AUGUST 2021
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CELEBRATING THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
ADA 31 1990-2021 Celebrate Learn Share

A crowd of over 350 people joined hosts Disability Network of Mid-Michigan and Personal Assistance Options at a community event celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

group of people at ADA event vendor section
The event was held on July 26 at Auburn City Park and featured live music provided by the Stone Street Revival, food truck, snack stations run by local school groups, bounce houses, and games for the kids.

two people using a kayak
Ike's Mobile Kayaks provided free kayaking on the pond and attendees could fish from the accessible dock. Numerous vendors had information tables about available resources and there were special visits by Lou E. Loon, Sammy Spirit, and Woody Timberwolf.
 
wheelchair user with sammy the eagle from saginaw spirit
"We were delighted and humbled to have so many supporters join us for this important celebration," said Kathy Allen, PAO Executive Director. 
"The spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act means that everyone has the ability to contribute to his or her community in a meaningful way. I believe that PAO and DNMM have a similar vision where we encourage a sense of belonging for all and that all people are inherently valuable. We felt that inclusiveness throughout the entire evening".
 
In keeping with this year's ADA theme of "Celebrate, Learn, and Share," attendees were also invited to share stories of how the ADA has impacted their life or the life of a loved-one. A large timeline of showing the history of the disability rights movement leading up to the passage of the ADA in 1990 adorned a banner at the event entrance. Display banners and signs were spread throughout the main pavilion offering perspectives on what life was like before the ADA for people with disabilities and how things have changed over the last three decades.

"The ADA guaranteed access to transportation, communications technology, employment, government buildings, and public spaces for people with disabilities," said Kelly PeLong, DNMM Executive Director. "It was sweeping civil rights legislation - the first of its kind in the world - that sought to make our communities accessible and inclusive to all. At DNMM, we are committed to advancing that vision and to promoting independence for all people with disabilities."

crowd of ada event attendees

woman with celebrate sign

group of people at ADA event vendor section

DNMM SPONSORING 2021
LOONS PENNANT RACE

The annual Loons Pennant Race will be held on Friday, August 20 at Dow Diamond. Participants can experience "Races and Bases" with a full line up 5K events, baseball, and family entertainment powered by Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

LOU E. LOONS RUNS A 5K | LOONS PENNANT RACE 2021
LOU E. LOONS RUNS A 5K | LOONS PENNANT RACE 2021
 
"Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is proud to sponsor the Loons Pennant Race," said Kelly PeLong, Executive Director at DNMM. "Not only are the races examples of recreation that is accessible to everyone, they are opportunities to emphasize that people with disabilities are active participants in our communities. We so often hear that businesses, organizations, or community groups didn't think to make something accessible because they don't see people with disabilities showing up. By sponsoring AND showing up, we let our communities know we want to be included AND we want equal access. That's fundamentally what Disability Network is all about: access and inclusion."
 
Race day kicks off inside the Loons stadium at 5:15pm with a 1 Mile Fun Run, followed by the 5K Run at 5:35pm and the 5K Walk at 5:55pm. Runners will start outside the stadium near the outfield gate and head down the paved path toward downtown Midland and the Rail Trail. Runners will return to the stadium for that photo-finish near Lou E's Landing!
 
The current $40 registration fee ($20 for Fun Run) includes entry to race event, a lawn ticket to that night's 7:05 game against the Lansing Lugnuts and ¾ sleeve baseball tee.
 
"There are tons of great events happening race night," said Jennifer Adamcik, Race Manager for Greater Midland. "It's a fun event for the whole family whether you want to race or just cheer on your friends and family."
 
Visit greatermidland.org/races or stop by the Greater Midland Community Center Welcome Desk to secure your spot today! 

Registration online until Thursday, August 19 with late registration open until race day.

SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST

The Great Lakes Loons are back in town and Dow Diamond is now open to full capacity! There's never been a better time to take the family
be an advocate. dnmm is advocating for employment_ for rights_ and helping you advocate for yourself. click here to share a story of how you_ve made a positive change for a chance to win a _50 gift card_
out to enjoy America's favorite pastime!

Disability Network Mid-Michigan is proud to once again be the official sponsor of Accessible Services at Dow Diamond. We applaud the Loons organization and the facility staff for working to make Dow Diamond an accessible place where everyone can Dive In! 

DNMM is hosting a season-long series of photo contests.  Every two weeks we'll be asking Loons fans and area residents to submit photos showcasing everything from summer fun to restaurants. 

We'd love to see how you're having fun this summer! If you share a photo, you'll have a chance to win a $50 gift card of your choice! Let's have some fun as we celebrate not only the return of Loons Baseball, but efforts to make our communities accessible and inclusive!


The link takes you to our Facebook page. Simply post your photo in the comments section of the Photo Contest post pinned at the top of our news feed.

VIRTUAL PEER GROUPS

Special Event:
August 14th - 10am - 1pm - IN PERSON ACTIVITY
Peer Picnic at Immerman Park. Hot Dogs and drinks provided, but please bring a dish to pass. Click here to register!


clip art virtual peer group just dance

Mondays - 11:00am

virtual peer group tuesday hangout

Tuesdays - 11:30am
Social Lunch, Giant Jenga, Giant Plinko and more!

virtual peer group amazing women

Alt. Tuesdays - 3:30pm

bingo card

Wednesdays - 3:00pm
Thursdays - 4:00pm

friday matinee movie theater image for virtual peer group

Matinees - Monday & Friday
1:00 - 3:00pm
August selections include: Jungle Cruise, Black Widow, Turner & Hooch, and The Secret Garden. Mondays will be devoted to series that the peers select.
virtual peer thursday shows a tour of a museum

Thursdays - 2:00pm
August Activities include: Crafting, group, Virtual Event: "Good Mythical Morning," and "Blueberry Bonanza" - Hop on Zoom to see how to make your favorite blueberry foods.


MY3P - My Personal Protection Plan
A New Seminar

emergency preparedness make a plan build a kit and be informed
Are you prepared to handle an emergency situation? Do you have a plan?
 
After the devastating floods in May of 2020, many Michigan residents faced the difficult challenge of trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. Many found themselves in the position of not having a plan for dealing with such an emergency. 
 
three children of various ages and races
DNMM is excited to offer MY3P (My Personal Protection Plan) - an emergency preparedness series that will help you Get Ahead, Be Informed, and Make a Plan.

The final session date for this round of seminars is:
  • August 18  1:00-2:00pm  -  "Advanced Care Directives"
All sessions are FREE of charge and will be conducted virtually on Zoom. Participants will be given flash drives with all the essential resources to customize their plan.
 
Class size is limited so REGISTER TODAY!


IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU!


larry at leo_s coney island
Larry has been a consumer of Disability Network of Mid-Michigan for many years. He loves the fact that he is 83 years old and can still make his own choices. One of his long time joys is attending the Maple Grove Senior Center for lunch and Bingo. Now that the Center has re-opened post COVID, Larry is looking forward to finally getting to talk to his friends again and to laugh about all of life's stories. 
WE'RE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR MEDICARE/MEDICAID QUESTIONS

Do you need extra help paying for your Medicare Part D prescription plan?

Call us 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 wheelchair user looking worried about expenses
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.

hand with blue marker writing the word prevention
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 today for more information and a full list of preventative health benefits!

CALL US TODAY! WE'RE HERE FOR YOU!
1-800-782-4160

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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