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

Webinar: Ableism 101
2024-09-10 13:30 - 16:30
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 1:30 to 4:30 PM — (Click here to register)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 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.

PtW: Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!)
2024-09-12 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

Many parents worry about the employment future of their child with a disability. This training, led by staff who spent years removing barriers to employment for young adults, will focus on important independent living and pre-employment skills that you can help your child start building in their early years in preparation for a successful and fulfilling work life in the future!

This event is presented by Mary Fortney of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

September 12, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 AM — Click here to register

Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!) 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: Ableism 101
2024-09-18 09:00 - 12:00
Ableism 101: Everything you know about disability is (probably) wrong!

In its simplest form, ableism is the belief system that tells us it is better to be non-disabled than it is to be disabled. Ableism also examines disability discrimination on a systemic level by looking at the ways our society designs physically and socially segregated systems.

In this Ableism 101 workshop, we will introduce the basic concepts of ableism and explore how the language we use around disability can either support equality or perpetuate stigma. Participants will be challenged to identify their own unconscious bias around disability. Come learn how to support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 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.

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday
2024-01-11 18:00 - 19:00

PtW: Building Resilience
2024-09-24 09:30 - 11:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

How do we help children with the skills they need to not just survive, but thrive? Being a caretaker is hard work and at times overwhelming. A caring and resilient adult’s role is crucial in the formation of a resilient child. In this course, we will identify the skills that go into becoming a resilient adult, how to instill that resilience in our children, provide some scientific insights, and provide some practical tools and resources.

This event is presented by Anne Kooy of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:

September 24, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 AM — Click here to register

Building Resilience 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: Confronting Domestic Violence Through Disability-Inclusive Strategies (Quarterly Special Event!)
2024-10-16 10:00 - 12:00
This presentation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in domestic violence situations, as well as the ways that domestic violence can itself be disabling. It explores the definition of domestic violence through a disability lens, emphasizing the prevalence and consequences of intimate partner violence, child abuse, and caretaker abuse and neglect. Accessibility is discussed, focusing on safe environments and resource availability, including service animals. The presentation concludes with strategies for disability-inclusive advocacy, urging communities and service providers to adopt inclusive approaches to protect and support individuals with disabilities.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Click here to register)

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 2:00 to 4:00 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.

PtW: The Basics of Supported Decision Making
2024-10-21 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/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 to remain as independent and autonomous as possible. This presentation will discuss tools, that can be used to support people in decision-making while retaining their rights.

This event is presented by Mary Shehan of The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council on:

Monday, October 21, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

The Basics of Supported Decision Making 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: IEP - A Closer Look
2024-10-23 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

This workshop will help you take a more in-depth look at the core areas of the IEP and prioritize your greatest concerns. You will learn how to address concerns through the IEP process and improve your ability to have productive conversations.

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

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

IEP – A Closer Look 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: Confronting Domestic Violence Through Disability-Inclusive Strategies (Quarterly Special Event!)
2024-10-29 14:00 - 16:00
This presentation highlights the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in domestic violence situations, as well as the ways that domestic violence can itself be disabling. It explores the definition of domestic violence through a disability lens, emphasizing the prevalence and consequences of intimate partner violence, child abuse, and caretaker abuse and neglect. Accessibility is discussed, focusing on safe environments and resource availability, including service animals. The presentation concludes with strategies for disability-inclusive advocacy, urging communities and service providers to adopt inclusive approaches to protect and support individuals with disabilities.

This webinar will be offered at the following time:

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 2:00 to 4:00 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.

PtW: The Importance of Sexuality Education for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
2024-11-04 15:30 - 17:00
This presentation is intended for families/guardians.

The lack of sexuality and relationship education for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead to high rates of abuse, being charged with sex crimes, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections. Explore the importance of building sexual self-advocacy skills and how to support, educate, and empower individuals with I/DD to become sexual self-advocates.

Presented by Mary Shehan of The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council on:

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 3:30 to 5:00 PM — Click here to register

The Importance of Sexuality Education for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 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.

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: 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.
