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Disability Digest 
The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication
of Disability Network Southwest Michigan
November 2017
Not a Case of Mental Illness
 
window shattered with bullet holes
After a mass shooting, fearful minds begin to cast about for explanations; unfortunately the statement all-too-readily at hand is, "The perpetrator must have been mentally ill." In reality, mental illness is not a significant factor in gun violence in the US and the overwhelming majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. Let's not label it something it's not!
 
Click here to read the full article titled
Untangling Gun Violence from Mental Illness. 
All Signs Point to Change
   
 
The International Symbol of Access is supposed to indicate barrier-free areas for all people with disabilities; however, the symbol itself seems to be the biggest obstacle for many of us.  
 
This Rooted In Rights video digs into why the wheelchair symbol does not include us all. 
The No-Fault Debate Continues
   
Earlier this month State legislators voted to keep no-fault auto insurance in place. For people who sustain life-long injuries or disabilities from auto accidents, no-fault insurance makes a substantial difference in their quality of care, but insurance lobbyists seem determined to do away with it.
 
A bipartisan committee is now working on a framework of bills being called "The Fair and Affordable No-Fault Reform Package" which provides a clear alternative to the reforms recently pushed by insurance industry lobbyists. Follow this link to read the background and summary of the details of The Fair & Affordable No-Fault Reform.  
Words Matter!         
              
 
In this video produced by the BBC a group of people with disabilities were asked to share some of the most interesting questions about their disability they've been asked. The people interviewed share some humorous, awkward and just plain ridiculous encounters they have experienced .  
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LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB
The Ballad of Blind Tom

Join us for the next Lunchtime Book Club on Wednesday, February 7, 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 The Ballad of Blind Tom by Deirdre O'Connell.

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

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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