Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
July 2014 Newsletter
top1705 South Saginaw Road 
Midland, MI 48640
(989) 835-4041  (800) 782-4160
Midland Area Community Foundation Awards Grant for Anti-Stigma Campaign  

 

The Midland Area Community Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to Disability Network of Mid-Michigan for an anti-stigma campaign entitled "How Do You See It?"

 

David Emmel, Executive Director of Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, issued the following statement:

 

"Disability reaches across all demographics. It does not affect individuals of a certain age group exclusively, nor does take into effect gender, race, or religion. Disability can occur at any point in any person's life. It is estimated that one in five people are affected by disability in the United States, with the chance of acquiring a disability increasing with each year of life.

 

"To design the How Do You See It? campaign, we've partnered with the creative team at AMPM, Inc. Our goal is to create a shift in the way people view, interact, and include people with disabilities. The campaign will raise awareness of "person-first" language, and challenge stereotypes regarding disability by embracing the person, not the disability. Our communities have the ability to practice inclusion beyond accessibility and beyond acceptance. We have the ability to think beyond 'the label.'

 

"We're excited by and grateful for the foundation's support of this campaign. It's time to change the conversation about disabilities and start talking about ability."

 

The Midland Area Community Foundation strengthens our community by providing leadership, fostering collaboration on local needs and issues, and encouraging a legacy of giving through grants, scholarships, and events.

 


August 7th and August 8th
(Participants must attend both dates - Register by July 18) 
8:30 am - 5:00 pm 
Gratiot - Isabella RESD, 1131 E. Center St., Ithaca, MI  48847 

Why Person-Centered Thinking Capacity Building?

Capacity building assumes a presumed competence in the  

practice of supports and services coordination. The capacity building philosophy is a strength-based approach to

professional development that draws upon prior knowledge and

experience. The aim is to expand participant PCT capacities and

explore ways to display PCT in daily practice.

 

Capacity-Building Topics:

  1. A practical application of person-centeredness within nursing and social work supports and services coordination practice.
  2. Transformational change.
  3. Self-awareness in practice.
  4. Self-regulation in the communications process.
  5. Foster relationships with unconditional positive regard; promoting an expansion in capacity and constructive change in oneself and others.
  6. Applying the Person-Centered Planning Process in nursing and social work supports and services coordination.

Woman presenting in front of large group of people   

Program Goal/Purpose

Specifically, this training seeks to advance culture change in the long-term care environment through the lens of registered nurses and social workers. The goal is to develop and strengthen capacities in these staff related to the person-centered approach that can be used both personally and professionally in daily practice when working with older adults and persons with disabilities.

  

Learner Objectives:

  1. Illustrate a practical application of person-centeredness within practice.
  2. Construct meaning of transformational change.
  3. Cultivate increased self-awareness.
  4. Demonstrate self-regulation in the communications process.
  5. Foster relationships with unconditional positive regard.

 

Cost is $35 per registrant.  

Cost includes materials CEUs, contiental breakfasts, and lunch.

 

Registration required by July 18, 2014.  

To Register, please call 1-800-782-4160  

 

Please indicate if accommodations or meal preferences are

needed at the time you register. Space is limited.  

Advanced registration and payment is required. 

 

Sponsored by the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging 

Co-provided by The Starling Center for Organizational Development 

 

Disclosures & Continuing Education

  • Criteria for successful completion: attendance at the entire program, as well as completion and submission of a program evaluation form.
  • No conflict of interest for planners or presenters, including financial relationships, has been identified relative to this program.
  • No commercial support/sponsorship has been accepted relative to this program.
  • This activity will provide 11 SW contact hours approved by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative and is recognized by the State of Michigan, Department of Community Health, Licensing Division for Social Work Continuing Education.
  • This continuing nursing education activity was approved for 13.61 contact hours by the Ohio Nurses Association (OBN-001-91), an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Approval valid through February 16, 2016. Assigned ONA number: 16,930

 

 


15th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision  

   

On June 22, 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed through its Olmstead v. L.C. ruling that under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) unjustifiable institutionalization of a person with a disability is discrimination when the treating provider believes that community-based care is appropriate and safe; when the affected person does not oppose the community-based option; and when the placement can be reasonably accommodated taking into account the resources available to the state and the needs of others. The Olmstead decision, sparked significant changes in how federal, state, and local agencies support people with disabilities and their families.

