Welcome to Disability Network/Michigan
If you are seeking assistance in your local community please click on our member locator and select the county you reside in for your local Center for Independent Living
Office on Aging Announces Launch of Needs Assessment
First survey in 25 years to assess needs of people with disabilities and older adults!
Click below to take this 15-20 minute assessment
www.needsmichigan.org
LANSING – The State Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) announced today the launch of the Michigan Aging and Disability Needs Assessment, a statewide survey to help direct future funding and planning for programs, services, and public policies. Adults aged 50+, as well as individuals with disabilities, are invited to complete the survey between now and July 31, 2012.
“The Michigan Aging and Disability Needs Assessment is such an invaluable tool in learning more about what Michigan residents want and need,” said Kari Sederburg, OSA Director. “It has been more than 25 years since the last comprehensive assessment, so these survey results will definitely offer a fresh perspective on how the state and local communities can best help people live with dignity and independence.”
Results from the Michigan Aging and Disability Needs Assessment will be used to inform leaders, policy makers and program planners about individuals’ concerns and needs on such topics as housing, social support, health care, community services, and transportation.
“We encourage individuals to participate in this survey, as well as spread the word to others,” said Sederburg. “The more people we hear from, the better our understanding about what Michigan citizens are saying, and the better able local communities can respond.”
The survey may be accessed by visiting www.needsmichigan.com. You may also email needsmichgan@gmail.com or call (517)348-5972 with questions about other ways to complete the survey, including options for those with vision or hearing impairments. The survey will remain open until July 31, 2012, with results available in September.
The Office of Services to the Aging is an agency of the State of Michigan whose mission is to provide leadership, innovation, advocacy, and policy on behalf of Michigan’s older adults and their caregivers. For more information contact the Office of Services to the Aging at (517) 373-8230 or visit www.michigan.gov/miseniors.
Posted December 15, 2011:
Disability Network/Michigan Hires New Chief Executive Officer
Disability Network/Michigan (DN/M) works to maximize the effectiveness of Michigan’s fifteen Centers for Independent Living to create inclusive communities across the state, and has recently hired a new Chief Executive Officer. Sara Grivetti, MA,CRC, has been selected to lead our organization. Most recently Sara served as the Executive Director of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.
Sara brings exstensive knowledge of Centers for Independent Living, the Independent Living Philosophy and a great attitute towards partnership and collaboration. Her main priorities include building legislative relationships, enhancing partnerships and increasing capacity for Michigan's Centers for Independent Living.
Sara can be reached at Sara@dnmichigan.org
Posted July 27, 2011:
Disability Network / Michigan Restructures
As Cuts in Core IL Funding Loom
Disability Network/Michigan, (DN/M), the collective voice of Michigan’s network of 15 Centers for Independent Living (CILs), has restructured its Lansing area state office in response to the changing needs of its members and reductions in state core CIL funding. The pending cuts will impact the financial health and program service delivery capacity of each member CIL across the state.
Board President Amy Maes states, “DN/M will continue to be a dynamic organization focused on promoting the consumer and community based independent living philosophy, representing Michigan’s network of CILs, and providing a strong advocacy voice on state and national level issues of importance to all citizens with disabilities.” Maes also states that “DN/M will continue to serve its member CILs with a focused approach, but will do so with less staff.”
Effective September 30th, the Disability Network/Michigan office in Haslett will close and DN/M will begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer. “The many years of hard work and dedication of Disability Network/Michigan staff contributed immeasurably to the growth and success of each member CIL and our statewide network. We want to extend to them our heart-felt ‘thank you’.” stated Jim Magyar, former Executive Director of DN/M and current CEO of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living.
The Disability Network/Michigan has many strong and vocal champions in the legislature and important state level partnerships. “We believe that the change we are undertaking will end up strengthening our ability to work effectively with our champions and partners to improve the economic status and quality of life of Michigan’s citizens with disabilities” Maes said.
Maes also stated, “People with disabilities rely on their local Center for Independent Living to be there when they need help. If the pending cuts in state core IL funding stand, the result will be the loss of over 50 CIL staff across the state, a majority of whom are people with disabilities, and a significant reduction of independent living support services. This is a daunting situation for each DN/M member CIL, and especially for the thousands of people with disabilities who rely on their local CIL to help them be successful at home, school, work and in their communities.” CILs continue to work with the Michigan Legislature to replace funding cuts.
Contact Information:
Amy Maes, Board President
amym@upsail.com
(906) 228-5744
Network Mission:
Maximize the effectiveness of Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living and seek to create inclusive communities by serving the 15 Centers for Independent Living in the State of Michigan through advocacy at the state government, liaison with government departments, business support, knowledge management, quality assurance, facilitation and systems change.
Independent-Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant.
Living-Relating to the routine conduct or maintenance of life.
Philosophy-A system of values by which one lives.
These words define a movement-a way of life and values that are essential to people with disabilities and to our organization. The independent living (IL) philosophy means being in control of your own life, taking responsibility for your actions, taking risks and either failing or succeeding on your own terms. It means participating in community life.
This website will provide you with essential information and resources about issues that are important to people with disabilities in Michigan. Welcome.
