Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

03/12/2026

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://tinyurl.com/MILEND2026
Visit the MI-LEND application page: https://tinyurl.com/MILENDAPP
Questions? Visit the MI-LEND FAQ page: https://ddi.wayne.edu/lendfaq
Email inquiries: milend@wayne.edu

[Alt Text] A dental professional wearing a mask, gloves, and protective glasses examines a patient’s teeth while the patient reclines in a dental chair

03/12/2026

Reminder: Join us next week for the first Let's Talk About It! webinar of 2026:

"Understanding Social Security Benefits," presented by Pete Mulder, Social Security Benefits Counselor of Disability Network Southwest Michigan

📅Thursday, March 19
🕛 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
📍Virtual webinar (Zoom)

Join us for an overview of the two Social Security disability benefit programs – Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This webinar will focus on the 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.

💬 Let's Talk About It is a webinar series for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and anyone interested in strengthening family wellbeing.

🔗 Register here: https://go.mi.gov/qx0q41924

03/12/2026

💛☂The yellow umbrella represents cognitive and intellectual disabilities.

Many developmental disabilities affect how people learn, communicate, process information, and experience the world.

Schools and workplaces are adopting inclusive learning strategies, sensory-friendly environments, and flexible methods of communication. Inclusive education laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act support students with developmental disabilities in learning alongside their peers.

Neurodiversity is a part of human diversity. People with cognitive and intellectual disabilities are part of every community, and recognizing the value of these differences helps create communities where everyone can contribute their strengths.

03/11/2026

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 using a wheelchair sits at a desk and types on a laptop computer.

03/10/2026

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, March 26th
1:00 – 2:00 PM

Online via Zoom
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CTTMar26th

[Alt Text] Flyer for “Community Transition Trainers” featuring a young woman with a disability leaning on a wooden railing by the ocean. Text reads: “Online Workshop on Living Independently with a Disability – March 26th, 1–2 PM.” A house icon appears at the top and the MI-DDI logo with the Michigan state outline appears in the bottom corner.

03/05/2026

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 young person wearing wireless earbuds sits at a wooden table, focused on a laptop in front of them. Sunlight fills the room, and a bowl of food and a glass bottle of water sit on the table, with a leafy plant in the background.

03/05/2026

03/04/2026

Applications are now open for our 2026 Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award!

MI-DDI presents this award annually to an outstanding self-advocate who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake, Jane “Janey” Vermeulen.

In 2024, the award was presented to Alexandra “Allie” Hayes. Allie is an advocate for herself and other individuals with Down syndrome in her hometown of Troy, Michigan.

Hayes embodies the ideals of the award, as evidenced by her longtime legislative advocacy. For six years, she provided testimony to the Michigan House of Representatives to pass the “Justice For Allie” bill, which became law in 2023. It implements protections and autonomy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.

“I feel like I was really heard, and it felt really good,” Hayes said of her recognition. "I felt empowered.”

If you or someone you know would be deserving of this recognition, please follow the registration link below to submit a nomination.

Nominations close on May 1, 2026.

Visit the following link for nomination forms and requirements:
https://tinyurl.com/34bpawmz

[Alt Text] Graphic announcing the 2024 Jane Vermeulen Award Winner, Allie Hayes. The left side lists her bio highlights: longtime legislative advocate; provided testimony to the Michigan House of Representatives to help pass the “Justice for Allie” bill; advocates for herself and others with Down syndrome in Troy; and recipient of Oakland Community College’s Outstanding Student Award. On the right is a photo of Allie Hayes wearing a bright yellow blouse and glasses, smiling indoors. Text at the bottom reads, “2026 Applications Are Open!”

03/03/2026

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, March 26th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/CTTMar26th

Alt Text: Promotional graphic for “Community Transition Trainers.” The top section has a black background with bright green text reading “COMMUNITY TRANSITION TRAINERS” and a simple green outline of a house. Below, a photo shows a bearded man with a leg amputation sitting on a gym bench next to a basketball and a sports wheelchair; a prosthetic leg rests beside him. The bottom section reads “ONLINE WORKSHOP ON LIVING INDEPENDENTLY WITH A DISABILITY” and “MARCH 26TH, 1–2 PM.” In the lower right corner is the Michigan outline logo with the text “MI DDI.”

03/03/2026

Michigan Sibs, you're invited to the MI SIBS Leadership Meeting on Tuesday, March 3rd.
--->Send an email message to sibs@MISIBS.org to receive the agenda details.
Topics will include direct care worker wages, anticipated federal Medicaid changes, MI state budget FY'27 and more!

02/27/2026

MI SIBS Presents: Medicaid & Medicare – What Siblings Need to Know

Are you the sibling of someone with a disability? Do you have questions about how Medicaid and Medicare transitions may impact your family’s future?

Join MI SIBS for a free webinar designed specifically for adult siblings who want to be prepared for the inevitable changes that come with adulthood, retirement, disability benefits, and more

Thursday, March 5, 2026
6:30 – 7:30 PM Eastern
Virtual (Zoom)
Cost: Free

Topics will include:
• The key role SSI plays in setting up future Medicaid eligibility
• Differences between Medicaid and Medicare
• The typical progression from SSI to DAC RSDI
• Niche pathways to Medicaid eligibility
• Resources to help your family plan for the future

Presenter: Anastassia Kolosova, attorney at Disability Rights Michigan, will share her expertise in Medicaid eligibility, access to services and supports, and disability rights

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xUDO5UMARz-Hicl5Qjc-jw

[Alt Text] A smiling man in a blue sweater pushes a woman in a wheelchair. She is wearing a bright pink blazer dress and beige lace-up boots, and both appear happy against a plain light background.

02/26/2026

“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.

Today | 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.