Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

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

05/01/2026

Join us for Breaking Barriers Day: A celebration of Michigan's disability community

Join us at the Lansing Shuffle on June 23, 2026, for the opening reception of the Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit. Artwork by artists with developmental disabilities from across Michigan will be featured in the exhibit.

You'll have an opportunity to explore the exhibit, connect with artists, and take part in activities that celebrate the disability community. Enjoy interactive activities, resource booths, family-friendly entertainment, and more!

After the art reception, you are invited to join us at Jackson Field for a sensory-friendly baseball game. Attendees will enjoy an accessible, inclusive ballpark experience.

The Lansing Lugnuts have made efforts to accommodate fans with sensory sensitivities, including reducing announcements, PA volume, graphics, and promotions. This sensory-friendly experience is part of their commitment to making baseball accessible and enjoyable for all.

Breaking Barriers Day is about bringing people together in a way that is welcoming, engaging, and inclusive. Register today and be part of a celebration that highlights creativity, builds community, and creates space for every voice.

Register here: https://bit.ly/bbday2026

05/01/2026

30 Days, 30 AT Ways. Now, one place to learn more.

Throughout April, we shared how assistive technology (AT) helps people across Michigan live, learn, work, and participate more independently.

Are you interested in AT, but don’t know where to start?

Introducing the Michigan AT Help Hub: use it to find tools, resources, and support from organizations across the state.

Visit: https://www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil

05/01/2026

30 Days, 30 AT Ways. Now, one place to learn more.

Throughout April, we shared how assistive technology (AT) helps people across Michigan live, learn, work, and participate more independently.

Are you interested in AT, but don’t know where to start?

Introducing the Michigan AT Help Hub: use it to find tools, resources, and support from organizations across the state.

Disability Rights Michigan
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
MI - UCP
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative

Visit: https://www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil

[ID: “Interested in assistive technology (AT), but don't know where to start? Use the Michigan AT Help Hub to find tools, resources, and support across the state.”
Image of a laptop with a magnifying glass.
MiDDC and the “30 Days, 30 AT Ways” logos.
Day 30. End ID.]

04/30/2026

Did you know?

Some Michigan Medicaid waiver programs may cover assistive technology (AT), home modifications, and vehicle modifications that help people with disabilities live more independently in their communities.

These supports can help remove barriers at home and improve mobility and access to daily activities.

Contact Disability Rights Michigan to learn more!
1.800.288.5923

Disability Rights Michigan
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
MI - UCP

[ID: “Did you know?”
“Medicaid waiver programs may cover assistive technology (AT), and home and vehicle modifications to help people with disabilities live more independently.”
Image of a van with a wheelchair ramp.
DRM and the “30 Days, 30 AT Ways” logos.

Day 28 End ID.]

04/30/2026

Better tools, stronger credit, brighter possibilities.

Access the AT you need today while building a more secure financial tomorrow.

Our financial health is as real and critical as physical health, and people with disabilities, and those who support them, need to have opportunities to build their credit and work toward financial health.

As the only Community Development Financial Institution in Michigan that serves the disability community, older residents and caregivers exclusively, the Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) works to help you get the AT you need.

For more information about Michigan Assistive Technology Loan, please contact MI-UCP at MATLFund@mi-ucp.org

Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
MI - UCP

04/30/2026

Power Wheelchair Approval:

A resident of a nursing home with a mobility disability had been waiting months for approval of a power wheelchair that would allow them to move safely and independently. Disability Rights Michigan assisted with navigating the process and communicating with the DME supplier and the nursing home, and the power wheelchair order was approved and processed.

AT Question? Call DRM at 1.800.288.5923

Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

Do you live in Michigan and have a disability? Are you over 18? Your voice matters!The State of Michigan wants to hear a...
04/27/2026

Do you live in Michigan and have a disability? Are you over 18? Your voice matters!

The State of Michigan wants to hear about your experiences with to***co use and programs that help people quit.

Many people with disabilities face challenges accessing health programs. This short survey looks at:
✅ Awareness of available programs
✅ How easy they are to access
✅ Whether they’re actually helping

You can participate if you:
• Are 18+
• Live in Michigan
• Have a disability

You do not need to use to***co to take part.

Your feedback can help improve these programs and make them more accessible for everyone.

Take the quick survey here: tinyurl.com/mito***cosurvey

04/27/2026

Did you know?

Under Title III of the ADA, businesses open to the public must remove barriers when it is readily achievable, meaning easily accomplished without much difficulty or expense. Simple accessibility improvements, such as installing a ramp or replacing round doorknobs with lever-style handles, can make it easier for people with disabilities to enter and use a business.

These small changes can help ensure equal access to goods and services for everyone.

See: https://adata.org/factsheet/small-business-and-ada-readily-achievable-requirements

AT Question? Call DRM at 1.800.288.5923

Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
MI - UCP

04/27/2026

Did you know social isolation affects 1 in 3 older adults?

Social isolation affects people of all ages and abilities, but for those with disabilities, chronic illness, or aging-related challenges, it can be a daily reality.

It’s not just about feeling lonely—people in fair or poor health are more than twice as likely to experience social isolation, and it’s linked to serious health risks like depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline.

Source: Michigan Medicine https://www.michiganmedicine.org/.../1-3-older-adults...

The good news? AT can help bridge those gaps. Whether it’s video calls using simplified tablets, texting with adaptive keyboards, or companion pets, AT can provide tools to support you.

If you or someone you know is feeling disconnected, the Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) is here to help!

At MATP, we offer free AT device demos and short-term loans so you can try out tools that support communication, mobility, and independence.

To learn more about how AT can help with social isolation, contact MATP:
Email: AT@mi-at.org
Phone: 800-578-0280

Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
MI - UCP

04/27/2026

Meet Logan.

Logan has long found brushing teeth to be challenging due to multiple aspects of his disabilities. After doing research, the Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) helped Logan pick a toothbrush with a variety of features that would help make the process more accessible for him. MATP demonstrated the Autobrush with a toothbrush head in a size that would work best for him.

Logan absolutely loved the Autobrush from the start! Not only does it decrease the fine motor and muscular demands of brushing teeth, but it’s been so effective at cleaning his mouth too. At his last appointment, Logan’s dentist told him that his oral hygiene looked significantly improved and asked him what he’d been doing! Logan has been showing his new toothbrush off to guests at his home and telling friends and family how much he loves it.

If you would like to learn more about AT for oral health, check out mi-at.org/daily-living/.

Disability Rights Michigan
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
MI - UCP
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative

[ID: A graphic titled: AT Helped Me with a picture of a man holding an Autobrush and smiling, the Autobrush is lit up and he is wearing sunglasses. There is text: Using an Autobrush helps Logan clean his teeth with greater ease and independence.

The “30 Days, 30 AT Ways” campaign logo
End ID.]
Day 26

04/24/2026

Tune in for another edition of our podcast series, Possibilities. Each episode focuses on topics and themes focused on those with disabilities in Michigan and beyond. In the latest edition, we sit down with Disability Advocate Jan Lampman to discuss Supported Decision Making. Listen in as we discuss the history behind Supported Decision Making, what it means for people with I/DD, how it differs from Guardianship and much more.

Stream Here: https://fanlink.tv/w8ez

Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/49u4aa8c

04/24/2026

Did you know?
Businesses may qualify for a federal tax credit when they purchase assistive technology (AT) or make accessibility improvements for customers with disabilities. The Architectural / Transportation Tax Deduction and the Small Business Tax Credit can help offset the cost of AT, accessible communication tools, or barrier removal.

Improving accessibility can benefit both your customers and your business.

See: https://adata.org/factsheet/quicktips-tax

Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
MI - UCP

Address

4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI
48202

Telephone

+13135772654

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