Having a Job. Living Independently.  

It's Cool!   

Having a job is a vital part of maintaining one's independence.  As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month this October, we would like to introduce you to Kelvin Layton.

Kelvin is a life-long resident of Saginaw.  For several years, Kelvin has worked on automotive parts and supplies. In addition to his work, Kelvin learns employment and independent living skills through vocational education and community living services.  

"I like to work on my skills," said Kelvin. "It's cool because I can get out...and learn." 

There was a time when Kelvin couldn't work. He needed a power wheelchair that offered greater mobility and support.  As part of our community living supports coordination, Disability Network worked with Kelvin to obtain a new power wheelchair. And now that he's back to work, Kelvin couldn't be happier.

When asked what these supports have meant to him, Kelvin smiled and said: "Independence. I can do what other people can do."  

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month  

Officially designated in 1988, National Disability Employment Awareness month recognizes the valuable contributions of people with disabilities to the workforce. The theme for the 2012 celebration is ""A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" This theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform employers that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help businesses compete in today's global economy.

In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM) and the Great Lakes Business Leadership Network are sponsoring the annual Disability Mentoring Day on Tuesday, October 30th at various businesses throughout mid-Michigan.

"54 million Americans (1 in 5) are people with disabilities," said David Emmel, DNMM Executive Director. "Department of Labor statistics continue to show a significant gap between the employment situation of people with disabilities and the employment situation of people with no disability. People with disabilities constitute the largest pool of untapped labor of any minority group."

"Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is committed to working with businesses and employers in an effort to remove barriers to employment facing people with disabilities. DNMM took the lead in forming the Great Lakes Business Leadership Network which offers businesses the means to collaborate with other member businesses in order to improve diversity practices and to share ideas about creating inclusive workplaces, marketplaces and supply chains."

"BLN Members participating in Disability Mentoring Day have the opportunity to significantly impact the career aspirations of students with disabilities. During this day-long event, students from throughout the region participate in job-shadowing, tour businesses, and meet with mentors from participating businesses. It can open up a whole new world of possibilities, both for students with disabilities and for employers. Disability Mentoring Day is an effective first step toward removing barriers to employment for students with disabilities."

For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness month, please visit the Office of Disability Employment Policy website at www.dol.gov/odep.  

For more information about Disability Mentoring Day and the Great Lakes Business Leadership Network, visit www.GreatLakesBLN.org 

CMU Disability Awareness Fair

Central Michigan University is holding its fourth annual disability awareness fair at the Education and Human Services Building on Saturday, October 13th, from 10am - 2pm.  

This family focused event will highlight the university's month-long effort to increase disability awareness this October. In addition to information tables and vendors, the fair will include interactive demonstrations, guest speakers, therapy dogs, engaging activities for children (who are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume), and concessions.

For more information, please email Beth Kennedy or visit www.cmich.edu. 

DNMM Holds "Job Clubs" At Area Schools 

The STAGES Youth Transition and the Vocational Readiness programs at DNMM are holding job clubs at various area schools.

The program, Planning for Employment Success, assists the interested consumer in gaining information, developing skills, and gaining confidence that will increase their employability.

Through the program DNMM hopes to increase self-efficacy and confidence for students in the world of work, to prepare students for job searches and interviews, and to ease any potential anxiety associated with the employment process. 

The students participate in a series of mock-interviews in order to not only understand what an employer is looking for in a potential employee, but also to learn how to recognize and utilize their own primary strengths and skills.

At the conclusion of the program the student will possess a current resume and understand the process for keeping it updated and the student will have completed at least one job application.

Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Runs October 15 - December 7, 2012

Do you receive Medicaid or Medicare? Do you have questions?  Are you enrolled in Medicare Part D or do you need assistance with open enrollment? Disability Network of Mid-Michigan has a certified Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) counselor on staff to provide help with any of your Medicare or Medicaid needs. Give us a call today!

In addition, check out our recent episode of Access America where we talk all things Medicare with Kristi Bueche of Region VII Area Agency on Aging. Click the image below to view the episode. 

AT CORNER:  50 Useful Apps for Students with Reading Disabilities

Whether you're the parent of a child with a reading disability or an educator that works with students with learning disabilities on a daily basis, you're undoubtedly always looking for new tools to help these bright young kids meet their potential and work through their disability.

 

Edudemic.com highlights just a few of the amazing apps out there that can help students with a reading disability improve their skills not only in reading, writing, and spelling, but also get a boost in confidence and learn to see school as a fun, engaging activity, not a struggle.

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