Disability Network Southwest Michigan

09/08/2026

Can't make it in person? Join us online! 💻

We're offering two opportunities to participate in our upcoming Community Conversation with Consumers Energy.

📍 In person: September 23, 5:30–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual: September 29, 5:30–7:30 PM

We'll discuss Consumers Energy programs and services, including options that may help eligible Michigan residents manage energy costs. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and share feedback directly with Consumers Energy representatives on behalf of the .

Registration is required. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.
🔗Details and registration: https://loom.ly/O02lYP8

ID: A group of people conversing in a circle; a laptop displaying a virtual meeting; Consumers Energy logo and DNSWM logo. Text: Two ways to join.

09/04/2026

The teaser for Being Heumann is here! 🎬🔥

Judy Heumann was a trailblazer, activist, and absolute powerhouse in the disability rights movement. Her work, alongside countless disabled activists, changed the course of history.

This new film tells the story of the historic 1977 Section 504 Sit-in and the people who refused to accept discrimination as the status quo — this revolution is a part of history that far too many people still don't know.

This is civil rights history! Being Heumann arrives in select theaters November 6 and on Apple TV November 13.

https://loom.ly/FdEa1fc

Judy didn't wait for change. She fought to make it happen. Being ...

09/03/2026

: On Thursdays we highlight something or someone we're thankful for.

Today we're giving a shoutout to our friends at MRC Industries, Inc. MRC helps create opportunities for people with disabilities to build job skills, Independent Living skills, and meaningful employment experiences — and ensures individuals are equitably paid.

Our organizations have collaborated in many ways over the years, including MRC clients assisting with DNSWM ramp builds. Currently, MRC clients help keep DNSWM property in good order and we couldn't appreciate it more! Pictured here are Aaron and Paul taking a break from landscaping on a particularly hot day.

We're thankful for this ongoing partnership and for the people whose work makes a difference at DNSWM and throughout our community.

Thank you, MRC and thank you, Aaron and Paul! 👏

ID: Two men, Aaron and Paul, wearing protective glasses and brightly colored vests, standing beside a white MRC van in the DNSWM Kalamazoo parking lot.

09/02/2026

Stay safe out there! 😅

🌡️ 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗧 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗬 – Wednesday, September 2 | Noon until 8:00 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the Kalamazoo area from Noon today until 8:00 p.m. tonight.
What to expect:
🌡️ Afternoon temperatures in the high 80's to low 90's
💧 High humidity will push heat index values to high 90's to 100
⛈️ Temperatures are expected to trend cooler during the early morning hours of Thursday.

Hot temperatures combined with high humidity can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, those with chronic medical conditions, and anyone working or exercising outdoors.

Stay safe during the heat:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and seek shade when outside.
Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Ensure pets have access to fresh water and shade.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

City of Kalamazoo Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and share updates as needed. Please stay weather aware and take steps to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors.

09/02/2026

: Every Wednesday, we share good things happening here at DN and in our community.

We're excited to once again partner with United Way of South Central Michigan for the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge!

Throughout October, participants will receive content directly to their inboxes that encourages them to learn more about disability, challenge common assumptions, and see disability from new perspectives.

This opportunity is for people with disabilities, people who know people with disabilities, and those who want to better understand the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities. We hope you'll join us!

📅 October 2026
💻 Free & virtual (about 10-15 minutes daily)
📧 Content delivered throughout the month

👉 Register today: https://loom.ly/lBE6x-Y

Note: The registration system uses a "ticketing" format, but there is no cost to participate. This is a free virtual experience delivered through email throughout October.

ID: Logos for United Way of South Central Michigan and Disability Network Southwest Michigan. Text: October 2026. 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge.

09/01/2026

It's !

Back-to-school season is a great time to remember that every student learns, communicates, and experiences the world differently.

Instead of making assumptions about what a student can or can't do, ask what supports help them succeed.

Sometimes the simplest question can make all the difference: "What do you need?"

ID: Text: Tip Tuesday. Don’t assume what students can or can’t do. Ask: “What do you need?”

08/28/2026

Your questions, your feedback, your voice.

Join us virtually or in person for a conversation with Consumers Energy about programs, services, and the experiences of people with disabilities.

These conversations are an opportunity to learn about available resources, ask questions, and share experiences directly with Consumers Energy representatives.

Please register for one conversation, not both.
📍 In person: September 23, 5:30–7:30 PM
💻 Virtual: September 29, 5:30–7:30 PM

Registration is required. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.
🔗 Registration & details: https://loom.ly/O02lYP8

ID: A group of people in a circle with their hands stacked together in the center; several young people in discussion, one holding a tablet; Consumers Energy logo and DNSWM logo. Text: Questions. Experiences. Feedback. Impact.

08/27/2026

: On Thursdays we highlight something or someone we're thankful for.

doesn’t belong to us. It belongs in the conversation everywhere.

We’re grateful for everyone who has shared our campaign, used materials, joined the conversation, and helped bring disability into spaces where it belongs. These efforts help spread the message that disability is not uncommon!

Thank you for helping us keep going!

ID: Screengrab of DNSWM staff member Max using a virtual background during a Zoom meeting.

08/25/2026

: Keep learning about disability!

One way to better understand disability and challenge the assumptions we may have is to take time to learn from people with disabilities and explore how disability is understood in our communities.

That’s why we’re beyond excited to once again partner with United Way of South Central Michigan on the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge this October. This free, virtual challenge offers 21 days of curated content and guided discussion focused on disability.

📚 Ready to learn something new? Check out the original post for more information and to register!

United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Disability Network Southwest Michigan, is again offering our 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge (Register at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/n2xzj8y ). Through curated content and guided discussion, this effort will explore disability from a position of equity and pride to raise awareness, increase understanding, and shift perspectives about disability in our culture.

*Please note, the registration system requires a "ticketing" approach, but this is a free, virtual event for email communications for the month of October.*

08/24/2026

Michigan’s Autistic Community deserves to be heard. 🗣️

If you’re Autistic, consider taking the Autistic Needs Survey created by our friends at the Michigan Autistic Adult Advisory Committee (MiA3) and share your experiences. Your input can help inform what support and resources are needed across Michigan!