Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

01/13/2026

“It was nice to hear how the individual, natural supports, and providers were all accountable in different ways.” – A professional working in the field of disabilities.

Thinking about living in your own place with a disability? Or becoming more independent in your daily life? Join us for our FREE Community Transition Trainers (CTT) Independent Living Webinar.

Each month a panel of people with disabilities share real experiences and practical insights about living independently.

Many people with disabilities, advocates, and professionals have already attended and benefited. Register today to learn how you and others can benefit as well.

Jan. 29 | 1–2 PM EST
Free | Online
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2acbts

[Alt Text] Dark blue promotional graphic with green accents. Top left text reads “Community Transition Trainers.” Top right shows a simple green outline of a house. Centered is a quote inside a green-lined frame: “It was nice to hear how the individual, natural supports, and providers were all accountable in different ways.” Beneath the quote: “– A professional working in the field of disabilities.” Bottom left text reads “Online workshop on living independently with a disability.” Bottom right displays the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute logo with the outline of Michigan and the text “MI DDI.”

01/12/2026

In 2023, MI-DDI celebrated 40 years of service to the disability community. To mark this milestone, we launched a podcast series reflecting on our past, present, and future

Our latest episode focuses on the future with insights from current MI-DDI staff members. In this clip, we hear from MI-DDI Director Sharon Milberger as she shares why honoring our legacy matters as we look ahead.

Listen to the full episode here: https://fanlink.tv/wSX9

01/08/2026

📣Announcing‼ Disability Rights New Jersey is launching a new Know Your Rights 2-part Webinar Series - Personal Care Assistance ( ): From Application to Appeals

🔹Part One - Friday, January 16th, 11am
🔹Part Two - Friday, January 23rd, 2pm

This webinar series is for individuals with disabilities, their family and caregivers, as well as professionals serving the disability community. The webinar series will cover everything from eligibility criteria to beneficiary’s rights through the application and appeals process.

Why does PCA matter?

PCA provides critical support to enable people with disabilities to have the assistance needed to perform daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as enhance an individual's independence and dignity, ensure safety, and improve quality of life for people with disabilities.

♿ASL and captioning will be available

👉Register today for each of the webinars: https://disabilityrightsnj.org/events/

01/08/2026

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, January 29th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2acbts

[Alt Text] Promotional graphic for a Community Transition Trainers online workshop. A smiling young woman wearing red boxing gloves leans her arms across the ropes of a boxing ring. Text reads: “Community Transition Trainers” and “Online workshop on living independently with a disability.” Event details say “January 29th, 1–2 PM.” A simple house icon appears at the top right, and the MIDDI logo with the outline of Michigan appears at the bottom right.

01/08/2026

Ready to roll the dice? Join MATP on February 10th, from 12- 1:30 p.m. for a fun and informative session on making game night more accessible for everyone. Our AT Specialists will share tools, adaptations, and ideas for video gaming and board games to make your next game night more memorable and accessible! Sign up here: https://ATforGameNight.eventbrite.com

All registrants will receive access to the recording and resource guide. ASL interpretation and CART will be provided.

[ID: Flyer For Tech Tuesday: Assistive Technology for Game Night. There is a frame around the flyer with Board game pieces, a graphic of a switch remote and dice and the MATP logo.]

01/07/2026

Registration is now open!

Join us in Lansing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for Voices in Action: Self-Advocacy Day!

If you have a developmental disability and you are passionate about creating change, this is your chance to meet with your elected officials and advocate for issues that matter to YOU.

Are you new to self-advocacy? No problem! Voices in Action is a day to learn, connect, and make your voice heard!

Sign up today by scanning the QR code or using the link below:
🔗 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LBMMZBH

Your voice matters. Let's speak up, together!

01/05/2026

MI-DDI Presents: Independent Facilitation Awareness Webinar

Independent facilitation is part of the person-centered planning process. It assures that there's an ally involved in directing a person-centered planning meeting.

Have you heard about Independent Facilitation and want to learn more?
Are you considering using an Independent Facilitator in your next Person-Centered Plan, or thinking about becoming one yourself?

This free webinar is for you! Our next webinar is:

Date: February 12th, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Register here: https://bit.ly/IFTrngFeb2026

Who should attend:
People with disabilities, family members, Case Managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation.

Want to learn more? Watch our feature on Independent Facilitation: https://youtu.be/l9VakoQNdCI?si=fs8n4ZiNMe8PHVKe

[Alt Text] Two people sit across from each other at a small white table in a bright room; one gestures while holding a cup, and the other writes on a clipboard.

12/30/2025

Check out an upcoming informational session to learn more about MiABLE! ➡️ https://bit.ly/3KhLUKo

12/30/2025

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, January 29th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2acbts

[Alt Text] Promotional graphic for a Community Transition Trainers online workshop. A young woman sits at a table using a laptop in a bright home setting. Text reads: “Community Transition Trainers” and “Online Workshop on Living Independently with a Disability.” The date and time are “January 29th, 1–2 PM.” A simple house icon appears in the top right, and the MI DDI logo is shown in the bottom right.

12/26/2025

MI-DDI Presents: Independent Facilitation Awareness Webinar

Independent facilitation is part of the person-centered planning process. It assures that there's an ally involved in directing a person-centered planning meeting.

Have you heard about Independent Facilitation and want to learn more?
Are you considering using an Independent Facilitator in your next Person-Centered Plan, or thinking about becoming one yourself?

This free webinar is for you! Our next webinar is:

Date: February 12th, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM (ET)
Location: Online via Zoom

Register here: https://bit.ly/IFTrngFeb2026

Who should attend:
People with disabilities, family members, Case Managers, and anyone interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation.

Want to learn more? Watch our feature on Independent Facilitation: https://youtu.be/l9VakoQNdCI?si=fs8n4ZiNMe8PHVKe

[Alt Text] Close-up of a laptop on someone’s lap in a dimly lit room, showing a video call on the screen with a man speaking, while the keyboard and trackpad are visible in the foreground

12/22/2025

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, January 29th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/mr2acbts

[Alt Text] Promotional graphic for a Community Transition Trainers online workshop. At the top, green text on a black background reads “Community Transition Trainers,” with a simple green house icon. Below, a person with a disability sits at a table using a laptop, wearing earbuds, with a cup of coffee nearby in a bright indoor setting. At the bottom, green text reads “Online workshop on living independently with a disability” and “January 29th, 1–2 PM,” alongside the MI DDI logo.

12/17/2025

Disability Rights Michigan is taking entries for their 2025 Ernie Reynolds's Essay Contest.

Tell a story of how you or someone you know has overcome barriers and advocated for success.

Prize offer:
1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100

Deadline: January 9, 2026

Learn more below

Ernie Reynolds Essay Contest 2026 - https://mailchi.mp/82caac9923c7/aprilnews-17457603