The Disability Network will host Detroit-based photojournalist Laura Suprenant for her current series, Portraits of Persons with Disabilities. Laura shares on her website, “The Portraits of Persons with Disabilities Project aims to change the perception of PWD, starting with the people themselves. Through photography, we create a respectful portrait of each person’s unique form.” Learn more about this project on the Portraits of Persons with Disabilities Project Website.
Laura is looking for volunteers to be interviewed and have their portraits taken on May 25th at TDN’s office. If you are interested or know someone who would be, please email Laura at Laura.C.Suprenant@gmail.com. All scheduling will be done through Laura directly.
Join TDN Connect for this month’s recreation and health programs held at The Disability Network and around the community.
TDN Connect is a multi-faceted program series designed to help you learn new independent living skills by inviting you to participate in recreation and leisure programs.
Our series includes adaptive cooking, exercise, crafting, and mental health check-ins with tips and techniques. We are creating spaces for you to thrive and enjoy the social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of recreational programming.
In-person events are held at The Disability Network unless otherwise stated.
RSVP/registration is required for all classes. Please call or text Tarah at 810-730-0734 to save your spot in TDN Connect.
Two members of the TDN staff presented to Michigan’s parks and recreation professionals last month at the annual mParks conference in Lansing.
Jessica Dixon and Tarah Holliman shared the values of inclusion and accessibility in their respective presentations and provided resources and tips for participants.
“My presentation was about how to create inclusive programming in the parks,” Holliman shared. She provided easy ways that parks and recreation departments can get behind this work, for example, “going into the community and asking people what they need, what they want, and creating programming based on that.” She continued that it could include existing programs as well.
For organizations and programs interested in looking at making their current programming more accessible, Holliman shared examples to help, “For instance, at registration, you ask about their accommodations, what they need to do the program.” Additionally, organizers can “make it known that you have accommodations available like interpreters or something simple like providing seating with armrests and seat backs.”
The Disability Network organizes a number of recreational workshops, classes, and experiences for Genesee County residents. Its biggest outdoor activity is the iKayak program. Holliman says that the program works well, “because it’s three organizations coming together to provide an experience that persons with and without disabilities can enjoy independently throughout the county.” The Flint River Watershed and Genesee County Parks coordinate iKayak with activities planned throughout the summer.
TDN Connect, an independent living skills and recreational activities program led by Holliman, also fosters social interaction and independence in the community. “Current participants have shared with me that they participate [in TDN Connect] for the social aspect because they reported not having many friends,” Holliman shared.
With a goal to foster people with disabilities living and thriving independently in the community, TDN Connect “provides a space for people to authentically be themselves, learn and understand their own disabilities, and also gain skills to improve and maintain independence in their lives.”
The Bureau of Services for Blind People (BSBP) welcomed visitors to its new location on March 23. Just down the road from its previous location, the new office is inside the Michigan Works building at 711 North Saginaw in downtown Flint.
BSBP employees from across the state gathered to explain their services. They help with job training along with independent living skills.
On Michigan’s Labor and Economic Opportunity Department website, BSBP is described as providing “training and services that empower people to achieve their individual goals. If you live in Michigan and you’re blind or visually impaired, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons will work with you to define your goals and identify appropriate training and services.”
The BSBP also operates the state’s Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center (BSBPTC), “a comprehensive rehabilitative center specializing in assisting youth and adults who are blind and have low vision. “
As a center of independent living, the Disability Network shares common goals with the group in providing services to support individuals’ goals for independent living and thriving in the community.
Join TDN Connect for this month’s recreation and health programs held at The Disability Network and around the community.
TDN Connect is a multi-faceted program series designed to help you learn new independent living skills by inviting you to participate in recreation and leisure programs.
Our series includes adaptive cooking, exercise, crafting, and mental health check-ins with tips and techniques. We are creating spaces for you to thrive and enjoy the social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of recreational programming.
In-person events are held at The Disability Network unless otherwise stated.
RSVP/registration is required for all classes. Please call or text Tarah at 810-730-0734 to save your spot in TDN Connect.
The Disability Network’s fuzziest team member, Onyx the facility dog, recently visited Michigan State University to provide comfort to students employed at MSU Greenline, a student call center for Annual Giving.
