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.
REGISTRATION
TRAINING AVAILABLE
Understanding Social Security Benefits
For family/guardians
Parents and guardians often feel lost when it comes to navigating Social Security disability benefits for their loved one with a disability. 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 can’t hold employment to reach further financial security.
(Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan)
Wednesday, June 14th at 6:30 – 8:00 PM
The Basics of Supported Decision Making
For family/guardians
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 and to remain as independent and autonomous as possible. Multiple avenues are available to support individuals to make decisions and direct their own life. This presentation will discuss tools, that can be used to support people in decision-making while retaining their rights.
(Presented by Mary Shehan – The Michigan DD Council)
Wednesday, June 21st at 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Disability Pride and History
For youth ages 12 & under
This webinar is specifically designed for youth with disabilities. Parents are very welcome to attend, but please bring your child(ren).
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)
Wednesday, July 12th at 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Charting the LifeCourse
For family/guardians
Join us to learn about Charting the LifeCourse, a framework that was created by families to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live. Participants will receive an overview of Charting the LifeCourse and learn how the framework and tools support Supported Decision-Making. Participants will also see real life examples on how to use the tools to support their good life.
(Presented by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council)
Thursday, July 13th at 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Understanding Neurodiversity
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)
Thursday, July 27th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM
IL Philosophy & Self-Directed Services
For families/guardians
Independent living philosophy includes directing, or in the case of young people – learning to direct, one’s life. This webinar will help families and youth understand the concepts behind the Independent Living Philosophy and selecting supports. Youth will participate in a fun independent living activity. Adults will continue with training in exploring support options. If you or your child receive Community Mental Health services, you can control how the money for your services is spent by using an independent budget and financial management services. This option is called self-directed services for adults, choice waiver services for children, or sometimes self-determination.
(Presented by Jan Lampman and Angela Martin of Partners Advancing Self-Determination)
Tuesday, August 1st at 3:30 – 5:00 PM
Self-Advocacy Story Time
For youth ages 12 & under
These activities are specifically designed for youth with disabilities. Parents are very welcome to attend, but please bring your child(ren).
What better way to learn about self-advocacy than reading a story together about real-life advocates? Have your 12 and under aged child join us for a series of read-aloud stories which highlight real children and adults with disabilities who live their best self-determined lives! Our storytellers will engage the group in a lively discussion of self-advocacy! (Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan)
- Thursday, June 15th at 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Completely Emme: A Cerebral Palsy Story by Justine Green, Ed.D. (reading age: 4-8 years) - Tuesday, July 11th at 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Completely Matt: An ADHD Story by Justine Green, Ed.D. (reading age: 4-8 years) - Thursday, August 3rd at 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Fighting for Yes! The Story of Disability Rights Activist Judith Heumann by Maryann Cocca-Leffler (reading age: 6-10 years)