Paving the Way to Self Determination

Understanding Social Security Benefits
For family/guardians
Parents and guardians often feel lost when it comes to navigating Social Security disability benefits for their loved one with a disability. This training will provide an overview of the two Social Security disability benefit programs – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – which can provide financial support to individuals with disabilities. Presenters will touch on the benefit application process, important factors around turning age 18, the impact of parental income/assets, and the myth that people receiving benefits can’t hold employment to reach further financial security.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Thursday, September 7th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM — (Registration is now closed.)
●   Tuesday, November 7th at 12:00 – 1:30 PM

How to Ask for an Accommodation
For family/guardians
This training focuses on identifying appropriate accommodations that support a child’s strengths and disability-related needs in school. We will provide information for guardians and family members including requesting accommodations, the protections provided through IDEA, 504 Plans vs. IEPs, and options when accommodation requests don’t go as planned.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Thursday, September 14th at 12:00 – 1:30 PM
●   Tuesday, November 14th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Building Resilience
For family/guardians
How do we help children with the skills they need to not just survive but thrive? Being a caretaker is hard work and at times overwhelming. A caring and resilient adult’s role is crucial in the formation of a resilient child.  In this course, we will identify the skills that go into becoming a resilient adult, how to instill that resilience in our children, provide some scientific insights, and provide some practical tools and resources.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Wednesday, October 11th at 12:00 – 1:30 PM

The Power of Disability Language
For family/guardians
Language is more than just a form of communication. It shapes the way we think and shows how we view others. The language we use can enforce stereotypes or create inclusion and equality. In this presentation, we will talk about how you can use powerful disability language to model disability as human diversity and not something that is wrong, broken, or needs to be changed.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Thursday, October 12th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM

IEP: A Closer Look
For family/guardians
This workshop will help you take a more in-depth look at the core areas of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and prioritize your greatest concerns. You will learn how to address concerns through the IEP process and improve your ability to have productive conversations.

Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families on:
●   Tuesday, October 17th at 6:30 – 8:00 PM
●   Thursday, November 16th at 12:00 – 1:30 PM

Section 504: What Parents Need to Know
For family/guardians
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability; this includes students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). For students with a disability who are not eligible for an IEP, a 504 plan provides equal access to the general education curriculum. This training will help you learn the difference between a 504 Plan and IEP, how to get a 504 Plan for your child, what supports and services are available, and what rights you and your child have.

Presented by Michigan Alliance for Families on:
●   Thursday, October 26th at 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Understanding Neurodiversity
For families/guardians
Neurodiversity is the diversity of human brains and minds. The neurodiversity movement is a human rights movement for people with brain differences. In this workshop, we will discuss how neurodiversity contributes to sensory, movement, and communication differences. We will examine how ableism impacts people with brain-based disabilities and how you can support your neurodivergent loved ones.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Thursday, November 2nd at 12 – 1:30 PM

Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child
For family/guardians
Disability pride refers to a positive outlook that a child can develop over time about their own disability. Pride helps to develop self-esteem, self-worth, and an understanding of abilities. In this presentation, we will help you to empower your child to embrace their disability as part of their identity and see the gifts and community it brings with it.

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Monday, November 20th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Preparing Your Child for Employment (LONG Before Employment!)
For family/guardians
Many parents worry about the employment future of their child with a disability. This training, led by staff who spent years removing barriers to employment, will focus on important independent living and pre-employment skills that you can help your child start building today in preparation for a successful and fulfilling work life in the future!

Presented by Disability Network Southwest Michigan on:
●   Wednesday, November 29th at 6:00 – 7:30 PM