The Disability Network (TDN) will host an Accessible Voting Information Session on Friday, September 13, from 2:30 to 5:30 at Gloria Coles Flint Public Library in recognition of Disability Voting Rights Week.
With the presidential election only a few months away, it is more important than ever for Genesee County residents to be educated and empowered when it comes to voting. This is why TDN will be hosting an Accessible Voting Information Session.
Voter Assist Terminal Photo credit Michigan Department of State
This informative and interactive event will empower and educate people on their rights and the accessible voting options available to them. Whether they’re a first-time voter or looking to learn more about voting accessibility, this event will provide valuable insights and hands-on tools for voting in upcoming elections.
A voter access terminal will be on-site for people to test and there will be remarks from Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds, Dominique Clemons, and Community Advocate and Trainer, Jessica Dixon, LCSW, about accessibility and voting for people with disabilities.
Additionally, the League of Women Voters Flint Area and the National Federation of the Blind Flint/Genesee Chapter will attend to support voters and celebrate accessible voting. An ASL interpreter will be present for this information session.
This will be one of many events TDN is hosting to bring education and empowerment to Genesee County voters.
Developed to provide inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences, iKayak offers individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore the Flint River’s waterways through adaptive kayaking. The program is back for 2023, promising memorable experiences and empowering individuals to connect with nature.
What started as a collaboration between The Disability Network and Kayak Flint, iKayak is a perfect example of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, Genesee County Parks, and KayakFlint’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that outdoor recreation is accessible to all. The program offers kayaking and equipment that adapts to various disabilities, including mobility and sensory experiences. These adaptive kayaks, equipped with stability features, comfortable seating, and assistive devices, provide individuals the freedom to navigate the waterways with ease and confidence.
iKayak Guides and Volunteers
What sets iKayak apart is its dedicated, passionate team of trained guides and instructors. These professionals have undergone specialized training to provide personalized support and assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for every participant. Jaime Welch heads up iKayak and leads excursions. Tarah Holliman, recreation therapist at TDN, has worked with Jamie for the last two years and shares that “Jaime Welch is passionate about kayaking; she is passionate about people. She wants people to have the opportunity (to kayak) from all backgrounds.” Whether assisting with transfers or ensuring the proper fitting of adaptive equipment to offering paddling techniques and nature interpretation, the iKayak team goes above and beyond to make each outing memorable.
For many, iKayak is a chance to reconnect with nature, experience the thrill of kayaking, and explore the beauty of some of Genesee County’s waterways. The program offers a variety of trips tailored to different skill levels and interests. From tranquil paddles to scenic explorations, iKayak carefully plans each trip for participants’ enjoyment.
Beyond the physical benefits of kayaking, iKayak fosters a sense of empowerment, independence, and social connection among its participants. Engaging in outdoor activities promotes physical well-being, boosts confidence, and nurtures an appreciation for nature. “iKayak is meant to show you that you can. You can do this for your whole life, not just the kayak sessions,” Tarah explained. “iKayak is a starting point for developing the skills, to teach safety, what to do on the water, so you know that you can do it safely and independently.”
Upcoming iKayak Events
Families, individuals, and groups are invited to join this inclusive and accessible outdoor recreation activity. Whether it’s your first time on the water or an annual tradition, iKayak promises an unforgettable experience that empowers, inspires, and connects participants with the Flint River. So, grab your paddle, embrace the adventure, and let iKayak take you on an extraordinary journey of discovery!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the iKayak program, please reach out to Jamie Welch at 810-767-7140 or jwelch@flintriver.org.
You have the right to vote how you choose.If voting in person on Election Day,you have the right to privacy and accessible voting.
MTA to Provide Free Rides to Polls
The Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) will provide an
Election Day – Free Fare Day on all local fixed routes and Your Ride services.
Those requiring Your Ride services must schedule their rides by calling 810-767-5541 a minimum of 24 hours in advance, so be sure to call now to ensure you can get to the polls.
Please contact MTA for more information about Election Day – Free Fare Day and Your Ride scheduling.
