Disability Digest
The monthly Disability Rights e-publication of Disability Network Southwest Michigan.
December 2020
Call to Action!
Support Accessible Housing in Michigan!
In some parts of Michigan, there is more than a year-long waiting list for accessible housing. There are two pieces of proposed legislation that address this problem by providing a tax-credit to those who make their existing home accessible/visitable, or modify/build a home for themselves or a family member that meets the accessibility criteria outlined. The bills are House Bill 4813 (HB4813) and Senate Bill 0421 (SB0421).

You can support this legislation by contacting your State legislators and encouraging their support of these bills. Or click on the button below and complete the online form to send your message to them NOW!
Michigan State Capitol building
Justice Department Settles with Amtrak to Resolve Disability Discrimination
The Justice Department has announced that it reached an agreement with Amtrak to resolve disability discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the agreement, Amtrak will fix inaccessible stations and pay $2.25 million to victims hurt by its inaccessible stations.

The complaint alleges that Amtrak has violated and continues to violate the ADA by failing to make existing stations in its intercity rail transportation system readily accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.

Follow this link to read the full Justice Department press release regarding their Amtrak Disability Discrimination agreement.
Amtrak train in a station
What The Media Gets Wrong
About Disability
Highlighting the accomplishments of people with disabilities in the mainstream media, apart from spreading greater zeal and optimism, helps create a more open and inclusive society. Unfortunately, most of the acclaim received by people with disabilities from the media and society stems from feelings of ableism, sympathy and inspiration. Instead of genuine acclaim, we mostly get either excessive sympathy or glorification. The media has tremendous influence and should be held to a higher standard. Follow this link to an article about what the media gets wrong when covering disability.

Look for a new Disability Network webinar in February titled Disability & The Media.
person in wheel chair holding sign that reads, "My Attitude is based on how you treat me."
Reflecting on Thirty Years with the ADA
As we closeout the year of the thirtieth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA), we reflect on three decades of the landmark anti-discrimination law, its effects, and its future.

Follow this link to an article about the ADA - past, present and future.
ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act
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Disability Network Southwest Michigan
Kalamazoo Office
517 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 345-1516

St. Joseph Office
2900 Lakeview Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085
(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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