As the seasons change, our CILs are still packing the calendars with educational webinars, recreation activities, and other events that promote independent living. From raising awareness about voting rights and the direct care crisis to ensuring everyone can enjoy the crisp fall weather, we’re empowering Michiganders with disabilities and creating more inclusive communities across our state. We’re also gearing up for a new State Plan for Independent Living, and we need your help. Read on to learn more about how we’ve spent the past few weeks and what’s ahead for SILC and the CILs. 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.
A Look Back
In case you missed it, here’s what SILC and the CILs were up to in September:
Racing for Representation
Everyone loves a good race, and over the summer, Disability Network Mid-Michigan (DNMM) and Greater Midland Community Centers demonstrated the importance of making recreation events more accessible and inclusive with their Summer Race Series. In June, DNMM sponsored the Dow Run Walk; in July, they were a sponsor of the Tri-Kids-Try youth triathlon, and in August, DNMM sponsored the Loons Pennant Race, which combines a run/walk race with an evening of minor league baseball. Thank you to all who participated!
Paving the Way to Self-Determination
In August, the first round of online training sessions began for the Paving the Way to Self-Determination program assisting children with developmental disabilities and their families. The goal of this program is to change perceptions and help families envision–and achieve–a self-determined life for their children. From learning about the history of the Disability Rights movement to disability pride and allyship, asking for accomodations, supported decision-making, and more. Learn more or register for upcoming sessions at www.dnswm.org
Advocating for Direct
Support Professionals
Direct Support Professionals Week was held from September 11th-17th to recognize the vital role direct support workers play in independent living. MI SILC is proud to support advocacy efforts across Michigan fighting for better wages, benefits, and professional development for direct support workers, and this advocacy is part of our current State Plan for Independent Living. See our plan at www.misilc.org/state-plan-for-independent-living
Celebrating Disability Voting Rights Week
Election Day is around the corner, and with high-profile races for governor and the state legislature in the mix, it’s important that every eligible voter has the chance to weigh in. Disability Voting Rights Week was held from September 12th-16th, and highlighted the need for a range of voting options to ensure people with disabilities can have a voice in their government, too. To learn more about accessible voting options in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov
Preparing the Next State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL)
It’s time to give MI SILC a new roadmap into the future, and we still need your input! In mid-September, the link to our Community Needs Assessment went live and we began gathering information and experiences to create our FY2024 SPIL. Your feedback ensures that our goals and objectives address the needs of people with disabilities and move the needle toward a more inclusive Michigan. Participate at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SJYLTXD
Mark Pierce
Board Member Mark Pierce is a decorated Marine, a native Michigander, and has more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofits. He has served as the Executive Director of Disability Network Capital Area since 2014. As a person with a disability himself, Mark believes that people with disabilities have the right to participate in all aspects of the human experience, including employment, homeownership, raising a family, and more. Mark and his wife Regina have four adult children and 7 grandchildren. Mark holds a Master’s degree in Urban Ministry Leadership, and most importantly, he makes a mean bbq!
Sleeping Bear Dunes Track Chair Reservations
Now through Oct 24
www.friendsofsleepingbear.org/programs
American Sign Language Classes
October 3rd and throughout month
The Inclusion Event with DisAbility Connections
October 13th
REC-IT Inclusive Art in Troy with Disability Network Eastern Michigan
October 13th and 27th
www.dnemichigan.org/event/rec-it-class-art-class-4-week-series/2022-09-08/
Disability Network Northern Michigan Parent Network October Meeting
October 18th from 7pm-9pm
www.disabilitynetwork.org/events/parent-network-october-meeting/
RISE: LGBTQ + Disability Peer Support Group with Disability Network Eastern Michigan
October 20th from 6-7pm
www.dnemichigan.org/event/rise-lgbtq-disability-peer-support-group/2022-10-20/
Indepen-DANCE: Halloween Takeover! with Disability Network of the Upper Peninsula
October 20th from 6:30-8pm
http://www.upsail.org/event/indepen-dance-halloween-takeover-630pm/
Speed Thrills
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein has attained incredible success by any measure – attending college and law school, becoming an accomplished attorney and Michigan Supreme Court Justice, and participating in 25 marathons and an Ironman competition, among other achievements. The fact that he has been legally blind since birth has only inspired him to both represent people with disabilities and advocate for valuing and including them in every aspect of our society. Recently, he checked a new activity off of his bucket list—driving a car. With verbal cues from local Sheriff Chris Swanson, Bernstein’s first driving experience was racing a car around a dirt track at the Genesee County Fair. The same training from Achilles International that prepared him for his marathons helped him coordinate with Swanson to navigate the track. In regard to both his career and his newfound driving skills, Justice Bernstein said, “People with a disability know what we can accomplish, but the real thing is for those who are not disabled to give us an opportunity. ” Read more by clicking here.
Coffee for a Cause in Ann Arbor
In September, Ann Arbor coffee shop Bitty & Beau’s Coffee opened with the goal of employing people with a range of disabilities. Owners Ben and Amy Wright are the parents of three children with disabilities, and are committed to changing perceptions and increasing employment opportunities. “Eighty percent of people with disabilities don’t have jobs — and we’re out to change that, not just by providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, but by showing our guests what’s possible,” Amy Wright said in a statement. Visit Bitty & Beau’s Coffee at 305 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor or learn more about the shop at this link.
Indiana Study Supports Educational Inclusion
In another boon to inclusivity, a recent study in Indiana demonstrated that high school students with disabilities performed better academically when they were placed in general education classrooms versus lower-inclusion settings. It’s clear that when people with disabilities are integrated into their communities, everyone benefits. Learn more about this study and its implications for education policy by clicking on this link.
