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Disability Digest 
The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication
of Disability Network Southwest Michigan
May 2018
Seeking New Board Members
text graphic_ Board Member

Are you looking for a way to become more connected to Disability Network? Do you want to have an active role in the future of Disability Network? If so, we are looking for YOU! We are now accepting applications for members of the board of directors and committees of the board. Please contact Kristen Potts at [email protected] or 269-345-1516, ext. 119 for more information.
New Disabled Parent Adventures in Advocacy
   
 
According to the National Council on Disability, parents with disabilities are far more at risk of losing custody of their children than non-disabled parents. In this Rooted in Rights video, Ivanova, who is preparing to become a first time mother, talks about how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been discriminated against in terms or their parenting rights and how to arrange for needed supports.
America's 3 Largest Psychiatric Facilities Are Jails
     
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In jails and prisons across the United States, mental illness is prevalent and psychiatric disorders often worsen because inmates don't get the treatment they need, says journalist Alisa Roth. By some counts, Roth says, as many as half of all inmates experience some sort of psychiatric disorder; jails in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are now the three largest institutions providing psychiatric care in the U.S.    
 
Follow this link to read about mental illness in our prison system or to listen to the NPR interview with Roth. 
Gaining Control of Your Money as You Become an Adult
   
 
As youth with disabilities become of legal age, it is important that they know their rights with regard to gaining control of their money. In this Rooted in Rights video, Yolonda Vargas talks about the steps to take as you navigate the Social Security systems.  
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SAVE THE DATE!
Annual ADA Celebration 
Scheduled for July 27th
 
Mark your calendars and join us for a celebration of the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Friday, July 27 from 11:30 a.m. ­to 1:30 p.m. We are hosting a community-wide event at our Kalamazoo office, including a free lunch, awards, and speakers. We invite all community members and organizations to join us!
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LUNCHTIME BOOK CLUB + MOVIE
The Fault in Our Stars

At our next Lunchtime Book Club we will be discussing the book AND watching the film The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Join us on Wednesday, August 1, from 12:00 - 2:30 in either our Kalamazoo or St. Joseph office. Everyone is welcome to attend and join in the discussion. 

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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