CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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THE CENSUS ENDS SEPTEMBER 30th
Make Sure You're Counted!
Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census to count the number of people living in the United States. Starting in March, census invitations were mailed to households, and now, more than ever before, the Census Bureau is encouraging people to fill out the census electronically (i.e. online). You can also call the Census Bureau directly to file at 1-844-330-2020.
DO YOU NEED HELP FILLING OUT THE CENSUS? CALL DNMM TODAY! 1-800-782-4160
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| | Census 2020 - Safety First |
WHY DOES THE CENSUS MATTER?
The census count has consequences we will live with for the next decade, if not longer. This makes the stakes even higher.
Michigan stands to lose millions of dollars in federal support for programs that use census data. These include Medicaid, nutrition assistance, highway construction and planning, Title I and Special Education Grants, Foster Care and Child Care Grants, K-12 education, Section 8 Vouchers, and Head Start/Early Start - for which Michigan received more than $14 billion in 2015.
The Census Bureau has identified people with disabilities as a hard-to-count population, which means they are at a greater risk of being under-counted in the census. The reasons for this include accessibility challenges and wider systemic inequalities. People with disabilities are also over-represented among other groups that are considered hard-to-count, such as people of color, people with low incomes, and people experiencing homelessness.
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| Census 2020 Video Ad: Michigan (Confidentiality)
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| | DNMM's Terri Robbins Discusses Census 2020 |
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AN AREA OF CONCERN - THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
The Census Bureau's online response option represents both an opportunity and challenge to the disability community. For many, the option will be more convenient than responding by mail. This is, in part, due to the greater availability and increased effectiveness of screen readers, electronic magnifiers, and other assistive technology tools.
However, a significant digital divide exists between people with and without disabilities: people with disabilities are about 20 percentage points less likely to own a computer, tablet, or smartphone or subscribe to home broadband. Without reliable internet access, people with disabilities may encounter difficulties completing the online form.
BE COUNTED 2020
We want to make sure Michigan gets as accurate a count of its residents as possible. You can help by sharing this article with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Click on the images below to download some helpful questions and answers about the census.
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EFFECTS OF COVID-19 POLICIES ON RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Do you have a loved-one living in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home? People from throughout mid-Michigan are contacting us with disturbing stories of isolating procedures taking place at facilities during this pandemic.
Residents cannot have visitors. Many cannot go outside except for medical emergencies. Some have had their windows bolted shut. Lack of available staff has even resulted in inadequate care.
Over the past several weeks, DNMM has hosted two video conferences with long-term care residents and family members to discuss their concerns. We have engaged members of the Long Term Care Task Force as well as the Long Term Care Ombudsman's office (LTCO). We have shared your concerns with the governor's office, with legislators, and with the media. We thank all of you who have taken the time to share your stories in order to address these issues of concern.
We have recently been contacted by the LTCO regarding a new information service they are providing. The LTCO has created weekly question and answer sessions designed to respond to policy questions and resident care concerns, allowing them to research and respond accordingly.
Please be sure to visit their website at MLTCOP.org for more details about the call and for information about COVID-19 and the ombudsman program. How to Join the Weekly COVID-19 Calls · To join by phone · Call 1-929-205-6099 · Meeting ID: 829 7146 7655# · Participant ID # Password: 838159
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SEPTEMBER IS
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. This influence is as varied as their people; from politics to pop-culture, from athletics to cuisine, from commerce to charity, and from literature to the silver screen. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities.
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| | Art Show - Hispanic Cultures - Histories & Traditions |
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| | TRUTH or MYTH: Latin Americans React to Stereotypes |
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| | LA Theater Academy Keeps Hispanic Tradition Alive |
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| | How Latino cultures have influenced America |
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| | Hispanic Influence on Pop Culture |
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| | Being Hispanic in the United States | TED Talk |
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Virtual Peer Groups
"Social Lunch"
Tuesdays - 11:30am - 1:30pm
Grab a bite to eat and join us for a friendly chat about whatever topics you want. A chance to get together - virtually - and hang out for a while!
