Disability Network Southwest Michigan

04/22/2026

Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community. Today's post rides on three wheels and a whole lot of creativity! 🚲✨

Our friend Mark Jozwicki, a Portage resident, created a three-wheeled Personal Terrain Vehicle (PTV) so people with disabilities can experience the joy of motorized riding. A former biker, Mark knows that the joy and freedom of riding should be accessible to people with and without disabilities alike. We loved having Mark out to DNSWM in October to test out his prototype!

🔗 Check out WWMT's coverage of this story here: https://loom.ly/v7fQkog

A Portage resident invented a "Personal Terrain Vehicle" for those with disabilities or mobility restrictions to enjoy his former hobby of motorcycle riding.

04/21/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

Last week, April 15, was National American Sign Language Day. Did you know ASL is not simply signed English? It is its own complete language, with its own grammar, sentence structure, and cultural nuances. It can also vary by region, much like spoken languages and dialects.

Recognizing ASL as a distinct language helps deepen our understanding of Deaf culture and communication access needs. 🤟

ID: Disability Network Southwest Michigan logo; text: Tip Tuesday. Did you know American Sign Language (ASL) is not simply signed English? It is its own complete language, with its own grammar and sentence structure. It can vary by region, much like spoken languages.

04/16/2026

The next Book Club is coming up on Wednesday, May 20 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Kalamazoo Public Library (in the Board Room at the downtown location).

This month we’ll be discussing The Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, a beautiful, offbeat, and thought-provoking novel that opens the door for conversation about identity, belonging, routine, and what society calls “normal.”

New this month: If joining in person isn’t the best fit for you for any reason, there is now a link available to request participation via Zoom. The same link can also be used to submit any accommodation requests. There's no need to register if you plan to attend in person.

🔗 Find details and submit your request here ➡️ https://loom.ly/kC08UIY

All are welcome, and we’d love to talk about this book with you.

ID: The book cover of the novel The Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata, on a light blue background with large white text and a small black fish-shaped soy sauce bottle with a red cap. Text: Book Club.

04/15/2026

Every Wednesday, we share good news from DN and our community.

We recently received one of the BEST emails from Laura, mom of 8-year-old Jude, who sent along his drawing after seeing our billboards in Kalamazoo. ✨

His message says it perfectly: “Disability is not a bad word.” Thank you, Jude, for helping spread this message! We love your drawing and appreciate you making our Wednesday brighter! 🖤🤍

ID: A child's handwriting on a dry erase board, "Disability is NOT a bad word" and an image of an 8-year-old boy with blonde hair, standing in front of a digital background of clouds in a blue sky. Text: : Disability is not a bad word.

04/14/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

Oftentimes, we see a puzzle piece symbol used to represent members of the Autistic Community. However, many Autistic people actually reject the puzzle piece symbol because it suggests Autistic people are “missing something” or need to be fixed. The rainbow infinity loop is an alternate symbol of human neurodiversity that can be used. A gold infinity loop may also be used to represent Autism specifically.

ID: Disability Network Southwest Michigan logo. A rainbow infinity loop symbol; text: Tip Tuesday. The rainbow infinity loop is a current symbol of human neurodiversity, often preferred by people with Autism.

04/11/2026

👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Did you know? The 2010 ADA regulations clarified the difference between a wheelchair and other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD).

Power wheelchairs must generally be allowed anywhere the public is permitted to go, while devices such as power scooters or golf carts may be evaluated based on legitimate safety requirements. This helps ensure people who rely on mobility devices have access to businesses and public spaces.

See: https://adata.org/factsheet/wheelchairs


Michigan Assistive Technology Program
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Assistive Technology Loan

04/09/2026

: On Thursdays we highlight something or someone we're thankful for.

Check out Mackie, a service dog pup in training who recently stopped by our office in Kalamazoo! 😍🐾🐕‍🦺

Today we're thankful for protections for service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The last Wednesday of April is International Guide Dog Day, which is a day to recognize the incredible partnership between guide dogs and their handlers. We have so much gratitude for the work that handlers and service dog trainers put into getting four-legged friends trained and able to provide a wide variety of supports to people across a wide spectrum of disabilities.

Do you know the differences between service and guide dogs (or miniature horses) and emotional support animals? Join us on April 15 or April 23 to learn the Do’s and Don’ts of Assistance Animals!

4/15, 2:30-4:00 PM ➡️ https://loom.ly/X6cGR4w
4/23, 10:00-11:30 AM ➡️ https://loom.ly/0v7a-RA

ID: A black doodle puppy, service animal in training, wearing an orange service animal vest.

04/08/2026

Don't forget that the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival starts tomorrow! This is a multi-day poetry festival held every other year, offering guest poets, workshops, readings, craft talks, and other activities. Events are free and open to the public.

The following events will have ASL interpretation:
💠 Celebration of Community Poets - April 9, 2026, 6:30-8:30 PM at Crawlspace Comedy Theatre
💠Finale Reading and Reception - April 11, 2026, 5:00-7:00 PM at Cori Terry Theatre and Black Arts and Cultural Center located inside the Epic Center

ID: A woman reading from her phone, sharing poetry into a microphone; text: Upcoming Accessible Event. Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. ASL interpretation for 4/9 & 4/11 events!

04/08/2026

Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community.

Today we're spotlighting an upcoming opportunity for people with disabilities in Allegan. Join The Arc of Allegan County and the Allegan Area ESA for their Self-Advocacy Conference. This is a fun, engaging day designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, confidence, and connection!

More about the 2026 Self Advocacy Conference: https://loom.ly/spSxZUA

Friday, April 24, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join The Arc of Allegan County and The Allegan Area ESA for our Self-Advocacy Conference — a fun, engaging day designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, confidence, and connection!   Attendees will p...

04/07/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

Brains work in many different ways, and that’s part of being human. 🧠

Understanding different ways people think, process information, and communicate helps build stronger communities.

Want to learn more? Join us virtually tomorrow for Intro to Neurodiversity. Register here: https://loom.ly/S3r9dWg

ID: Disability Network Southwest Michigan logo. Four individual brain graphics, each differing in shape, color, and appearance; text: Tip Tuesday. Different brains. Different strengths.

04/07/2026

April is World Autism Awareness Month. This month, we’re sharing practical tips and learning opportunities that highlight different ways people think, communicate, and experience the world. We’re glad you’re here to learn with us. ♾️

ID: A rainbow infinity symbol; text: Autism Awareness Month.

04/06/2026

! Every first Monday of the month we'll introduce you to someone on our team. Today we're introducing you to Jackie, Director of Advocacy & Independent Living Services.

Something Jackie loves about DNSWM is her team. She has a lot of pride in the way they collaborate and work together, all to support customers in achieving greater independence and meeting their goals. She noted that, collectively, the team members have 68 years of experience working to change lives in our community! 🤩

A fun fact about Jackie is that she used to own a health food store in Benton Harbor! We're so glad she moved on to human services and DNSWM, because advocacy and changing people's lives is what Jackie truly does best.

ID: Staff member Jackie, a white woman with grey hair and glasses, sitting outside. Text: Spotlight on Our Dedicated Team. Jackie Curtis, Director of Advocacy & Independent Living Services. "The thing I love about working at DN is working with a great team, walking alongside our customers as they reach their goals. In 2026, our team will collectively have 68 years working together, changing lives. Got to love that!"