Disability Network Southwest Michigan

06/03/2026

Every Wednesday we share good things happening here at DN or in the Disability Community.

And the Emmy goes to... Father/son duo Samuel and Dan Habib! The codirectors just received an Emmy for their documentary, The Ride Ahead. The film follows Samuel, a young man with a rare GNAO1 Neurodevelopmental Disorder causing cerebral palsy and epilepsy, as he steps into adulthood. Along the way, it explores community, relationships, independence, and the many different ways people build meaningful lives.

The Ride Ahead highlights the importance of disabled people telling their own stories. Congratulations to Samuel, Dan, and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition! 🎬✨

Watch Samuel's acceptance speech: https://loom.ly/1KojE4o

The Ride Ahead took home the Emmy® for Outstanding Social Issues Documentary! Co-directors Samuel and Dan Habib and co-producer Erica Lupinacci proudly accep...

06/02/2026

Be sure to catch one of our free Community Education webinars taking place in June!

🔗Visit our Zoom Events hub for info and registration for all upcoming DNSWM webinars: https://loom.ly/03YNsU4

ID: Text: Events this month. June. 9: Webinar: Disability Language & Etiquette, 10:00 to 11:30 AM; 16: Webinar: You Can Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, 6:30 to 8:00 PM; 25: Accessible Content, 10:00 to 11:30 AM; July 24: Save the Date! Annual ADA Celebration, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

06/01/2026

TL;DR (too long, didn't read): For 34 years, DNSWM Benefits Planner Pete Mulder has helped people make informed decisions about work, benefits, and financial stability.

! On the first Monday of each month we'll introduce you to someone on our team. Today we're introducing the man, the myth, the legend: Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator, Pete Mulder.

Today marks 34 years and 1 month since Pete joined DNSWM. That’s 12,450 days.

If you've ever tried to understand Social Security rules, you know they can feel like a completely different language. Pete has a gift for cutting through the confusion.

Through Benefits Planning services, he helps people understand how a job may affect Social Security benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, food assistance, and other vital supports. With accurate information and personalized guidance, people can let go of fear and make decisions about working that change their lives for the better.

One of Pete's favorite parts of the job is hearing people say, "Why wasn't I told this before?" His second favorite part is helping people navigate tricky overpayments that never should've occurred in the first place. 😉

Over the years, hundreds if not thousands of people with disabilities have returned to work or pursued new employment opportunities because they had the information they needed to make informed choices.

Pete's expertise extends far beyond our organization. He regularly leads statewide meetings for Benefits Planners and advocates across Michigan, helping professionals learn from each other and stay informed about changes in policy and practice.

For 34 years, Pete has been changing the community for the better. Thank you, Pete, for helping people pursue greater financial stability, independence, and opportunity, and for building a network of skilled Benefits Planners who are more equipped to do the very same thing for those they serve.

ID: Pete Mulder, a white man with grey hair, smiling, wearing glasses and a striped shirt. Text: Spotlight on Our Dedicated Team. Pete Mulder, Social Security Disability Benefits Planning Consultant/Coordinator. "Receiving Benefits Planning services to reach our vocational dreams is as important as acquiring directions to reach our destinations while traveling."

05/31/2026

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the legal minimum for physical accessibility, not the gold standard for inclusion.

Kalamazoo Nature Center has exemplified going above and beyond the ADA to make sure that people with disabilities can have the best user experience and fully participate in their trails and programming. Their ongoing commitment to continued improvement with access and inclusion has been truly incredible to watch - from seeking feedback from our ADA Specialists, to installing automatic doors, to purchasing equipment like this new Trackchair STS.

Every improvement reflects a genuine commitment to making the great outdoors more welcoming and accessible for all. We’re proud to partner with organizations like KNC that view inclusion as a value, not just a requirement. 🌲🥾

05/29/2026

📣☀️ Summa summa summa time!

DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince want to make sure you know that DNSWM will have adjusted summer office hours June 1 through September 4, 2026. Offices will be closed to the public Mondays and Fridays, and open regular business hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Staff will still be available when offices are closed! We can be reached by phone, email, or virtual appointment on Mondays and Fridays, and in-person meetings may also be available at other locations in the community. Thank you!

ID: DNSWM logo. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Text: New! Summer Office Hours.

05/28/2026

DNSWM is proud to be part of Consumers Credit Union’s Round Up for Impact program. Your spare change can help us do more good—automatically. Enroll today and choose Disability Network Southwest Michigan!

👉🏾Learn more: https://www.consumerscu.org/round-up

ID: A hand depositing a coin into a jar of change labeled “donate.” Consumers Credit Union and Disability Network Southwest Michigan logos.

05/28/2026

May is Older Americans Month. As we age, many of us develop disabilities as a natural part of the aging process. Examples might include back pain, joint issues, cardiac conditions, etc., making using stairs dangerous or even impossible.

Community organizations like Disability Network, Milestone Senior Services, Area Agency on Aging, and others have programs that help older people remain safe and independent in their homes. Ramps and home repairs provide dignity, autonomy, and security - no one wants to be trapped in their home or live somewhere in disrepair!

We're so grateful for community organizations who do this work and proud to have opportunities to partner with them. Check out this great story highlighting one of these organizations, Milestone Senior Services.

👉🏾 https://loom.ly/L9GMrDg

Milestone Senior Services helped an Oshtemo senior replace a failed furnace and rebuild an unsafe ramp at no cost through grant-funded home repair and accessibility programs serving Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

05/27/2026

Every Wednesday, we share good things happening here at DN and in our community.

Our team had a great time connecting with community members at the recent Berrien County Senior Expo. Events like these are a great reminder that building communities where everyone belongs takes all of us working together. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and learn more about disability resources and services that DNSWM offers the community!

ID: DNSWM Advocacy Specialist Cindy G. at the Berrien County Senior Expo, pictured here with staff from the Berrien County Sheriff's Office & Berrien County Health Department.

05/26/2026

Join us in July for our annual ADA Celebration, a gathering filled with disability pride, community resources, art, and celebration for all ages.

We’re currently looking for:
🖌️ Artists & makers to join our Disability Arts & Crafts Market
🏢 Community organizations interested in hosting a booth or informational table

Whether you create art, share resources, advocate, or simply want to be part of an inclusive community event, we’d love to have you there.

Come help us build a celebration for all!

📅 July 24, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
📍 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI
🔗 Learn more & sign up: https://loom.ly/1Buefl8

Join us for the Annual Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration! Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our…

05/25/2026

A reminder that Disability Network Southwest Michigan offices are closed today for the Memorial Day holiday. We join communities across the country in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Regular office hours will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26.

ID: Four American flags against a background of a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. DNSWM logo. Text: Memorial Day. Honoring those who gave everything for our freedom.