 1705 South Saginaw Road Midland, MI 48640
(989) 835-4041 (800) 782-4160
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ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, August 5th!
 Voting allows us to shape public policy and determine who leads our communities, state, and nation. Our right to vote is basic to our system of representative democracy, and depends on all people having full and equal access to the ballot. Voting at the polls can present a unique set of challenges to people with disabilities. Federal and state laws require Michigan's cities, townships, and villages to provide a reasonable number of accessible registration facilities. It is the intent of the law to ensure that voters with disabilities are fully able to exercise their voting rights at the polls. Any action or physical barrier that prevents voters with disabilities from casting a ballot is unacceptable.  Inside the polling location, at least one voting station should be adapted to allow a person to vote while seated. In addition, all voters, including voters with disabilities, have access to the AutoMARK Voter Assist Terminal in all polling places. The AutoMARK operates like an electronic ink pen. It simply marks the ballot with the voter's choices but does not tally the votes. Once the ballot is marked, it is counted in exactly the same fashion as all other ballots. The AutoMARK features a touch screen, a keypad marked with Braille, and the opportunity for voters to use their personal sip-puff device, a stylus or a footpad to mark their ballots. The AutoMARK is wheelchair-accessible and is equipped with headphones so that voters may hear the ballot read aloud to them if they wish.  | | VIDEO: Access to Voting & The AutoMark System |
Voters have the opportunity to learn more about this equipment by visiting the Voting Equipment website, or by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center website. Voters with disabilities who require assistance in casting a ballot may receive assistance from another person, provided that the person assisting the voter is not the voter's employer, agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a union to which the voter belongs. If you or someone you know requires special access to the polls, it's important to call the clerk's office ahead of time to make sure your voting site is free of obstructions. If your precinct is not accessible, you will be directed to an alternative site that is accessible. For more information, contact your local clerk. Hearing impaired residents with questions may contact the Department of State's Bureau of Elections by TTY at (517) 322-1477. Districts were changed recently, what are my district numbers and where do I vote? Use your name and zip code or your driver's license number, birth month and year to find out if and where you are registered to vote. This handy tool provides a map to your voting precinct and will even provide you with your personalized sample ballot! https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ Who are my candidates, and where I can I learn more about them? With links to all of the candidate's websites, this page can help you to dig into the candidates issues by district number. http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/candlist/14PRI/14PRI_CL.HTM What is ballot Proposal 1? Ballot Proposal 1, faced by all Michigan voters is a complex issue to fully grasp. It deals with the way taxes are collected on businesses and how the revenue is distributed to local governments to fund key services. These services include senior home delivered meals, personal care and in-home services, police, fire ambulances, schools and libraries. MLive produced a 4 minute video which does a great job of explaining this complex issue: http://video-embed.mlive.com/services/player/bcpid1949050400001?bctid=3687289636001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAQBxUr7k~,PsMaWpexSO1o2JBTRvXgK2F46WvPiWEP What local millages are on my docket? By viewing your sample ballot which you can access by checking your voter registration you will see any county or local millages such as senior services. https://webapps.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/ If you experience difficulties while trying to vote, you can also contact your local clerk or Disability Network of Mid-Michigan. If you need assistance getting to the polls, please contact us and we will do our best to provide you with, or refer you to, adequate, accessible transportation. 1-800-782-4160.
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"Disability Network Helped Me Get
My Life Back On Track"
At DNMM, we often say disability can affect anyone at any time. Often, acquiring a disability is the result of an unexpected event. This was especially true for Midland resident Don H.
 A couple of years ago, things were going well for Don. He had his own home and he was working as a sub-contractor through the Dow Chemical Company. But one night, Don happened upon a group of burglars who had broken into his home. Don was the victim of a brutal assault, from which the resulting injuries led to several surgeries on his back and his eyes. No longer being able to work, Don lost his home and his vehicle, and eventually moved into the Open Door shelter.
At Open Door, Don began applying for disability benefits. Trying to adjust to his eye injuries (he is partially blind) was particularly difficult for Don and as a result, filling out the paperwork for benefits was equally problematic. Over a year passed, and despite numerous attempts to provide all needed information, Don had not been approved for benefits. His frustration was taking its toll.
A representative from Open Door heard those frustrations and referred Don to Disability Network's Information and Referral Team. Don connected with DNMM's Andrea Sneller and, to use his words, "stuff finally started happening." Andrea filed all the necessary paperwork, appeared with Don at SSI hearings, and within a few months, Don was approved for disability benefits. Now a year later, Don has a housing voucher and is living in his own residence in Midland.
"My new place is wonderful," said Don. "It's a ranch-style home, with no-steps which helps a lot with my back pain."
