Friends With Disabilities

11/07/2025

Tomorrow at the Douglas Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. is free food distribution.

11/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HA6tuDsyq/

This Saturday is our next Free Food Distribution Day. If you or anyone you know is in need, simply pull up to our barn and the fantastic volunteers will load up your car with fresh groceries. No questions asked.

11/04/2025

Hey Kalamazoo if you have a food stamp card Park Street Market and Mid Town Fresh are giving out $40 vouchers for fresh and frozen fruits this November

10/29/2025

During this time where a lot of people are in need here are some food distribution sites. Please make sure you have your IDs when you go to these places in case you need it. If you need to send someone else or request delivery due to your physical disability please call this locations because they are pretty flexible as long as sometimes you have a written note or you let them know ahead of time what's your physical disability is and why you can't get through yourself.

10/26/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19dAcABnBL/

📍Upcoming food distributions: These distributions are free and open to everyone. No appointment needed!

🔗 Visit our website for more resources: https://kzoolf.org/get-help/

10/25/2025

For families and need of food tomorrow October 25th there will be food distribution St Joseph Catholic Church 936 Lake St 9am - 1pm

10/24/2025

At Friends with Disabilities love sharing other community resources and events for individuals with Disabilities can participate in
So catch the awesome information blow from the Disability Network of Kalamazoo Community Education & Events
November 2025

Orange and navy Disability Network Southwest Michigan logo.

November Spotlight
🍂 Happy Fall!

We’re excited to welcome the season with the return of our Movie & Discussion Series.

Join Disability Network as we come together virtually to enjoy impactful films and meaningful conversations that deepen our understanding of disability and community.

A film strip and bucket of popcorn; text: Movie & Discussion.
November Webinars
Below is a list of our upcoming educational presentations. Click the button for each event for more information and to register. We believe all people deserve full access and inclusion in our programs and services and will make every effort to secure necessary accommodations for participants in our events. Please register as soon as possible if you will require an accommodation to participate.



Five photos of diverse people with disabilities. Text Disability Language & Etiquette.


Disability Language & Etiquette

Thursday, November 6, 2025

2:30 to 4:00 PM

Register Today

The language we use is powerful and can reveal hidden assumptions we might not realize we have. Our words can be hurtful even when well-intended. This workshop challenges assumptions about what it means to have a disability. Participants will be able to explore new ideas and ask questions in a safe environment.


A diverse group of individuals with non-apparent disabilities. Text Understanding Hidden Disabilities.


Understanding Hidden Disabilities

Friday, November 7, 2025

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Register Today

Hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately visible by looking at a person. Though unseen, these disabilities affect daily life and can lead to discrimination. People with hidden disabilities often encounter barriers in employment, education, and social settings due to a lack of understanding. In this workshop, we will explore the impact of hidden disabilities, debunk common myths, and identify ways to be an active ally.


Logos representing different forms of media including facecbook instagram youtube print digital and in person presentation.

Accessible Content

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

10:00 to 11:30 AM

Register Today

In this workshop, learn how to create content that is accessible to everyone. Some people with disabilities may not be able to see your page, read your words, or hear your recording. Creating accessible content means they can still get your message. Learn how to use best practices to be inclusive in all your communications.


A film strip and bucket of popcorn. Text reads Movie & Discussion.


The R-Word Movie & Discussion

Thursday, November 20, 2025

1:30 to 3:00 PM

Register Today

This documentary film confronts the word retard(ed). The film tells the stories of a diverse group of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the same hopes and fears as everyone else and of their siblings who advocate on their behalf and turn their love and pride into action.


DNSWM Peer Support Programs

A rainbow infinity symbol.

Autistic Adult Peer Support Group

Thursdays, Virtually via Zoom

6:00 to 7:30 PM

Register Today

This support group is open to Autistic adults, including self-diagnosed Autistics.


Outline of a head facing left. Text Brain injury Survivors Peer Support Group.

Brain Injury Survivors Group

Thursdays, In-person & virtual options

1:30 to 3:30 PM

Register Today

This support group is open to adults with a brain injury.

Multicolored lightning strikes. Text Chronic Pain Support Group

Chronic Pain Support Group

Tuesdays, Virtually via Zoom

2:00 to 3:00 PM

Register Today

This group is open to adults with chronic pain.


Several pictures of diverse individuals with disabilities. Text Disability+ Connect Support Group.

Disability+ Connect Support Group

Tuesdays, Virtually via Zoom

2:00 to 3:00 PM

Register Today

This group is open to all adults with one or more disabilities.




