Michigan Disability Rights Coalition

10/14/2026

Every eligible voter has the right to a private and independent vote, and for voters with disabilities, accessibility is part of that right. Theresa Metzmaker, with the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, said voters have the right to access accommodations without questions asked.

“You do need to be informed so that you can say, no, that’s my right. And you also know who to reach out to if you do run into troubles,” Metzmaker said.

Every eligible voter has the right to a private and independent vote, and for voters with disabilities, accessibility is part of that right.

10/13/2026

Ever wish there was an easier way to tackle tasks in the kitchen?
There may be an assistive technology tool that can help.

Join the Michigan Assistive Technology Program and the Illinois Assistive Technology Program for Tech Tuesday: Assistive Technology for Cooking and Eating. Cooking can be complex, time-sensitive, and physically demanding. For disabled people, preparing and eating meals may come with added challenges. The right tool or strategy can make cooking, and eating easier, safer, and less stressful. In this webinar, they'll share examples of low- and high-tech assistive technology for the kitchen and dining, along with tools and strategies that can support your daily routines.

This Tech Tuesday take place Tuesday, October 20th from 10 a.m. to Noon. Register here: https://atforcookingandeating.eventbrite.com/
ASL and CART captioning will be provided.

[Image description: A flyer for Tech Tuesday. At the top is a large purple rounded rectangle with white text: “Tech Tuesday: Assistive Technology for Cooking and Eating”.
Below the title, on the left side, is a large block of purple text that reads:
“Daily meal preparation can be challenging for anyone. Cooking can be complex, time-sensitive, and physically demanding. For disabled people, preparing and eating meals may come with added challenges. The right tool or strategy can make cooking, eating, and mealtime easier, safer, and less stressful. In this webinar, we’ll share examples of low- and high-tech assistive technology for the kitchen and dining, along with tools and strategies that can support your daily routines.”
On the right side are three overlapping circular photographs outlined in purple and orange. The top photograph shows kitchen items including a measuring cup, bowl, and egg. The middle photograph shows a person using an adaptive cutting board to slice vegetables. The bottom photograph shows a liquid level indicator being used with a glass of water.
Below the main description is an orange rounded rectangle with white text. The heading reads:
“Presenters: Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) and Aimee Sterk, LMSW
MATP Program Director.”
Near the bottom center is a calendar icon followed by:
“Tuesday, October 20
10 am- Noon”
Along the bottom are three logos: MATP (Michigan Assistive Technology Program), IATP (Illinois Assistive Technology Program), IATP TECH KITCHEN (Plan, Prep, Cook).]

10/13/2026

MDRC joins the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) and Abdnour Weiker LLP, along with many organizations across the state representing families, students, and disability advocates, in calling on the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to withdraw its proposal to eliminate an existing protection for students with disabilities known as the “Stay Put” provision and to engage affected communities before moving forward. The call comes as MDE holds public hearings today (one virtual and one in-person in Lansing) on proposed changes to the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, or MARSE.

At issue is Rule 340.1853(4), which directs MDE, under specified circumstances, to preserve a student’s educational status, placement and services while a state special education complaint is being investigated. Without that safeguard, a student’s services or placement could change during that time, and by the time a decision is reached, a student may have lost critical instruction or services, experienced academic, behavioral or emotional regression, been excluded from school or been placed in an environment unable to meet their needs. Learn more about today’s public hearings and opportunities to submit a written public comment.

Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 8, 2022.

10/12/2026

Disability crosses cultures and communities, but access to information and support isn't always easy. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we're celebrating the importance of making disability information, resources, and advocacy accessible to all through building relationships with community organizations like La Casa Guadalupana. Earlier this fall, MDRC was invited by La Casa Guadalupana in Detroit to lead a training for 13 parents of children with disabilities, including two fathers. We explored disability history and pride, advocating for children in special education, assistive technology, alternatives to guardianship, and moving from shame to pride by using our voices to challenge stigma.

This partnership grew out of MDRC's Spanish-language LEAD parent cohort in April, which La Casa Guadalupana's director attended. Thank you to La Casa Guadalupana and the parents who joined us for this important conversation!



