January 2014

The LINK

A Publication of Disability Network Southwest Michigan

  ► Upcoming Events ◄

To ensure accessibility for all participants, please do not wear scented products (like perfume or cologne) to these events. Thank you!

January 23: Brown Bag Lunch & Learn

Topic: Ed Roberts, Founder of the Independent Living Movement

                       Time: 12:00 noon - 12:30 pm

@ Disability Network's Berrien County Office

                       2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085

RSVPs, questions and accommodation requests:

Joanne (269) 982-7761 or [email protected]

   

January 29: Small Changes, Big Differences:  Assistive 

                      Devices to Help You Increase Your Independence 

              Time: 10:00 am

@ Lion's Club/Paw Paw Senior Center, 227 CR665 , Paw Paw, MI

Contact Joanne Johnson for questions or accommodation requests at (269) 982-7761 or [email protected].

Come see, touch and learn about low cost gadgets that can help you or a loved one do everyday tasks.  This presentation is fun, informal, and interactive.  Bring a friend!

   

February 1: 107.7 WRKR Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

Proceeds benefiting Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Time: Check in: 9:00 am     Play begins: 10:00 am     $100 Buy In

Wayside West, 3406 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo

Register in person or by mail:

Disability Network Southwest Michigan,

517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Questions? Contact Kristen at (269) 345-1516 x119 or [email protected]. 

DANCING WHEELS @ DOGWOOD FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Dancing Wheels was founded by Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the United States. Born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to offer others with disabilities full and equal access into the world of dance.

May 10, 2014

Dale A. Lyons Building Theatre
Southwestern Michigan College
58900 Cherry Grove Road 

Dowagiac, MI 49047
7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students

JOIN US FOR A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

TO SHAPE MICHIGAN'S FUTURE 

Disability Network Southwest Michigan invites you to a Community Conversation for YOUR say on what Michigan's future should look like. We are partnering with the Center for Michigan to host two Community Conversations - guided discussions that let you share your opinions about the things that matter most to you.

The Center for Michigan holds Community Conversations around the state to gather and amplify the voices of Michigan citizens. The Center creates a final report that is shared with policy makers.

The goal of the Community Conversation project is to ensure that policy  discussions taking place in Lansing reflect the views of Michigan people.

WORKSHOP: EVERYTHING MY CHILD NEEDS TO

KNOW ABOUT SEXUALITY BUT I WAS AFRAID TO TELL

Date: March 19, 2014  

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Cost: $10 (includes lunch) 

Disability Network Southwest Michigan will provide a limited number of scholarships - please ask when registering.

Social Work CE and SCECH are available for an additional $15.

Location:  KRESA, 1819 E. Milham Road, Kalamazoo

To register visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TX5MRH6 

or call (800) 292-7851 x472

Youth with disabilities need to know about their bodies and sexuality as much as youth without disabilities. This workshop is based on sixteen areas of sexuality, which should be part of every individuals learning on this topic. It will be factual, but fun, with many real life stories that illustrate the perils of having too little or the incorrect information in this area.

Examples will be given that help you get ideas and make a plan to meet the needs of children and their families. There will be no off limit topics, since this presentation will be geared toward teaching teens through adulthood. So come ready with your questions and be prepared for open, frank, and fun discussion.

Sponsored by Disability Network Southwest Michigan, the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, Michigan Family Voices, and Parent to Parent of Southwest Michigan. 

The New Fragrance Free Policy at Disability Network

Southwest Michigan is about Accessibility

You may have seen the words below on the email signatures of our staff or on flyers and other documents. We will soon have signs posted in our offices that read the same:

For the safety and well-being of our employees and visitors, Disability Network Southwest Michigan is a fragrance-free office. Please do not wear colognes and perfumes when visiting. Thank you!

We want our programs and services to be accessible to everyone - that includes  access to alternative formats like large print or Braille materials, sign language interpreters, meetings in locations that are physically accessible, and a fragrance free environment.

Fragrances like perfumes, scented candles and body lotions can trigger migraines, seizures or asthma. We have staff that need a fragrance-free environment as a reasonable accommodation and we know that others need it as well to be safe and fully included in our programs and services.

Please ask if you have any questions about our accessibility policies and practices.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan Office Information

Berrien County Location                  Kalamazoo County Location

2900 Lakeview Avenue                       517 E. Crosstown Parkway

St. Joseph, MI  49085                         Kalamazoo, MI  49001

(269) 985-0111                                   (269) 345-1516

www.dnswm.org