November brought unseasonably warm weather, gatherings with friends and family, and opportunities to connect with people across our communities. Now, as we approach the new year, we’re looking back on our achievements in 2022 and planning even more education, advocacy, and community-building for 2023. We’re also revamping the State Plan for Independent Living to better serve and advocate for Michigan residents in FY2024 and beyond. We’re so glad to have you with us on this journey and so proud of what we’ve accomplished together with the CILs and countless community partners. Thank you for your support!
- Steve Locke, MI SILC Executive Director
For the latest news, events, and resources, follow us on Instagram or Facebook or visit www.misilc.org.
Share Your Insights!
Different month, different survey! We’re seeking responses from people with disabilities and their families about potential service needs and resource gaps in your community. This survey will help SILC and the CILs, plus Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP), and the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS) provide the best service possible to our residents.
Please click the link that applies to you below, and thank you for your participation!
If you are a Michigan resident with a disability, click here.
If you are a family member or a friend of a Michigan resident with a disability, click here.
Honoring the Life of Lois Curtis
Lois Curtis's pursuit of independent living changed the entire landscape for people with disabilities. As a woman with intellectual disabilities and mental illness, Ms. Curtis spent much of her life in institutions until a lawsuit filed on her behalf ensured the law—and our society—would begin to see people as deserving of choice, control, freedom, and equality, regardless of their disability status. In 1999, the Supreme Court ruled that the Americans with Disabilities Act guaranteed people with disabilities the right to reside in a "less-restrictive setting, " which meant Ms. Curtis and other people with disabilities could now have more control over where they lived and who cared for them. Thank you, Ms. Curtis, and may you rest in peace. To learn more click here.
A Look Back
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in November:
What’s Cooking at Disability Network Eastern Michigan?
This month, participants in our REC-IT Cooking Classes found camaraderie and honed their skills in the kitchen. Disability Network Eastern Michigan holds inclusive cooking and art classes through the REC-IT program in Troy and Fort Gratiot. Find out what’s on the schedule for December by clicking here.
Gratitude, Appreciation, and Visibility for Family Caregivers
National Family Caregivers Month: November was National Family Caregivers Month, which recognizes the important role that family and informal caregivers play in ensuring the independence of people with disabilities. Roughly 1 in 5 Michiganders care for a family member, friend, or neighbor, and the majority do not receive pay for this work. While advocating for compensation options, resources, and support for family caregivers is crucial, the first step is often helping the people themselves self-identify as caregivers so they can know what they are eligible for. Find resources and tips for family caregivers and click on this link Caregiver Action Network.
Collaborating with the Community on Elder Care
Disability Network Eastern Michigan joined the City of Warren Senior Health Care Commission Seminar to share resources and information about preventing and identifying elder abuse and serving seniors across Southeast Michigan. Thank you to all who participated!
Celebrating Elected Leaders with Disabilities at Every Level
This past Election Day, several candidates with disabilities won elections or reelections across our nation and in roles from city council to U.S. Congress. In addition to serving their constituents faithfully, these candidates are helping to change perceptions and increase access and inclusion across our society. Read more in our blog at this link Candidates With Disabilities Make Their Marks on the Ballot and in Their Communities.
Giving Thanks for our Residents and Partner Agencies
CILs across Michigan celebrated Thanksgiving with residents and community partners, enjoying good food and great company. We’re thankful for the relationships with our residents and communities and the opportunity to advocate for access and inclusion across our state. If you attended a CIL Thanksgiving event in November, share your photos on social media and tag us @MISILC and your local CIL!
Virtual & In-Person Art Classes
Weekly, days and times vary: Bring out your inner artist and have fun with in-person and virtual art classes. Choose your preferred location and dates at:
Ann Arbor CIL Virtual and In-Person Art: Upcoming Events – Center for Independent Living (annarborcil.org)
Disability Network Eastern Michigan REC-IT In-Person Art Classes: Calendar | DNEM (dnemichigan.org)
Spirit Club Virtual Inclusive Fitness
Weekly, days and times vary: Mondays from 9:30-10:30 am with Disability Network Southwest Michigan: Spirit Club | Disability Network Southwest Michigan (dnswm.org)
Mondays or Wednesdays from 4-5 pm with Ann Arbor CIL: Be Active at Home: Spirit Club Inclusive Fitness | Center for Independent Living (annarborcil.org)
Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 pm with Disability Network Northern Michigan: Spirit Club Fitness Registration (jotform.com)
Trivia Tuesdays!
Every Tuesday, 1:30-2:30 pm: Test your trivia knowledge with the Ann Arbor CIL’s virtual Trivia Tuesdays! Register here: Trivia Tuesdays | Center for Independent Living (annarborcil.org)
Virtual Movie Club
Thursday, Dec. 1st, 4-5 pm: Join the Virtual Movie Club featuring Charlotte’s Web (watch the movie on your own in advance!). Register at this link.
Code of the Freaks
Tuesday, Dec. 13th from 1:30-3:30 pm: Enjoy a web movie and follow-up discussion featuring Code of the Freaks. Sign up at this link.
Boost Your Technology Skills
Wednesdays, Dec. 14th-28th, noon-1 pm: Boost your technology skills and empowerment in today’s digital environment with Disability Network Northern Michigan’s Virtual Technology Sessions. Register at this link.
DNSWM Access Team Meeting
Wednesday, Dec. 14th, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm: Meet with the DNSWM Access Team to gain leadership and advocacy skills and help make Kalamazoo County more accessible. Sign up at this link.
Online Book Club
Thursday, Dec. 15th from 12 pm - 1:30 pm: Join the Online Book Club featuring All our Families by Jennifer Natalya Fink. Register at this link.
Virtual Peer Support
Thursday, Dec. 22nd, 4:00-5:30 pm: Autistic adults can find virtual peer support in a safe environment with Disability Network Southwest Michigan. Register at this link here.
Making a Plan for Midland County
The Midland County Disability Coalition, which includes Disability Network Mid-Michigan, is making plans to promote inclusion, access, and employment in Midland communities in 2023 and beyond. In 2022, this coalition hosted the 21-day Disability Equity Challenge, shared information about disability resources with residents, and educated communities and employers about inclusive practices. In 2023, they’re finding even more innovative ways to improve access and opportunities for people with disabilities. Read the latest at this link here.
Space: An Accessible New Frontier
British paralympic sprinter John McFall may be the first person in space with a disability. During its recent hiring period, the European Space Agency specifically requested applications from people who would otherwise meet the agency’s stringent health and fitness requirements if the space program was more accessible and inclusive. McFall was selected from a pool of more than 250 applicants, and will now participate in a feasibility study to determine the next steps in making equipment and spacecraft more accessible. Learn more at this link Europe Names World’s First Disabled Astronaut (freebeacon.com)
Tackling Travel Challenges for People with Disabilities
This time of year, travel is on almost everyone’s agenda, yet flying is still inaccessible to many people with disabilities. From a lack of accessible toilets to costly damage to mobility aids and impersonal boarding and security processes, the “friendly skies” aren’t so friendly to travelers with disabilities. Learn more about the state of the travel industry and how advocates, the Department of Transportation, and Congress are getting involved by clicking this link.
Could the Motor City become “Mobility City?”
Detroit’s “mobility sandbox” could help startup companies make progress in developing new vehicle innovations, and also increase transportation options for people with disabilities. The project has generated excitement among a diverse range of residents yet brought up concerns about safety and mobility—the very issue it’s intended to address. Learn more about the project’s potential impact by clicking this link.
Detroit plans a ‘sandbox’ for mobility companies. Will residents benefit? | Bridge Michigan
