Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute is located on the campus of Wayne State University

02/19/2026

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The State of Michigan is asking adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs ...
02/18/2026

The State of Michigan is asking adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs designed to help people quit smoking.

Many people with disabilities face barriers when trying to find or use health programs. This short online survey looks at whether people know about these programs, how easy they are to access, and whether they are working as intended.

Any adult age 18 or older in Michigan who has a disability can take part. You can participate whether you use to***co or not, and whether or not you want to quit.

Your feedback will help the state understand how well these programs are reaching people and how they can be improved.

Survey link: tinyurl.com/mito***cosurvey

[Alt Text] A man with a prosthetic leg sitting on a park bench using a laptop outdoors on a sunny day.

02/18/2026

Happy Black History Month!
We at AAoM want to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting black autistic figures!

Anita Cameron is a disability activist and author who has advocated for disability justice for over 42 years. In her tenure, she became a leading member of the ADAPT grassroots disability rights group. She was also one of the original protestors in the 1990 Capitol Crawl, a protest fighting for the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She had continued protesting, and has been arrested over 100 times for civil disobedience up until her retirement from protesting in 2017.
On top of disability activism, she is also a staunch advocate for the LGBT+ and BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) communities.

Like many black women, Cameron was diagnosed with autism in her adulthood. In her childhood, autism was rarely a topic of conversation, especially for women, girls, and particularly black girls. Even in her early childhood, education as a right for disabled children wasn’t a concept, but her family was adamant in her receiving an education like other able bodied children.

Visit her website here: https://authoranitacameron.com/

“I loved the presentation, it was very clear and the speakers were very friendly and willing to answer questions.” — A F...
02/17/2026

“I loved the presentation, it was very clear and the speakers were very friendly and willing to answer questions.” — A Family Member of an Individual with a disability.

Thinking about living in your own place with a disability? Or becoming more independent in your daily life? Join us for our FREE Community Transition Trainers (CTT) Independent Living Webinar.

Each month a panel of people with disabilities share real experiences and practical insights about living independently.

Many people with disabilities, advocates, and family members like the one quoted above have already attended and benefited. Register today to learn how you and others can benefit.

Feb. 26th | 1–2 PM EST

Free | Online

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4f3k468y

[Alt Text] Graphic with dark navy background and bright green accents reading “Community Transition Trainers” at the top. In the center, a testimonial says, “I loved the presentation, it was very clear and the speakers were very friendly and willing to answer questions.” — A Family Member of an Individual with a disability. At the bottom, text reads “Online Workshop on Living Independently with a Disability.” The bottom right features the MI-DDI logo with the outline of Michigan.

The State of Michigan is asking adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs ...
02/13/2026

The State of Michigan is asking adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs designed to help people quit smoking.

Many people with disabilities face barriers when trying to find or use health programs. This short online survey looks at whether people know about these programs, how easy they are to access, and whether they are working as intended.

Any adult age 18 or older in Michigan who has a disability can take part. You can participate whether you use to***co or not, and whether or not you want to quit.

Your feedback will help the state understand how well these programs are reaching people and how they can be improved.

Take the short online survey today: tinyurl.com/mito***cosurvey

[Alt Text] A young man using a wheelchair sits outdoors by a river, looking at a smartphone. A woman sits beside him, leaning in to look at the phone screen. Trees and water are visible in the background.

Are you passionate about disability advocacy?Consider joining Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA)! LIPA is a comprehensive...
02/13/2026

Are you passionate about disability advocacy?

Consider joining Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA)! LIPA is a comprehensive 6 month leadership development program for:

1) Adults with developmental disabilities
2) Parents of children with developmental disabilities.

This program helps people with disabilities build the skills and confidence they need to become strong leaders and advocates for disability rights.

LIPA offers both in person and online trainings. Lodging, meals, and travel stipends will be provided for in person trainings.

2026 Training Dates
April 10 to 11 in Mt Pleasant
May 29 to 30 Online
June 26 to 27 Online
July 24 to 25 Online
August 21 to 22 in Lansing
September 25 to 26 in Mt Pleasant

Training Topics include
Disability History
Special Education
Assistive Technology
And more

Applications will be accepted February 1 to 28, 2026.
Apply at tinyurl.com/2026LIPA
Learn more at: tinyurl.com/MAFLIPA

Questions? Contact Karah Ley at: karah@michiganallianceforfamilies.org

02/13/2026

Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) are accepting new applications until February 28!

