Author: Cara Birchmeier

Individuals with Disabilities Among Those Negatively Impacted

by Recent Pause on Federal Funding

Services for over 2 million Michigan residents with disabilities to

stop under funding freeze

LANSING—With the announcement of a pause in federal funding for grants, loans and other financial assistance programs, Michigan’s 15 Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are working diligently to assess how many services and resources will be immediately impacted for people with disabilities. Some services and resources will end as soon as February 1, 2025.

Michigan’s CILs provide services and resources for people of all ages and all disabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 14% of Michigan adults have one or more disabilities.

CILs are authorized under Title VII of the Federal Rehabilitation Act and are supported by funding from a variety of federal, state, and local sources. They provide an array of Independent Living services and supports tailored to the needs identified by the local disability community.

Michigan’s CILs work with individuals with disabilities in all 83 counties, including providing assistance to disabled veterans who face homelessness and providing temporary ramps for people to access their homes after an injury or surgery.

“Our Centers provide vital services and resources for people with disabilities,” said Alex Gossage, Chair of Disability Network/Michigan’s Board of Directors and Executive Director of Disability Network Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston. “A pause in federal funding means an immediate interruption of these services that many rely on to navigate the barriers that exist for people with disabilities.”

While each CIL designs their programs and resources based on local needs of the community, all CILs provide five core services: Advocacy, Information & Referral, School to Work Transition,

Peer Support, IL Skills Support, Transition to Community Based Living. These five core services empower people with disabilities to participate in their families, work, and communities.

“It is our hope that this pause in current federal funding contracts is lifted as soon as possible. This decision will have far-reaching consequences for some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Teri Langley, Executive Director of Disability Network/Michigan. “Michigan’s CILs have partnered for many years with the federal, state, and local governments in providing assistance to ensure people with disabilities are not forgotten. Continuing this partnership is critical.”

Disability Network/Michigan represents the collective voice of the state’s 15 Centers for Independent Living. DNM focuses on leadership development, relationship building, effective communication and mobilizing around issues that will have the greatest impact on delivering high-quality independent living services to people with disabilities.

“It’s a party celebrating the ADA!” says Zack Tomlinson.

(music Don’t You Wanna Dance)

“It’s a celebration of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, passed into law in 1991 by President George Bush that created all sorts of laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.” said Tomlinson.

(The day started with a pep talk from Wanieta Bovan, from Bentley, Ketzler’s and June’s Floral, who donated all the flowers for the event. Later it was fun, food and an occasional TV interview by our leader Luke Zelley, all to highlight the mission of the Disability Network.

“I have a dance and entertainment program, also arts and gardening, we try to lean into horticulture. Try to allow them to do things they want to do, and not have other people tell them what to do. It gives them the independence to choose their own life.” added Tara, TDN’s Health and Recreation Specialist.

That independence is what ADA day is all about.

“It’s a chance to interact with other people with disabilities and also with agencies and services for people with disabilities. So if you’re looking for work or want someone to advocate for ya, it’s all here.” said Tomlinson.

Watch the video here!

Community leader, disability advocate, and former President of The Disability Network (TDN), Mike Zelley, has passed away on June 27, 2022.  Mike spent his life advocating for disability rights at the local, state, and national level, and developing relationships with many community, business, and government officials.  Zelley was the co-founder of TDN and served the organization for 26 years before retiring in 2017.

Nationally, Zelley hosted President Clinton’s visit to TDN where the president announced Zelley as the Chair of the National Task Force on Technology and Disability.  The task force was supported by The Mott Foundation and over half of the 40 national policy recommendations were implemented.  Zelley provided direct testimony to U.S. Congress in D.C., which led to the removal of employment barriers for people with disabilities in federal law.  Zelley worked with Congressman Dale Kildee to co-sponsor the Money Follows the Person Act resulting in 100,000 people with disabilities being freed from nursing facilities, living independently in the community and saving millions in taxpayer dollars.

With state Senate confirmation, Zelley was appointed by Governors Engler and Granholm to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission, where he was elected Chair. Zelley chaired the statewide MIJOB Coalition and championed the implementation of Michigan’s Freedom to Work Act empowering 10,000 people with disabilities to work.  He also chaired Governor Snyder’s three Business Summits on Disability Employment, which were attended by 500 business executives, who then hired over 4,000 people with disabilities.  To improve employment services for all Michigan citizens, Mike served as President of Michigan Works for 8 years. Zelley cherished his time with his peers at the Disability Network Michigan, a statewide network of disability organizations that advocate for inclusion and accessibility throughout the state.

Locally, Zelley worked relentlessly to better the Flint and Genesee County community. He served and advocated for accessibility on countless boards, committees, and councils.  The MTA where he served as Board Chair and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce were near and dear to his heart. Zelley’s respected voice of collaboration and passion for accessibility can be experienced with local policies and in public spaces like the Flint Farmers’ Market, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Smith Village, The Whiting, Flint Institute of Arts, Genesee County Land Bank, polling locations, over 400 home ramps installed in Flint and much more.

Zelley’s legacy will have a lasting impact on Genesee County and the disability community.  TDN plans to name their new building in honor of Zelley upon completion. A special thank you to Mike’s wife, Lana, and the Zelley family for designating TDN for memorial contributions. You may make a gift in honor of Mike at https://www.classy.org/give/370057/#!/donation/checkout.

Funeral arrangement details can be found at https://www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/james-zelley.

The University of Michigan Flint has about 250 students who are registered through its Disability and Accessibility support services. One thing they learned right away, it’s a whole lot different than high school.

One student who struggled with the transition is senior Cat Carlise, who admits she’s living with a variety of illnesses.

Cat Carlysle “I was diagnosed with bipolar 2, anxiety, and ADHD”.

As a mechanical engineering major, it’s been especially difficult to endure what she calls “math dyxlexia”.

Cat “I have both mental and physical chronic illnesses”.

Carlysle says it can be hard to be present and concentrate in school. So she turned to the office of Disability and Accessibly support services for help.

Chip Evans, Head of Disability and Accessibility Support Services  “In the past few years we’ve seen a sharp increase in students with anxiety and depression”.

 Evans says having some anxiety while taking a test is normal. But an anxiety disorder can be crippling. So the university makes accommodations.

Cat ”I’m approved for an extended time during tests”

The shift to online classes because of COVID may have actually helped students with disabilities. But as students shift back into classrooms, more accommodations may be needed.

Cat “society has a stigma, it’s hard to reach out for help.

Evans has helped set up a Student Advisory Board to encourage students like Carlyise to succeed. She expects to go to grad school with a focus on prosthetics.

“You do have to self-advocate”

 Veteran’s Day has a special meaning for 30 year-old Matt J. of Grand Blanc. The former US Marine spent time serving our country in Afghanistan back in 2012-2013. He’s among the veterans being helped by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 3 in Burton.

    More than 30, 000 veterans are eligible for help through the non-profit DAV Center on Bristol Road in Burton. Post Commander George Cannon says the center is run by volunteers to help with things like PTSD, VA loans, education, medical and other benefits. This is a great resource for veterans in our community!

    The Service Officer here, Mike Butler says they serve all veterans, not just those with disabilities. If you’d like more information, contact the center at 810-742-9220.