Community Education Presentations

Customized workshops and presentations are available to meet the specific needs of groups and businesses in our community to help others better understand disability.

Currently, most of our presentations are online, however, our knowledgeable and committed staff can come to your location, host your group at our Kalamazoo or St. Joseph locations, or work with you to find a space in your community.

We offer all presentation materials in accessible format to accommodate everyone's needs. Depending on the scope of topic and time commitment, fees may apply.

Quote I've loved participating in every single workshop I've gone to with Disability Network. -Disability Pride Attendee
Schedule a Presentation
We are available to present on the following topics:

Ableism 101 & 102
Assistance Animals: Do’s & Don’ts
Inclusive Employment Practices
Disability Language & Etiquette
Intro to Accessibility

Accessible Content
Intro to Neurodiversity
Serving Customers with Disabilities
What is the ADA?
And many more!
If you have an idea for a disability-related topic that is not included here, give us a call. We would be happy to develop a customized program to create greater understanding about disability in our community.


You can help support the disability rights movement in Southwest Michigan and the work we do by making a tax-deductible donation to Disability Network Southwest Michigan.

GIVE A GIFT TODAY



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We deeply appreciate your ongoing support and the positive impact you have helped us achieve.


Disability Network Southwest Michigan | 517 E. Crosstown Parkway | Kalamazoo, MI 49001 US

10/15/2025

Happy Blindness Equity Day, also known as Blind Americans Equality Day.
Originally White Cane Safety Day" in 1964

In 2011, President Obama officially renamed it "Blind Americans Equality Day" to emphasize the ongoing pursuit of equity.

Today is a day to honor the accomplishments of Americans who are blind or visually impaired, promote equality, and raise awareness about the challenges and barriers we face.

Here at Friends with Disabilities we have several members including the Director and Outreach coordinator that are low vision and or legally blind.

1. Yes we should carry our white canes or identifiers, but no we don't have to always. IT'S OPTIONAL FOR SOME!
2. Yes we can still use cell phones and do a lot of stuff independently.
3. Yes when we ask you for help we actually need it, so try not to point at the objects and/or instead ask what our spectrum is and how you can help.
4. Ask how to guide us if needed, or if you can do not just pull on us we are people not pets.
5. If we have a service pet as well remember they are working you cannot pet them without asking.
6. Yes we'd we I want to work just like every other citizen. Train your employers and HR on ADA accessible technology.
7. Just because we look you directly in the eyes does not mean we can see you it's just something Society teaches you, but don't look down don't talk to the next person next to us. Instead ask us questions as long as you are respectful we are willing to help you understand.
8. Don't assume we are frowning sometimes we are squinting.

Please share this with others and if you know someone who has blindness or low vision as their disability, and a resident of Kalamazoo county they are more than welcome to join us and not be isolated 😊 inconclusion starts with you!

10/12/2025

Today Midwest Enterprises for the blind had their second annual white game 5K walk and run at Spring Valley Park. This event was to promote blindness awareness. As this event grows each year we hope to support them and many more will too. Iesha Branch and Earl thanks as well as Midwest Enterprises for the blind. Did You know: White Cane Day symbolizes the white cane’s importance in blind and low vision communities. This day aims to educate people across the nation about blindness. The National Federation of the Blind has celebrated this day every year on October 15 since 1964, and every year organizations raise awareness about its history. The white cane was invented by photographer James Briggs in 1921. Briggs had lost his sight due to an accident, and to help his worries about traffic and automobile accidents near his home, he painted his walking stick white to increase visibility to motorists. It was later embraced by the Lions Club as well.

We're proud to reveal our official flyer for this year's White Cane 5K! If you're interesting in attending, please sign up on our website. We look forward to see you in October.



https://whitecane5k.com/products/white-cane-5k-packet

10/07/2025

Happy blindness awareness month! Did you know about these onset blindnesses?

1. Congenital Blindness is

Present at birth.

2. Acquired Blindness which:

Develops later in life due to injury, illness, or age.

Do any of these apply to you or someone you know?
Did you know that we can have normal conversations too?
You can totally conversate with someone with blindness? Not just the person next to us. 😊

10/06/2025

Fun fact: blindness can refer to a wide spectrum of different impairments that could be based on severity or onset. Examples are Partial Blindness/Low Vision
Limited vision in which some sight remains.

Complete/total Blindness

No vision at all meaning cannot see light at all.
Until the next fact happy blindness Awareness MonthFWD.

10/01/2025

Happy National disability employment Awareness Month from friends with disabilities! All this month we will post about a physical disability 😊.