Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

11/07/2025

Today, we remember Norm.

Join us to celebrate the life of Norman DeLisle Jr.

Jill Gerrie invites you to honor Norm's memory over lunch on Thursday, November 7th at 1:00 PM at One North Kitchen and Bar (1310 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI).

When describing himself, Norm led with what mattered most: hubby to Jill. He also described himself as a dog owner, advocate, strategist, trainer, and geezer. To all of us, he was a powerful voice for disability rights and justice for five decades - and a friend.

Please join us to share memories, laughter, and stories.

Lunch will be provided. RSVP is appreciated for planning but not required to attend: https://tinyurl.com/NormDeLisle

At Jill's request, donations in Norm's memory may be made to Michigan Disability Rights Coalition: https://tinyurl.com/wbv6emrj

[Image Description. A memorial invitation with an elegant dark design featuring decorative floral line drawings in gold and gray tones in each corner of the image. At the top left is a circular black and white photograph of Norman DeLisle Jr., an older man with white hair wearing a plaid button-down shirt, smiling warmly at the camera. The photo is framed with a white circular border. To the right of the photo, in gold italic serif font, it reads "In Loving Memory of" followed by "Norman DeLisle Jr." in large white serif font. Below this, centered on a dark gray to black gradient background, the following text appears in white: "NOVEMBER 7TH, 1:00 PM" "ONE NORTH KITCHEN AND BAR 1310 ABBOT ROAD EAST LANSING, MI" "Join us to celebrate Norm's life over lunch. Share your memories, laughter, and stories as we honor his memory." In italics: "Lunch provided" A thin horizontal gold line separates the sections. In gold text: "RSVP APPRECIATED FOR PLANNING BUT NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND" "HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NORMDELISLE" Another thin horizontal gold line. In white text: "In Norm's memory, donations may be made to:" In gold text: "Michigan Disability Rights Coalition" End Image Description.]

11/07/2025

Partner Organizations: We Want to Hear from You!

We’re inviting you and your team to take part in a short survey about Assistive Technology (AT). Our goal is to better understand how service providers across Michigan support individuals in accessing AT.

We’d appreciate your help in two ways:
1. Complete the survey to share your own experiences and insights.
2. Share the survey with staff who work directly with individuals using or seeking assistive technology in your community.

Your input will help identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to improve AT training, resources, and service coordination across Michigan.

The survey is voluntary, takes about 10 minutes, and all responses are confidential. Only summary findings will be shared to highlight trends and guide improvements.

👉Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JXVDDFS

After collecting feedback from partner organizations, we’ll follow up with a second survey for the individuals you serve to share their own experiences with assistive technology.

Thank you for helping make assistive technology more accessible and better connected across Michigan!

[Image description: a cartoon of 10 people and a service dog smiling together, a few are holding phones or tablets and the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition logo. Text: Partner Organizations: We want to hear from you! We're inviting you and your team to take part in a short survey about Assistive Technology (AT). End text and image description.]

11/06/2025

If you saw our share last week about the special education report put out by the Autism Alliance of Michigan, this week we are sharing this follow up article. MDRC’s Youth and Young Adult Advocate, Casey Stratton, continues to work with community stakeholders and other organizations to push toward a better funding model in Michigan. Now more than ever it will be important that we continue to protect special education for our kids with disabilities.

Without reform, the report says, the state will continue to leave students behind academically and socially and unprepared for the future.

11/06/2025

Did you know that November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month?

Assistive technology (AT) is any tool, software or app that can help people with disabilities, including older adults, do what they want to do. The Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) offers free trainings, device demonstrations, short- and long-term loans, and a no-cost reuse program to help people connect with assistive technology that supports everyday life.

This month is the perfect time to explore MATP's new website, Mi-AT.org
— designed to make it easier than ever to discover assistive technology by category, browse their lending library, and contact MATP for demonstrations and resources.

Every state has an Assistive Technology Program, making resources available nationwide. If you live outside Michigan, you can find your state’s program here: https://at3center.net/state-at-programs/

[Image description: A flyer for Assistive Technology Awareness month with text: Assistive Technology Awareness Month. Assistive technology (AT) is any tool, software or app that can help people with disabilities, including older adults, do what they want to do. Learn more at Mi-AT.org. End text. There is 4 pictures in a square and the MATP logo: 1. An older woman in a recliner smiling with a roku remote to her left and a companion pet in her lap. 2. A child using a switch adapted device. 3. An older man sitting with his arm outstretched using a blood pressure cuff on a table. 4. An older man with a helmet on standing next to an e-bike, smiling and giving a thumbs up. End image description.]

