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.
Below are the webinars being offered within the Paving the Way to Self Determination program at this time. All webinars are live and interactive; participation is available through an internet connection or a phone call, and accommodations are available.
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. Watch this space between now and March 2025 as we upload these trainings for you!
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.