Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

01/24/2026

The conversation about AI and mental health is growing. MDRC is adding our voice, rooted in disability justice.

We're not here to shame anyone who's turned to AI for support. The barriers to mental health care are real. They fall hardest on disabled people, BIPOC communities, and anyone living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. We understand why people are looking for alternatives.

But we think you deserve to know what the research says. The Public Health Communications Collaborative started this conversation. We're here to bring a disability justice perspective.

Read our statement on our blog https://mymdrc.org/blog/

Thank you to CDC Foundation , de Beaumont Foundation , The Kresge Foundation , , and Trust for America's Health for sparking this conversation.

[Image Description. "We are entering this conversation because we believe people deserve to know. You deserve to know how these tools work, what the research says, and what the risks are. You deserve to make informed decisions about your own care." Michigan Disability Rights Coalition with liberty and access for all. End Image Description.]

01/23/2026

MDRC joins Access Living in solidarity with immigrants with disabilities.

We amplify this urgent call from Access Living and join in solidarity with immigrants with disabilities facing the devastating impact of ICE/CBP enforcement.

The stories Access Living lifts up demand our attention: Aliya Rahman, a U.S. citizen with a traumatic brain injury and autism, dragged from her car while driving to a medical appointment—denied medical care until she lost consciousness in custody. Geraldo Lunas Campos, who lived with bipolar disorder and anxiety, died in ICE custody in El Paso; his death was ruled a homicide by the county medical examiner. Carlos Chalco Chango, a blind man, detained for days in solitary confinement without his cane. Deaf community members held in detention without interpreters or accessible communication.

We are with our immigrant siblings with disabilities of all statuses. We will continue to resist the dehumanization of people and demand accountability for the violence occurring in our streets, detention centers, and neighborhoods

Across the country, immigrants with disabilities are at high risk of harm from ICE/CBP Patrol enforcement activities. In the last year alone: Aliya Rahman was on the way to a traumatic brain injury appointment when she was stopped and dragged out of her car by ICE. Geraldo Lunas Campos, who had anxiety and bipolar disorder, was strangled to death by ICE in El Paso. Carlos Chango, who is blind, was detained for days in solitary with no cane. Multiple Deaf people have been detained. These are only some of the disability stories from streets and neighborhoods where ICE/CBP's presence is creating unsafe and sometimes deadly conditions for everyone. Access Living calls on all our friends and allies to lift up the disability stories within the immigration law enforcement surge. We reaffirm our support for the constitutional, disability and human rights of immigrants with disabilities of all statuses. What is happening right now is unacceptable.

Image description: A colorful group of people with different disabilities raise their fists in support of immigrants. They stand against an orange background on top of a purple swoosh. Below is the purple Access Living logo, which is a drop of water creating a ripple effect. Above them is the text: "We reaffirm our support for the constitutional, disability and human rights of immigrants with disabilities of all statuses. What is happening right now is unacceptable."

01/22/2026

Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) is a comprehensive 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. Michigan Alliance for Families relaunched LIPA in 2023, after it was previously administered by The Arc Michigan.

Space is limited to 20 participants. Application opens in February. Selected participants are notified in March.
If you have any questions, contact Karah Ley at karah@michiganallianceforfamilies.org or 517-574-1517

For faq please visit https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/

[IMAGE Description. This is a promotional flyer with a purple, white, and red color scheme advertising the "Leaders in Policy Advocacy" (LIPA) program.
Header Section:
The top portion features a torn paper effect with a purple background. A graphic of a hand holding a red and white megaphone appears in the upper left corner. Bold white text reads "ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT DISABILITY ADVOCACY?"
Main Content Area:
The word "Leaders" appears in large, stylized red script font with "In Policy Advocacy" beneath it in smaller black text.
A paragraph explains that LIPA is a comprehensive 6-month leadership development program designed for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities, aimed at cultivating empowered leaders within the disability rights movement.
Training Topics Section (left side):
A red banner contains "TRAINING TOPICS" in white text. Below it lists:

Disability History
Special Education
Assistive Technology
Self-determination
Alternatives to Guardianship
Person Centered Planning
Access to Housing & Employment
Public Benefits & Systems of Support
Systems Change

2026 Training Dates Section (right side):
A blue banner contains "2026 TRAINING DATES" with a small calendar icon. The schedule lists:

April 10-11 in Mt Pleasant
May 29-30 Online
June 26-27 Online
July 24-25 Online
August 21-22 in Lansing
Sept 25-26 in Mt Pleasant

Application Information:
A red "APPLY HERE" button with a globe icon links to tinyurl.com/2026LIPA. Purple text states "Applications accepted February 1-28, 2026."
Footer:
The Michigan Alliance for Families logo appears with the tagline "information, support, and education." Contact information shows Karah Ley at karah@michiganallianceforfamilies.org.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. Opus 4.5 End Image Description. ]

01/19/2026

Sharing from The NAMED Advocates

*caption below in quotes and image description both courtesy of the original poster

“Today we take a moment to honor and reflect on Dr. King’s work.
‌
His fight for civil rights paved the way for others, like the disabled community, to do the same.
‌
Racial and Disability Justice have always been tied together.”
‌

‌
[Image descriptions:

There are three slides with a photo of Dr. King on top and a brown box with white text at the bottom. The NAMED Advocates logo is in white in the top right.
‌
Slide 1: No quotes today.
Just some reminders.
‌
Slide 2: Dr. King’s fight for civil rights would pave the way for disabled advocates to fight for their community.
‌
Slide 3: Our liberation is tied together.]