The case started when two women who had disabilities were confined in a Georgia state psychiatric hospital.  The women wanted to receive appropriate services in the community and to live outside of the state hospital.  Their doctors agreed that the women were ready for discharge to the community.  However, the state already maintained a long list of qualified persons waiting for one of the state's few community placements to become available.  As a result, the women remained unnecessarily institutionalized for years as they waited on this list.  They eventually filed suit against Tommy Olmstead, the Commissioner of Georgia's Department of Human Resources. 

The court determined that institutionalization severely limits a person's ability to interact with family and friends, to work, and to make a life for him or herself. The decision is regarded as a banner-moment of the independent living movement.

Certain principles have emerged from the Court's ruling:
  • unjustified institutionalization of people with disabilities is discrimination and violates the ADA;
  • states are required to provide community-based services for persons with disabilities otherwise entitled to institutional services when the state's treatment professionals reasonably determine that: a) community-based care is appropriate, b) the person does not oppose such placement, and c) the placement can reasonably be accommodated, taking into account resources available to the state and the needs of others receiving state-supported disability services;
  • a person cannot be denied community services just to keep an institution at its full capacity; and,
  • the ADA does not require that community-based services be imposed on people with disabilities who do not desire it.
All indications are that we are heading in the right direction. We are working to address many of the most imposing barriers facing those who want to live on their own: finding affordable, accessible housing and improving access to quality support and services tailored to each person's goals. While our community transition efforts have been quite successful, we know there is more work to be done.
      
Local Church Offers Blind & Low-Vision Peer Support Group
 

Tonie Croisant was a journeyman expert machinist at The Dow Chemical Co. when he was diagnosed, in 2002, with a very uncommon eye disease called, bilateral idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis, or more easily known as J.R.T. This disease affects about three people in our nation each year. Tonie's condition will continue to deteriorate, but he will always have some peripheral vision.

 

Tonie had to leave his job of 23 years but he didn't leave life. He decided early on that he was not going to sit around and mope about his loss of vision. Together with his wife, Betty, they decided to help other blind people. They approached their pastor, Larry Wright, at Our Savior Lutheran Church to see if they could start an outreach service to the blind people of Midland. Pastor  Wright connected the Croisants with the director of the Lutheran Church's Blind Mission, Reverend Dave Andrus. 

 

Andrus, who has been blind since birth, worked with the Croisants to start up a blindness awareness luncheon as well as a peer support group for blind persons.

 

"One of the biggest reasons for starting the support group was to let people know there is life after blindness and it is important to stay as active as possible, both physically and mentally," said Tonie. "While some things will present a challenge, they are usually doable. If we share our thoughts and frustrations maybe someone will have a solution."


"I come to hear how others deal with their problems, said Dorothy Camehl. "I come to socialize and to share ideas. It's a great group, with good food, good conversation, and they even have volunteers to drive you to and from the meeting." 

This group is a social support group with a lot of lively conversation, discussion of relevant challenges, and guest speakers.  Lunch is free both for the  blind or low-vison individual and a caregiver, and transportation is provided within the Midland city limits.   

 

The group meets at Our Savior Lutheran Church (across the street from Pizza Hut), but no affiliation with the church is required.  They meet the last Saturday of every month (except June and December) from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. The next meeting is July 27th.  

 

     
Join Disability Network at Dow Diamond for LOONS BASEBALL!

There's nothing quite like spending a day at the ballgame with family and friends. And we'd like to spend a day with you!  On July 3 and July 29, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is the "Community Organization of the Night" at Dow Diamond, an effort sponsored by The Great Lakes Loons and Saginaw Valley State University to help raise awareness for non-profits throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Stages kids with Lou E LoonOn July 3 and July 29, Disability Network programs will be featured on the concourse, the scoreboard, and on ESPN 100.9 radio.  Come on down to the ballpark for great baseball and valuable information! If you stop by our booth on the concourse, you'll have a chance to an iPad Mini, courtesy of SVSU!

By purchasing game tickets through DNMM, you'll be supporting programs assisting people with disabilities. The community organization that sells the most tickets will be eligible for up to $1,500 in donated funds by the Great Lakes Loons.

So bring your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and co-workers. Cheer on the Loons! And enjoy America's pastime at one of the finest ballparks in the land.

For tickets, contact Matthew Ivan at 989-835-4041.

See you at the ballpark!
 
