Career Development Day is an exciting opportunity for area college students with disabilities. This is your chance to receive insight from business leaders regarding career development and potential internship positions!

WHEN:   

Thursday, March 21, 2013     3:00 - 5:30pm 

Dinner will be provided.  

WHERE:  

Dow Chemical Company

1790 Building  (600-899 Washington St.)

Midland, MI  48640

* Driver License or other valid photo ID required for entry     

WHO:
College students who have: 

1. A disability
2. Completed at least one year of college and are currently enrolled
3. GPA of 2.75 or higher 

WHY: 

• Give students with disabilities opportunities to network with local businesses.
• To increase the base of students looking, and prepared, for internships with businesses in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
• Provide a connection point for summer internships.  

TO REGISTER:

Send a professional resume to Linda Leahy (Word format preferred). Include a paragraph detailing how you think your disability may affect your career.  

For more information, contact Lowell Gisel at 989-835-4041 ext. 214 or contact Linda Leahy at 989-835-2495 ext. 206. 

Co-Sponsored by:

MTV's "World of Jenks" Spotlights Transition      

MTV is putting a spotlight on those with disabilities as they transition to adulthood, with a documentary-style series following a 21-year-old with autism.   

Chad DenDanto, 23, is one of three young adults featured on the MTV's "World of Jenks" airing Mondays at 11 p.m.  The show, beginning its second season, features host and documentarian Andrew Jenks living with each subject for a year and filming their journeys.

DenDanto, pictured above placing the pizza in an oven, has been diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder, which is on the autism spectrum, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He first appeared on the show in 2010 as the subject of a half-hour episode. Jenks is now taking a more in-depth look, moving into DenDanto's Port Jervis, N.Y. home and tagging along for what's described as the "biggest year of his life."

"We realized (at MTV) that we had an opportunity to humanize and de-stigmatize what it's like to have autism," the show's host, Jenks, 26, of New York, said. "One in 88 American children have autism now. It's something prevalent that could use more mainstream media attention."

DenDanto's television debut nearly three years ago showcased not only the daily issues he faces having autism - including hypersensitivity to smells and noises, such as his classroom bell or cars honking, or severe anxiety over deviation from his schedule - but also his sense of humor and his sensitivity to being treated differently.

This season, viewers get to know DenDanto as he graduates from high school, tries to find a job and begins dating.

"During the first episode you're thinking, 'OK, one of the guys on the show has autism. That's what his story is about.' After the last episode you realize Chad is really funny, he has a great relationship with his girlfriend, he loves food and Italian culture and jokes, and you just know him as Chad. Autism does not define him," Jenks said.

DNMM recently produced a short video highlighting a similar transition story. This video, "Elizabeth's Story" showcases Elizabeth Gisse, a former STAGES participant who is now gainfully employed and working toward finding a place of her own to live.

Elizabeth's Story

 Oscar Winner Speaking at CMU 

Marlee Matlin as Joey Lucas on "The West Wing"

Accessibility Forum: Join Us! 

Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is hosting an Accessibility Forum in Saginaw. We are hoping to highlight successes in our communities and also to identify areas where we can focus our advocacy efforts.

Bring your friends! Bring your ideas! 

Highlighting accessible venues and resources in our community can help others learn what is working. This shared knowledge can help enhance opportunities for everyone by making our communities even more accessible and more welcoming.

WHEN:  March 26, 2013

9:00-11:00am         OR       2:00 - 4:00pm

WHERE:  Saginaw Valley State University

Thompson Activity Room  

Dining For Disabilities

Ruby Tuesday is extremely proud to be a part of our hometown and they believe in giving back. As part of their Community Give Back Program, Ruby Tuesday's of Midland will be donating 20% of all table receipts to Disability Network of Mid-Michigan on Thursday, March 21st, from 11am until 11pm.

College Basketball Fans:  The 2013 NCAA Tournament gets underway at noon on Thursday, March 21st. 

What better way to experience the opening round of March Madness than great food for a great cause!  Come out to Ruby Tuesday in Midland and support Disability Network! 

 If you would like to attend, please present this certificate to your server. 

The restaurant is located in the Midland Mall, at 6800 Eastman Avenue. For directions or to view the menu, please visit www.rubytuesday.com.  To make a reservation, please call 989-631-4050. 

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Governor Rick Snyder and Michigan officials are encouraging residents to get to know and help out fellow state residents living with developmental disabilities this month.

Governor Snyder issued an official proclamation declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

"People with disabilities and their families are capable and creative," said Governor Snyder. "Every person, regardless of ability, has valuable strengths, infinite capacity to learn and the potential to make important contributions within their communities. Celebrating the abilities and contributions of people with developmental disabilities can only serve to enrich Michigan and enhance our diversity."

"During this month, I encourage all citizens to recognize Michigan's advances concerning persons with disabilities, and to also acknowledge that our work to ensure full inclusion is not yet done," the Governor added. 

A developmental disability generally shows before a person reaches the age of 22. It is a severe and chronic disability due to a physical or mental impairment and can impact a person's day-to-day activities such as mobility and self-care. Developmental disabilities include autism and cerebral palsy.

 Federal Government Removes Discriminatory "Job-Ready" Hiring Requirements for Applicants with Disabilities    

Community Feedback: Question of the Month

We need your input! Here's an easy way for your voice to be heard!

As part of our on-going efforts to make our communities accessible, we'll be asking our readers questions each month.  We'll use your answers, your suggestions, and your opinions as a basis for determining what we can do, in terms of services and advocacy, to build fully-inclusive communities.

March 2013 Question:   

"What prevents you from going out into your community?" 

Click here to submit your answer(s) to the question.  Your responses will be anonymous and we will not share your name or email information with any third party.