It's that time of year again for the Disability Network's annual fundraiser. Piano Palooza Five will be held at the Midland Country Club on Saturday, February 5, 2011, starting at 6 o'clock in the evening.

Each past Piano Palooza has proven to be an amazing night of food, drinks, and dueling pianos! The money that we raise goes toward funding that:

•  helps youth with disabilities transition into adulthood
• supports veterans
• sustains adults with disabilities in their own homes
• assists older adults move from nursing homes to independent living
• provides information and referral services to help people connect with resources and maintains many other programs that assist people to reach their dreams of living and working independently.

Piano Palooza Five tickets are $85 each and make great Holiday gifts! If you are interested in purchasing a ticket call the Disability Network at 989-835-4041 and we will make sure your spot is secured.

Amazing Amanda

"That's why I'm such a big believer in Disability Network: They put time in people like me that other people think can't do anything, even though we can!"

Amanda graduated from Dow High in 2009. Although very shy, she was active with her school newspaper and a member of an organization that worked on community building and volunteering throughout high school. Even though Amanda was busy during high school, she wanted to become more independent and social. At the same time, her parents wanted to help her boost her confidence and improve the skills she needed for true independence.

Amanda started participating in Disability Network events and programs. "My main goal when joining DNMM was to learn how to be independent and learn skills to help me move out of my parents' house someday." Amanda met Nora, a Disability Network employee who focuses on adult transition skills. Every week, Nora and Amanda spent time together - chatting up a storm, laughing, swapping stories, playing games, and cooking meals. Nora taught Amanda about handling money and using local transportation systems, and they got to know each other better and better each week. "Hanging out" with other young people her age and spending time with Nora helped Amanda become more confident.

"I used to have friends, but through DNMM I have a lot more friends. I can talk to [anyone] easily now, too!" says Amanda, super excited with the positive change she has seen in herself during the past year. Amanda can voice her opinions now - about her life, her relationships, and her hobbies such as taking photographs.

 "Disability Network was very nice to me when teaching me how to become more independent. For these lessons, I am very grateful. And that's why I'm such a big believer in Disability Network: They put time into people like me that other people think can't do anything, even though we can!"

The most important lesson that Amanda feels she's learned through DNMM is to be proud of yourself and to know that you can do whatever you desire if you set your mind to it. "I now know I can learn everything; I'm just slower than most kids. Disability Network showed that me just because I'm slow doesn't mean I won't get there someday." 

We now have a Facebook Page that is up and running! Below is the link, so, if you have a Facebook account please join us by clicking the "like" button at the top of our page! Don't forget to invite your friends to "like" our page too!

Please note, the link below is to the official Disability Network page. Any other page is not affiliated with the Disability Network and will not be updated or monitored by us.