Celebrate the 24th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

   

At the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, President George H. W. Bush stated:

 

"Three weeks ago we celebrated our nation's Independence Day. Today we're here to rejoice in and celebrate another 'independence day,' one that is long overdue. With today's signing of the landmark Americans for Disabilities Act, every man, woman, and child with a disability can now pass through once-closed doors into a bright new era of equality, independence, and freedom."

 

The ADA was the world's first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. It was a collaborative effort of Democrats, Republicans, the legislative and the executive branches, federal and state agencies, and people with and without disabilities.

 

George H.W. Bush Signs Americans with Disabilities Act
George H.W. Bush Signs Americans with Disabilities Act
 

The ADA Anniversary is a time that we can reflect positively on a law that has made a great impact on the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 22 years. The message within the Preamble and history is powerful because it clearly states the Congressional intent that the law is intended "to assure equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."

 

The President's emphatic directive on that day- "Let the shameful walls of exclusion finally come tumbling down"- neatly encapsulated the simple yet long overdue message of the ADA: that millions of Americans with disabilities are full-fledged citizens and as such are entitled to legal protections that ensure them equal opportunity and access to the mainstream of American life.

 

Enactment of the ADA reflects deeply held American ideals that treasure the contributions that individuals can make when free from arbitrary, unjust, or outmoded societal attitudes and practices that prevent the realization of their potential. The ADA reflects a recognition that the surest path to America's continued vitality, strength and vibrancy is through the full realization of the contributions of all of its citizens.

 

ELECTION SEASON: Valuing Older Adults Starts with Your Vote 

Midland's elder population is booming! By 2018, 26% of the population will be over 60: equaling roughly 3,500 more seniors than in 2013. Most want to remain living in their own homes, a far more comfortable and economical choice than the cost of nursing home care. For many, staying in their home requires supports and services such as Meals on Wheels, Respite, Transportation, and Home Care services; programs Senior Services proudly provides to our community.

 

On August 5, the Senior Millage will be on the Midland County ballot with a modest increase of .15 mil requested for the first time in 12 years bringing the total millage request to .9 mil. For a resident with a home value of $150,000 (Midland's median value), this equates to an increase of $11.25 per year.  

 

The decision to seek this increase is based on the strong need to keep up with burgeoning demand and ensure the continued ability to enhance the quality of life of Midland's older citizens.  

 

Please make sure to get to the polls on August 5. Valuing older adults starts here!

 

NOTE:  Our August newsletter will contain ballot proposal information from throughout our 12-county region. Stay Tuned! 

      

Upcoming Community Events   

     

- Filling Midland's Cup will be hosting "Fill the Shelves" Food Giveaway and Family Fun Day out at Floyd Elementary on July 16th, 3:00pm-6:00pm. In addition to groceries for families, there will also be a picnic of hot dogs, chips and ice cream and a bookstore full of free new and gently used books. They will also be packing 60 boxes with groceries and delivering them to the 60 families that are being served, with home repair, by the Call to the Creek Work Camp.  

 

- Midland RICC is hosting a Public Policy Training on Wednesday, July 16th from 12:30pm - 3:00pm. The training will be held in Room 110 of the Strosacker Building, 220 W. Main St. in Midland. Learn how our legislature works to make a bill become a law and the art of effective meetings and how to conduct them. This training is open to anyone in Midland County. Lunch will be provided. To register, please call Disability Network at 989-835-4041.

 

- Isabella County Commission on Aging is hosting "Swing into Summer" at Noon on Thursday, July 10.  Swing on over to the Commission on Aging Activity Center and celebrate summer! Come dressed in your best vintage attire or come as you are. It's going to be fun no matter the dress. Just bring yourself and they'll do the rest! Come enjoy lunch and music with the True Falsettos! A  $5.00 donation includes lunch and entertainment. Call Megan at (989) 772-0748 at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your lunch.   

 

 

- Creative 360's Express Yourself Artshop program offers opportunities for arts education to people of all abilities. As an inclusive program, any person in the community is welcome to attend. Individuals with Medicaid insurance may choose to utilize part of their Community Living Supports budget for inclusion in the program. Scholarship fees may be available for those who are unable to pay.  

 

For more information, email Rachel Gaffney or call 989-837-1885.
 

Wood Burning  - $40 

Students will transform plain wood boxes, plaques, and birdhouses into unique personalized artworks under the guidance of Diana Bradley.