01/17/2026

Social Justice Through a Disability Health Lens
This event will include the premiere of a brief documentary series featuring personal interviews of African Americans living with disabilities and discussing their experiences in the healthcare system. Their narratives highlight the need to enhance accessibility and quality through individual and systemic change.

Moderators and panelists will lead a discussion to address barriers, recognize the valuable contributions of both providers and patients, and collaboratively identify strategies to improve healthcare quality for people with disabilities.

WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
WHERE: Online on Zoom, register here: https://michmed.org/3Gz82
WHO: Healthcare providers, clinicians, and healthcare system staff

[Image descrption. MICHIGAN MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Center for Disability Health and Wellness

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
– REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

Social Justice Through a Disability Health Lens
This impactful event will include the premiere of a brief documentary series featuring personal interviews of African Americans living with disabilities and discussing their experiences in the healthcare system. Their narratives highlight the need to enhance accessibility and quality through individual and systemic change.

Moderators and panelists will lead a discussion to address barriers, recognize the valuable contributions of both providers and patients, and collaboratively identify strategies to improve healthcare quality for people with disabilities.

OBJECTIVES:
Facilitate Reflection and Meaningful Dialogue: Thoughtfully examine the healthcare experiences of African Americans with disabilities. Foster an open, engaging discussion that inspires curiosity, highlights innovative approaches, and nurtures self-awareness of the positive impact providers can have on disability health.

Co-Create Strategies for Equitable Care: Collaborate with clinicians and providers to co-create actionable strategies that promote inclusive practices and dismantle systemic barriers. Nurture a spirit of respect and engagement, inspiring shared commitment to implement meaningful changes in clinical care. Together, advance equity, safety, and respect for African Americans with disabilities.
We encourage you to contribute to the conversation as we explore new perspectives about disability healthcare.

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER
WHEN: Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
WHERE: Online on Zoom, register here: https://michmed.org/3Gz82
WHO: Healthcare providers, clinicians, and healthcare system staff

ASL interpretation and Zoom automated captions will be provided. You may request additional accommodations via the registration form. For questions, contact Andy Brosius at abrosius@med.umich.edu.

REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER
Health, Aging, and Physical Disability (RAPID)
Advancing Health Equity among Adults with Disabilities from Diverse Communities

REHABILITATION RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER
The Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Model System
Michigan Medicine • Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

Enhancing the Lives of People with SCI throughout Michigan

This webinar was supported by grants from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant 90RTHF0005 90RTHF0008 and 90SIMS0018).

michmed.org/disabilityhealth

End Image description.]

01/16/2026

Attention Parents of kids with disabilities! The LEAD Parent Program is here! Join a community of parents building power, strengthening advocacy skills, and creating change together. Apply now: Link to Apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJrBz2VJygRBotGnp1Os8_lpfjAUMuFJKdxjbE305-VtggGQ/viewform

📅 Starts: March 2026. Deadline to apply is January 23rd

Image Description: The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is accepting applications for its LEAD Parent Program, a leadership and advocacy program designed to build power within the disability community for parents who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). The flyer features the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition logo at the top and the LEAD logo in colorful lettering with a wheelchair icon. The program begins with a 2-day retreat on March 21–22, 2026, with meals and lodging provided, and includes a $175 stipend for attending the one-month program. Childcare and transportation assistance are available upon request. Parents will learn about disability pride, history, culture, and inclusion; supporting their child with disabilities; navigating the special education system; and self-advocacy. A blue “Apply Now” button and QR code link to the application at tinyurl.com/LEADPARENT26. At the bottom, the flyer includes the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MIDDC) logo, noting the program’s funding source, along with contact information for MDRC.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. m. EST on Friday, January 23, 2026 The purpose of this application is to find applicants who meet the grant requirement to participate in the LEAD Parent Program. This program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC) and is for parents/g...

01/13/2026

January is Muslim American Heritage Month. Governor Whitmer's proclamation honors the countless contributions of Muslim Americans to Michigan and our nation—from entrepreneurs and scientists to artists and activists.

This month, we're highlighting our Disability Identity video featuring Muslim women with disabilities discussing faith, culture, and disability.

Hala shares her journey toward disability pride: "My disability is actually something I should embrace, and it's not something that I should try to make invisible or run away from—because it brought me to this point."

She also challenges the narrative that disability needs to be "fixed": "My disability is not something that I want to be cured from... Would I really want to be cured? Probably not, because it led me to so many wonderful things."

Hala also offers this invitation: "Think about what you can do in your community to help make navigating the world more accessible... even if it's just leading an initiative on installing a ramp in your local mosque."