LIPA is a 6-month leadership development program designed for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities.

The program aims to cultivate empowered leaders within the disability rights movement. LIPA is offered through a hybrid training format of both in-person and online trainings. Lodging, meals, and travel stipends will be provided for in-person trainings.

Training topics include:

✅ Disability History
✅ Special Education
✅ Assistive Technology
✅ Self-Determination
✅ Alternatives to Guardianship
✅ Person Centered Planning
✅ Access to Housing and Employment
✅ Public Benefits
✅ Systems Change

Space is limited to 20 participants. Application open on February 1 and will be accepted until February 28. Selected participants are notified in March.

For more information, visit: tinyurl.com/MAFLIPA

If you have any questions, contact Karah Ley at karah@michiganallianceforfamilies.org or 517-574-1517.

02/11/2026

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): Registration is still open for Becoming a Sexuality Educator: Using the Elevatus Training Curriculum. This educational opportunity starts on Tuesday, February 17!

People with disabilities, like their non-disabled peers, have s*xual feelings and needs. We believe that all people have the right to access education, including receiving information about s*x.

Becoming a Sexuality Educator is a three-day workshop for people who want to become instructors or peer educators on the topic of s*xuality education. Participants will learn to use the Elavatus Training Curriculum to dispel myths and replace them with positive messages for people with disabilities.

The three-day workshop will take place virtually from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Participants must be available to attend all three sessions:

✅ Tuesday, February 17
✅ Tuesday, February 24
✅ Tuesday, March 3

If you are interested in becoming a s*xuality educator, please register here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PK2uVud4TR22bOfXx5Y5pg

If you have any questions or need help getting registered, please contact: grahamr10@michigan.gov

The Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (MI-LEND) program is now accepting trai...
02/11/2026

The Michigan Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (MI-LEND) program is now accepting trainee applications for the 2026-2027 cohort year.

Potential trainees have until May 1, 2026 to apply. MI-LEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program that provides experiential training for Michigan's emerging leaders in disability. Trainees can be from anywhere in the state, but need to be at least one of the following:

-A student currently enrolled in a Masters program or accepted for the fall semester (Fall 2026)
-Doctoral students
-Post-doctoral students and fellows
-Medical students
-Residents
-Community professionals who have completed the basic professional level of training in their disciplines
-Family members of an individual with a disability (parent, sibling)
Individuals with disabilities (Self-advocates)

Potential trainees have until May 1, 2026, to apply.

To learn more:

Review the MI-LEND Recruitment Flier:https://ddi.wayne.edu/mi-lend-trainees-2026-2027/2026-27-mi-lend-recruitment-flyer.pdf

Visit the MI-LEND application page: https://ddi.wayne.edu/milendapp

Questions? Visit the MI-LEND FAQ page: https://ddi.wayne.edu/lendfaq

Email inquiries: milend@wayne.edu: milend@wayne.edu

02/11/2026

Reliable rides to non-emergency medical appointments are now just a call away. Rides to Care helps women who are pregnant and caregivers of infants get to non-emergency medical appointments for free. Rides are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Learn more at detroitmi.gov/RidesToCare or call 313-876-0000

02/10/2026

Ready to sing, dance, and have fun with friends?

Join us for Karaoke Hour at Disability Network Eastern Michigan’s Troy office. This one hour social event is designed for adults with intellectual disabilities and offers a welcoming space to connect, laugh, and enjoy music together. Whether you love the spotlight or prefer cheering others on, everyone is welcome.

📅 Wednesday, February 18, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 DNEM Troy Office
🚪 Please enter through the back door (front entrance closes at 4 PM)

Karaoke Hour takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, with a separate registration required for each event.

🎤 Save your spot today: https://bit.ly/4kRBkYz

02/10/2026

VisitAble, an accessibility training company, will conduct at least one virtual focus group in March-April 2026 via Google Meet to further inform how public-facing services and experiences can be as accessible as possible for people with disabilities: Each 1.5-hour session will include up to 8 parti...

Address

4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI
48202

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