September 2017 - Disability Digest

Disability Digest

The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication
of Disability Network Southwest Michigan

September 2017

Congress is Working on Bill that will
Weaken the ADA

Congress is working on a bill called the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017 ( H.R. 620 ) which, if passed, would significantly weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act. The proposed bill would completely change the way in which businesses are required to comply with the ADA. This bill would be a giant step backward in the Disability Rights Movement! Follow this link to read more about H.R. 620.

Don't Call Gaelynn Lea an "Inspiration"

Gaelynn Lea is an American folk singer, violinist, public speaker and disability rights advocate who was born with brittle bone disease. She says she's

never going to overcome her disability because her disability is part of who she is. As a child she didn't look at her disability as a negative thing, it was an exciting challenge to find different ways to do things.

Watch this video to learn more about Gaelynn.

Michigan Disability Summit

On Thursday, October 12, 2017 the Michigan Disability Summit will be held in Okemos. Enjoy hearing the latest updates on disability programs and innovations. A full-day conference offering information to individuals with disabilities, providers, professionals, and families. Registration begins at 8:15 with conference starting promptly at 9:00am. Choose from eight sessions. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

WHEN:	Thursday, October 12, 2017 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Okemos Hotel & Conference Center 2187 University Park Dr, Okemos, MI

Click here to REGISTER NOW or call (517) 371-4872
Cost: $75. Scholarships available. Email Terri at [email protected] for more information.

This summit is presented by Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, Disability Network/Michigan and the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council.

What You Should Know About Captions

Comedian Jessica Marie Flores isn't shy about getting in your face to let you know why captioning on videos is so important. And don't even THINK about auto-captioning!

We think you'll find this video entertaining as well as informative.

LUNCH + LEARN

Fall Movie Series

Join us this fall for our Lunch & Learn Movie Series in both our Kalamazoo and St. Joseph offices. We are kicking off the series with the film "Roadtrip Nation: Being You" on Friday, September 29.

Follow three young people with learning disabilities and ADHD as they travel the country to seek advice from TV host Howie Mandel, ice sculptor John Rodrigues, and many more who have transformed their learning disabilities and ADHD from a struggle into an asset.

Follow this link for more details about this movie and our Fall Movie Series.

WORKSHOP

Know Your Rights: Disability & Employment

At this workshop you will learn how, when & why to talk about your disability or medical condition with an employer. We will also discuss the best ways to ask for an accommodation at work. Learn about your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and resources that can help you.

We are offering this workshop in six locations throughout Southwest Michigan. Follow this link for details about our Disability & Employment workshops.

LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB

A Piece of the World

Join us for the next Lunchtime Book Club on Wednesday, November 1, in either our Kalamazoo or St. Joseph office. Everyone is welcome to attend and join in the discussion. We will provide a light lunch and discuss the book A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline.

To RSVP and for more information about Disability Network Southwest Michigan's Book Club, visit the Book Club page of our website.

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

www.dnswm.org

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.

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