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.
TRAINING AVAILABLE
The Power of Disability Language
For family/guardians
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.
Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
● Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register
Section 504: What Parents Need to Know
For family/guardians
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability; this includes students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). For students with a disability who are not eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan provides equal access to the general education curriculum. This training will help you learn the difference between a 504 Plan and IEP, how to get a 504 Plan for your child, what supports and services are available, and what rights you and your child have.
Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families on:
● Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register
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 on:
● Thursday, January 18, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register
Charting the LifeCourse: Utilizing the 3 Buckets of Support
For family/guardians
Join us January 23rd 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 3 Buckets of Support are used in planning for a good life. Participants will also see real life examples on how to use the tools to support their good life.
Presented by Charting the LifeCourse on:
● Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 6:00 to 7:15 PM — Click here to register
IEP: A Closer Look
For family/guardians
This workshop will help you take a more in-depth look at the core areas of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and prioritize your greatest concerns. You will learn how to address concerns through the IEP process and improve your ability to have productive conversations.
Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families on:
● Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 6:30 to 8:00 PM — Click here to register
Understanding Neurodiversity
For family/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 on:
● Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 6:00 to 7:30 PM — Click here to register
Building Resilience
For family/guardians
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.
Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
● Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 to 7:30 PM — Click here to register
Preparing Your Child for Employment (LONG Before Employment!)
For family/guardians
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, will focus on important independent living and pre-employment skills that you can help your child start building today in preparation for a successful and fulfilling work life in the future!
Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
● Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register
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.
Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
● Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 12:00 to 1:30 PM — Click here to register