AUGUST 2020
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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

ADA in red 30 in blue 1990 to 2020 in black with Americans with Disabilities Act
The celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities act continues through September 27, 2020!

DNMM has joined a consortium of disability organizations in and around Michigan in hosting daily online events that examine 
Disability Rights, Disability Justice, and Accessibility

wheelchair at bottom of stairs to business with no ramp
Have you ever been unable to get into a business because it wasn't wheelchair accessible? What should you do if you encounter such a situation? What is the process for filing a complaint?

If you're a business owner, do you have questions about the ADA's accessibility requirements for your premises? What is meant by the term "reasonable accommodations?"

For the answers to these and any other questions you might have about accessibility of businesses, be sure to join our own Terri Robbins on Wednesday, August 12 from 2:00 - 3:00 pm for a discussion of Title III of the ADA dealing with "Public Accommodations."

 
Virtual Peer Groups

Due to Covid-19 concerns, our Peer Groups will be meeting virtually. We know this is not ideal, but we want everyone to be safe. For now, we hope you'll join us for one of the events below.  For more information, or if you just need someone to contact you, please email LaraBeth Sullivan.

virtual peer hangout shows lots of people on a zoom conference call
"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!

silhoettes of women holding hands Amazing Women peer group
"Amazing Women" Group
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 card for virtual bingo group
"Bingo!"
Wednesdays - 10:30am

Just a little friendly competition!



two guys chatting Guy Time
"Guy Time"
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.

virtual peer thursday shows a tour of a museum
"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

movie matinee showing scene from back to the future
Pop some popcorn and join your peers for an afternoon at the movies!  Classic 80s comedies, recent Pixar classics, always something fun! August viewings include: "Captain Marvel," "Coco," "Shazam!," and "Ant Man."  

what_s up in orange with gray arrow pointing up and wednesday in blue

The 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act was July 26, 2020. In addition to virtual events happening state-wide, DNMM hosted two webinars discussing the ADA and its impact. If you weren't able to see them live, you can still view them on our YouTube page.


 
Getting Involved - Finding Work

Bay City resident Alex M. has always cherished his right to vote. Alex has been receiving in-home services through Disability Network's Community Living Supports program for over three years. He credits the support given him by his in-home support staff with helping him to be more independent and to get more involved in local affairs.

people practicing social distancing while voting
Earlier this year, Alex responded to an ad seeking Poll Assistant for the upcoming elections in Bay County. He submitted the application, had an interview, and was chosen for the position.

"I was incredibly excited when they chose me!" said Alex. "It gives me a chance to help others vote, to help make sure their voice is heard. And what's more important than that?"

"I really started getting involved because I want to do what I can to make sure the Affordable Care Act doesn't go away," said Alex. "I'm looking forward to voting this year." 

Alex worked the polls at the primary election today and he hopes he'll get to do so again in November. 

"Come on out and vote!" said Alex.  "It's your voice!"

DNMM's Medicaid/Medicare Specialists Are Here to Answer Your Questions

couple meeting with counselor regarding medicare low income subsidy
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!

black man using wheelchair starting off camera in deep thought
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.

hand hold marker writing the word prevention in light blue
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
Testing and services:
  • Nutrition Therapy
  • Glaucoma
  • Mammograms
  • Tobacco Use cessation counseling

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!

We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you!
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

It's Census Time! Be Counted 2020! 

it_s quick and easy to fill out the census it_s not too late click this image for more information
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

Census 2020 - Safety First
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.

Census 2020 Video Ad: Michigan (Confidentiality)
Census 2020 Video Ad: Michigan (Confidentiality)

DNMM's Terri Robbins Discusses Census 2020
DNMM's Terri Robbins Discusses Census 2020


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.



ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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. 

New videos will be posted weekly. Click here to view the entire playlist.

Assistive Technology - Magnification Devices
Assistive Technology - Magnification Devices
Assistive Technology - Personal Amplifiers
Assistive Technology - Personal Amplifiers


We can help you fight the right item for your needs. 

Call 1-800-782-4160 today!

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 | 800-782-4160 | Email Us | dnmm.org
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