Youth & Young-Adult Programming
Disability Network Southwest Michigan offers a number of programs centered on providing valuable training and experience to youth and young-adults with disabilities whether they are transitioning to employment or
continued education.
This year, Disability Network Independent Living staff are providing programing in schools in all eight of the counties we serve. They provide training to students with disabilities in both group and individual settings within the school. The curriculum focuses on pre-employment training services aimed at getting students ready to enter the working world; topics include employment soft skills, self-advocacy and financial literacy & budgeting. The program also includes training to help students with disabilities transition to post-secondary school, whether it be college or a trade school.
Outside of the school environment, Disability Network is a proud partner in Project SEARCH which is a business-led school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training.
The Community Education & Advocacy team is once again holding Advocacy Academy at our Kalamazoo location. Now in its sixth year, Advocacy Academy is an 8 week paid internship program for young adults 16–29 years old. Interns learn about the Disability Rights Movement and how to plan and implement a disability advocacy project while gaining experience in personal leadership and workplace skills. Advocacy Academy is helping to prepare the next generation of disability rights activist! Visit our website or call our Kalamazoo office to obtain an application for this year’s Advocacy Academy.
When we invest in disability, the entire community benefits.
Join Disability Network Southwest Michigan in creating a diverse and inclusive community by investing in people with disabilities. We cannot do this important work without your support.