Disability Network Southwest Michigan

06/10/2026

: Every Wednesday we share good things happening here at DN or in the Community.

Today we're shouting out DNSWM team member, Anne. Anne is an Independent Living Specialist, facilitates the Brain Injury Peer Support Group, and is an enthusiast of all things brain-related.

If you know Anne, you know her favorite hobby is learning. She can't. stop. won't. stop. learning. Recently, Anne became a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), a specialized certification offered through the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). Earning a CBIS credential requires extensive training and demonstrates specialized knowledge of brain injury and its impacts.

Considering Anne treats learning like an Olympic sport, it's no surprise she added another credential to her collection. This certification reflects Anne's dedication to understanding brain injury and helping people navigate life after injury with information, support, and connection. We are grateful to have her knowledge, curiosity, and passion on our team!

Join us in congratulating Anne on becoming a Certified Brain Injury Specialist! 👏🧠

ID: DNSWM staff member, Anne, a woman with red hair wearing a black shirt; text: Anne, Certified Brain Injury Specialist.

06/09/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

Ever put your foot in your mouth when talking about disability? It happens! There's still time to join this morning's Disability Language & Etiquette webinar and learn tips for navigating conversations with confidence.

🔗 Join us for today's 10:00 AM webinar: https://loom.ly/GKl9ZJ8

ID: DNSWM logo. Text: Tip Tuesday. Our words matter. But nobody gets it right every time. What matters is a willingness to learn and listen.

06/08/2026

Happy Monday, DN Fam! ☀️

🎉 There's something for everyone at our upcoming Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration this July!

Enjoy lunch, explore a Disability Arts & Crafts Market, connect with 25+ community organizations, and celebrate the ADA!

We can't wait to see you there! 🎨🍴📝

🔗 More info & registration here: https://loom.ly/1Buefl8

06/05/2026

🎨 Turn your creativity into community connections and sales! 🧵✨

Vendor applications are now open for our Disability Arts & Crafts Market!

We're looking for artists, crafters, makers, creators, doodlers, builders, stitchers, and people who want their items out in the world! Join us for a day of creativity, connection, and community.

🔗 Info/application here: https://loom.ly/b-zF-kQ

ID: Disability Network Southwest Michigan logo. Art-related graphics including a tube of paint, paint splatters, a spray paint can, and a ball of yarn. Text: Currently seeking Disability Arts & Crafts Market Vendors. July 24, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI.

06/04/2026

📬 Important Update for Social Security Beneficiaries!

First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recently selected Fifth Third Bank as the new financial agent for the Direct Express prepaid debit card program, replacing Comerica Bank.
- New Direct Express card enrollments through Fifth Third Bank began in May 2026.
- If you currently have a Direct Express card issued by Comerica, you don't need to do anything right now. The transition of existing accounts is expected to start later this year or early next year.
- Beneficiaries will get advance notice before their accounts transition and should continue using their Comerica-issued card until it expires.

📞 Be sure to keep your contact info up to date so you don't miss important updates about your benefits or Direct Express account.
💻 Questions about the Direct Express program? Visit: https://www.usdirectexpress.com/contact

Second, Social Security is transitioning to all electronic payments and will no longer issue paper checks. If you still receive benefits by paper check, contact your local SSA office to talk about electronic payment options.

ID: DNSWM logo. An American draped across a navy background. Text: Announcements for Social Security Beneficiaries.

06/03/2026

Every Wednesday we share good things happening here at DN or in the Disability Community.

And the Emmy goes to... Father/son duo Samuel and Dan Habib! The codirectors just received an Emmy for their documentary, The Ride Ahead. The film follows Samuel, a young man with a rare GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder causing cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as he steps into adulthood. Along the way, it explores community, relationships, independence, and the many different ways people build meaningful lives.

The Ride Ahead highlights the importance of disabled people telling their own stories. Congratulations to Samuel, Dan, and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition! 🎬✨

Watch Samuel's acceptance speech: https://loom.ly/1KojE4o

The Ride Ahead took home the Emmy® for Outstanding Social Issues Documentary! Co-directors Samuel and Dan Habib and co-producer Erica Lupinacci proudly accep...

06/02/2026

Be sure to catch one of our free Community Education webinars taking place in June!

🔗Visit our Zoom Events hub for info and registration for all upcoming DNSWM webinars: https://loom.ly/03YNsU4

ID: Text: Events this month. June. 9: Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette, 10:00 to 11:30 AM; 16: Webinar: You Can Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, 6:30 to 8:00 PM; 25: Accessible Content, 10:00 to 11:30 AM; July 24: Save the Date! Annual ADA Celebration, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

06/01/2026

TL;DR (too long, didn't read): For 34 years, DNSWM Benefits Planner Pete Mulder has helped people make informed decisions about work, benefits, and financial stability.

! On the first Monday of each month we'll introduce you to someone on our team. Today we're introducing the man, the myth, the legend: Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator, Pete Mulder.

Today marks 34 years and 1 month since Pete joined DNSWM. That’s 12,450 days.

If you've ever tried to understand Social Security rules, you know they can feel like a completely different language. Pete has a gift for cutting through the confusion.

Through Benefits Planning services, he helps people understand how a job may affect Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, and other vital supports. With accurate information and personalized guidance, people can let go of fear and make decisions about working that change their lives for the better.

One of Pete's favorite parts of the job is hearing people say, "Why wasn't I told this before?" His second favorite part is helping people navigate tricky overpayments that never should've occurred in the first place. 😉

Over the years, hundreds if not thousands of people with disabilities have returned to work or pursued new employment opportunities because they had the information they needed to make informed choices.

Pete's expertise extends far beyond our organization. He regularly leads statewide meetings for Benefits Planners and advocates across Michigan, helping professionals learn from each other and stay informed about changes in policy and practice.

For 34 years, Pete has been changing the community for the better. Thank you, Pete, for helping people pursue greater financial stability, independence, and opportunity, and for building a network of skilled Benefits Planners who are more equipped to do the very same thing for those they serve.

ID: Pete Mulder, a white man with grey hair, smiling, wearing glasses and a striped shirt. Text: Spotlight on Our Dedicated Team. Pete Mulder, Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator. "Receiving Benefits Planning services to reach our vocational dreams is as important as acquiring directions to reach our destinations while traveling."

05/31/2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the legal minimum for physical accessibility, not the gold standard for inclusion.

Kalamazoo Nature Center has exemplified going above and beyond the ADA to make sure that people with disabilities can have the best user experience and fully participate in their trails and programming. Their ongoing commitment to continued improvement with access and inclusion has been truly incredible to watch - from seeking feedback from our ADA Specialists, to installing automatic doors, to purchasing equipment like this new Trackchair STS.

Every improvement reflects a genuine commitment to making the great outdoors more welcoming and accessible for all. We’re proud to partner with organizations like KNC that view inclusion as a value, not just a requirement. 🌲🥾

05/29/2026

📣☀️ Summa summa summa time!

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince want to make sure you know that DNSWM will have adjusted summer office hours June 1 through September 4, 2026. Offices will be closed to the public Mondays and Fridays, and open regular business hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Staff will still be available when offices are closed! We can be reached by phone, email, or virtual appointment on Mondays and Fridays, and in-person meetings may also be available at other locations in the community. Thank you!

ID: DNSWM logo. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Text: New! Summer Office Hours.