Disability justice starts in our own spaces.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rt338T-wMk

Read the proclamation: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2026/01/01/january-2026-muslim-american-heritage-month


[Image Description: Graphic with a gradient background transitioning from purple to orange on the left side. The LEAD logo appears in the upper left, with letters in purple, yellow, and black, featuring a wheelchair user icon integrated into the design. Below the logo reads "Programming at the intersection of Race and Disability." On the right side is a black and white photo of a smiling woman wearing a hijab. End Image Description.]

Namira Islam Anani moderates a discussion with Hala Alazzawi and Aziza Nassar about Disability Identity. This content was made possible by a grant from the M...

01/13/2026

[Image description: A graphic flyer with a photograph of Bob Kafka in the upper left corner. The text at the top reads,
"Celebrating the Life of Bob Kafka"

COME IN PERSON
January 31, 2026 / |-4 pm./ADAPT of Texas HQ
S. IH-35 Frontage Road,Austin, TX 78704 Bus routes #7 and #20
WATCH ONLINE*
January 3 I, 2026 2 -3 p.m.
Go to the ADAPT of Texas page

JOIN ON ZOOM #
January 3 I, 2026 2 -3 p.m.
Get instructions on ADAPTS homne page: adaptoftexas.org *For the memorial stories part of the program only.

On January 31, we celebrate Bob Kafka for many reasons.We remember the Bronx kid whose strong family roots were the foundation of his Iifelong sense of fairess and justice. We recall his service as a Vietnam vet. From his days at the University of Houston, we relish the deep and enduring friendships that have grown richer over decades and distance.We rejoice in Bob's nearly 40-year marriage to Stephanie Thomas his beloved and unflagging partner in, well, everything. We marvel at the chemistry that using these experiences and more made Bob Kafka an incomparable warrior for people with disabilities and their rightful places in our communities. Thousands of people worldwide celebrate Bob as a friend, mentor, encourager, teacher, problem-solver, policy wonk, organizer; clever civil disobedience leader, big picture guy and truth-to-power advocate.

SHARE YOUR BOB STORY! Share your favorite memories of Bob in a short video (three minutes max!). The videos will be shown during the memorial. Anyone can do a video. Here's how:
Record your own video using your phone or desktop camera.
IMPORTANT: If you do this, call or send email to Linda Litowsky for video tips and how to submit:
Phone: 5 I2-750-3 303 Email:
lindalitowsky@gmail.com

Get help recording a video. IMPORTANT; To set up a recording time, contact Josue Rodriguez: Phone: 9I5-449-3834
Email: adaptoftexas.media@gmail.com

Videos must be done by Friday, January 23, 5 p.m., CT.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MEMORIAL? Email ronniebonners@aol.com. End image description.]

01/01/2026

Nothing about us without us. For 43 years, this has been more than a slogan. It has been a promise.
2025 held everything a year can hold. Anger at systems that still fail our community. Pain that reminded us we are human. And pride. So much pride. And joy. Hard-won, fierce, beautiful joy.

We trained leaders. We advocated. We put assistive technology into the hands of people across every county in Michigan. We provided training on ableism, leadership, AT, pride, community and inclusion We worked alongside partners and as a team, showing up for one another and for you.

To our dear community reading this: we are grateful you are here.

We also mourn those we lost. Their absence we carry into the new year. Their voices, their work, their spirit remain part of everything we do.

May 2025 close with rest. May you find softness where you need it and strength where you seek it.

And may 2026 bring us back together. Feisty, non-compliant, and ready.

If our work has meant something to you this year, consider a gift to support disability justice in Michigan.

Donate:
networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=382435517

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition — Every County. Every Disability. Everyone.

In order for Network for Good to complete your online donation, your cookies must be enabled. You can enable Cookies by updating the Security and/or Privacy settings for your browser.

12/23/2025

In FY2025, the LFI staff provided training to almost 1000 people! Thank you to our partners from MOKA , Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness , Disability Advocates , and others for your commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities!

Help the work continue with a donation

networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=382435517

Image Description: Circular button with rainbow-colored design and the words ‘The Future Is Inclusive’ in bold white lettering. End description.

12/19/2025

The LFI team is planning something big for 2026! In January, we are kicking off our first-ever Alumni All-Star Cohort! Past ambassadors will come together to learn advanced advocacy skills and advocate together for issues important to the disability community.

Image description: A group of LFI Ambassadors and staff pose for a group picture. They are wearing dark blue shirts with the word LFI on them, along with a logo, and pose in front of a large screen. End of Image Description.

12/16/2025

The survey closes on Saturday, and only takes a few minutes to fill out! Thank you for your support!

Are you a person with disabilities who uses Assistive Technology (AT) tools in your daily life? Take our survey to share how you use AT and challenges you have experienced. We want to hear from you to learn how to make it easier to get AT tools to individuals with disabilities across Michigan.

This survey will remain open until December 19th! Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PF2QJVR

[ID: A tablet and a phone on a table. They have a voice assistant on their screen, text on screen: Hi! How can I help you? Text: Do you use assistive technology (AT) Tools? Take our survey!]