Disability Network Southwest Michigan

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

PtW: Understanding Neurodiversity
2024-11-21 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended 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.

This event is presented by Max Hornick of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 AM — Click here to register

Understanding Neurodiversity 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: Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child
2024-12-10 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Disability pride refers to a positive outlook that a child can develop over time about their own disability. Pride helps to develop self-esteem, self-worth, and an understanding of abilities. In this presentation, we will help you to empower your child to embrace their disability as part of their identity and see the gifts and community it brings with it.

This event is presented by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 PM — Click here to register

Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child 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: Disability & Intersectionality
2025-01-15 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 time:

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 9:30 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: Black Disability History (Back by popular demand!)
2025-02-06 13:30 - 15:00
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have advanced civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, but their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. Join us to learn about the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

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.

Webinar: Black Disability History (Back by popular demand!)
2025-02-19 10:00 - 11:30
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have advanced civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, but their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. Join us to learn about the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

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.

Webinar: Do's & Don'ts of Assistance Animals
2025-03-19 10:00 - 11:30
Many people don’t know there are different types of assistance animals. Join us to learn the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. We will discuss the laws about which types of assistance animals must be allowed into different places.

This event is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30 to 3:00 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.

Webinar: Do’s & Don’ts of Assistance Animals
2025-03-25 13:30 - 15:00
Many people don’t know there are different types of assistance animals. Join us to learn the difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals. We will discuss the laws about which types of assistance animals must be allowed into different places.

This event is being offered at the following times:

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at 1:30 to 3:00 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.

Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 1
2025-04-23 10:00 - 16:00
Join us online for the fifth annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival! All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The film festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a discussion on the films presented at the festival.

Wednesday, April 23Theme Day: Adventure• The Peanut Butter Falcon from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM• Keep the Change from 1:15 to 3:15 PM• Mission Possible: Quest for the Lost Conference (submission by Filmmaker Rob Packard) from 3:30 to 4:00 PM

Wednesday, April 24Theme Day: Resilience• Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM• Defiant Lives from 1:00 to 3:00 PM• Discussion of Festival Films from 3:15 to 4:00 PM

Register

All events are free and open to the public. Sign up for as many events as you like. Register online or contact Eliot Carter via email at ecarter@dnwml.org or by phone at (734) 971-0277 x520.

This event is a collaboration between Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.

Fifth Annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival - Day 2
2025-04-24 10:00 - 16:00
Join us online for the fifth annual Nothing About Us Without Us Virtual Film Festival! All films presented feature a disability theme and reflect the values of the Independent Living Movement. The film festival will conclude Thursday afternoon with a discussion on the films presented at the festival.

Wednesday, April 24Theme Day: Resilience• Love After War: Saving Love, Saving Lives from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM• Defiant Lives from 1:00 to 3:00 PM• Discussion of Festival Films from 3:15 to 4:00 PM

Register

All events are free and open to the public. Sign up for as many events as you like. Register online or contact Eliot Carter via email at ecarter@dnwml.org or by phone at (734) 971-0277 x520.

This event is a collaboration between Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston.

Webinar: Accessible Content
2025-04-30 10:00 - 11:30
In this workshop, learn how to create content that is accessible to everyone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to see your page, read your words, or hear your recording. Creating accessible content means they can still get your message. Learn how to use best practices to be inclusive in all your communications.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: Mental Health Through a Disability Lens
2025-05-20 15:00 - 16:30
Many people view mental health conditions as separate from disability. However, examining mental health through the lens of disability can provide valuable insights. In this workshop, we will:

Learn about mental health from a disability perspective

Explore how ableism impacts people with mental health disabilities

Examine how current mental health practices can oppress people

Discuss ways to develop inclusive and empowering practices for supporting mental health

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 3:00 to 4:30 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: Intro to Neurodiversity
2025-05-21 14:30 - 16:30
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

How ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities

How you can support the neurodiversity movement

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 2:30 to 4:30 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: LGBTQIA+ Disability History
2025-06-11 15:00 - 16:30
June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. Queer disabled people have advanced both LGBTQIA+ rights and disability rights, but the intersection of these civil rights movements is often overlooked. In this presentation, we will examine the parallels and connections between the two movements.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 3:00 to 4:30 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.

Note: Clicking the button below to add this event to your calendar does not take the place of registration. You still need to provide your contact information above.

Webinar: Disability Pride
2025-06-18 15:00 - 16:30
Society sends messages to people with disabilities that disability is “bad” – something we should fix, change, or hide. We don’t agree! In this workshop, we will explore and celebrate our disabilities as an important part of who we are. Join us to celebrate disability!

