Agency Updates

We are making some changes in our daily functions with the office in Jackson open to the public:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 4pm

Closed Thursday

We still ask people to be respectful of social distancing and to not enter if sick. Curbside service is still an option. Call inside at (517) 782-6054.

We have free COVID test boxes (1 box = 4 tests) for people with disabilities at our locations in Jackson and Adrian (Limit 2 boxes per household).

Openings

Are you interested in being a board member for disAbility Connections? We are searching for people with a passion for equity and inclusion to join our board. Personal experience with disability is not required but is beneficial. Send an email to hr@disabilityconnect.org stating your interest.

The Adrian office is looking for a Part-Time office worker. Full job description and how to apply. $15/hr up to 20 hours per week.

Awareness Month of

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles.

Trisomy - (TRY-soh-mee) is the presence of an extra chromosome in some or all of the body's cells. Most popular form is Trisomy 21 - a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. Commonly called Down syndrome.

Brain Injury - There are two types of brain injury: traumatic and non-traumatic (acquired). A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force or trauma. An acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. 

Multiple Sclerosis - A disease where the immune system eats away the protective coverings of nerves. This nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and the body.

Developmental Disabilities - a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. About one in six children in the U.S. have one or more developmental disabilities or other developmental delays.

Awareness Days

2 – World Teen Mental Health awareness day

3 – World Hearing day

18 – National Trisomy 18 awareness day – Edwards syndrome

21 – World Down syndrome day

25 – U.S. National Cerebral Palsy Awareness day

26 – Purple day for Epilepsy

Emergency Preparedness

Given the recent weather we experienced in southern Michigan, it is a good time to make preparations for the next incident. Let’s do it now while it is fresh in our memories. 

Do a checklist and ask yourself:

·       What do I use that requires electricity? Power chair, breathing machines, suctioning, etc….

·       What needs batteries? 

·       Do I have any batteries? 

·       What needed to be charged? 

·       How did I get it charged? 

·       Did I lose anything because it wasn’t stored properly like food or medications? 

·       Did I have enough critical supplies like food, water, medications, batteries, etc.? 

·       Where can I go if I lose power for an extended time and how will I get there?

·       How will you get/share information? 

IMPORTANT TIP! If you use a battery-operated wheelchair, life-support system or other power-dependent equipment, did you call your power company and let them know your situation? Many utility companies keep a list and map of the locations of power-dependent customers in case of an emergency and may bump those in priority.

Other steps you can make to be more prepared:

·       Each household should establish a plan.

·       Write important information down (medications, phone numbers, insurance, etc.)

·       Stock up on supplies – buy over time to save some money.

·       Complete a Smart911 profile (Lenawee & Hillsdale residents) or emergency plan through the county for Jackson. If you want help, we can help set it up!

Home Ramp Program

We still have openings to build residential ramps for children and adults with disabilities living in Jackson County. If you or someone you know has a disability and a ramp for your home would improve independence, this is a good opportunity. Applications are available and restrictions do apply. To learn more about the ramp program or how to get an application, please call (517) 782-6054.