Paving the Way to Self Determination
Paving the Way to Self Determination is a program developed to support children with developmental disabilities (ages birth – 12) and their families in raising expectations people have for them by introducing the concepts and tools they need to lead self determined lives. This series provides virtual (online) educational opportunities for children with developmental disabilities and their families on topics that promote self-determination and independence, including history of the disability rights movement, disability pride and ally-ship, how to ask for an accommodation, supported decision-making and self-determination and how employment will impact social security benefits. The program will also provide information and referral services to families on a statewide level and access to the Charting the Life Course program.
Paving the Way to Self Determination is a collaboration with Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, Arc Michigan, Michigan Alliance for Families and Charting the Life Course and was made possible through funding from Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.
SELF-ADVOCACY STORYTIME
Do you have a classroom or group of eight or more children and at least one child has an IEP or 504 plan? Check out our Self-Advocacy Storytime! Through Self-Advocacy Storytime, we provide a storyteller from Disability Network Southwest Michigan who will join your class either in person or virtually and read an illustrated disability & self-advocacy children’s book with your class. Learn more HERE or contact Mary Fortney for more information.
VIRTUAL TRAININGS AVAILABLE
In 2022, Disability Network launched a three-year initiative entitled Paving the Way to Self-Determination to help family members of children with disabilities see a self-determined future for their children. The project consisted of free, live webinars on a multitude of topics; these included Social Security Benefits, Supported Decision Making, Building Resilience, IEPs/504s, Instilling Disability Pride, Employment, and more. While the live webinars have come to a close, these training opportunities will remain available and free in an “on-demand” format via our website and YouTube Channel. If you have questions about Paving the Way to Self-Determination and its offerings, please contact Mary Fortney or reach her by phone at (269) 345-1516 x201.
PAVING THE WAY TO SELF DETERMINATION TRAINING LIBRARY
Be sure to scroll to the bottom to view all related resources.
Building Resilience
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 presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Anne Kooy of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child
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 presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Preparing Your Child for Employment (Long Before Employment!)
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 presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Mary Fortney of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Rise Up! Disability History, Pride & Allyship
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!
This presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Max Hornick of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Supported Decision Making
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 presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Mary Shehan and Corissa Pittman on behalf of The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.
The Power of Disability Language
Language is more than just a form of communication. It shapes the way we think and shows how we view others. The language we use can enforce stereotypes or create inclusion and equality. In this presentation, we will talk about how you can use powerful disability language to model disability as human diversity and not something that is wrong, broken, or needs to be changed.
This presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Understanding Neurodiversity
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 presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Max Hornick of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
Parents, guardians, and school professionals often feel lost when it comes to navigating Social Security disability benefits for their children or students with disabilities. This training will provide an overview of the two Social Security disability benefit programs – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – which can provide financial support to individuals with disabilities. Presenters will touch on the benefit application process, important factors around turning age 18, the impact of parental income/assets, and the myth that people receiving benefits will lose those benefits if they choose to work.
This presentation is intended for families/guardians. Presented by Pete Mulder & Allison Leece of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
PAVING THE WAY TO SELF DETERMINATION RESOURCE LIBRARY
Advocacy/Self-Advocacy Resources
About: Educates the public and connects people who are dedicated to changing minds, laws, policies, and practices so that restraint & seclusion are reduced and eliminated from schools across the nation.
Phone: (866) 667-2576
Website: https://endseclusion.org/
About: ASAN works to empower autistic people are in control of their own lives and futures and have a say in policies that affect the autistic community.
Website: https://communicationfirst.org/
About: CommunicationFIRST is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the civil rights of persons with disabilities who cannot rely on speech alone to be heard and understood.
Website: https://communicationfirst.org/
About: The “Completely Me” book series teaches about differences, self-acceptance, and that our imperfections make us perfect.
Website: https://www.completelyme.com/
About: DRM advocates and lawyers advise individuals with disabilities on their rights and how to advocate for their human, civil, and legal rights within the state of Michigan.
Phone: (517) 487-1755
Website: https://www.drmich.org/
About: The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a public nonprofit agency that is dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down Syndrome through research, medical care, education, and advocacy.
