Category: TDN News

FIA now offering ASL interpreters at lecture series

by Joel Feick

If you’ve ever strolled through the Flint Institute of Arts, you may have wondered what’s the story behind all those cool, incredible works of art. To explain specific pieces, the FIA has started Coffee with a Curator. It’s free to Genesee County residents, along with free coffee.

This month, the lectures will now include an ASL interpreter. Marissa Pierce, FIA Director of Development, says, “We wanted to reach out to the deaf and hard of hearing community because we feel it’s important here at the FIA to reach out to ALL members of the Genesee County Community.”

It’s all part of making the FIA more inclusive. According to Pierce, “We want them to come and have an amazing experience without any barriers.”

The first lecture comes from a part of their collection that’s really old, from the 1600s.
The first lecture is on March 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 in Isabell Hall at the FIA. It features Imperial Robes from the Qing Dynasty.

The robes are heavy and quite ornate. The story behind them, featuring the emperor that demanded they be worn, is all part of the lecture by Associate Curator Rachael Holstege.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our permanent collection and pieces that have been with us a very long time,” says Pierce.

According to the FIA website, during the Qing Dynasty, all aspects of court attire followed strict guidelines laid out by the emperor. There were clear rules on what to wear on different occasions, what color you wore, and what designs could be worn. This talk will look at several imperial robes in the FIA’s collection, including two that are currently on view in the Arts of Asia gallery.

ASL Interpretation is made possible by the Ford Foundation Equity Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

Looking to have an ASL interpreter at your upcoming events, conferences, concerts, or performances? Reach out to Communication Access Center to schedule interpreting services by calling 810.239.3112.

Onyx Heads to East Lansing, Provides Support to MSU

by Katie Curnow

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.”

A student pets Onyx in an office.
Onyx the dog wears an MSU logo bandana. A student is seated behind him.
Onyx the dog gets tummy rubs and appears to be smiling he's so happy.
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 the dog receives belly rubs from two students.
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.”

Onyx, a happy golden retriever, rests in front a large Spartan statue.
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.

March Calendar of Activities for TDN COnnect

by Katie Curnow

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.

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Your Voice Matters

by TDN Staff

Your VOTE Matters

Election Day 2022 is this Tuesday, November 8th!

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.

– Preview your ballot at vote411.org

Additional voting resources can be found at https://linktr.ee/disabilitynet

Disability Employment Month

by Cara Birchmeier

    Encouraging employers to consider hiring people with disabilities is part of a nationwide effort this month. Employment services is one of the many programs we offer at The Disability Network.

53-year-old Brian Thomas had trouble finding a job.

“They didn’t want to hire me because of my handicap,” said Brian

He’s also putting his past behind him.

“I got into an altercation it went further than it needed to go. I ended up getting shot and paralyzed. I went to prison. 24 years later I got out and started seeking employment,” Brian added.

Job hunting wasn’t easy. For years, he says he felt like he was shunned. 

“It was humiliating. It almost forced me to stop looking,” said Brian

 Brian says it wasn’t necessarily the money, he just wanted to do something productive.

 “We recognize barriers and try to overcome those barriers,” said Employment Specialist, Amanda.

Amanda Banks is an employment specialist at the Disability Network. She says Brian had multiple barriers.  So, he enrolled in a special program.

“He participated in Job Club sessions. We have a benefits planner here at the Disability Network. His name is Besh. And Besh determined how much money he could make and still keep his SSI benefits. We applied for several jobs and Meijer got him in,” added Amanda.

“Hello, Welcome to Meijer. Since I’ve been at Meijer I’m more open to talking to people. It’s been a beautiful experience,” said Brian

“It’s a feeling of accomplishment but also helping someone to overcome their barriers and see the value they can bring,” said Amanda.

 People with disabilities can bring a lot to the table. Sometimes they are the company’s best employees.

  “Not only do I make them smile, they make me smile,” concluded Brian.

Watch the video here.

ADA DAY Picnic 2022!

by Cara Birchmeier

“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!

Crim ASL 5k Walking Group

by Cara Birchmeier

“This group is ASL 5k walkers”

(Peggy Frelich, Swartz Creek) “For years people have talked about the Crim race here in Flint. And I feel like we should be involved”.

So the first time in its 45-year history, the Crim Festival of Races will include an organized team using sign language.

(Kid Black Fedio, Fenton) “Historic, yeah, we’re here! Don’t forget us, include us. Make things accessible.”

Fedio says accessibility is more than just a ramp. In this case, it’s an interpreter so that members of the deaf community are included.

“Some of them are new to this, What’s the Crim? Because it hasn’t been accessible.

About 30 members of the deaf community will get the same benefits enjoyed by all the race participants.

“Support, friendship, mental health, physical, it’s good for your heart. I just had a pacemaker put in”. 

“Hearing group is faster, deaf people have to sign and walk, so they tend to walk slower”.

An interpreter will be provided at the start of the race, signing “on your mark, get set, go”

“This opportunity doesn’t limit the deaf community. We’ve been pushed aside for so long. It’s the 1st year for a deaf group.”

Watch the video here.

The Passing of Mike Zelley

by Cara Birchmeier

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.

A more Accessible Library for Flint

by Cara Birchmeier

Flint’s new Public Library is open for the first time in two years after a $30 million renovation.

“This is truly a place for children and families and residents of all ages,” says Ridgway White.

For 95-year-old former librarian Edith Prunty Spencer, it’s a place for people of all abilities.

“It’s accessible, now whereas before it wasn’t,” says Spencer.

Library Executive Director, Kay Schwartz, says it has an additional 16 thousand square feet of space with access to natural light.

She’s proud of how the library is more accessible.

“We knew something needed to be done to this library building in order to move forward into the future,” says Schwartz.

A bond proposal passed by Genesee County voters along with help from 3 local Foundations, allowed for a complete overhaul of the building.

“We never had wheelchair access to the Kearsley Street doors before,” added Spencer.

That’s good news for Spencer and others who use who have limited mobility.

“People who ride the bus, they had a difficult time. They had to go all the way around the building, so they can now…even though it’s not easy, it is easy compared to what it was,” said Spencer.

“To gather and work and to dream and to grow,” added White.

https://www.facebook.com/TheDisabilityNetwork/videos/785304989510813

Autism Acceptance Month

by Cara Birchmeier

“I want to be an independent person. I want to be able to stand on my own 2 feet”.

Ava is a senior, who’s into writing. She was diagnosed with autism at age 9. She calls herself high functioning, while she faces challenges.

“I have anxiety, depression, autism, ADD, the whole list.

Ava could be called the face of the autism community’s new message”.

“A lot of times it’s referred to as Autism Awareness, and we’re trying to move that to Autism acceptance.” Says Toyia Turner.

“We’re all about inclusion.”

Toyia Turner is sort of a super mom, who works at a credit union and volunteers at a non profit autism center, all while raising 2 kids with her husband. They take their son Rocco just about everywhere they go.

“He’s active, and it’s OK they don’t realize he has autism. We made a decision early on this is part of our life, we’re not going to change,” says Toyia.

Ava adds “people have a huge misconception of what autism meant. A lot of people equate it with a lack of intelligence. Even if you know that’s not true, it leaves a mark on your psyche”.

Experts say people with autism sometimes experience difficulty with social skills and sensory issues. Ava can relate to that and says she just wants to be accepted like everyone else.

Ava reminds you, “It’s not a disease. There’s nothing wrong with me Autism is a lot less that is something that you have, but something that you are.”

Watch the video here

U of M Flint Accommodations

by Cara Birchmeier

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”

A Resource For Veterans

by Cara Birchmeier

 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.