On March 1, Onyx headed to Spartan Country upon a request from leaders for MSU Greenline. “After the tragic event that took place on February 13th, we have been looking for any ways to support our students when they return to the workplace,” Nikki Hawthorne, Assistant Director of Annual Giving – Telemarketing, shared. “Some of our callers returned to work the week Onyx visited, and it was great to have a sweet dog greet our student employees at the door while they entered the office.”
MSU students met with Onyx throughout their workday at the MSU Greenline call center.
Onyx met with students throughout the day, providing companionship and calm. Meghan Slaght, Onyx’s handler and youth specialist for The Disability Network, explained that due to some medical issues, Onyx had been off of work as a facility dog and had recently returned to his role, “As soon as we walked into the room, he went to certain students, it made me feel proud because he’s been off for so long and he didn’t forget his tasks.” She continued, “His tasks are to make people feel happy, to feel comfortable, and to feel safe. He brought joy to the environment.”
Onyx receives belly rubs from MSU Greenline students.
Rachel Dodds, a Greenline student, shared her experience of having Onyx visit, “I was experiencing some anxiety, but he came right up to me and made me feel so much better. You can tell he really knows what people are feeling, and he just relieves any stress someone may be experiencing. His handler was equally as amazing, and the two made a great pair.”
TDN’s good boy, Onyx, shows that he’s Spartan Strong at a recent visit to MSU’s campus.
MSU Greenline employs about 100 students each semester and “is the largest run call center in the Big 10,” Hawthorne shared.
Onyx has been with The Disability Network, a center for independent living in Flint, Michigan, for seven months. Serving alongside Meg Slaght in high schools throughout Genesee County, his primary job is assisting youth with disabilities by providing a feeling of comfort and safety and being a non-judgmental friend. Onyx came from Paws with a Cause (PAWS), a non-profit in West Michigan that custom trains assistance and facility dogs.
Join TDN Connect for this month’s recreation and health programs held at The Disability Network and around the community.
TDN Connect is a multi-faceted program series, designed to help you learn new independent living skills by inviting you to participate in recreation and leisure programs.
Our series includes adaptive cooking, exercise, crafting and mental health check-ins with tips and techniques. We are creating spaces for you to thrive and enjoy the social, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits of recreational programming.
In person events are held at The Disability Network unless otherwise stated.
RSVP / registration is required for all classes. Please call or text Tarah at 810-730-0734 to save your spot in TDN Connect.
Things are getting busier at The Disability Network, and we’re experiencing a need for friendly help around the office and at upcoming community events. All volunteer positions are listed on the United Way’s Genesee Serves volunteer website. If you would like to request to volunteer by phone, please call 810-742-1800.
Temporary Ramp Installation Volunteer The Disability Network is looking for a part-time volunteer to assist with the agencies’ temporary ramp program. The agency has temporary ramps that are installed in homes for free throughout Genesee County for a period of up to three months. The volunteer would need to survey the house and install the temporary ramp, plus pick up the ramp after the borrower is finished or upon the three-month limit. The ramps are made of aluminum and can be picked up relatively easily.
To learn more about the ramp volunteer position, visit Genesee Serves.
Inclusive Kayaking (iKayak)Volunteer Want to volunteer for our iKayak Inclusive Kayaking program? No prior kayaking experience required! Join us for our Volunteer Training Day to learn more about accessible kayaking and adaptive recreation. Our inclusive Kayaking Program provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in adaptive kayaking on beautiful Buell Lake. Equipment, training, and 1:1 support included!
To learn more about the kayak volunteer position, visit Genesee Serves
ADA Day Picnic Volunteer There are a lot of volunteer opportunities available in all different stations of the event such as registration, face painting, popcorn, games, parking lot… We will do our best to assign you to a location you find fun and rewarding.
To learn more about the ADA Day picnic volunteer position, visit Genesee Serves.
Over the Edge Event Volunteer TDN is raising funds by partnering with Over the Edge to give people the chance to rappel down the Durant Luxury Apartments on Saturday, August 21st! The success of this event relies on help from volunteers like you! We have a variety of opportunities available: registration, parking, on the group hype person, and much, much more! Volunteers needed on Friday, 8/20/21 3 PM-8 PM & Saturday, 8/21/21 7 AM-5 PM.
