Newsletter | April 2023

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National Healthcare Decisions Day: April 16

Letting your wishes be known is an important part of self-advocacy. Disability Network of Mid-Michigan is part of a national campaign to help you with advance care planning.

NHDD is a series of independent events held across the country, supported by a national media and public education campaign. In all respects, NHDD is inclusive and brings a variety of players in the larger healthcare, legal, and religious community together to work on a common project, to the benefit of patients, families, and providers.

A key goal of NHDD is to demystify healthcare decision-making and make the topic of advance care planning inescapable. Among other things, NHDD helps people understand that advance healthcare decision-making includes much more than living wills; it is a process that should focus first on conversation and choosing an agent. We believe this serves as an advocacy tool so you can get the care you want when you can't speak for yourself. It's so important, we include it as a part of our emergency preparedness training! 

If you or a loved one would like to get the process started, call us today, we can help.

This NHDD week starts with YOU! Dedicate time to reflect and talk about what matters most to you. Below are 5 tips to help you turn this theme into action! 

Who is your person for #NHDD? Choosing a healthcare proxy who not only knows your wishes but will also ensure that they're honored is so important! Who in your life do you trust to speak for you? Check out this free tool!

April is Autism Acceptance Month

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children receiving a diagnosis, according to today’s newly released report from the Centers for Disease Control. In addition to the 5.8 million adults with Autism, this prevalence means that Autism likely touches a vast majority of Americans either through relationships or direct experience, and the support needs across the Autism spectrum are vastly different. Autism Acceptance Month highlights the diversity of experiences and needs with a reminder that acceptance happens every day.

“Autism Acceptance Month is a great reminder that we can and should see the individual, not a diagnosis, and work together to advocate for the unique services and supports that help each person live fully,” said Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.

Support DNMM During Give Local Midland

Give Local Midland is a 24-hour online giving campaign for local nonprofit endowment funds. The Midland Area Community Foundation is raising money and awareness for over 50 Midland nonprofits that do incredible and inspiring work in our community. Join us on May 2nd and give where you live during Give Local Midland.

DNMM has provided independent living support services to people with disabilities throughout the mid-Michigan area for over 30 years. As we look to the next 30 years and beyond, we see an ever-increasing demand for services with an ever-tightening grip on state and federal funding. We need to ensure DNMM will always be there to help people with disabilities achieve and maintain their independence. With your support, we can continue creating accessible and inclusive communities.

How can you help?

1. Mark Give Local Midland on your calendar for May 2nd and share this donation page link with your friends, family, and co-workers!

2. Please make a donation to support us on Tuesday, May 2nd. Gifts given that day will receive a portion of bonus funds - making your dollar go further!

3. Help us spread the word! Follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Instagram. Follow the hashtag #GiveLocalMidland to see the buzz. We can't wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make for our community!

Give Local Midland is Tuesday, May 2nd.

The event lasts for 24 hours – from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.

Great Lakes Loons' Season is in Full Swing!

Baseball season is finally here! Disability Network Mid-Michigan is proud to once again be the official sponsor of Accessible Services at Dow Diamond.

Since Dow Diamond's groundbreaking in 2006, the Great Lakes Loons and Michigan Baseball Foundation have partnered with DNMM to create a stadium that is accessible to all fans, helping the Loons meet and exceed stadium requirements set by the Americans with Disabilities Act. We applaud the Loons organization and the facility staff for working to make Dow Diamond an accessible place where everyone can Dive In!

Proud Sponsor of

Accessible Services

When it Comes to Getting the Job Done, Consistency is a Priority for Delbert

Do-All, Inc.'s 2022 Employment Service Consumer of the Year doesn’t let anything get in his way of completing the job task at ATS Printing, where he organizes the Do-All, Inc. Packaging Crew. This particular group of workers is called upon as needed throughout the year for packaging needs at ATS. ATS Printing also was Do All, Inc.'s Employer of the Year for 2022.

“I just pretty much package when new shipments come in. I get them in the right order according to whatever size. Then they go in a package.”

His shift sometimes consists of packaging hats or shirts, creating boxes, taping and labeling, or distributing any physical need to his team that others are unable to do. 

“I run the crew. I just make sure the crew is doing what they need to do.”

Having shown leadership skills that went above and beyond, ATS pointed out quickly that the crew pays attention to Delbert’s drive and focus when they arrive. His right-hand man Curtis, another individual who served in Do-All, Inc.'s Employment Service program, procures all the supplies needed, while Del puts the daily plan together. Be it picking the items and inventory, selecting who may box or wrap, and ensuring the best person is able to do each job to be more productive. Delbert himself chooses to fall into a place where he can be of most assistance.

“I like to accomplish goals. (Just) being there is fun.”

Delbert smiled when noting that his Boss and ATS team treat him very well. It’s clear how proud he is to work there. “They’re good to me,” he gleamed.

Utilizing the Dial-A-Ride (DART) Program through the Bay Metro Transit & having a ramp recently built at his home, he looks forward to becoming more independent in his life. “I will be able to get out of the house, without having to be stuck in the house so much.”

This year, Del is saving his working money for a Stars Wars trip to Florida. “I want to go to Galaxy’s Edge Star Wars in Florida later this year and build a BB8 Star Wars droid.”

Disability Network Mid-Michigan

989-835-4041 | dnmm.org