Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

07/24/2025

07/23/2025

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents: The Learning Express: Astronomy

This is a sensory-friendly concert that explores the wonders of space through music. Sensory-friendly events are designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities. This concerts aims to remove barriers, allowing everyone to be themselves and enjoy a musical experience in a safe and judgement-free environment.

Your experience includes:
• Limited audience size for reduced crowds;
• A sensory toolkit with noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets for use during the rehearsal (limited number available);
• Quiet Space to take a break;
• Pre-concert activities from 10-11 a.m., including an instrument exploration station – this is your chance to get up close to hold, touch, and play some of the instruments you’ll see being played onstage;
• Complimentary parking
• Trained DSO staff members – the Mid-Michigan Autism Association has provided training to our staff to help them better understand the characteristics of autism and how to better communicate with someone with autism;
• Resources to help you prepare for the event, including an information guide, social story, and an opportunity to preview the music.

This event takes place, Saturday on August 16th at 11:00am

Register at the following link: https://www.dso.org/events-and-tickets/events/24-25-summer/the-learning-express

07/23/2025

Accessibility resources free online from the international standards organization: W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI).

07/23/2025

Join Us for Our Next Free Webinar on Independent Facilitation!

Are you interested in learning more about Independent Facilitation? Whether you are a person with a disability, a family member, a Supports Coordinator, or simply curious about the role of an Independent Facilitator, this webinar is for you!

📅 Date: August 15th, 2025
🕑 Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM (ET)
📍 Location: Online via Zoom

🔹 Learn how Independent Facilitation can support person-centered planning
🔹 Explore the benefits of working with an Independent Facilitator
🔹 Find out how to become a trained Independent Facilitator

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/IFTrngAug2025

For accommodations or alternative formats, please contact MI-DDI by August 4th:
📧 Email: Angela.Martin@wayne.edu
📞 Phone: 313-577-2654

📌 More Info: Visit MI-DDI’s Independent Facilitation Resource page: https://ddi.wayne.edu/if

💬✨

07/22/2025

ADA 35th Anniversary Policy Briefing Series
July 23 – August 27

Join the National Council on Disability (NCD) – the federal agency that recommended and authored the first draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – for a virtual policy briefing series on “Ground Transportation for People with Mobility Disabilities 2025: Challenges and Progress.”

When: Every Wednesday, from July 23 – August 27
Where: Livestreamed on Zoom
Accessibility: CART and ASL provided

Briefing Schedule (ET):
-July 23 @ 2:00 PM (45 min) – Transportation disadvantages of people with mobility disabilities
-July 30 @ 2:00 PM (30 min) – Uber, Lyft & other TNCs
-August 6 @ 2:00 PM (30 min) – Taxis & wheelchair-accessible fleets
-August 13 @ 2:00 PM (30 min) – Autonomous vehicles
-August 20 @ 2:00 PM (30 min) – Paratransit & microtransit
-August 27 @ 2:00 PM (30 min) – Rental cars & shuttle services

Register now on Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/3f5yax9e

07/22/2025

MI-DDI is collaborating with Wayne State University School of Medicine to train medical students to improve their ability to understand the unique needs of families who have children with disabilities. Participants will receive a $75 stipend among other gifts.

To participate, you must:

1) Have a child with a disability under the age of 26
2) Partake in 45-minute to 1-hour virtual or in-person home meetings for each home
3) Medical students will provide two virtual or in-person home visits with your family.

Those interested can complete an interest form here: https://tinyurl.com/vz2uprj7

More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mr33dcp3

Or email Nia Anderson, LMSW

Email: cp8512@wayne.edu

07/22/2025

Do you know someone who breaks down barriers for themselves and others?

Help us honor self-advocates working to make their community a better place for people with developmental disabilities.

Honor a self-advocate today:
🔗 bit.ly/outstandingadvocate2025

📅 Nominations accepted until July 31, 2025.

07/22/2025

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

Join us on August 20th for MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT), 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.

Wednesday, August 20th
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yc47hevs

07/22/2025

🚨 Action Alert: Disability Rights Programs are at Risk 🚨

AUCD joins National Council on Independent Living, National Disability Rights Network, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Amputee Coalition, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, and National Association of Statewide Independent Living Councils to stand united in calling on Congress to fully fund and preserve the vital federal programs that support independence, freedom, and full participation for people with disabilities.

These programs include:
🔹 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)
🔹 Independent Living Program
🔹 State DD Councils
🔹 Protection & Advocacy Programs (PAIMI, PAIR, PAVA, CAP)
🔹 Projects of National Significance
🔹 Limb Loss & Paralysis Resource Centers

These are not duplicative. Each one plays a unique, indispensable role in supporting disabled people to live, learn, work, vote, and thrive in their communities.

The FY 2026 budget proposal threatens these programs through harmful restructuring and consolidation. We cannot allow this.

📣 Tell Congress: Fund ALL these programs. Protect disability rights.
📬 Take action now → aucd.quorum.us/campaign/134425/

07/22/2025

Come join the Disability Network Wayne County Detroit tomorrow on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 from 11am to 3pm to celebrate 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Location: Riverside Park (3085 W. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 48216)

Free food, music, and games! For more information go to www.dnwayne.org or 313-923-1655.

07/22/2025

MI-DDI is collaborating with Wayne State University School of Medicine to train medical students to improve their ability to understand the unique needs of families who have children with disabilities. Participants will receive a $75 stipend among other gifts.

To participate, you must:

1) Have a child with a disability under the age of 26
2) Partake in 45-minute to 1-hour virtual or in-person home meetings for each home
3) Medical students will provide two virtual or in-person home visits with your family.

Those interested can complete an interest form here: https://tinyurl.com/vz2uprj7

More information can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/mr33dcp3

Or email Nia Anderson, LMSW
Email: cp8512@wayne.edu

07/21/2025

Via the Association of University Centers on Disabilities

The recent Presidential Budget Proposal calls for the elimination of UCEDDs as independent programs. This will fold UCEDD funding and four other unique programs into the Independent Living (IL) program under a single, broad budget. This move risks dismantling an essential infrastructure for disability. Making it inefficient, conflict with federal law, and result in immense nationwide harm for people with disabilities, research institutions, and the disability workforce.

What can you do? Call or email your elected representatives. Follow the link below to find scripts and templates the AUCD has created for UCEDD advocacy:

https://www.aucd.org/speak-up-for-ucedds?fbclid=IwY2xjawLh-fFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhU0JjS2lTNTBWUU1uUGVkAR41uRwhGBmhx6kC3FsMw36SfjxJi7ZZxZRqXt1L4RBhNzQgy3JvWAziEVrqpQ_aem_NKBPnU0npJGGwWnAMhoPLA

Let your voice be heard and share why UCEDDs are important to you and your community!