11/04/2025

There's still time to sign up for the MDA Conference! Details can be found in the link below:

10/30/2025

Did you know that MDRC has a focus on advocacy for youth with disabilities? Our Youth and Young Adult Advocate, Casey Stratton, has been working with youth for over 13 years. He is keeping his eye on the constantly changing landscape of these times. One area of focus is Special Education.

Last year, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) released the Statewide Special Education Experience (SEE) Survey: Report to the Community — a first-of-its-kind effort in nearly a decade to elevate the lived experiences of Michigan students with disabilities, their parents, and caregivers.

With nearly 900 responses statewide, the SEE Survey revealed persistent barriers within our special education system, from funding inequities and denied access to services to limited inclusion and inconsistent family engagement.

Use the link below to read AAoM's recent post about the survey where you can find links to the survey and other education initiatives. Image descriptions and additional links on photo posts and in the comments.

https://www.facebook.com/MiPAAC/posts/pfbid02yeNKuFETcTLgPAHr1xAMEKVSJARejZxQay96GdjbvbyNCznrREMcNnggLZgKxJTal

10/27/2025

10/27/2025

🌟 Meet Ali, a proud Leaders Engaged in Advocacy and Development (LEAD) Program graduate! As a person with a disability and parent of a disabled child, Ali is a fierce advocate and organizer. She advocates for Black Businesses, Moms in the workforce, and more inclusive communities and work spaces. Ali hosts a monthly Black Business Mixer and shares community resources.

🗣️Quote: “Participating in the Spring 2024 LEAD cohort was a transformative experience. I gained powerful insights into disability history and the systemic barriers we continue to face. The program connected me with a supportive community and affirmed the importance of shared experiences in advocacy. It strengthened my commitment to advancing accessibility and inclusion in every space I’m in.”
As an entrepreneur, Ali is championing Black-owned and grassroots businesses, creating spaces that uplift community and culture. Beyond business, she is a dedicated mother of a child with a disability and a tireless advocate for both adults and children with disabilities.
Ali shows us what it means to build power, lead with lived experience, and create change for marginalized communities with disabilities. Her journey reflects the impact of starting at the grassroots level and moving upward — from the basics of community support to the heart of advocacy. 💪🏾✨
Join us in celebrating this incredible leader and advocate!

Image Description: Ali, dressed in a black sweater and jeans, stands with her daughter in a yellow floral dress at the Grassroots Giving Lansing table.

10/23/2025

Join us to celebrate the life of Norman DeLisle Jr.

Jill Gerrie invites you to honor Norm's memory over lunch on Thursday, November 7th at 1:00 PM at One North Kitchen and Bar (1310 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI).

When describing himself, Norm led with what mattered most: hubby to Jill. He also described himself as a dog owner, advocate, strategist, trainer, and geezer. To all of us, he was a powerful voice for disability rights and justice for five decades - and a friend.

Please join us to share memories, laughter, and stories.

Lunch will be provided. RSVP is appreciated for planning but not required to attend: https://tinyurl.com/NormDeLisle

At Jill's request, donations in Norm's memory may be made to Michigan Disability Rights Coalition: https://tinyurl.com/wbv6emrj

[Image Description. A memorial invitation with an elegant dark design featuring decorative floral line drawings in gold and gray tones in each corner of the image. At the top left is a circular black and white photograph of Norman DeLisle Jr., an older man with white hair wearing a plaid button-down shirt, smiling warmly at the camera. The photo is framed with a white circular border. To the right of the photo, in gold italic serif font, it reads "In Loving Memory of" followed by "Norman DeLisle Jr." in large white serif font. Below this, centered on a dark gray to black gradient background, the following text appears in white: "NOVEMBER 7TH, 1:00 PM" "ONE NORTH KITCHEN AND BAR 1310 ABBOT ROAD EAST LANSING, MI" "Join us to celebrate Norm's life over lunch. Share your memories, laughter, and stories as we honor his memory." In italics: "Lunch provided" A thin horizontal gold line separates the sections. In gold text: "RSVP APPRECIATED FOR PLANNING BUT NOT REQUIRED TO ATTEND" "HTTPS://TINYURL.COM/NORMDELISLE" Another thin horizontal gold line. In white text: "In Norm's memory, donations may be made to:" In gold text: "Michigan Disability Rights Coalition" End Image Description.]

