Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Disability Network Southwest Michigan Disability Network is the first stop for people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Michigan.

The first stop for people with disabilities and their families in Southwest Michigan.

 : On Thursdays, we highlight something we're thankful for. Today we honor Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977), a disabled Blac...
02/05/2026

: On Thursdays, we highlight something we're thankful for. Today we honor Fannie Lou Hamer (1917–1977), a disabled Black activist whose voice helped reshape voting rights. Living with the effects of polio and long-term physical disabilities from police violence, she still showed up, spoke truth, and fought for civil and voting rights. She is remembered by her famous quote, “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.” We’re thankful for her courage and her reminder that disability and leadership belong together. ✊🏾

ID: A black and white photo of Fannie Lou Hamer, a Black woman wearing a black dress; text: Black History Month Series. Celebrating Black Disabled historical figures. Fannie Lou Hamer (1917-1977).

  Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community.DNSWM is proud to be part o...
02/04/2026

Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community.

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://loom.ly/rHwWFDc

ID: A hand depositing a paper heart formed out of a dollar into a box. Consumers Credit Union and Disability Network Southwest Michigan logos.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan is inviting you to check out upcoming webinars this month, including a special, on...
02/04/2026

Disability Network Southwest Michigan is inviting you to check out upcoming webinars this month, including a special, one-time presentation by Dr. Tamiko Garrett of Parents with Transition.
*************
Disability Network Southwest Michigan lo invita a consultar los próximos seminarios web de este mes, incluida una presentación especial única de la Dra. Tamiko Garrett de Parents with Transition.

Register for any upcoming events here: https://loom.ly/03YNsU4

02/03/2026

Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding beginning January 31, 2026. As a result, the federal government is experiencing a partial shutdown until further notice. Please know that during this partial federal government shutdown, payments to all people who currently receive Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue with no change in payment dates.

SSA local offices will remain open to the public but will provide reduced services. During this time, you can still:
• Apply for benefits
• Request an appeal
• Change your address or direct deposit information
• Report a death
• Verify or change your citizenship status
• Replace a lost or missing Social Security payment
• Obtain a critical payment
• Change a representative payee
• Make a change in their living arrangement or income (SSI recipients only)
• Obtain a new or replacement Social Security card

We'll be sure to share updates as they come our way.

 : On Tuesdays we'll post a tip about the  . Our hope is that this gives you better insight into who we are and what we ...
02/03/2026

: On Tuesdays we'll post a tip about the . Our hope is that this gives you better insight into who we are and what we stand for. This month's content will be connected to Black History Month.

Disability is part of every community, including Black communities. Recognizing this intersection matters because policies, access, and services often fail people dealing with barriers tied to both their race and disability. ✊🏾

ID: Text: Did you know? 1 in 4 Black Americans has a disability. Disability is part of every community, including Black communities.

 ! Every first Monday of the month we'll introduce you to someone on our team. Today's staff highlight is Kristi R., Fin...
02/02/2026

! Every first Monday of the month we'll introduce you to someone on our team. Today's staff highlight is Kristi R., Finance Director and behind-the-scenes powerhouse.

Kristi is the steady force working behind the scenes to keep our systems in order and our agency financially sound. Diligent, meticulous, and endlessly patient, she handles the details most people never see and does it with care and kindness. Kristi is a true collaborator, a quiet problem-solver, and a backbone member of the DNSWM team. And yes—she’s also the reason everyone gets paid on time, which we appreciate more than words can say. In November, she celebrated 15 years at the agency, and we're so glad she's here and part of the DNSWM team.

Fun fact: Kristi drinks coffee every single day, but almost no one at work has witnessed it. The caffeine does its job early, and the results speak for themselves. ☕✨ We’re so grateful for Kristi and everything she does.

ID: Staff member, Kristi, standing outside wearing a light blue DNSWM shirt and a dark DNSWM ball cap; text: A Spotlight on our dedicated team: Kristi Rudowske, Finance Director. "My favorite thing about working at Disability Network is the people. I also enjoy hearing about all the various projects and different work activities staff members have going on."

Good morning and happy Monday, DN fam! Be sure to check out our upcoming webinars this month, including a special, one-t...
02/02/2026

Good morning and happy Monday, DN fam! Be sure to check out our upcoming webinars this month, including a special, one-time presentation by Dr. Tamiko Garrett of Parents for Transition. 📚💻

Register for any of our upcoming events here: https://loom.ly/03YNsU4

ID: Text: Events this month. February. 5: Webinar: Understanding Hidden Disabilities, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 10: Webinar: You Can Work When Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, 10:00 to 11:30 AM; 12: Webinar: Supporting Families of Children with Invisible Disabilities, 12:00 to 1:00 PM; 17: Webinar: Understanding Hidden Disabilities, 2:00 to 4:00 PM; 25: Webinar: Disability & the Whole Person, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

Join Western Michigan University for a community viewing of Crip Camp, the powerful documentary that traces the Disabili...
01/30/2026

Join Western Michigan University for a community viewing of Crip Camp, the powerful documentary that traces the Disability Rights Movement from a scrappy summer camp to the fight for civil rights. This film is funny, fierce, and deeply human. Come watch, learn, and reflect together.

This film will be shown Monday, February 2 at 6:00 PM in Sangren Hall, room 1920. The event will conclude at 8:30 PM. We'll see you there!

P.S. If you're a Deadhead, you'll enjoy the soundtrack. 😌

ID: Sundance winner logo. Two dated polaroid pictures of individuals gathering, one holding a sign reading "Power to the People." Text: Join Us! Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution. Film viewing and discussion.

01/29/2026

: On Thursdays, we highlight something we're thankful for. As we near the end of , we're highlighting Michigan Braille Transcribing Fund. Their team recently provided us with braille materials for a person connected to DNSWM services and they were truly great to work with! Thanks, MBTF! 🧑‍🦯🧑🏾‍🦯

If you're in need of braille transcription services, be sure to check them out ➡️ www.michiganbraille.org

VID: DNSWM staff member, Allison, showing off a box labeled "Braille materials" that had just arrived in the mail.

  Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community.Yesterday we kicked off our...
01/28/2026

Every Wednesday, we want to share some good news happening here at DN and in our community.

Yesterday we kicked off our very first Alumni Group for past Advocacy Academy interns. Alumni Group will create a space to stay connected, grow together, and keep building advocacy skills beyond the summer program. Although the group planned to meet in person, the group quickly pivoted to virtual on account of the weather - can't hold these advocates back! We can't wait to hear what this group accomplishes during their time together.

ID: A group of 11 individuals, consisting of DNSWM staff and past interns, meeting virtually.

An unexpected utility issue this morning means our Kalamazoo office is closed to the public today. Staff are still avail...
01/28/2026

An unexpected utility issue this morning means our Kalamazoo office is closed to the public today. Staff are still available by phone or virtual meeting, and our St. Joe and Battle Creek offices are open as usual. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding!

ID: DNSWM logo. A snowy outdoor scene in the background; text: Office Closure.

Dang, this weather is just relentless! Our Kalamazoo office is closed today due to the weather, though staff are availab...
01/27/2026

Dang, this weather is just relentless! Our Kalamazoo office is closed today due to the weather, though staff are available to connect remotely or by phone. Battle Creek and St. Joseph offices are still open. Stay warm out there today!

ID: DNSWM logo atop a snowy road with several vehicles and a large building; text: Office Closure.

Address

517 E Crosstown Pkwy
Kalamazoo, MI
49001

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12693451516

Website

http://www.dnswm.org/

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Mission:

We educate and connect people with disabilities to resources while advocating social change.