Find your local Michigan Down Syndrome Organization here:
https://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/about-down-syndrome/resources/local-organizations/michigan-down-syndrome-organizations/
About: Hope Network offers 125 various sites across Michigan providing workforce development, mental health support, transportation, and affordable housing for persons with disabilities.
Website: https://hopenetwork.org/
About: MDCR’s primary purpose is to investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement, and public service.
Phone: (800) 482-3604
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr
About: Michigan Legal Help has tools and information to help you understand and manage your legal problems. The website can assist users with finding appropriate legal representation in their area.
Website: https://michiganlegalhelp.org/
About: NAD is the nation’s prmier civil rights organization of, by, and for the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States.
Website: https://www.nad.org/
About: MI-UCP provides assistive technology, financial assistance, and advocacy to promote equity, independence and inclusion for all.
Phone: (800) 827-4843
Website: https://www.mi-ucp.org/
About: Self-Advocates of Michigan is a statewide organization that advocates for people with disabilities. Its mission is to empower people with disabilities to live independently and make their own choices. SAM works with policymakers to create public policy that is responsive to the needs of people with disabilities. There are local chapters throughout Michigan made up on self-advocates, family members, and allies.
Find your local chapter: https://selfadvocatesofmi.org/local-chapters/
Educational Resources
About: HMG Michigan is a resource to help families of young children find connections to things like development checkups, parent support, basic needs, behavior support, and quality early learning.
Phone: (844) 464-0005
Website: https://www.helpmegrow-mi.org/
About: MAF provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive or may be eligible to receive special educational services. MAF’s website can help with finding information on special education issues as well as disability-specific information. MAF’s website offers informational videos as well as connections to local parent-mentors.
Phone: (800) 552-4821 (English) & (313) 217-1060 (Espanol)
Website: www.michiganalliaceforfamilies.org
YouTube Page filled with training and tips: https://www.youtube.com/@MichiganAlliance/videos
About: Children who are blind or have reading disabilities can gain free access to more than 320,000 books in audio or braille.
Phone: (800) 992-9012
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/bureau-of-services-for-blind-persons/btbl
About: MCTI provides individualized career development, education, training, and support services for Michigan residents with disabilities preparing for competitive integrated employment. Campus is located in Plainwell, MI, and hosts students from across the state. MCTI offers residential vocational training in a wide variety of trade areas.
Phone: (269) 664-4461
About: SEMS provides mediation, facilitation, and training services for working through disagreements so that children with disabilities promptly receive the services they need to be successful in school.
Phone: (833) Kids-1ST
Website: https://www.mikids1st.org/
About: Understood.org provides resources for families affected by ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Language Disorders, and Written Expression Disorders.
Website: www.understood.org
Employment Resources
About: BSBP provides support to people who are blind or visually impaired by providing training in vocational skills and independent living.
Phone: (517) 241-1100
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/bureau-of-services-for-blind-persons
About: Goodwill Industries International supports a network of more than 150 local Goodwill organizations. Many Goodwill sites provide job training, financial literacy training, free tax preparation, and more.
Primary website: https://goodwill.org
Find your local Goodwill Industries here: https://www.goodwill.org/locator/
About: JAN is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on receiving accommodations on the job.
Phone: (800) 526-7234
Website: https://askjan.org/
About: Job Corps offers free residential job training in the trades for ages 16-24 for income-qualified individuals.
Phone: (800) 733-5627
Website: https://info.joinjobcorps.com/nsp
About: MRS is the statewide agency that provides vocational rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities. The agency’s Mission is to develop customized workforce solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities.
Phone: (800) 605-6722
About: Michigan Works! connects job seekers to training, resources, and successful employment.
Phone: (800) 285-9675
Primary website: https://www.michiganworks.org/
Find your local Michigan Works! here: https://www.michiganworks.org/michigan-works-network
Financial Resources
About: Michigan Community Action is the state association for the 27 designated Community Action Agencies across Michigan. Its programs help people move from poverty to economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Phone: (517) 321-7500
Website: https://www.micommunityaction.org/
About: MDHHS provides needs-based cash, food, and medical assistance via the State. Each County has its own local MDHHS. Applying for services online is also an option on the MiBridges website.
