available to income-qualified Michigan residents\, including free in-home energy assessments and energy-saving upgrades that may help reduce utility costs and improve home comfort. \n\n\n\nThese events are open to anyone who receives a Consumers Energy bill; you do not need to be a homeowner to participate. Registration is required. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVirtual Session\n\n\n\nTuesday\, September 29\, 2026\, from 5:30 – 7:30 PMA link to join the Zoom meeting will be emailed after registrationRegister for this session \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy Attend?\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will be entered into a raffle for a $25 gift card.\n\n\n\nHelp shape the future of services and programming.\n\n\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to speak directly to Consumers Energy representatives.\n\n\n\n\nDisability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs 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. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions or concerns regarding this event\, please follow this link to email Miranda or call her at 269-345-1516 x120. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://www.dnswm.org/event/virtual-community-conversation/ CATEGORIES:General ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.dnswm.org/wp-content/uploads/Consumers-Community-Conversation.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR