Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

04/02/2026

From Francisco Vaca, MDRC's Leadership for Inclusion Coordinator:

Happy World Autism Awareness Day.

I was a late diagnosis, receiving my autism diagnosis at 25. For years, I wondered why the hum of the refrigerator felt like a fractal pattern in my mind.

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” Autistic people are individuals, each with our own experiences, strengths, and needs. The same is true for me.

In college, I began giving presentations in Diversity in the Workplace courses about LGBTQ+ pride. At the time, I hid my autism diagnosis, believing I could only be seen by society through one identity instead of as my full self. Today, I’m grateful to be working at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, where I can show up authentically and be fully myself.

[Image Description: Frank, wearing shirts that read "Feisty and Non-compliant Michigan Disability Rights Coalition."]

04/01/2026

Today is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, and we’re feeling especially grateful for all they do in our community. A paraprofessional (often called a "para," teacher's aide or assistant) works with a licensed teacher to give one-on-one instruction and support to students with disabilities. Thank you paraprofessionals for all you do to work alongside disabled students so that we all get the education we need and deserve!

At MDRC, we support parents and self-advocates in working with paraprofessionals and navigating the education system overall. March 21-22 we launched a motivated cohort of parents who are dedicated to moving disability rights and justice forward as part of our LEAD training program. Learn more: https://mymdrc.org/mdrc-leadership-programs/




[Image description: A diverse group of 16 adults pose together in a conference room, smiling at the camera, wearing matching black T-shirts with “LEAD” printed on them. One person in front sits in a wheelchair, with others seated beside them and the rest standing behind. A large screen behind the group reads “LEAD Parent Program” with a wheelchair symbol, and handwritten posters on the walls list topics like community agreements and resources.]

03/31/2026

Save the Date for Latino Legislative Advocacy Day- April 30th

03/31/2026

𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Join the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) for an evening focused on building access, opportunity, and advocacy for every child.

🗓 April 9, 2026
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 PM
📍 Kalamazoo County Land Bank (1523 Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49004)

Whether you're new to special education or looking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this session will help you better understand your rights and how to take action!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧:
✔️ The IEP process (Child Find & Eligibility)
✔️ Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
✔️ Effective advocacy strategies
✔️ Dispute resolution options
✔️ Current challenges facing students and families

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
✨ Interactive gallery walk featuring local special education data
✨ Snacks & community connection
✨ Opportunities to take action for collective impact

Presenter: Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education (AAoM)

In partnership with:
MiPAAC
Michigan Transformation Collective
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Michigan Alliance for Families
Disability Network Southwest Michigan

📩 Questions? Email: Education@aaomi.org

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/Kzoo-April9-register

03/31/2026

Spring has sprung! Have you checked out a Tech Tuesday yet? Now's the perfect time to plan for gardening season. To find out more about AT for gardening, be sure to register for Tech Tuesday AT for Gardening and Outdoor recreation in May: ATforGardenAndRec.eventbrite.com

[Video description: AT Specialist Laura demonstrates the seeding square in her raised garden bed at home.]

03/27/2026

We're Hiring: Disability Inclusion Trainer & Community Engagement Specialist

Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is looking for a knowledgeable, community-driven professional to lead our disability inclusion training program. This full-time, in-office East Lansing position is for someone who brings deep knowledge of the disability community. Who can sit at the table in statewide access-focused workgroups and long-term MOU-based access projects, build a compelling library of trainings and resources for nonprofits and businesses across Michigan, manage fee-for-service client relationships from first inquiry through contract completion, and facilitate meaningful and compelling trainings.

This is not a behind-the-scenes role. You will represent MDRC in the community; provide virtual and in-person trainings, host and facilitate events, serve as a spokesperson across media, including radio, television, and podcasts, and be the person partners call when they need support. This role is for someone who shows up, follows through, and is as comfortable facilitating a training as they are picking up the phone or jumping on a zoom.

Evening and weekend availability is required. Statewide travel up to 40% of the time. All duties performed with or without accommodations.

Salary: $55,000 – $65,000 annually | Location: Lansing, MI (in-office required) | Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week | Reports to: Executive Director

Applications are due April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled before the close date.

For questions or to request a reasonable accommodation during the application process, email MDRCemployment@mymdrc.org

The full job posting is available on MDRC's website.

Employment We're Hiring: Disability Inclusion Trainer & Community Engagement Specialist Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is looking for a knowledgeable, community-driven professional to lead our disability inclusion training program. This full-time, in-office East Lansing position is for someone...

03/23/2026

Mar 25, 2026
Happy National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day! National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month (March) and Day (March 25th) was originally created by families with bi-partisan US Congressional support in 2006 to raise awareness about the public health need for more cerebral palsy research, and improved healthcare across the lifespan of people with Cerebral Palsy. MDRC staff members Laura and Feliece wear green to celebrate their disabilities.

Image description: Feliece and Laura pose together wearing different shades of green. Laura is sitting in a wheelchair and Feliece is standing next to her with her hand on her hip.