Voter Information Session| Monday, November 7, 12 – 1 PM
Learn about accessible voting and voter information resources with The Disability Network as you prepare to vote on Election Day.
An interpreter will be available for this virtual information session hosted on Zoom and Facebook.
Voting Information and Tips
– You have the right to vote privately and independently in an accessible location.
– You are not required to have a photo ID to vote in Michigan. You will be asked to complete an affidavit and will be able to vote.
– Accessible voting machines are available and encouraged to be used. If you have any issues with voting, please alert the voting precinct official or your local clerk’s office. If your issue is not resolved with this individual, please call 866-your-vote.
Enos Vanderson is a Flint father, whose 22-year-old son Eynnus has neuropathy and uses a wheelchair. The Disability Network installed a ramp in Enos’ garage last month so Eynnus can get into the house using a power wheelchair.
This free ramp is part of a new program at the Disability Network that installs temporary ramps into Genesee County homes. The program started in December 2020 with funds provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
Unlike other ramps programs in the county that have certain requirements for permanent ramp installation, The Disability Network’s program does not have location or income requirements. There is a $50 refundable deposit required.
Although funding to purchase the ramps was provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, the need to grow this program continues into the new year as the waiting list gets longer. That grant funding has been used, and there are no more ramps left. If you are interested in supporting the ramp program, please contact Joel Feick at joelf@disnetwork.org or 810-742-1800.
With the new year right around the corner, instead of making a resolution, try setting a new intention. An intention can be a short phrase (some call this a mantra), or even simply a word or two.
The great thing about setting an intention is that you can create a new one: daily, weekly, or monthly. You also might have different intentions for various time periods and/or seasons of your calendar year.
Three tips to help set, (perfect) intentions:
First and foremost, make your intention positive. Because as the saying goes: ‘the more you are positive in your life, the more you will attract positive things’. My (intention), word for this past year, 2020 was: Evolve.
Write your intentions down. Or if your inventive like me, buy a memento with your word or phrase, like a necklace or bracelet. Even a stone with your word and/or phrase engraved is a great reminder!
Share. Sharing your intention with a friend, co-worker, or loved one, allows you to be able to receive support in staying focused on your intention. And who knows it might inspire your circle of friends and family to join in!
I hope you find some inspiration in trying something like setting an intention in the new year. Speaking of inspiration, I will leave you with the wonderful words from, Mary Anne Radmacher.
“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen Hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”
Jessica Dixon
Jessica has worked at TDN for a little over a decade, that’s two whole hands for those counting! She has never met a lunch she didn’t enjoy and her favorite snack is popcorn. Jessica’s apartment is currently home to over 200 books, a partner (who loves to cook), and a black pug named Georgia Jean.
As the days get shorter, the shortest being December 21st, 2020, which marks the first day of winter, in the Northern Hemisphere, and closer to home here in the great mitten-shaped state of Michigan. And with less sunlight, and less than ideal temperatures, those winter blues, as known as “seasonal affective disorder” (SAD), are knocking at your door ready to visit.
According to National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), SAD is defined as: “mood changes (that) begin and end when the seasons change. People may start to feel “down” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter (also called “winter blues”) and begin to feel better in the spring, with longer daylight hours.”
NIMH identifies the following as signs and/or symptoms of SAD:
Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates
Weight gain
Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)
So, if you find yourself showing one or two of these symptoms during the winter months, I have just the thing. I call it: The Whole Hand Method!
I know, I know your saying to yourself, ‘What is with whole hand thing Jessica?’ Truth telling time: I like to be playful, and when reciting a list that can be counted on one hand, I exclaim: “It’s a whole hand method!
Are you ready? Here we go!
Sit in the sun more (whenever you get the chance)
Move during the day (as much as you can, any way you can)
Connect with others (get social – and we’re not talking the media kind)
Keep a healthy sleep routine (don’t over count those sheep)
Reach out for help (talk-therapy can provide relief)
The most important thing to remember, and something you can ‘count on’ is that SAD (for the most part), just like the winter blues, is temporary.
Jessica has worked at TDN for a little over a decade, that’s two whole hands for those counting! She has never met a lunch she didn’t enjoy and her favorite snack is popcorn. Jessica’s apartment is currently home to over 200 books, a partner (who loves to cook), and a black pug named Georgia Jean.
I always tell people, ‘if you have a body, and inhabit planet earth, then you, (my friend) are having a human experience. And as we all know, (some more than other’s) this experience is chucked full of feelings!
Typical holiday feelings include: gratitude, awe, amusement and love.
But what if, for whatever reason, this holiday season the feelings that surface instead are associated with: anger, envy, dread, or sadness.
I’m here to let you know, it’s okay. It’s okay to feel:
Negative about the holidays
Overwhelmed with the tasks
Sadness for the loved ones who have passed
A desire to be alone
Frustrated by crowds
Anxious about finances
Four very simple and straight forward ways in which you can manage stress this holiday season and make sure you don’t get your tinsel in a tangle:
Check in with yourself
Check in with others
Don’t forget to do small things every day
Rest
I will leave you with this final thought, as you navigate this holiday season:
In case you’re stressing ’bout all the last minute prep, remember… your PRESENCE is more important than your PRESENTS
Jessica has worked at TDN for a little over a decade, that’s two whole hands for those counting! She has never met a lunch she didn’t enjoy and her favorite snack is popcorn. Jessica’s apartment is currently home to over 200 books, a partner (who loves to cook), and a black pug named Georgia Jean.
We believe in a world where everyone is valued. We stand in solidarity with advocacy organizations across the country to condemn the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, end the hatred of racism and ensure equality for all people.
We grieve with a community whose pain, frustration, and anger has been ignored for too long. We are committed to fighting for justice and removing institutional discrimination for all marginalized populations until the day when everyone in our world is valued.
We are driven by our mission and values to advocate and drive change. To ensure we are meeting the promise of our mission and holding up a core belief: “Nothing about us without us,” we vow to take action immediately regarding representation on our leadership team and our board. Further, we will amplify voices at the intersection of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and disability activism, and continue providing bias training for local law enforcement.
It’s okay if you feel like you’re falling apart right now, tacos fall apart and we still love them!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the turbulent things happening in your own world or the world at large, please reach out – your mental health is a priority!
Below are resources to get you connected with some supports:
Mental Health America: https://screening.mhanational.org/content/need-talk-someone-warmlines Warmlines were created to give people support when they just need to talk to someone. Speaking to someone on these calls are typically free, confidential, and run by people who understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health problems.
Disability Network Oakland & Macomb is excited to host a 10-week virtual workshop on living well with a disability.
This 10-week workshop is designed for people with disabilities who want to learn new skills, meet new people and improve their quality of life by improving their health. Learning healthy lifestyle habits is possible and fun with the support of peers.
Participants in this workshop develop independent living skills such as goal setting, problem solving and communication skills and have the opportunity to practice them in a supportive peer environment.
10 Week Workshop Schedule
June 2nd: Setting Goals Goal Setting helps us consider our life values and identify a meaningful goal based on those values.
June 9th: Solving Problems Problem Solving helps us identify and address the obstacles we encounter in reaching our goals.
June 16th: Healthy Reactions to Frustration Healthy Reactions teaches us how to use our thoughts to reduce frustration when solving problems.
June 23rd: Beating the Blues Beating the Blues discusses ways to manage discouragement and avoid depression.
June 30th: Health Communication Healthy Communication focuses on ways to effectively communicate our needs to help us reach our goals.
July 7th: Seeking Information Information Seeking identifies ways to find resources that help remove obstacles on the path to reaching our goals.
July 14th: Physical Activity Physical Activity highlights the health benefits of increased physical activity and how it builds the strength and endurance we need to pursue our goals.
July 21st: Eating Well Nutrition focuses on eating a balanced diet for increased energy and stamina to pursue goals.
July 28th: Advocacy Advocacy addresses self and systems-based ways to change our communities so we can solve problems and attain goals.
August 3rd: Maintenance – New You Maintenance addresses ways to turn new healthy behaviors into healthy lifestyle habits.
