Page 16 - Scene Magazine January 2024 4901

Education Scene
BY MAX HORNICK & MARY FORTNEY, Disability Network Southwest Michigan
Disability is often excluded from discussions of diversity, equity, and inclu- sion, but disability is an important part of human diversity. About 20% of Americans have a disability, including one in four adults. Disability is much broader than most people recognize. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as a physical or mental impair- ment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Major life activities are things that most people do on a daily basis, such as walking, talking, reading, writing, and major bodily functions like eating, breathing, and sleeping.
Disability Network Southwest
Paving the Way To Self Determination
Paving the Way to Self Determination is a program developed to support children with developmental disabilities and their families in raising expectations people have for them by introducing the concepts and tools needed to lead self-determined lives. Too often, children with developmental disabilities are segregated and directed to a path of isolation and low self-esteem. This program is designed to break that cycle and set an expectation of success.
Paving the Way to Self Determination is for children (ages birth—12) and their families living in Michigan. The program utilizes interactive, online trainings on topics that promote self-determination and independence.
Disability Network Southwest Michi- gan embraces the philosophy that disability is a natural part of the human experience and is no different than being short or tall, having blonde or brown hair, or being
left or right-handed. Through its five core services, Disability Network Southwest Michigan is able to reach persons individ- ually, and through group and community services and supports. Some of the services provided in the five core areas are:
Contact us for more information or to register for any of the classes. Online: bit.ly/MI-pavingtheway
Email: fortneym@dnswm.org
Phone: (269) 345-1516 x201
In addition to its regularly occurring webinars, the Paving the Way to Self-De- termination virtual initiative strives to help families of children with disabilities in growing the expectations of independence and self-determination. The project is sponsored by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council and offers free, virtual training statewide on topics such as Under- standing Social Security Benefits, Building Resilience, Understanding Neurodiversity, and Asking for Accommodations.
Changing the Disability Lens
Michigan is one in a network of over 400 Centers for Independent Living (CIL) across the country and one in 14 CILs in Michigan. These community-based orga- nizations, staffed primarily by people with disabilities, offer information and services to help disabled people live in the com- munity in a self-directed way instead of institutions. As this region’s CIL, Disability Network Southwest Michigan serves eight counties, including Calhoun.
with disabilities are ashamed of their disability because of society’s perception that disability is “bad.” The IL movement, however, rejects this shameful narrative in favor of disability pride.
Because disability isn’t included in school history curriculum or even talked about much in general, society tends
to believe that discussing disability is impolite or “taboo.” In turn, many people
Information & Referral –Specialists provide information and connection to area resources. They are equipped to assist individuals with obtaining vital records and assistive technology.
Peer Support – Provide peer support through contacts with many of its staff, who are also persons with disabilities. A variety of peer support groups are offered.
Independent Living – Helps individuals in removing barriers to independent living including assistance with Social Security benefits, ramp building, employment prepa- ration, and navigation of systems such as obtaining mental health or DHHS services.
Training Topics Include:
•Disability Pride & History •Disability Allyship
•Social Security Benefits
•Problem Solving & Decision Making
•Asking for an Accommodation •Supported Decision Making •Understanding Neurodiversity •Building Resilience
Advocacy – The Community Education (ACE) Team works at the local and state levels to help our government leaders make educated and informed decisions and offers a myriad of free webinars and in-person trainings.
Transition Services – Provides infor- mation and services to persons who would like to learn more about their options in transitioning into more independent living and those transitioning into adulthood.
This program is a collaboration with Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, Arc Michigan, Michigan Alliance for Families and Charting the Life Course and was made possible through funding from Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.
Disability Network Southwest Michigan
www.dnswm.org
For more information call (269) 345- 1516 or visit www.dnswm.org.
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SCENE 4901 I EDUCATION ISSUE