[Image description: Group photo of people smiling and posing together in a classroom at La Casa Guadalupana in Detroit following an MDRC training for parents of children with disabilities. A screen behind the group displays the LEAD program logo. LEAD is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.]

10/12/2026

Michigan’s general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and the required early voting period runs October 24 through November 1. Start with Michigan.gov/Vote to check your registration, find your polling place or early voting location (so you can map out a plan well in advance to get there), learn about absentee voting, and find your local clerk. Then, check out the accessible options available to help disabled voters participate privately and independently.

Those options include:

An accessible electronic absentee ballot, which can be marked using your own computer and assistive technology, then printed and returned

A Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) when voting in person

Curbside voting if you are unable to enter your voting location

Help marking your ballot from a person you choose, with some exceptions under election law

One in-person voting option we especially want more people to know about is the Voter Assist Terminal. Any voter can ask to use a VAT at an early voting site or polling place. You do not have to explain why you want to use one. It offers accessible ways to mark your ballot privately and independently. Learn more: https://www.michiganvoting.org/voter-assist-terminal

[Image description: A voting graphic shows a Black man who uses a wheelchair using a Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) touchscreen. Large colorful text reads, “The polls are open for everyone.” A blue banner includes the Disability Justice Alliance (DJA) logo and reads, “See how the VAT makes voting in person easier” and “Paid for by the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.” MDRC is proud to work with the Disability Justice Alliance and a coalition of partners to spread awareness that VATs are available at every polling place.]

10/09/2026

MDRC Board Member, and Attorney and Partner at Abdnour Weiker LLP, Liz Abdnour writes about protecting disabled students' rights in this week's news. From the article: "For years, Michigan’s special education rules have authorized (the) Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to protect a student’s educational program during a state complaint investigation. Now, after acknowledging that it stopped using that authority 'many years ago,' MDE is proposing to eliminate the provision altogether. The answer to failing to enforce a protection is not to erase it."

The department’s decision not to use a safeguard should not become the rationale for erasing it.

10/05/2026

MDRC in the news!

Alyssa Miller says her 5-year-old son, Santana, is nonverbal and autistic, meaning he can’t tell a stranger his name or where he lives.

10/05/2026

Join the Michigan Department of Civil Rights as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! During this engaging webinar, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Job Accommodation Network will discuss disability disclosure and workplace accommodations. Disability rights advocates will also share their personal experiences with navigating workplace accommodations. Job seekers, employees, and employers will find value in this session.

📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
🕒 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
📍Virtual Via Zoom | Registration here: https://ow.ly/6jt650ZMF2o
This year's theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent: Personal Journeys in Navigating Workplace Accommodations”

ASL interpreting services will be provided by Sarah Houston and Yakata Nichols along with live CART captioning. If a different accommodation is required, please e-mail Tiara McKenzie at [email protected] by no later than October 1, 2026.

10/02/2026

MDRC's Executive Director Theresa Metzmaker this week attended the ACMH - Association for Children's Mental Health (Michigan) 36th Annual Conference in Lansing. This year's theme, "We Are the Eyes of the World", highlighted the strengths, stories, and experiences of young people and families. True disability inclusion means recognizing mental health needs, reducing stigma, ensuring access to support, and listening to young people and families as experts in their own lives. Thank you, ACMH, for bringing these important voices together.

[Image description: A program for the Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) 36th Annual Conference rests on a table beside a cup of coffee, a small blue toy and a silver pinecone. The program features red roses and the conference theme, “We Are the Eyes of the World: Seeing the Strengths, Stories, and Wisdom Around Us.”]

10/01/2026

"Learn about the accessible voting tools available across the state. Find out what is on your ballot and how it affects you. Make a plan now that fits your needs, whether that is voting absentee, voting early in person, or going to your polling place on Election Day. Access is our right. Our choices are our own. Every disabled voter deserves the chance to participate." -- Theresa Metzmaker, Executive Director, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition https://tinyurl.com/2xnpwsxm

[Image description: Close-up photo of MDRC Executive Director Theresa Metzmaker, a smiling white woman with light brown hair pulled back, wearing a dark blue shirt.]