Agency Updates

We are looking forward to another year being able to work with people and provide services to our community members. We are starting the new year with opening the application period for a home ramp needed by someone with a disability in Jackson County. More information further down the newsletter.

We look forward to getting back out in the community more and holding opportunities for community to come together.

We have some current openings if anyone is interested.. 2 full time in Jackson and 1 Part-time in Adrian.

SEE JOB OPENINGS

Impact for People with Disabilities Inspired by MLK and the Civil Rights Movement.

           Martin Luther King Jr day is an opportunity to reflect on his legacy of bringing people together through high hopes for culture and society. He spoke on dreams of a land where all people are treated fairly. His drive, dedication, and vision of America inspired millions and mirrored their aspirations of change pushing for civil rights across the nation.

Among this wave of support being addressed, people with disabilities began seeking systematical changes across the U.S. to also be treated and thought of as equals. Wanting the same life, rights, and opportunities as those without disabilities. "Nothing about us, without us" became the rallying cry and slogan for people with disabilities wanting to be involved with decisions that would primarily make an impact on them.

Advocates began to gain traction in their demands to deinstitutionalize disability and staged sit-ins in federal buildings until Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in programs receiving federal funding, was signed into law. In 1990, a landmark moment came with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability in many areas of public life.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ADA have made vast improvements for accessibility in segments of life, there are still many areas that can still be improved. Housing, transportation, employment, and ADA accountability/enforcement are areas we continue to seek progress. Inclusion in all aspects of life is the ultimate goal as we do our best to bring together and learn from all of our communities.

As we begin this year, remember the passion and purpose exemplified by MLK Jr. for all people. Changes made for advancing inclusion are not meant specifically for one group or another, but something for all to benefit. As Martin Luther King Jr said, "The time is always right to do what is right".

Be Smart for Emergencies

In emergency situations, time and information are extremely valuable. Emergency responders need as much important information as they can have en route to make decisions upon arrival. Jackson, Hillsdale, and Lenawee Counties all have programs that allow people to store important emergency information to keep on file with emergency services. People provide details like being deaf, blind, a wheelchair user, bedroom location, information on pets that may need to be rescued or relocated, or for responders to be aware that you have specific allergies.

These services are confidential, safe, secure, and your information is only available to emergency responders when you call for help. None of your personal information is shared with any other organizations or agencies.

Jackson dispatch uses an internal online fillable form for information you would like emergency responders to know. You can submit the form online or print the form and mail, hand deliver, or email it to the dispatch office. Jackson dispatch also offer a service called Code Red that allows you to register to be alerted by email or smart phone when there is an emergency in our area such as Tornado, missing person, etc.

Complete the Jackson dispatch form with the following link:  

Jackson Dispatch Form

Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties each offer Smart 911. Smart 911 is an online form that provides information you would like emergency responders to know about you. With this service you can also request RAVE which notifies about emergencies in those counties.

Information on Hillsdale Smart 911

Information on Lenawee Smart 911

If you would like further information on this service or assistance registering, a disAbility Connections staff would be happy to help. Give us a call at 517-782-6054.

Chances to Enhance Daily Life

Maybe you didn't set any New Year Resolutions per se, but that doesn't mean you can't make changes now. Changes that don't require equipment, aren't

expensive, and probably won't truly take any extra time away from your normal

day-to-day. BUT, these have the potential of making a ginormous impact for you

and those around you.

Minor changes like acknowledging and saying "thank you" to someone for

holding a door or regularly recognizing small moments of happiness or progress within your day, have the ability to reframe the perception of our whole day. 

Try to use the awareness days of January as reminders in your daily life. Lastly, be kind. Not only to those around you, be kind to yourself as well. 

Home Ramp Programs

We will now start taking applications for the Jackson County 2023 Ramp Build Season. We want to take this time to recognize the Jackson Rotary Clubs and local volunteers for their longstanding support! Their dedication and support for building ramps has made a huge difference in lives of recipients.

Use this link to find more about our home ramp program. If you would like to pick up an application or have the materials emailed to you please call 517-782-3091.

If you live in Lenawee County and would like to apply for a ramp through Project Ramp Lenawee, contact United Way of Monroe/Lenawee. 517.264.6821