_DD_

Disability Digest 
The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication
of Disability Network Southwest Michigan
August 2017
word _ableism_ with line through it
Alternatives to Ableist Language

Much of ableist language is so ingrained in our society that you might not consciously realize the words you're using are associated with disability. This article titled  40 Alternatives to These Ableist and Oppressive Words lists alternatives to common ableist words and phrases. We challenge you to start consciously substituting some words you may use.  
BACK TO SCHOOL 
Transitioning to College with a Disability     
             
 
College can be a challenging undertaking. Unfortunately, some students believe their disability is an insurmountable obstacle that will lessen their odds of achieving success at the college level. Some even feel their disability will detract from the overall collegiate experience. This video puts common misconceptions like those to rest. 
The Disability Conversation
 
In this video Ben Meyers invites people to have the disability conversation. He says people are itching to talk about disability but fear the "disability taboo." He encourages people to go ahead and ask their questions and have the conversations in a respectful way.  
 
Inclusion of Service Animals
 
Registered Service Animal patch
If you are a person with a disability who uses a trained service animal in Michigan, you can now register your service animal with the State of Michigan and receive an official Registered Service Animal identification card for you and a patch for your service animal. Registration is voluntary and there is no charge for this service.  
 
For more information visit the Michigan Department of Civil Rights website.   
 
_Event_
Lunchtime Book Club

book jacket_ Rosemary_ The hidden kennedy daughter
The next Lunchtime Book Club will meet on Wednesday, August 23, in both our Kalamazoo and St. Joseph offices. Everyone is welcome to attend and join in the discussion.
We will enjoy a light lunch and discuss the book Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson.

For more information about Disability Network Southwest Michigan's Book Club, visit the   Book Club page of our website.
WORKSHOP
Speak Up: Skills of Self Advocacy
megaphone with speech bubbles

Join us for a FUN and FREE workshop for people with disabilities to learn about self-advocacy. Through fun and interactive activities you will learn:
  • What advocacy is
  • What your rights are and the laws that protect your rights
  • How to make an action plan for advocacy
  • Disability history and the fight for disability rights
This workshop is being offered in Battle Creek and St. Joseph. For more details and to RSVP, click the location and date below that works best for you.
Disability Network Southwest Michigan
Kalamazoo Office
St. Joseph Office
517 E. Crosstown Parkway
2900 Lakeview Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
 St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 345-1516
 (269) 985-0111

You can help support the Disability Rights Movement in Southwest Michigan with a tax-deductible donation to Disability Network.
Visit our website to donate on-line.
STAY CONNECTED: