Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

11/07/2025

Are you or someone you know a Michigan resident who is 18 years or older and has one or more disabilities?

If so, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) and the To***co Control Program from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are conducting a survey to understand cigarette smoking and other to***co use among adults with one or more disabilities in Michigan.

If you would like to participate, please use the link below to open the survey:

https://waynestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqFrj0f3V5qQe90

Your experiences can go a long way towards shaping future programs and support.

***coFreeMI

[Alt Text] Close-up of a white ashtray filled with several used cigarette butts, with one partially smoked cigarette resting on the edge.

11/06/2025

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, November 13th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/428ex48v

[Alt Text] A promotional graphic for an online workshop titled “Community Transition Trainers.” The image shows a coach assisting a person holding a medicine ball during an exercise in a gym. Text reads: “Community Transition Trainers. Online Workshop on Living Independently with a Disability. November 13th, 1–2 PM.” The logo at the bottom right shows “MI DDI” with an outline of the state of Michigan above it.

11/06/2025

MI-DDI Presents: Independent Facilitation Awareness Webinar

Independent facilitation is part of the person-centered planning process. It assures you that you have an ally in directing your person-centered planning meeting. Have you heard about Independent Facilitation and want to learn more?
Are you considering using an Independent Facilitator in your next Person-Centered Plan, or thinking about becoming one yourself?

This free webinar is for you.

Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Who should attend:
People with disabilities, family members, Case Managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation.

Register here: https://bit.ly/IFTrngNov2025

Want to learn more? Watch our feature on Independent Facilitation: https://youtu.be/l9VakoQNdCI?si=fs8n4ZiNMe8PHVKe

[Alt Text] One person sits with a clipboard, taking notes, while another person sits opposite with hands clasped, wearing a maroon shirt and jeans.

11/05/2025

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about how assistive technology supports people with disabilities. Many people use various types of assistive technology to write, type, learn, communicate, move, hear, and much more. Under the ADA’s reasonable accommodation and modification requirements, employers, government entities, and public accommodations must provide or allow people with disabilities to use assistive technology to access and participate in different activities and services.

But what exactly is assistive technology? Does it only refer to high-tech or computerized tools? Who benefits from assistive technology?

To learn more about the basics of assistive technology, check out this resource from the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): bit.ly/assistive-tech-atia.

11/05/2025

Join MI-DDI's Community Transition Trainers, a team of self-advocates helping individuals with disabilities across Michigan live life on their own terms.

Next Webinar: Thursday, November 13
Time: 1-2pm

Learn about finding housing, daily life skills, and community participation.

Whether you're a person with a disability, family member, or part of a support team - this is for you!

Register: https://tinyurl.com/428ex48v
Developmental Disabilities Institute

11/05/2025

MI-DDI Presents: Independent Facilitation Awareness Webinar

Independent facilitation is part of the person-centered planning process. It assures you that you have an ally in directing your person-centered planning meeting. Have you heard about Independent Facilitation and want to learn more?
Are you considering using an Independent Facilitator in your next Person-Centered Plan, or thinking about becoming one yourself?

This free webinar is for you.

Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Who should attend:
People with disabilities, family members, Case Managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation.

Register here: https://bit.ly/IFTrngNov2025

Want to learn more? Watch our feature on Independent Facilitation: https://youtu.be/l9VakoQNdCI?si=fs8n4ZiNMe8PHVKe

[Alt Text] A person holding a clipboard and writing notes with a pen while another person sits nearby.

11/04/2025

MI-DDI Presents: Independent Facilitation Awareness Webinar

Independent facilitation is part of the person-centered planning process. It assures you that you have an ally in directing your person-centered planning meeting. Have you heard about Independent Facilitation and want to learn more?
Are you considering using an Independent Facilitator in your next Person-Centered Plan, or thinking about becoming one yourself?

This free webinar is for you.

Date: November 7, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Who should attend:
People with disabilities, family members, Case Managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation.

Register here: https://bit.ly/IFTrngNov2025

[Alt Text] A young man with disabilities sits at a kitchen table working on a laptop, while a woman next to him looks at her smartphone. A glass of juice is on the table beside the laptop. They appear to be focused and working together in a supportive home environment.

11/04/2025

It's time to share your story!

The Ernie Reynolds Essay Contest is open for submissions. Tell us how you or someone you know has overcome barriers and advocated for success.

Prizes
1st: $300
2nd: $200
3rd: $100

Deadline: January 9, 2026

Learn More: https://www.drmich.org/ernie-reynolds-essay-contest/

Submit by email to: tdiebolt@drmich.org

11/04/2025

11/04/2025

Here’s what you need to know to vote in the November 4 Election.


MichiganVoting.org

11/04/2025

Are you or someone you know a Michigan resident who is 18 years or older and has one or more disabilities?

If so, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) and the To***co Control Program from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) are conducting a survey to understand cigarette smoking and other to***co use among adults with one or more disabilities in Michigan.

If you would like to participate, please use the link below to open the survey:

https://waynestate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqFrj0f3V5qQe90

Your experiences can go a long way towards shaping future programs and support.

***coFreeMI

[Alt Text] A man wearing a beanie and heavy coat stands on a train platform, smoking a cigarette. His face is partially hidden as he brings the cigarette to his mouth, and a cloud of smoke drifts in front of him.

11/04/2025

When Detroiters face challenges, we come together. We’re investing $1.75 million and coordinating departments across the city to make sure families have what they need. Early next week, we’ll announce more than 100 food distribution sites to help anyone impacted by the SNAP interruption. Take a look to find out how you can help and where you can find help.