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
Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child
For family/guardians
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 event is presented by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
• Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 9:30 to 11:00 PM — Click here to register
The Power of Connection
For family/guardians
As social beings, we all crave relationships with others to make life more enjoyable and enrich our daily lives. Yet building meaningful friendships can be a challenge for us all, including those who have a disability. During this webinar, we will explore and discuss:
– The definition of friendship and the different ways it can look
– The benefits of friendship and the impacts of lack of social connection
– The barriers to friendship and how to overcome them at home, at school, and in the community
– Ways to be a better friend for peers, both with and without disabilities
Presented by Andrea Beachnau of Michigan Alliance for Families on:
• Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 6:30 – 8:00 PM — Click here to register