Mondays / 3:30 - 5:00 pm / July 7, 14, 21, 28

 

Bead Night - $6 or $7 per day  

Learn to create unique jewelry using memory wire and beautiful beads and pendants. You will make bracelets and necklaces to keep for yourself or give as gifts. Please bring your own beads. Memory wire is provided. With Diana Bradley.

Mondays / 5:00 - 7:00 pm  

 

Outdoor Art - $40 

Diana Bradley will lead you through various projects to be displayed outdoors including but not limited to: stone ladybugs, rock turtles, stick families, message sticks, and much more!

Wednesdays / 4:00 - 5:30 pm / July 9, 16, 23, 30 

 

Exploring Art - $40 

Learn the basics of a variety of artistic media such as: watercolor, charcoal, paint, wood, leather, and clay. You will enjoy this exploration of discovery with the goal of finding out what art form interests you the most! With George Patton.

Wednesdays / 5:45 - 7:45 pm / July 9, 16, 23, 30 


 

Want us to feature your events?  Contact us today! 

 

   

US Senate Votes 95-3 for Jobs for People with Disabilities


Washington, DC. At a time when 70% of working age Americans with disabilities are outside of the workforce and more than 9 million working age Americans with disabilities are living on government benefits, the U.S. Senate voted 95-3 on legislation (S. 1356) to increase job opportunities for people with disabilities.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (S. 1356) will now move to the U.S. House of Representatives for a vote on its counterpart, H.R. 803. If passed and signed into law, the new WIOA legislation will streamline programs and make them more accountable to people with disabilities and taxpayers alike. Indeed, as has been highlighted  by RespectAbilityUSA, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) identified 45 programs that supported employment for people with disabilities in fiscal year 2010, reflecting a fragmented system of services. The programs were administered by nine federal agencies and overseen by even more congressional committees. All programs overlapped with at least one other program in that they provided one or more similar employment service to a similar population-people with disabilities. However, there was little coordination or collaboration and only 10 of the 45 programs reported that an evaluation had been conducted the last five years before the GAO report was issued in 2012. Many of the failed programs will now be eliminated, and all future programs will now be required to have successful outcomes.   

 

"Polls show that the majority of people with disabilities want to work. Hiring people with disabilities can also make companies more profitable. Nationally Walgreens, hospitals, AMC theaters, EY and others have found this to be true as employees with disabilities, when aligned with their talents and interests, are productive, loyal and successful," commented Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, president of RespectAbilityUSA, a non profit working to empower people with disabilities to achieve the American dream. "This legislation recognizes that hiring Americans with disabilities can be win-win-win for people with disabilities, employers and taxpayers alike. The U.S. spends billions each year on benefits to people who, in most cases, would rather have a hand up than a hand out. They need to be included in employment because of the talents they bring to the table. Their work and commitments to success can be a part of how the U.S. can compete successfully."

Continued Mizrahi, "We don't see much bipartisan agreement in Washington these days, but thanks to U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) we saw it today as Senators from both parties came together for a better future.       

 Free Assistance with Healthy Michigan Health Insurance Applications 

 

Low cost health insurance is here. There's a new affordable health plan that's working hard to help people in Michigan get healthy. The Healthy Michigan Plan covers everything from doctor visits to hospitalizations, prescriptions and more.


Healthy Michigan Plan logo  

The Healthy Michigan Plan has no deductible, low co-pays and most people have no monthly payment. If you have been turned down for insurance before or aren't sure if you will qualify, you may be eligible for this new program.

Get FREE & Confidential Help with your Application! Call 1-877-212-7561 to reserve your spot for non-walk-in dates.   

 

Clare County:

Clare County Community Mental Health
789 North Clare Avenue   Harrison, MI 48625

 

Wednesday, July 9   -  2:00 - 5:00 pm
Wednesday, July 30  -  2:00 - 5:00 pm 

Monday, August 18  -  2:00 - 5:00 pm   

 

Gladwin County:

Gladwin County Community Mental Health
655 East Cedar Avenue    Gladwin, MI 48624  

 

Wednesday, July 9  -  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, July 30  -  10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Monday, August 18  -  10:00 am - 1:00 pm   

 

Isabella County: 

Isabella County Community Mental Health
301 South Crapo St., Ste. 200  Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858  

 

Wednesday, July 23  -  2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Wednesday, Aug. 13  -  2:30 pm - 5:30 pm 

   

Midland County:

Midland County Community Mental Health
218 Fast Ice Drive    Midland, MI 48642  

 

Wednesday, July 23  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Wednesday, Aug. 13  10:00 am - 1:00 pm

     
For more information on dates for counties not listed, visit healthymichiganplan.org.      