End Description

03/18/2026

03/17/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Bridget Hayman to our team as the Communications and Development Director!

MDRC's Executive Director, Theresa Metzmaker, said, "People with disabilities lead MDRC's work as staff, as advocates, and as the people driving change in our communities. We are thrilled to have Bridget join us to help amplify our leaders, our education, and our work so more people across Michigan can know and feel its impact."

Bridget is a lifelong disability advocate and wheelchair user with 25 years of experience in communications and fundraising. Most recently, she led communications at Access Living in Chicago (a disability service and advocacy organization run and led by disabled people.) There, she built a specialized digital accessibility team led entirely by disabled professionals. A highlight of her career was helping to pass laws to end the subminimum wage for disabled workers.

Bridget recently moved to New Buffalo, MI and is excited to help MDRC share our story and grow our impact across Michigan.

Please join us in welcoming Bridget!

[Image description: An image says, "Welcome to the Team, Bridget Hayman, Communications and Development Director. " Headshot of Bridget Hayman, a white woman with long brown hair. Bridget is sitting, casually leaning her cheek in her hand and smiling into the camera. The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition logo appears in the upper right corner. End image description.]

03/17/2026

Join The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies on Wednesday, March 25, for a webinar and discussion led by the author of “Disabled Power: A Storm, A Grid, and Embodied Harm in the Age of Disaster,” Angela Frederick! Angela will share stories from her newly released book about Texans with disabilities who endured the 2021 Texas power crisis during Winter Storm Yuri.
Register now: https://qrco.de/DisabledPowerWebinar
ASL interpretation and CART captions will be provided.

[Image Description: Graphic reads "Webinar: Disabled Power: A Storm, a Grid, and Embodied Harm in the Age of Disaster. Join us for a discussion led by Angela Frederick, who will share stories from her newly released book about Texans with disabilities who endured the 2021 Texas power crisis. Wed., March 25, 1-2pm ET. Zoom. ASL + CART Captions provided. Register Now https://qrco.de/disabledpowerwebinar.” On the right side is a portrait of Angela Frederick. The Partnership logo appears at the top. End Image Description.]

03/09/2026

This month, we’re highlighting All-Star Cohort member Nikola—an advocate for disability, neurodiverse, q***r, and human rights justice. In his own words, Nikola reminds us why advocacy and access matters.
Leadership Programs at MDRC make space for advocates like Nikola to grow their leadership, sharpen their voices, and turn passion into action. This is the final year of the LFI & LEAD programming, funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Program. Your support helps ensure advocates like Nikola continue to receive training, mentorship, and accessible leadership opportunities, now and beyond this final year. Give today and help disability-led leadership keep moving forward. https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=382435517

Image Description: The top of the image says “Meet LFI Ambassador.”
Below that it says “Nikola, he/him – Disability Advocate and LFI Ambassador.”

On the right side of the image there is a portrait photo of Nikola. Nikola is a young person with short dark hair. They are wearing a blue and black plaid shirt and looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The photo is inside a round frame with a green border.

On the left side of the image there is a long quote from Nikola. In the quote, Nikola explains that he is an advocate for disability rights, neurodiversity, q***r rights, and human rights. He says speaking up for people who cannot safely speak for themselves is very important to him.

Nikola also shares that he is studying to become a Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist. He talks about some of his interests, including:

Animals and animal welfare

Art and drawing

Role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Stardew Valley, and Dungeons & Dragons

At the bottom of the graphic is the LFI (Leaders for Inclusion) logo.

The design uses dark blue, white, and bright green colors, with small triangle decorations on the right side. ✨

End of Image description

03/06/2026

Coming in April during Black Maternal Health Week, this public training centers Black mothers with disabilities and Black mothers caring for children with disabilities. The session explores the intersections of race, disability, maternal health, caregiving, and advocacy, while examining how racism and ableism shape systems of care—and how sharing our stories can drive collective change for Black families.
Date: Friday, April 17th, 2026
Location: Zoom
Link to register: https://leadblackdisabledmotherhood.eventbrite.com

The LEAD Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council (MiDDC)

[Image Description: A promotional flyer with a warm beige background and brown text for a virtual event titled “Black Motherhood & Disability: Care, Access and Joy.” Logos for the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, LEAD, and the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council appear at the top. The text explains that the session centers Black mothers with disabilities and Black mothers of children with disabilities, exploring how racism and ableism affect maternal health, parenting, and access to care. It notes that, in honor of Black Maternal Health Week 2026’s theme, “Rooted in Joy,” the event celebrates joy as a source of strength, resistance, and pride. Event details list Friday, April 17th, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 PM on Zoom, with an online registration link. A blue button reads “Register Today!” The flyer states that ASL and CART captioning will be provided and that the LEAD Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. In the bottom right corner, an illustration shows a Black mother using a wheelchair holding hands with a young child, both facing away. end Image Description]