Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute is located on the campus of Wayne State University

The State of Michigan is inviting adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state program...
04/13/2026

The State of Michigan is inviting adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs that help people quit smoking.

Many people with disabilities face barriers when trying to find or use health programs. This short online survey asks whether people know about these programs, how easy they are to find and use, and whether they are meeting people’s needs.

Who can participate:
- Any adult age 18 or older living in Michigan
- Anyone who has a disability
- You can participate whether you use to***co or not, and whether or not you want to quit.

Your feedback will help the state understand how well these programs are reaching people and how they can be improved.

Survey link: tinyurl.com/mito***cosurvey

Alt Text: A bearded man with long hair tied back sits at a small outdoor table using a laptop, with a takeaway coffee cup beside him. He is wearing a blazer, shorts, and sneakers, and has a prosthetic leg visible under the table.

04/13/2026

Meet James, a Veteran living in Escanaba.

James has a difficult time getting around town—to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, and even the park. He has struggled with depression and often experiences fatigue when walking, so he thought a bike might help improve both his mobility and his mental health.

His caseworker reached out to MATP to learn more about our program and to see if James could test out a bike. MATP’s staff arranged a demonstration with the E-Trike, since James felt he could no longer ride a standard two-wheeled bike. From the moment he tried it, James was hooked.

In just three hours, James was able to ride to the store for groceries, cruise around town, and enjoy a trip through Ludington Park.

With his new E-Trike, James is excited to volunteer at the local animal shelter, reliably get to his medical appointments without depending on public transportation, and simply enjoy riding around town.

James’s story is a great example of how assistive technology can spark confidence and connection. Check out MATP’s website at mi-at.org/outdoor-recreation/ to find out more information about AT for Outdoor Recreation.
mi-at.org/outdoor-recreation/


Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
Disability Rights Michigan
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

[ID: A graphic titled: AT Helped Me with a picture of a man standing next to an E-Trike wearing a helmet and giving a thumbs up. The quote says “ This is the happiest I have been in a really long time. I feel like a teenager again riding this bike.”- James.
The bottom includes the “30 Days, 30 AT Ways logo.

Day 13 End ID.]

04/13/2026

Myth or Fact: Assistive Technology (AT) is more than just electronic devices.

This is a Fact!

Most people picture high-tech gadgets when they hear "assistive technology" — but AT is anything that helps people with disabilities do the things that matter to them.

That includes simple everyday tools, battery-operated devices, and advanced software alike. AT is anything that helps people with disabilities do the things that matter to them.

Check out MATP’s lending library to discover more AT: mi-at.org/lending-library/



Disability Rights Michigan
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

[ID: Graphic titled: Myth or Fact: The text reads: “Assistive Technology (AT) is more than just electronic devices. This is a Fact!

AT is anything that helps people with disabilities do things that matter to them! Use MATP’s lending library to discover more AT: mi-at.org/lending-library/.”

The bottom includes the “30 Days, 30 AT Ways and the Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) logos.

Day 12 End ID.]

04/13/2026

Did you know the Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) can come to your organization and provide training on a variety of topics?

From assistive technology for sensory and learning needs, to daily and community living, crafting, and outdoor recreation, we have presentations ready and tools to match. MATP provides training for a variety of purposes, including learning what AT is available, how to use AT, hands-on time with AT, how our program works, specific categories of AT, and sharing AT resources. If there’s a barrier, there’s a good chance we have AT for that.

They offer both virtual and in-person trainings, making it easy to connect with MATP in the way that works best for your group.

Getting started is easy:
▶️Visit mi-at.org/resource/

▶️Fill out an in-person or virtual training request form(Not sure which one fits best? Fill out both, and MATP will contact you and help you find the training that works best for your group.)
In-person: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCyhmNy7xBoBgfLOszrlkL-EyQCuBwBDTeSXFzrIDexAvt3g/viewform
Virtual: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5JnEh0sdMejqpW5OAtSsr36e3476hxmlenY8q0-oerLNu_A/viewform

For in-person trainings, they ask for:
▶️At least 12 attendees on site
▶️Accessible accommodations for participants and trainers


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

The State of Michigan is inviting adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state program...
04/09/2026

The State of Michigan is inviting adults with disabilities to share their experiences with to***co use and state programs that help people quit smoking.

Many people with disabilities face barriers when trying to find or use health programs. This short online survey asks whether people know about these programs, how easy they are to find and use, and whether they are meeting people’s needs.

Any adult age 18 or older in Michigan who has a disability can take part. You can participate whether you use to***co or not, and whether or not you want to quit.

Your feedback will help the state understand how well these programs are reaching people and how they can be improved.

Survey link: tinyurl.com/mito***cosurvey

[Alt Text] A young woman sits by a window against a brick wall, looking down at her smartphone. She has long straight hair with small braids, wears green eye makeup, a green polka-dot top, and white pants, with a light jacket draped over her shoulders. One of her hands is a prosthetic, which she uses to hold and interact with the phone.

04/09/2026

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

04/08/2026

Please join us for the 2026 Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 29! This is a time for people with disabilities, their allies and supporters, to come together and advocate for policy change.

Pre-Rally: 9:00 - 10:15 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Rally: 10:30 - 11:30 am, Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda
Meetings with legislators: All day!

Register here: https://bit.ly/4lLgbjd

ASL and CART will be provided during the rally. There will be chairs, a bariatric bench, and designated space for people who use wheelchairs. There will be a sensory friendly space provided.

04/08/2026

Are you a parent or educator looking for assistive technology (AT) support for your child or student? Michigan Alliance for Families, in partnership with Alt+Shift, has created a guide to help you understand your rights, how AT is considered in the IEP process, and how it can support student success.

https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/assistive-technology/


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

04/08/2026

Myth or Fact? AT is only for school or work.

🚫 Myth!

Assistive Technology is for every part of life, not just the classroom or the office. AT supports people at home, in their community, at their favorite hobbies, and everywhere in between.

Whether it's a smart home device that helps you control your environment, an adaptive fishing rod that gets you back on the water, or a communication device that helps you connect with loved ones, AT is about living, not just working or learning.

Check out the MATP Website to learn about different types of AT: https://mi-at.org/at-highlights/


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

04/07/2026

The Michigan Assistive Technology Program (MATP) offers short-term device loans — completely FREE — so you can try Assistive Technology in your everyday life before making a decision.

Whether you need a communication device, mobility aid, hearing support tool, or smart home technology, borrowing first helps you choose with confidence.

Who can borrow? Anyone with a disability, their family members, educators, employers, and service providers across Michigan.

How to get started: Contact MATP staff at 800-578-0280 or AT@Mi-at.org or visit MATP’s website to learn more.


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

04/06/2026

Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) can offer free and confidential assistance if you’re denied Assistive Technology (AT)

If your insurance denies a request for assistive technology (AT) or related AT services, you may have the right to appeal. Review the denial notice carefully, gather supporting documentation from your healthcare provider, and follow the insurer’s appeal process within the required timelines.

Visit our AT resource page to learn more
https://www.drmich.org/resources/assistive-technology/


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

Address

4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI
48202

Telephone

+13135772654

Website

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