dnmm logo in orange and blue
Visit our Website

E-Newsletter

October 2021

clipart images of people with disabilities in celebration

Promoting and Encouraging Independence for All People with Disabilities

Donate Now

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click here to view upcoming events.

TEXT-ONLY VERSION

Click here for a text-only

version of this newsletter.

image of jack o lantern saying see below to win $50
Access in blue, inclusion in orange, and community in blue. shows wheelchair symbol instead of the O in inclusion.
virtual peer group events
group of peers

PEER GROUP EVENTS


Peer Group events are being held both

in-person and virtually. A complete list of all peer group events can be found at www.dnmm.org/virtualpeer.


Click here to view the peer group event calendar.

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

America's Recovery: Powered By Inclusion

"People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt," said DNMM Executive Director Kelly PeLong." As we emerge from the pandemic, flexibility remains important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.

wheelchair user manufacturing plant.jpg

As we celebrate NDEAM and as we continue down the road to recovery, DNMM will spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including individuals with disabilities.”

READ MORE

TIME TO COOK

Building Independent Living Skills


Being able to live independently takes a wide range of skills. One of DNMM's fundamental services is assisting people with disabilities in developing those skills. And one of the fundamental independent living skills is being able to prepare meals. So when an opportunity came to provide fifty people with an appliance to help with cooking, we jumped at the chance.

several people on a Zoom conference call during a cooking class
screenshot of text message thanking dnmm staff for the cooking class

DNMM purchased 50 rice cookers and presented them to individuals in our STAGES Youth Program and our Peer Support program. Rice cookers were chosen due to their value, their versatility, and their convenience in terms of accessibility.


Three two-hour cooking classes have been held over the past few weeks. The peers decided what they wanted to cook and then recipes and shopping lists were sent out to all participants. Everything from spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, to oatmeal, frittatas, chili, and cakes. As part of the cooking classes, DNMM staff demonstrated several assistive technology devices used in the kitchen such as rocker knives, guided-cutting boards and more.


The participants have enjoyed the classes and are already begging for more. We look forward to incorporating more demonstrations and cooking demos with each group as part of their programs' on-going activities.



wheelchair user del enjoying his cake
young woman showing off chocolate cake
participant showing chocolate lava cake
woman showing her pineapple upside down cake

ADAPTIVE COSTUMES

Creative Ideas For Halloween


Halloween is just around the corner and it can be difficult to find a costume that can be adapted for a person with a disability. If you are looking for a way to help your child with a costume, a little internet searching and a little creativity is all it takes to make Trick-Or-Treating accessible for all.


Take a look at the videos below for some costume ideas and some potential contacts.

young wheelchair user with adaptive halloween costume a D J
Video Wheelchair costumes turn kids into superheroes

"Magic Wheelchair, Inc."

Video called 7 awesome wheelchair costumes

"7 Awesome Wheelchair Costumes"

Click here to view a blog with lots of costume ideas!


Click here to view ideas from AbilityTools.org


Whether you purchase an adaptive costume or make it yourself, we encourage you to share photos of the final product with us. We'll post your creations on our Facebook and Instagram sites and one lucky Trick-or-Treater will receive a $50 gift card or their choice!

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT PHOTOS

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH


Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

 

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15.  

 

57.5 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. This influence is as varied as their people; from politics to pop-culture, from athletics to cuisine, from commerce to charity, and from literature to the silver screen. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities. 

national hispanic heritage month logo
image depicts hispanic woman whose dress is made of flags of all hispanic nations
Video on The Hispanic Workforce

"The Hispanic Workforce"

Video on Defining Latino: Young People Talk Identity and Belonging

"Defining Latino: Young People Talk Identity and Belonging"

We encourage you to visit Google's Arts and Culture page devoted to the experiences and contributions of Latinos in the United States by clicking here.

MY3P

My Personal Protection Plan


Are you prepared to handle an emergency situation? Do you have a plan?

 

DNMM is excited to once again offer MY3P - an emergency preparedness series that will help you Make a Plan, Build a Kit, and Be Informed.


The seminars take place on the third Wednesday of each month starting October 20th.

Topics Include:

  • "Creating My Action Plans and Support Network"
  • "Creating My Go Kit and Evacuation Plan + Assistive Technology For Your Go Kit"
  • "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!

 

Click here to register for the MY3P Seminar.

my 3 p  personal protection plan logo with green checkmark
mother and daughter going over emergency plan
clip art image of emergency preparedness kit
various items for an emergency kit

WE'RE HERE TO ANSWER YOUR MEDICARE/MEDICAID QUESTIONS

case worker talking to couple about low income subsidy

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!

older black man using wheelchair looking concerned

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.

blue marker writing the word prevention

Did you know 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

save the date for feathers and fedoras February 12, 2022 at the horizons conference center in Saginaw

STATEMENT OF INCLUSION


Inclusion is a universal human right for all people, regardless of race, age, 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.


DNMM 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.

people of various ethnicities and abilities

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.


Please click here to contact us.

Disability symbols for blind, deaf, cognitive, and physical disabilities
map of michigan with service area counties selected: alcona, arenac, bay, clare, gladwin, gratiot, iosco, isabella, midland, ogemaw, roscommon, and saginaw

DISABILITY NETWORK OF MID-MICHIGAN

800-782-4160 | www.dnmm.org

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram