CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PROMOTING AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR ALL PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
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COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECT ON
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Every seventh person alive today - more than 1 billion people in total - lives with some form of disability. Despite being so numerous, persons with disabilities are still overwhelmingly overlooked in times of emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
International Persons with Disabilities Day was December 3rd. The video below was created to raise awareness for five things you need to know about living with a disability during COVID-19.
While we are working remotely, we are still here for you. We are conducting many services virtually, including peer groups and independent living services. Call us today to discuss how we can work with 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.
For the holiday season, DNMM has published an "Assistive Technology Catalog." All the AT items on your wish list and more! Call 1-800-782-4160 to talk to us about your AT needs.
DNMM also produces 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.
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| Assistive Technology:
Let's Cook! (Part 1) |
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| | Assistive Technology - Magnification Devices |
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We can help you find the right item for your needs.
Call 1-800-782-4160 today!
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DNMM: DISABILITY NETWORK
MATCH MAKER?
Many of the services we provide at Disability Network center around bringing people together. Whether it be for a job tour or a skill-building exercise during our summer STAGES program, or during one of our many Peer group activities. Bringing people together and building lasting friendships is an essential part of creating an inclusive community.
And so you could say it was inevitable that bringing people together through DNMM programs ultimately led to something more than just a friendship. That was the case for Jan and Joel. In 2012, Jan was a student in the STAGES program and Joel was volunteering as a driver for the summer. After graduating from the program, Jan started volunteering her time with DNMM in 2014. She often worked with Joel and their friendship blossomed.
In 2015 Joel finally found the courage to ask Jan out and they went on their first date.
"It was Ant-Man," recalled Joel. "I was glad she wanted to see that movie because it meant we had similar tastes. It would have been tough if she didn't like those kinds of movies."
Joel and Jan eventually both became mentors for the DNMM Peer Program. They both brought experience and empathy to that role and they relished in the many opportunities they had to make a difference. "I wanted to help out the way Disability Network helped me," said Jan.
During a trip to Orlando, Jan and Joel got engaged in front of Hogwarts Castle at Universal. "It was a perfect spot!" recalled Jan. "You can't say no at Harry Potter World!"
Jan and Joel were married earlier this fall. The marriage had been delayed a few times due to injuries and the COVID pandemic. "Obviously COVID made things difficult," said Jan, "but we were blessed to have family and friends be able to join us for the wedding. It wouldn't have been the same without them." Many in attendance were peers the couple had met throughout the years. And those that couldn't attend were able to offer congratulations during a virtual meeting a few days after the wedding.
The couple remain active with the DNMM peer program. "We'd love to be doing more," said Joel. "We're meeting virtually and we've found a lot of fun ways to do that, but nothing beats getting everyone together for an activity."
We couldn't agree more, Joel. We know this pandemic will pass, someday, and we look forward to having our peer groups getting together again. Until that time, be safe, have a wonderful holiday, and congratulations newlyweds!
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Live and Silent
Virtual Auctions
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In-Home Roaring 20s
Dining Experiences
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MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
CONTINUES THROUGH DECEMBER 7th
The Medicare open enrollment period runs October 15th - December 7th. As you prepare to enroll, you should review your 2021 "Medicare & You" handbook . It has information about Medicare coverage, as well as Medicare plans in your area. You should also think about your Medicare coverage needs for 2021, preview health and prescription drug plans, and you should consider speaking with one of DNMM's MMAP-certified Medicare specialists. We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you!
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| | We can provide information about Part D coverage and finding the best plan for you! |
Our specialists can also provide assistance if you need extra help paying for your Medicare Part D prescription plan. Our specialists can work with you 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!
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| | Medicare - Low Income Subsidy Program |
Do you need help paying your Medicare premiums? Call us today 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. Our MMAP-certified specialists can be reached at 1-800-782-4160.
CALL US TODAY! WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
1-800-782-4160
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COMING IN FROM THE COLD
Having your own place is something most everyone wants. Mike, a former nursing facility resident from Tuscola County certainly wanted to move out into his own apartment, but didn't have the right resources to be able to move out. Mike had been homeless for the better part of 10 years, often couch surfing or even living in the woods.
He was referred to Disability Network for housing assistance. With the help of the navigator, applications for housing were filled out and mailed into several different apartment complexes. An apartment finally became available and it was time to move in.
Not even COVID-19 could stop this move from happening. Mike received the keys to his very own home in October. DNMM's transition navigator was able to purchase all of Mike's household items and groceries for him. The navigator also purchased furniture from Dan Dan the Mattress Man and had it delivered to the apartment.
During the move, Mike said "this is real. This is really happening. I never thought the day would come."
Since Mike's been at the apartment, he's spoken with DNMM's navigator several times through phone conversations. Mike said he is thankful he can choose what he eats, how much of if he can eat, when he takes a shower, and when he gets dressed. While he was in the nursing facility Mike didn't have those options. He also has been able to get out and about and not be confined to his room. During his stay at the nursing home, Mike was confined to his room all day, every day due to COVID-19.
Mike's most recent conversation with the navigator was one of heartfelt thanks. Mike said that he's "excited to be warm this winter. This is the first winter in 10 years that I won't suffer through the winter being cold."
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DNMM NURSING FACILITY TRANSITION SERVICES PROGRAM EXPANDING
DNMM's Nursing Facility Transition Services is expanding! We can now offer the same services to people in hospitals and acute care settings that we have been providing for years to folks in nursing facilities.
So what exactly does this mean? The expanded transition program can work with anyone who is in a hospital, acute care setting, or nursing facility that wishes to transition back into the community. Once an assessment is completed a determination will be made for the program services the person is eligible for.
A few of the services that are available include:
- Assistance with housing applications
- First month's rent
- Security Deposit
- Furniture
- Household items
- Grocery purchasing
- Ramp installation
- Some Durable Medical Equipment
- Home healthcare service setup
- Continued support to maintain housing, benefits and eligibility through MDHHS
Anyone can make the referral, it does not have to be an employee of a hospital or care facility. It can be anyone that desires transitioning back into the community. Once a referral is made, DNMM will complete an assessment to see if the hospital resident qualifies for the program services.
Face-to-face contact with residents is possible, but due to COVID concerns, contact through virtual media is preferred.
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Virtual Peer Groups
We have some special activities planned for December: December 15, 11:30am - Christmas Caroling!
December 10 and 17, 2:00pm - Virtual Craft Kit Day
Mondays - 11:00am
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Tuesdays - 11:30am
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Alt. Tuesdays - 3:00pm
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Wednesdays - 10:30am
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Alt. Wednesdays 2:30pm
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Thursdays - 2:00pm |
Matinee Movies - Monday & Friday - 1:00pm
December selections include: Jingle All the Way, The Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas, Scrooged, and Operation Christmas Drop.
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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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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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