Don has another surgery in a few weeks and he is hopeful that he'll soon fully recover from that horrific ordeal. "I've got a new place, and I hope I can get back to work," Don said. "I've got Andrea and Disability Network to thank for it. She really helped me get my life back on track. I just don't know where I'd be without her."
If you have a disability and you're encountering obstacles that are preventing you from living as independently as you'd like, please do not hesitate to contact Disability Network at 1-800-782-4160.
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| Edenville Township Creates Accessible Park
 The Charles and Ida Harper Memorial Park: Tittabawassee River Overlook Deck and Fishing Pier is a new addition to the community of Edenville, Michigan. Designed with accessibility in mind, the park was built along the high bank of the Tittabawassee River, in the location where the Harper Family Store served the community for generations. The property for the park was donated by Alice Sias, the Great-Great-Granddaughter of Charles and Ida Harper.
Funding for Harper Park, as it is more commonly known, was made possible through a DNR Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, whose process was overseen by the Edenville Township Park Committee, a part of the local township board. The park allows public access to the river and a place for boaters, kayaks and canoes to land and tie-off. An observation deck at the top gives a sweeping view of the wide part of the river where heron, eagles, geese and swans are often observed. Ideal for fishing, the wide platform at the bottom of the incline is intended to promote the fishing of a wide variety of fish in the Tittabawassee, just south of the Wixom Lake Dam.
 Engineered and built by Lapham Associates of Clare, Michigan the park is designed with accessibility at the forefront. The parking lot has a wide, van accessible parking spot as well as an accessible restroom and paved sidewalk. The sidewalk leads into a gradually declining, wrap-around ramp that extends the entire length of the riverbank, allowing access for individuals with mobility disabilities to enjoy the entirety of the park.
 Another addition created as part of the grant, is a paved sidewalk that now connects Harper Park to a larger park down the road, Gransden Park, which features baseball fields and a playground.
A project is planned for the future, incorporating Meridian Public Schools students into the final design of the park. With the final landscaping not quite complete surrounding the park, the students have been invited to work with teachers as part of an ecology project to design landscaping that will work with the ecology of the river and the eco-system around it.
A beautiful addition the community of Edenville, Harper Park is work the drive to view for others in the area. Bring your fishing poles, binoculars, camera, and some money for ice cream- and enjoy the view!
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2014 National Rural Community
Transit System of the Year
 The Isabella County Transportation Commission, and its I-Ride transit service, was recently recognized by the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) as the 2014 Rural Community Transit System of the Year at its annual Expo, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the CTAA website, "Each day in communities across this country organizations and individuals in the Community Transportation field accomplish amazing feats. Working in difficult circumstances, with limitations on funding and many competing demands they provide people with access to work, education, services and all of the other necessities of daily life."
 Every year, one of the highlights of the Community Transportation EXPO is the awards ceremony where CTAA recognizes the remarkable work done by community transportation by honoring transportation systems and managers for their commitment to their community, novel approaches, innovative concepts and creative solutions.
Each year CTAA recognizes one outstanding rural community transit service nationwide for its provision of exemplary service to its patrons and for its leadership and innovation in providing quality community transportation services.
This recognition is given to a rural transit system which provides service to their community with an urbanized area of less than 50,000 population. The award is based on innovative and creative services in the community and for responsiveness to its customers' and community needs, among other criteria.
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Midland Community Needs Your Input!
 Community leaders in the Midland area are seeking input from fellow residents about how Midland can "pioneer prosperity for all" in the years ahead. Midland County : Exploring Our Future is a robust and relevant strategic planning process that will identify and engage community leaders, civic groups, non-profit organizations, businesses, public institutions, and interested individuals in developing a coordinated, cohesive, and unified path to a prosperous future for the Greater Midland Area community. For purposes of this process, the Greater Midland Area includes Midland County, the City of Midland, and our immediate neighbors.  In May, over 100 Midland Area stakeholders converged for a two day process to draft a vision and develop key performance areas that will influence the community's future. Now we are soliciting community input on the draft elements of the strategic plan developed by the Search Conference participants. The results of this survey will guide participants as they reconvene in September to build an Action Plan.
The survey will be available until Thursday, August 14, 2014.
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Chemical Bank Announces Home Accessibility Modification Program  Owning a home is something toward which many of us strive. For people with disabilities, and in particular, those who may have recently acquired a disability, being able to fully access one's home is of paramount importance. And just like any home upgrade or rehabs, modifying a home to make it accessible can often be quite expensive.