10/21/2025

🌟 Leaders Engaged in Advocacy and Development (LEAD) is proud to celebrate graduate, Leandra. Leandra continues to grow her leadership and impact — Leandra served as a panelist in two of LEAD’s public trainings centering Latinx communities with disabilities. She expanded her advocacy by sharing her story as a Latina woman with a disability and a parent of a child with disability. She also co-facilitated our 2025 Latinx Parent Cohort alongside LEAD’s bilingual advocate, working to support Spanish-speaking families with disabilities.
Her journey reflects what LEAD is all about: building power, sharing her lived experience, her knowledge, and breaking barriers. ✨ Leandra continues to be a committed advocate of the LEAD program and a strong voice for Latinx communities with disabilities.
💪🏽 Join us in celebrating her dedication and impact!


Image Description: A photo of Leandra at the LEAD Creating Change event. She is smiling while accepting her LEAD graduation certificate. She uses forearm crutches and is wearing a tan blazer and a black top.

10/20/2025

MDRC Staff took time this morning to remember our colleague, friend, and mentor Norm DeLisle. Staff contributed images and words that captured Norm. Do you have words you would add? Feel free to share them in the comments - we would love to hear your words!

[Image Description: This is a memorial collage titled "Remembering Norm" with "Support Disabilities Rights" written in cursive in the top right corner. The layout consists of various text boxes, sticky notes, and images arranged in a collage style across the page.
Main Title: "Remembering Norm" in large text at the top center
Text elements throughout the collage include: "Ohhhhh GAWD!", "Supportive of projects and ideas", "Friend", "Leader", "Quiet Confidence", "Knowledgeable", "Brain research", "Sharing stories", "War stories", "Advocacy in the trenches days", "Power corrupts", "Salt on pizza", "Supplement ideas", "Medical advice", "Denim shirt", "Bacteria stuffies", "Deep empathy", "Brilliant", "Helpful", "Ex-Catholic", "Story teller", "Wise", "Kind", "Extremely knowledgible", "Brain sponge", "dog lover", "very open & accepting & supportive of everyone", "dedicated", "unending wealth of stories and life experiences", "blue denim shirts", "Cool, calm, and collected", "Powerful/Impactful", "book reader/EVERYTHING reader", "Fascinated by AI", "Authentic", "Random medical knowledge", "Advocate", "Disability Pride", "Stories for days - any problem you had he had encountered and had words of wisdom", "Loved his dogs and his wife", "So much Knowledge", "Curator of information", "Had the best stories", "So much information on Recovery and the Peer Program", "Very supportive of marganized communities", "Fidget Lover!", "AI Expert", "Thoughtful partner and husband", "Intentional", "Mentor", "powerful advocate", "role model/mentor", "Roundabout storyteller", "Often the smartest person in the room." with "+1" notation, "Jean Shirt/MDRC Logo, Jean Pants White Sneakers", "MDRC historian", "never seemed to be in a bad mood/always good spirits" with "+1", "Unafraid to tell it like it is", "Deep Listener", "Discussions about life and science", "Model of Leadership".
Quote: "I left every meeting and interaction with Norm having learned something new, I always appreciated that"
Central area includes text reading "With Liberty and Access for All", MDRC logo with "100% Authentic" badge, image of a denim shirt, rainbow pride flag image, disability pride flag (diagonal striped flag), small cartoon bacteria characters with faces, "DID YOU KNOW?" text, heart symbols scattered throughout, brain illustration, banana/slug-like character illustration, "FUN FACT" text with decorative elements, and small icons including books labeled "GAMES".
The overall design creates a vibrant memorial tribute that celebrates Norm's life, advocacy work, knowledge, and impact on others through a collection of memories, characteristics, and visual elements. End Image Description.]

10/20/2025

💼 October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)!
For BIPOC people with disabilities, employment often comes with extra barriers — from hiring discrimination to lack of culturally inclusive workplace supports. Yet, every day, BIPOC leaders with disabilities are shaping industries, challenging inequities, and redefining what leadership looks like.
At LEAD, we believe employment is about more than a paycheck — it’s about dignity, opportunity, and building power for our communities. ✊🏾✊🏽✊🏿
➡️ This month, let’s commit to breaking barriers and creating workplaces where BIPOC people with disabilities can thrive.


A Black woman in a wheelchair works at her desk, focused on dual monitors displaying an invoice and a spreadsheet, showing dedication and professionalism in the workplace.