Phone: (844) 464-3447
Website: https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US
About: MiABLE accounts allow persons with disabilities to shelter their money and grow wealth without impacting public benefits like SSI, Food Assistance, or Medicaid. An ABLE account provides the user with more access to and flexibility with their funds than a special needs trust.
Phone: (844) 656-7225
About: The Social Security Administration is a Federal agency that provides monthly payments to retirees and qualifying individuals with disabilities. Two programs offered to persons with disabilities include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Phone: (877) 445-0829
Primary website: https://www.ssa.gov/
Find your local SSA office: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
Understanding SSI Benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-17-008.pdf
SSDI Fact Sheet: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11001.pdf
Health & Mental Health Resources
About: CSHCS is a financial assistance program through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for children with special healthcare needs.
Phone: (800) 359-3722
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/cshcs
About: Each Michigan county has its own Community Mental Health Services Agency. These government entities may go by different names and contract with the state (Medicaid) to provide services and support for persons with mental health and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services vary by county but may include counseling, case management, prescription management, behavioral management, job training, and housing.
Find your local CMH here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Keeping-Michigan-Healthy/BH-DD/Mental-Health/Community-Mental-Health-Services/CMHSP_Directory.pdf?rev=89db41ac880d45c9bbcae6ebd714d460&hash=5B8E105C2A3B84A6E49462D3DD4D16D0
About: Early On provides connections to resources and services for children aged birth to 3 years with developmental delays or a diagnosed disability.
Phone: (800) 327-5966
Website: https://www.1800earlyon.org/
About: FQHCs are community-based healthcare centers that provide primary care, and often specialty care and treat patients with Medicaid or on an income-based sliding scale.
Find your local FQHC here: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
About: Lives in the Balance is a nonprofit organization that provides free resources to parents, teachers, and other caregivers of kids with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Phone: (207) 210-6589
Website: https://livesinthebalance.org/
About: Michigan Family to Family shares information and resources on disability and health issues of children and youth with special health care needs. MI F2F helps families make informed decisions and work with doctors and other professionals.
Phone: (517) 324-7396
Website: https://f2fmichigan.org/
Independent Living Resources
About: The Mission of The Arc is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community. The Arc promotes autonomy and self-determination.
Phone: (800) 292-7851
The Arc Michigan: https://arcmi.org/
Find your local Arc here: https://arcmi.org/find-your-local-arc/
About: Charting the LifeCourse™ is a set of tools designed to be used for your life or the life of a loved one with a disability to organize ideas, vision, and goals, as well as problem-solve, navigate, and advocate for supports.
Website: https://www.lifecoursetools.com/
About: Disability Network Michigan is the parent agency for all Michigan-based Centers for Independent Living (CILs). CILs are nonprofit, consumer-controlled, community-based, non-residential agencies that are designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities. CILs provide a wide array of independent living services.
Phone: (313) 923-1655
Disability Network Michigan: https://dnmichigan.org/
Find your local Center for Independent Living here: https://dnmichigan.org/cils/
About: MATLF supports the purchase of needed technology through low (or no) interest loan guarantees. It is supported by the Michigan Assistive Technology Program.
Phone: (517) 203-1200
Website: https://www.matlf.org/
About: A department of the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), The MiDDC works to provide educational opportunities to people with Developmental Disabilities, their families, and professionals. MiDDC advocates for positive changes to services, supports, and systems, that are more responsive to the needs, wants, and desires of people with developmental disabilities.
Phone: (888) 978-4334
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/developmentaldisability
About: MI Choice Waiver serves adults 18+ who need services like those provided in a nursing home. Waiver services allow income-qualified persons with disabilities the option to remain in their own homes with the necessary support. Mi Choice Waiver programs are offered through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Phone: (800) 626-6719
For Mi Choice Waiver programming, find your local Area Agency on Aging here: https://4ami.org/members