 With that in mind, Disability Network is pleased to announce Chemical Bank of Michigan has implemented a new Accessibility Modification Program (AMP) to assist existing homeowners whose incomes fall within 80% of the area median income per county, based on family household size. Qualifying families can receive up to $10,000 for eligible repairs.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS - Owner-occupants must have resided in the home for 18 months
- Must agree to continue to live in the home for 5 years
- Eligible properties are single-family homes and duplexes as long as the owner resides in one half
- Must meet age requirement of 62 or older. Exceptions may be made for those with permanent disabilities.
- Household members with a disability of any age currently receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or reasonable equivalent state or federally-funded disability benefits.
ELIGIBLE REPAIRS / MODIFICATIONS
- Ramps
- Handrails
- Levered Door Handles
- Bathroom Modifications
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- Kitchen Modifications
- Wheelchair lifts
- Widened Door-ways
- Other eligible repairs
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Up to 25% of AMP funds may be used for deferred maintenance items such as: roofing, siding, and water heaters. For more information, contact Disability Network of Mid-Michigan at 1-800-782-4160 or email info@dnmm.org. This program is funded by Chemical Bank and FHLBI.
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Position Available for Midland Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission
 The Midland City Council is accepting applications to fill a position on the Dial-A-Ride Advisory Commission. The commission is looking for a senior representative, 65 years or older, to fill a position that will expire June 30, 2016. This commission meets up to three times a year to advise Midland City Council on a range of public transportation issues including fare policies and structures, services and programs to meet the needs of all persons with disabilities and persons 65 years of age or older, and other relevant ordinances, rules, and administrative requirements.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8. Applications can be obtained through the City Manager's Office, 333 W. Ellsworth, or from the City of Midland website: click here to download an application.
To serve on a board or commission you must reside in the City of Midland, unless otherwise specified. Most positions do not require extensive expertise, just a willingness to serve. For questions or further information, please contact the city manager's office at: (989) 837-3301.
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Upcoming DNMM Events
COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE - SAGINAW
 DNMM is planning a Community Bike Ride for Saturday, September 6th, from 10am - 1pm. The bike ride is a chance to celebrate the many forms of accessible recreation found throughout the mid-Michigan area. We will be riding the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail, starting at the Van Woermer Rd. parking lot. Lite refreshments will be provided, hand-cycles will be available for those with disabilities, and all participants will be entered into drawings to win prizes! STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!
A TASTE OF MIDLAND
DNMM is partnering with Ruby Tuesday's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Logan's Roadhouse, to help raise money for programs for youth with disabilities. If you want to participate, all you have to do is go out to dinner! The restaurants will donate 20% of all table-receipts to Disability Network! There will be one event each week, starting next week. Keep an eye on your email for special certificates that must be turned in. Anyone attending all three restaurant events will be eligible for a $50 Visa Gift Card! STAY TUNED or contact Matthew Ivan for more information.
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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.
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
Monday, August 18 - 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Gladwin County:
Gladwin County Community Mental Health
655 East Cedar Avenue Gladwin, MI 48624
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, Aug. 13 - 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Midland County:
Midland County Community Mental Health
218 Fast Ice Drive Midland, MI 48642
Wednesday, Aug. 13 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
For more information on dates for counties not listed, visit healthymichiganplan.org.
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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'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.
August 2014 Question:
As much as we might not want to admit it, school is right around the corner. Accessible school environments are incredibly important to our youth. What are some examples of schools implementing accessibility into the classroom or the school facility itself? Or, perhaps more importantly, what areas for improvement can we approach local school boards about addressing?
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.
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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
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Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is a CARF - Accredited, United Way non-profit agency.
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Board of Directors
Officers:
Harry Leaver
- President
Teresa Oliver
- Vice President
Andrea Bridgewater - Secretary
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
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"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
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Disability Network of
Mid-Michigan celebrates
24 years of promoting and encouraging independence for all people with disabilities.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
August 5
August 12 STAGES Program Saginaw Bike Ride
Contact:
Lowel Gisel
989-835-4041
August 14 STAGES Program @ Dow Diamond
Great Lakes Loons Game!
For Tickets, call 989-835-4041
August 14 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.
August 15 HDI Back To School Outreach Table
9am - 3pm
Janes Street Academic Community Health Center
810-441-5347
August 16 DNMM Fundraiser at Ruby Tuesday's
of Midland
 August 18 DNMM Fundraiser at Logan's Roadhouse in Midland September 6 Community Bike Ride Saginaw Valley Rail Trail Van Woermer Rd. lot 10am - 1pm September 11 Caregivers Conference Saginaw Co. Commission on Aging 9am - 2pm Horizons Conf. Center Register by September 4989-797-7564
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Click to download our Core Services Brochure
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Click to download the Michigan AT Loan Fund Brochure
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Click to download the BLN brochure.
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