To learn more about the Over the Edge event volunteer position, visit Genesee Serves.
Over the Edge Rope Volunteer Previous experience with rope safety systems (ropes course facilitation, rock climbing instruction, high angle rescue, industrial rope access, etc.) is preferred but NOT required. Rope Volunteer Training: Friday, 8/20/21 1 PM-4 PM. Volunteers needed: Friday, 8/20/21 4 PM-8 PM & Saturday, 8/21/21 7 AM-4 PM.
To learn more about the Over the Edge rope volunteer position, visit Genesee Serves.
TDN Connect continues with fun programming and new workshops this spring and summer. The program is designed to connect people and provide a way to learn new skills and independent living completely online. People interested need only a phone, tablet, or computer and internet access to attend. All classes are offered through Zoom.
Many of the programs remain the same, including cooking, exercise, and a book club. Creative writing sessions have been added along with new crafts for the upcoming months.
Programming includes: Cooking, Energize with Exercise, Crafting Club, Beyond the Book Club, Mental Health Check-Ins, Creative and adaptive writing
Recreation In Person
Do you like drawing or painting? Have you always wanted to kayak down the river on a warm, summer day? The Disability Network is offering two classes in person this spring and summer. Expressions: Inclusive Art Class is held at Flint Institute of Arts and introduces artists to different mediums and techniques. Classes run the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Our inclusive kayaking program, iKayak, provides an opportunity for people s to participate in adaptive kayaking on beautiful Buell Lake. Equipment, training, and 1:1 support included! These are small classes to help ensure safety and social distancing. Masks will be worn for in-person events.
Contact Carrie Gerdeman at 810-742-1800 or carrieg@disnetwork.org to sign up!
The Disability Network can now register people with disabilities in Genesee County, over the age of 18, for the COVID-19 vaccine. People interested can call TDN at 810-742-1800 or send a text to (855) 516-2789 and an employee will assist with registration.
The Disability Network is working with the Genesee County Health Department to help get as many eligible people vaccinated as possible.
Bishop International Airport will act as a vaccination site for those registered through TDN. Individuals will receive an email confirmation and a text reminder of their appointment.
TDN Connect, a new multi-faceted virtual program offered by The Disability Network, is designed to help people learn new independent living skills by inviting them to participate in recreation and leisure programs completely online. The program kicked-off late last year with virtual cooking classes but has expanded for 2021.
TDN’s Health & Recreation Specialist, Amario Payton-Rice, took individuals and the community into consideration when developing the new series, “TDN consumer needs are of high priority when developing programs, we considered virtual activities that our consumers enjoy and began developing the programs.”
“Virtual connection opportunities offer consumers a chance to meet and participate in activities while currently sheltering in place. It reduces boredom/loneliness while helping individuals discover fun, leisure, and recreational activities.” – Health & Recreation Specialist, Amario Payton-Rice
Scheduled to start this month, this year’s programming includes adaptive cooking, exercise, crafting, a book club, and mental health check-ins with tips & techniques.
Adaptive Cooking – “A Taste of Independence” is a virtual, adaptive cooking program designed to help individuals navigate the kitchen easier, as well as share their unique cooking experiences with their peers.
Energize with Exercise – Though a partnership with Valley Area on Aging, individuals are able to participate in a seated workout program designed to help you get active and moving. The focus areas will be alleviating symptoms of arthritis, as well as improving balance, coordination, and core stability.
Crafting Club – A program designed to get your creative juices flowing. This includes holiday-themed activities, as well as crafts that will help you find joy and contentment in your leisure time.
Beyond the Book Club – “Reading a book is like re-writing the story for yourself.” This program is designed to promote meaningful conversations that go beyond the words written on a page. This program will help you reflect on your own personal experiences while learning to empathize with the experiences of others.
Mental Health Check-Ins – This is an open environment designed to help you learn tips & techniques on how to navigate the ups and downs of life. If you’re looking for a safe space to share your sentiments, manage stress, or ideas on how to respond to traumatic events then this program is for you! This program will be facilitated by a Master level Social Worker and a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
If you are not registered for a program or if you would like to register for additional programs, please contact the Health & Recreation Specialist, Amario Payton-Rice at Amarior@disnetwork.org or at (734) 905-2859.
