July 2021

July Awareness Days -

This month appears to be all about things we crave

4th - Independence Day

7th - World Chocolate Day

14th - Mac-n-Cheese Day

17th - Emoji Day

20th - National Lollipop Day

21st - National Junk Food Day

23rd - Vanilla Ice Cream Day

28th - National Milk Chocolate Day

30th - National Cheesecake Day

30th - International Friendship Day

dC Service Recap

We are happy to see that people are getting an opportunity to do some outdoor activities and be around friends and family as feel comfortable. We are still able to help people get the COVID vaccine for those that are interested. In June, we completed the first ramp build of the year with a big 50' switchback ramp for a resident.

The Loan Closet is currently open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with plans to extend it to three days in the upcoming weeks. Our other services remain in mainly virtual formats. Nursing and Rehab Facility to Community transitions have remained important as Carmon has assisted over 19 people to leave facilities since October. Independent Living and Employment Navigator are still providing individual services. Independent Living is also hosting a guided virtual weekly peer get-together as a way to decrease isolation and provide an opportunity to ask each other questions. Recently, they have been having some lively discussions about: dating with a disability, cohabitating with roommates or family, establishing boundaries in friendships, and relationships in general, etc. as they cover various topics of living independently with disabilities. Accessibility reviews are being completed for area businesses that want to know what they can do to be a more inclusive space for people.

Support our work with the Loan Closet, Home Ramp Program,

Access For All, Fix-dis, and Respite with a donation.

DONATE

Upcoming Events

Save the date. Oct 7, 2021

The Inclusion Event (TIE)

7 PM on Zoom & Facebook Live

Keynote Speaker: Ileana Rodriguez

Architect and former Paralympian

Hosted by Scott Clow

Respite Services

Don’t forget that there are still several Respite Care services in our areas. As people begin to return to work, go more places, and generally venture away from home, remember that Respite Care provides family/caregivers a simple break or at least a chance to check some things off the ever-growing to-do list. Our staff has put together a list of potential providers that are offering respite services.

View Respite Services

Think First - Feet First

Beware of Diving into Shallow or Unknown Waters

Diving is the fourth leading cause of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) among males and the fifth leading cause among females according to the Shepherd Center (a not-for-profit hospital based in Atlanta, Georgia). There are an estimated 11,000 spinal cord injuries that occur in the United States each year. 800 of the most avoidable spinal cord cases per year are caused by diving, with 90% resulting in paralysis (American Academy of Neurology). One simple tip for staying safe and avoiding joining the SCI Diving Club....

Emergencies & Planning Ahead

In emergency situations, time and information are extremely valuable. Especially for people that have disabilities and may have unique needs. Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties all have options that allow people to provide important emergency information to keep on file with emergency services.

Product Recall

Link to Additional Information.

Smiths Medical has become aware of specific models and lots of Jelco® Hypodermic Needle-Pro® Fixed Needle Insulin Syringes that may exhibit skewed odd number line graduation markings on their syringe barrels. Markings skewed approximately 20 degrees upward have been identified.

As a result of this issue, there is potential for administration of an incorrect dose of insulin, which could result in hyperglycemia (which may lead to ketoacidosis) or hypoglycemia (which may lead to seizures). This may result in serious harm or death.

Call 517-998-3084 and follow the instructions and someone from disAbility Connections will get back to you and help get you to the vaccine or the vaccine to you.

Teen Cuisine Summer Program

Do you know a 9th-12th grader with a disability that would enjoy a weekly summer activity learning some new cooking skills and ways to stay active and healthy?

This FREE virtual nutrition education series for 9th-12th graders with a disability provides information on the basics of proper nutrition and physical activity. Students learn to set goals and see how small changes can make a lasting impact on how they feel. Recipes and cooking skills will be provided every week so you can try cooking at home.

In 6 lessons, you will learn about:

• Creating nutritious meals and snacks

• How to choose healthy food and beverages

• Proper food safety and kitchen safety habits

• Importance of being physically active

Tuesdays 1-2:30 pm beginning July 6th OR

Thursdays 11 am-12:30 beginning July 8th

For more information or if you have questions please contact:

Dan Klink Daniel@disabilityconnect.org (734)-904-5148

Or e-mail Angela at maniaci8@msu.edu

disAbility Connections