Every Other Tuesday
3:00 - 4:30pm
Women need to talk to each other! Here is a chance to get on and share your day, ask each other what they think about something or share your experiences with other peers. Come join us twice a month to talk and hang out!
"Bingo!"
Wednesdays - 10:30am
Just a little friendly competition!
Every Other Wednesday
2:30pm
Time for men to get together and talk about their week and how things are going! Grab a snack and a soda and hang out with your peers.
"ACTIVITY GROUP"
Thursdays - 2:00pm
Everything from virtual tours of museums, theme parks to cooking demonstrations. From arts/crafts to live music. Maybe even some magic from time to time. Peers pick the activity each week. Join us!
"MOVIE MATINEE"
Fridays - 1:00pm
Pop some popcorn and join your peers for an afternoon at the movies! Classic 80s comedies, recent Pixar classics, always something fun! September viewings include: "Cobra Kai," "Wonder Woman," The Greatest Showman," and "Despicable Me."
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DNMM hosts a weekly talk show covering current events over a wide range of issues. Everyone is invited to participate.
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Sept. 9th: Medicare's Low-Income Subsidy Program
Sept. 16th: Census Myths
Sept. 23rd: Medicare Part D
Sept. 30th: Neighboring Week
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SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK
SEPTEMBER 6th - 12th
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
Every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called "suicide loss survivors") are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Week is September 6th through the 12th. It is a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. We use this month to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It is also important to ensure that individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention.
Below are links to websites and organizations that provide informational resources regarding suicide prevention and awareness:
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DNMM's Medicaid/Medicare Specialists Are Here to Answer Your Questions
Do you need extra help paying for your Medicare Part D prescription plan?
Call one of our MMAP certified Medicare specialists to see if you are eligible for the Low Income Subsidy for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage. We can help you with screening questions and do the application over the phone in as little as 15 minutes!
Do you need help paying your Medicare premiums?
Call us today to talk with one of our certified MMAP counselors to see if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. We can assist you with checking your eligibility and doing the application over the phone.
Did you know that there are many preventative health and screening services included with your Medicare coverage?
Some of the things you may be eligible for include:
Screening:
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Lung cancer
- Prostate Cancer
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- Nutrition Therapy
- Glaucoma
- Mammograms
- Tobacco Use cessation counseling
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These are just some of the many services you could access. Call one of our certified MMAP counselors today for more information and a full list of preventative health benefits!
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| | We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you! |
CALL US TODAY! WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
1-800-782-4160
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Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software or product system that is used to help people with disabilities, including older adults, do what they want to do.
DNMM's Information and Referral team has produced a series of videos showcasing various assistive technology items that assist people with everyday tasks. From reachers to canes, from magnifiers to jar openers, and from wheelchairs to apps for your tablet, there are many options out there to help you maintain your independence.
We can help you find the right item for your needs.
Call 1-800-782-4160 today!
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At Disability Network of Mid-Michigan, inclusion is a universal human right for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other discernible quality. To be inclusive is to promote a sense of belonging, respect, and value for who you are as a person. It is about equal access and opportunities for everyone. Inclusion is an integral part of our Independent Living philosophy and of our agency's vision of "Accessible and Inclusive communities that provide opportunities for individual choice."
In the twelve counties we serve in Mid-Michigan, Disability Network offices have been, and continue to be, places of solace, understanding, and information for all. We are committed to promoting and protecting diversity and inclusion, within our offices, among our community partners, and throughout the 15 Centers for Independent Living in Michigan.
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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
DNMM advocates for the removal of barriers to independence and full inclusion of people with disabilities throughout the Mid-Michigan area. DNMM pledges to ensure accessibility. Each year, DNMM conducts a review of its own architectural, environmental, attitudinal, employment, communication, transportation, and other barriers that may exist which prohibit full access to our services.
If you have any issues of concern regarding the accessibility of DNMM services and facilities, we encourage you to share that information with us.
Please send your concerns or suggestions to:
Executive Director
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan
1705 S. Saginaw Road
Midland, MI 48640
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