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, June 18, 2025 at 3:00 to 4:30 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 History 101
2025-07-09 13:30 - 15:00
The Disability Rights Movement is left out of most history classes. Join us for an overview of the movements led by disabled activists. We will highlight important historical figures and key moments in disability history. Participants will begin to understand how the Disability Rights Movement fits into civil rights history and how the Disability Justice Movement is changing the conversation around disability.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: Some Basics of Employing People with Disabilities
2025-07-17 10:00 - 11:30
This presentation highlights key aspects of the ADA and employment. We will cover the steps involved in the process of identifying appropriate reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Information addressed includes the role of medical documentation and the interactive dialogue process to finding reasonable accommodations. Learn more about how job descriptions, employment policies, and clear written and verbal communication help to determine reasonable accommodations and support inclusivity. Select other employment laws to consider also will be discussed.

The information in this presentation is limited and covers general concepts. We do not provide legal advice.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — Click here to register

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

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.

Webinar: Some Basics of Employing People with Disabilities
2025-07-30 13:30 - 15:00
This presentation highlights key aspects of the ADA and employment. We will cover the steps involved in the process of identifying appropriate reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Information addressed includes the role of medical documentation and the interactive dialogue process to finding reasonable accommodations. Learn more about how job descriptions, employment policies, and clear written and verbal communication help to determine reasonable accommodations and support inclusivity. Select other employment laws to consider also will be discussed.

The information in this presentation is limited and covers general concepts. We do not provide legal advice.

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — Click here to register

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.

Webinar: Disability & Healthcare Equity
2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00
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.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 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: Inclusive Employment Practices
2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30
Learn how to recruit and retain employees with disabilities. This workshop will cover:

Myths and facts about disability in the workplace

How and why to make a reasonable accommodation for job applicants and staff

How to write inclusive job descriptions to expand your talent pool

This event is being offered at the following time:

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: What to Do When an Employee Discloses a Disability
2025-10-14 10:00 - 11:30
This workshop helps employers understand their responsibilities when an employee discloses a disability. We will discuss what a “reasonable” accommodation is, when an employee must disclose a disability, and why they may not want to.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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: How, When & Why to Disclose Your Disability to an Employer
2025-10-28 13:30 - 15:00
In this workshop, we will discuss how, when, and why to talk to an employer about your disability. We will also review protections under the ADA and employment resources to help you.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:00 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.

Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette
2025-11-06 14:30 - 16:00
The language we use is powerful and can reveal hidden assumptions we might not realize we have. Our words can be hurtful even when well-intended. This workshop challenges assumptions about what it means to have a disability. Participants will be able to explore new ideas and ask questions in a safe environment.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 2:30 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: Accessible Content
2025-11-12 10:00 - 11:30
In this workshop, learn how to create content that is accessible to everyone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to see your page, read your words, or hear your recording. Creating accessible content means they can still get your message. Learn how to use best practices to be inclusive in all your communications.

This webinar is being offered at the following times:

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (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.

Movie & Discussion: The R-Word
2025-11-20 13:30 - 15:00
This documentary film confronts the word retard(ed). The film tells the stories of a diverse group of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the same hopes and fearsas everyone else and of their siblings who advocate on their behalf and turn their love and pride into action.

This event is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:00 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: Beyond the Ramp: Reimagining Accessibility in Healthcare (Guest Presentation)
2025-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
Guest Presenter: Maddy Shoemaker, Medical Student from Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine.

Accessibility is more than compliance — it’s creating spaces in which each patient can receive care with dignity and independence. Explore how clinical settings can identify and address physical, communication, and systemic barriers to make accessibility a fundamental part of patient-centered care.

This webinar will take place at the following time:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 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.

About Maddy Shoemaker

Maddy is a first year medical student at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Her passion for disability advocacy stems from her mother’s spinal cord injury which gave her a personal understanding of the barriers set in place by society and the importance of inclusive care. In her free time, she enjoys running and watching reality television.

Webinar: Disability History 101
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:30
The Disability Rights Movement is left out of most history classes. Join us for an overview of the movements led by disabled activists. We will highlight important historical figures and key moments in disability history. Participants will begin to understand how the Disability Rights Movement fits into civil rights history and how the Disability Justice Movement is changing the conversation around disability.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:00 to 2:30 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: Intro to Accessibility
2026-01-21 10:00 - 11:30
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.

This webinar will take place at the following time:

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 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.