      

questionCommunity 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're 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.

July 2014 Questions: 

What do you do for recreation in the summer? What recreational areas and/or facilities have you found to be the most or least accessible?

 

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. 

   

STATEMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY 

 

DNMM advocates for the removal of barriers to independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Mid-Michigan area. DNMM pledges to ensure accessibility. Each year, DNMM conducts a review of its own architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, transportation, and other barriers that may exist which prohibit full access to our services.  

 

If you have any issues of concern regarding the accessibility of DNMM services and facilities, we encourage you to share that information with us.  

 

Please send your concerns or suggestions to:

 

        Executive Director

        Disability Network of Mid-Michigan

        1705 S. Saginaw Road

        Midland, MI 48640

 

 

CARF Accredited
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is a CARF - Accredited, United Way non-profit agency.

United Way logo

 
In This Issue
MACF Awards Anti-Stigma Campaign Grant
DNMM Conducting Person-Centered Thinking Training
15th Anniversary of the Olmstead Decision
Peer Support Group for Blind and Low-Vision Persons
DNMM is Community Organization of the Night at Dow Diamond: Join Us!
Celebrate the 24th Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act
Election Season: Midland County's Senior Millage Increase
Upcoming Community Events
US Senate Votes for Jobs for People with Disabilities
Free Assistance with Health Michigan Health Insurance Applications
Community Feedback: Question of the Month
 
Board of Directors
 
 Officers:
 Harry Leaver 
 - President

 Teresa Oliver 
 - Vice President

 Andrea Bridgewater 
 - Secretary

 Norm Donker 
 - Treasurer

 Members at Large:
 Jerry Pritchett
 Dr. Bill Bateman
 Tim Troy 
 June Price  
 Peter Jensen            
 Frank Champagne
 Mary Laforet
 Mary Reif
 Dr. Barbara Gibson
 Tom Provoast    

 

 Executive Director: 

 David Emmel 

 
On The Web
 

 

Social Media  

Like us on Facebook View our videos on YouTube 
View our profile on LinkedIn View our Videos on Vimeo 

 

 
"There are very few people, even with the most severe disabilities, who cannot take control of their own lives. And there is no life without taking risks."

-Ed Roberts
Founder of the Independent Living Movement  

 

Disability Network of
 Mid-Michigan celebrates
24 years of promoting  and encouraging independence for all people with disabilities.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 3

DNMM is the Community Organization of the Night at Dow Diamond!

 

Come see the Great Lakes Loons take on South Bend! 

 

loons
 

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors! The more tickets we sell, the more chances we have to win a special charity raffle.

 

Support DNMM!

Support the Loons!

 

Call 989-835-4041 for more information. 



July 8th 
STAGES Program
Adventure Day at the Fowler Center

Contact:
Lowell Gisel  


July 10th 
Great Lakes Loons Food Drive at Dow Diamond

Food drive benefits the Salvation Army

Contact:
Capt. Brian Goodwill

July 16th 
Public Policy Training
Mildand RICC

12:30 - 3:00pm

220 W. Main St.
Room 110

Register by calling 989-835-4041


JULY 28 & 29 
STAGES Program
Overnight at
Camp Fish Tales

Contact:
Lowel Gisel


July 29 

DNMM is the Community Organization of the Night at Dow Diamond!

 

Come see the Great Lakes Loons take on South Bend! 

 

loons
 

Invite your friends, family, and neighbors! The more tickets we sell, the more chances we have to win a special charity raffle.

 

Support DNMM!

Support the Loons!

 

Call 989-835-4041 for more information.


August 14th 
Healthy Living Fair

Deep River Twnp. Pavilion
525 E. State St.
Sterling, MI 48659

Sterling Area Health Centers provide health care access to the community and the medically under-served.     
 

 

 

 


Cover of core services brochure.
Click to download our Core Services Brochure
MI Assistive Technology Loan Fund brochure. Low Interest loans for people with disabilities and seniors to buy assistive equipment and devices. Pictures includes the MI ATLF logo and two pictures of children with disabilities.
Click to download the Michigan AT Loan Fund Brochure

Click to download the BLN brochure.

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