Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Webinar: You CAN Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits!
2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
People receiving SSI/SSDI Benefits from Social Security often believe they will lose these vital sources of income if they are employed. However, with the right planning and resources, individuals can make informed decisions that allow them to reach greater financial stability than receiving benefits alone. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of how a service called Benefits Planning can help individuals transition back to work successfully.

We’ll discuss what is provided in Benefits Planning services and why these services are crucial for long-term financial stability. Additionally, we’ll explore the various Social Security Disability work incentives (special Social Security rules that support a beneficiary in a successful return to work), including how and when they apply while employed.

By the end of this session, attendees will have a clearer understanding of how to balance employment goals with Social Security Disability benefits and access the support they need for a smooth transition back to work.

This session will be offered at the following time:

Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 6:30 to 8:00 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
2026-06-25 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:

Thursday, June 25, 2026, 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: Disability: A Source of Pride
2026-07-08 14:00 - 16:00
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:

Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2:00 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.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration
2026-07-24 11:30 - 13:30
Join us for the Annual Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration!
Disability Network’s annual ADA Event celebrates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the federal civil rights law that expanded access, opportunity, and belonging in our communities. This year, we’re also recognizing 45 years of Disability Network Southwest Michigan serving our region.
Details
Location: Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 1204 Bank Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Date and time: Fri, Jul 24, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM (EST)
This free event will include a short program and is open to the public. Lunch will be catered by ‘Q It Up. This is a rain or shine event.
Show your disability pride! Guests are welcomed and encouraged to use clothing, hats, accessories, assistive devices, or personal style to celebrate disability identity, self-expression, and pride.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this event, please email Miranda or call her at (269) 345-1516 x120.
Built in Accommodations: This year we’ll be making intentional space for guests seeking sensory outlets or sensory relief. We’ll have a quiet sensory tent as well as an active (noise welcome) sensory tent for guests to utilize if helpful.
Brand New! Disability Arts & Crafts Market
New this year, we’re proud to introduce our Disability Arts & Crafts Market, a vibrant arts and crafts space featuring works created by disabled artists from our community. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse, connect with artists, and purchase unique, handmade pieces.
Community Organization Booths & Informational Tables
The 2026 ADA Celebration brings together local organizations, advocates, and community members for a day of connection. Attendees will be able to visit booths hosted by other community nonprofits to learn more about the programs, services, and resources available across our region.
Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or celebrate, there’s something here for everyone. We look forward to seeing you!
Register
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Name *
FirstLast
Email *Business or organization, if applicableAccommodation needs, if any

Would you like to receive our monthly email newsletter?

Yes! I would like to opt in to DNSWM’s monthly newsletter.

The monthly newsletter shares any upcoming webinars and/or agency events. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.

Submit

Thank You to our generous Sponsors!
Every ADA Celebration is a reminder that meaningful change happens when communities come together. We are grateful to our sponsors for helping create an event that honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks toward a better future.
Thank you for standing with the Disability Community and helping make this celebration a success.

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.
Funded in part by ADA Michigan, an affiliate of the Great Lakes ADA Center, through grant #90DP009i-0i-00 from the National institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

Add to calendar

Google Calendar

iCalendar

Outlook 365

Outlook Live

Webinar: Understanding Hidden Disabilities
2026-08-11 10:00 - 12:00
Hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately visible by looking at a person. Though unseen, these disabilities affect daily life and can lead to discrimination. People with hidden disabilities often encounter barriers in employment, education, and social settings due to a lack of understanding. In this workshop, we will explore the impact of hidden disabilities, debunk common myths, and identify ways to be an active ally.

This event is being offered online at the following time:

Wednesday, August 11, 2026, from 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.

#DWord Book Club Meeting
2026-08-19 18:00 - 19:30
About #DWord Book Club
#DWord refers to the word “disability.”
Disability 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.
Join 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.
All 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.

August’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.
August Meeting Details

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Location: CEN/Boardroom at Kalamazoo Public Library, located at 315 S. Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
Registration is not required for in-person participation.

Accommodations & Joining Virtually
Accommodations 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.
About the Book Selection
August’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.
ABOUT — 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.
Meghan 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.
This 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.
For more information on this quarterly event and upcoming reading selections, visit our #DWord Book Club page.

Webinar: Supporting Autistic People
2026-08-27 10:00 - 12:00
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.

This webinar is being offered at the following time:

Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 10:00 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.
