October 2019
Cornhole Classic logo in blue and orange
Disability Network and the Great Lakes Loons Invite you to
BE A GAME CHANGER! Take some time off work to show off your cornhole skills while supporting United Way of Midland County.

All proceeds from inaugural Agency Challenge will benefit United Way of Midland County.  Cost to enter the tournament is just $20 per person. If you don't want to play, that's okay. The event is free to attend. Come cheer on your friends, family, and coworkers!

Prizes will be given to the top three teams. There will be light refreshments available and we'll also have a 50/50 raffle.


WHEN:
Wednesday, October 23rd
1:00pm

WHERE:
Dow Diamond - Main Concourse
boy tossing cornhole bean bags



We look forward to seeing you at Dow Diamond!

DNMM logo_ united way of midland county logo_ and great lakes loons logo
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH
'THE RIGHT TALENT, RIGHT NOW' 

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced "The Right Talent, Right Now" as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America's economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.

"Every day, individuals with disabilities add significant value and talent to our workforce and economy," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Individuals with disabilities offer employers diverse perspectives on how to tackle challenges and achieve success. Individuals with disabilities have the right talent, right now."

DNMM is joining with Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Michigan Works! to host two Right Talent, Right Now employment seminars  in our service area. These seminars seek to help employers l everage the talents of people with disabilities and navigate the ADA in recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities.


Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates America's workers with disabilities both past and present, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies and practices to ensure that all Americans who want to work can work, and have access to services and supports to enable them to do so. With continued advances in such supports, including accessible technology, it is easier than ever before for America's employers to hire people with disabilities in high-demand jobs.

Right Talent Right Now Flyer_ Leverage the talents of people with disabilities and navigate the ADA in recruiting_ hiring_ and retaining employees with disabilities.



give change for change benefiting united way of midland county

DNMM  is holding a "Give Change For Change" fundraising drive to benefit United Way of Midland County.

From now through October 25th, gather up any loose change you have, be sure to check between the sofa cushions, grab that old mason jar, and stop by Disability Network, 1705 S. Saginaw Rd. to drop off your donation. 

When you're on your way to work, running errands, or grabbing a bite to eat, stop on by and give some change. We're happy to take the change that jingles, but we'll gladly accept the kind that folds.

United Way of Midland County advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Their focus is on education, health and self-sufficiency-the building blocks for a good life. They invest in 62 community impact programs with 24 local non-profit agencies, who are dedicated to community level goals and changing the lives of every individual that they serve.

Disability Network is just one of the many organizations supported by United Way. We're giving change to give back to United Way as a way of saying "Thank You" for all they do for so many in our community.

We hope you'll join us as we Give Change. For Change.

For more information, please click here to contact Matthew Ivan at Disability Network or call 989-835-4041.

DOW AND MEIJER NAMED BEST PLACES TO WORK BY DISABILITY EQUALITY INDEX  

As October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we thought it fitting to recognize two significant local employers who were named to the 2019  Disability Equality Index (DEI) "Best Places to Work." Dow and Meijer both received this recognition for the third consecutive year. 

The DEI survey measures key performance indicators across culture, leadership, accessibility, employment practices, community engagement, support services and supplier diversity. Participating companies self-reported their disability policies and practices, and were then scored on a scale from 0 to 100. Of the 180 companies that completed the survey, 156 received top marks.

dow logo white letters on red diamond
"Dow is proud to be recognized as a top scorer by the Disability Equality Index," said Peter Holicki, executive sponsor for Dow's Disability Employee Network and senior vice president at Dow. "Cultivating an inclusive and diverse workforce, including employees with disabilities, is essential to Dow's success. Inclusion and diversity brings forth a variety of perspectives allowing us to meet the needs of our employees and our customers."

Dow is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their whole self to work. In addition to Dow's policies and programs, the company offers an employee resource group, Disability Employee Network (DEN), to empower employees with disabilities and to raise awareness and educate about disabilities in order to become better allies.

meijer logo red letters with blue dots
"We're incredibly proud of the progress we've made over the years to help Meijer team members not only find career opportunities within our company but also help them thrive," said Timothy Williams, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion at Meijer. "We're leveraging the experiences of our  Disability Awareness & Advocacy Group (mDAAG)  to have an impact on our business from both a team member and customer perspective."

The mission of mDAAG is to advance the company's commitment to respecting and valuing diversity and inclusion by serving as a resource and liaison for all team members on issues of equality. 

The Disability Equality Index® (DEI) is a national, transparent benchmarking tool that offers businesses an opportunity to self-report their disability inclusion policies and practices. It was developed by two national leaders, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Disability:IN, in consultation with the appointed DEI Advisory Committee, a diverse group of experts in business, policy, and disability advocacy.

You Can Serve!

map of current michigan congressional districts
After the 2020 Census is completed, Michigan's first Independent Citizen's Redistricting Commission will draw the voting districts for electing Michigan's Congressional representatives and state legislators. Beginning later this year, Michigan voters can apply to be on the Commission.

The Commission was created when Michigan voters passed Proposal 2, to end gerrymandering in Michigan. The lines the first Commission draws will affect Michigan's elections starting in 2022. Any registered voter can apply to be a Commissioner. No special expertise is required. Only people with conflicts of interest (such as politicians and lobbyists) will not be eligible to serve. 

Commissioners will serve until the district lines are finalized (1 to 3 years, starting in late 2020). Commissioners will have a salary of about $40,000 a year.

INTERESTED? To sign up for updates on the application process: Text DRAWTHELINE to 555-888 or click here to apply.

QUESTIONS? Call or text Jackie at (989) 928-3181 or click here to submit questions via email

MiABLE Can Help You Save!

mi able logo_ achieveing a better life experience
The Michigan Able Act was signed into law in October 2015, following passage in December 2014 of the federal Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs for individuals with disabilities.

The goal is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving funds that help individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life without jeopardizing benefits provided through private insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, the beneficiary's employment and other sources.

The goal of MiABLE's "I Will Never Lose" campaign is to reach out to i ndividuals with disabilities, and their families, who haven't yet taken advantage of the program created to help them save for current and future expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits.

Approximately 300,000 Michigan residents with disabilities are eligible for MiABLE, including 28,000 in the Great Lakes Bay Region and Thumb. Yet largely because of a lack of awareness, less than 1% of those who qualify are currently enrolled.

For more information, please call 1-844-656-7225.

save the date feathers and fedoras gatsby style fundraiser saturday february 15_ 2020. at the great hall in midland

WE'RE HIRING!

Whether you're seeking full-time employment or just a few hours of part-time work: 

YOU can make a difference in someone's life! YOU can help a person with a disability live independently!

women playing cards
two women grocery shopping
reading a book

As part of our Bay County Independent Living Assistance program, you  provide personalized support to individuals who need assistance accessing support in their communities.  You work directly with the consumer to help them meet their goals and create the lifestyle they choose.

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS 

WAGES: $10 - $10.50 PER HOUR 

Must have a valid Michigan Driver License, with a good driving record, and dependable and insured transportation. Must be able to pass a criminal background check. Training will be provided.

If you want to make a difference, please call 989-895-2363.

To learn about additional employment opportunities at DNMM, please click here to visit the Employment section of our website.

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION
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.

Pride. Access. Inclusion on rainbow flag with disability logo
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
Disability Network of Mid-Michigan | 989-835-4041 | Email Us | dnmm.org
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