Webmovie: Citizen Sam
2023-02-10 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
This feature documentary is a portrait of Sam Sullivan, a quadriplegic city councilor running for mayor of Vancouver. The film blends the rough and tumble experiences of the campaign with intimate moments from Sullivan’s daily life. It is an unflinching portrait of a one-of-a-kind politician.

Join us to watch and discuss this film online on Friday, February 10th at 10:00 – 12:00 PM. — (Registration has closed. Please check back for June-December trainings.)

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.

Spirit Club - Virtual Exercise
2022-06-06 09:30 - 10:30
SPIRIT CLUB is a free 1 hour exercise program. Attend as many or as few sessions as you like.

Mondays at 9:30-10:30 AM

We have contracted with SPIRIT Club to offer this exercise program. SPIRIT Club exercise classes are specifically designed to present a range of options to suit everyone.
Follow this link for more information, and to register for Spirit Club.

Phenomenal Women Support Group
2022-09-27 11:00 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
This women’s support group is open to women with any type of disability. Women are welcome to come share experiences of living with a disability, support other women living with a disability and discuss a variety of topics of interest in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. The group meets every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 PM. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office.
Follow this link to contact Sarah P. at (269) 345-1516 x116.

Disability Pride and History
2023-01-24 18:00 - 19:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For youth ages 12 and under

Disability is a natural, beautiful part of the human condition. People with disabilities are not charity cases, nor items that need to be fixed. This fun, interactive training for youth up to age 12 will highlight the many important contributions that people with disabilities have made in society. It will illustrate the unique perspectives and experiences of young people in the disability community. Most importantly, it will show participants why being a part of this community is an awesome thing, and that we’re amazing, just as we are. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates / times:

Tuesday, January 24th: 6:00 – 7:00pm

Wednesday, February 15th: 4:00 – 5:00pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.

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Webinar: Black Disability History
2023-02-07 10:00 - 11:30
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have made key contributions to advancing civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, yet their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. In this presentation we’ll take a closer look at the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who have helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Tuesday, February 7th at 10:00 to 11:30 AM — (Registration is now closed.)

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

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
2023-02-16 13:30 - 15:00
Unsung Heroes of the Disability Rights Movement

Black disabled Americans have made key contributions to advancing civil rights for both people of color and people with disabilities, yet their impact on the Disability Rights Movement and lived experiences of disability are often overlooked. In this presentation we’ll take a closer look at the stories and accomplishments of Black disabled people who have helped shape the disability community and our society.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, February 16th at 1:30 to 3:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

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.

Brain Injury Survivors Meeting
2022-09-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
This support group is open to adults with a brain injury. This group is a chapter of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan and is very active. The group meets weekly to discuss a variety of topics, host speakers, and attend outings. The group meets every Thursday from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office.

Contact Anne Kooy for more information at (269) 345-1516 x109.

Autistic Adult Peer Support - Thursday
2023-01-05 16:00 - 17:30
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
2023-01-10 10:00 - 11:30

Rise Up! Disability History, Pride & Allyship
2023-02-21 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
Many parents and guardians of a child with disabilities are unaware of the rich history in the disability community. Family and friends can sometimes lack the knowledge of disability history and struggle to find ways to support their loved-one’s journey to disability pride. Let’s change that! (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)
Choose from the following dates/times:

Tuesday, February 21st: 12:00 – 1:00pm
Thursday, April 20th: 6:00 – 7:00pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.
Register:
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Access Team
2022-09-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
The Access Team works on projects that improve accessibility for people with disabilities in our communities and educates businesses and community leaders about barriers to full inclusion. Learn advocacy and leadership skills while making a real difference in Kalamazoo County. No experience needed!
The Access Team meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office. For more information about the Access Team, email Paul Ecklund or call him at 269-345-1516 x117.
Click here to learn more about our advocacy groups.

How to Ask for an Accommodation
2023-01-18 18:00 - 19:30
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

For family/guardians & youth ages 12 and under

This training focuses on identifying appropriate accommodations that support a child’s strengths and disability related needs. At the start of the training, youth ages 12 and under will participate in a fun activity to help them explore their strengths, while learning more about accommodations. The second portion of the training focuses on information for guardians and family members including requesting accommodations, the protections provided through IDEA, 504 Plans vs. IEPs, and options when accommodation requests don’t go as planned. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Wednesday, January 18th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

Thursday, February 23rd: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 29th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Register:

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Webmovie: Far from the Tree
2023-02-28 13:30 - 16:00
Far from the Tree is a documentary that examines the experiences of families in which parents and children are profoundly different from one another in a variety of ways. The film explores expectations that parents put on their children and whether those expectations come from the children’s needs or the parents’ need to be seen as a “good parent.” (This film contains adult themes.)

— (Registration is now closed.)

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.

Register:

— (Registration is now closed.)

Online Book Club
2023-03-02 12:00 - 13:00
Join us online to discuss the book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Landau.
An Approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people, with actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) and how you can help make the world a more accessible, inclusive place.
REGISTER NOW
— (Registration is now closed.)

Webinar: Intro to Neurodiversity
2023-03-07 13:30 - 15:30
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. We will examine how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities and how you can support the neurodiversity movement.

This webinar will be offered at the following times:

Thursday, March 16th, 2023 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM — (Registration is now closed.)

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.

Registration:
(Registration is now closed.)

Ableism and Implicit Bias
2023-03-07 18:30 - 19:30
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.
For family/guardians
Ableism is the discrimination against people with disabilities based on the belief that “typical” abilities are superior. To address ableism, we must start by acknowledging we all have unconscious bias. These unconscious attitudes and stereotypes impact our understanding, actions, and decisions. This session will define implicit bias, help participants be more aware of their own bias, and explore strategies to challenge our unconscious beliefs. (Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families.)
Choose from the following dates/times:

Tuesday, March 7th: 6:30 – 7:30pm — (Registration is now closed.)
Thursday, May 18th: 6:30 – 7:30pm

To learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.
Register:

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TAG Team
2022-08-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Disability Network – Community Bldg Kalamazoo, 517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG Team) monitors the day-to-day service of public transit to ensure it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn advocacy and leadership skills while making a real difference in Kalamazoo County. No experience needed!
TAG Team meets on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Attendance is offered both virtually and in person in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office. If you have any questions about the TAG Team, please email Kelly or call her (269)345-1516 x 125.
Click here to learn more about our advocacy groups.

Understanding Neurodiversity
2023-01-26 15:30 - 17:00
This webinar is part of the Paving the Way to Self Determination program.

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. (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.)

Choose from the following dates/times:

Thursday, January 26th: 3:30 – 5:00pm

Wednesday, March 8th: 12:00 – 1:30pm

Tuesday, May 16th: 6:00 – 7:30pm

To register and learn more about the Paving the Way to Self Determination program, including all of the trainings offered, visit Paving the Way to Self Determination. The registration form for all events is available at the bottom of the page.

Register:

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Understanding Neurodiversity
2023-03-08 12:00 - 13:30
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.
Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan
Choose from the following dates / times:
Weds. March 8th: 12:00 – 1:30 pm — (Registration is now closed.)
Tues. May 16th: 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Ableism 101
2023-03-15 07:30 - 10:30
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 is being offered on the following dates:Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at 1:30 to 4:30 PM — (Registration is now closed.)Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Participation in this event is available through an internet connection or a phone call. 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.

Register:

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Your Email:

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Organization:

If you need an accommodation, please specify:
