Disability Network Southwest Michigan

09/24/2026

: On Thursdays we highlight something or someone we're thankful for.

Today we’re thankful for the coworkers who take on weekend booth duty! 🙌

A few of our DNSWM staff recently spent their Saturday at the Recovery Institute's Recovery Fair, setting up the table, talking with attendees, answering questions, and sharing what we do.

It takes time, and sometimes a little sacrifice, to show up for community events on the weekend, and we appreciate the people who are willing to do it. Thank you, Sarah S. & Sarah P.!

ID: DNSWM staff members Sarah S. and Sarah P. wearing light blue shirts, standing outside at a table with DNSWM marketing materials at the Recovery Fair.

09/23/2026

🚗 Good things are happening!

Lyft recently removed a barrier that was preventing some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from using rides paid for through support programs.

Before, riders had to provide a personal payment method to create a Lyft account, even when their rides were already being paid for through a participating program. Lyft has now changed that process so eligible riders can sign up without adding a payment method.

Sometimes making things work better means taking a closer look at a requirement and asking: Does this actually need to be a barrier?

🔗 Read more from Disability Scoop: https://loom.ly/6blp8y4

Lyft is taking steps to allow more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access rides paid for through Medicaid home and community-based services programs.

09/22/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

This is a little advocacy reminder for parents as we wrap up the back-to-school season: you know your kid.

If something doesn't seem to be working at school, it's okay to ask questions. It's okay to say, "Hey, I think they might need something different."

You don't have to wait until things get really hard to start a conversation. Sometimes it just starts with asking, "What can we do to make this work better?"

If you're in need of support with educational advocacy, give us a shout. If we don't have a solution, we'll connect you to one of the other great community organizations that provide educational advocacy.

ID: DNSWM logo. Text: Tip Tuesday. Parents, it’s okay to ask for a different approach when something at school isn’t working for your child with a disability.

09/18/2026

As Disability Voting Rights Week comes to a close, we’re wrapping up with a reminder of what accessible voting can mean in real life.

For people who need voting assistance, accessibility can mean being able to make your own choices, vote when it works for you, and keep your vote private.

"For me, this is personal. Because I have a learning disability, I am not able to read my ballot independently. The Voter Assist Terminal (VAT) gives me the ability to vote independently and privately. With the VAT, I can vote when it works for me, make my own choices, and keep my vote private. That is what accessible voting means to me. I’m proud to be part of the Portage community and to have the opportunity, through my work at DNSWM and as a poll worker, to help make voting more accessible for others."

Accessibility isn't an extra. It is what makes individuals' right to vote truly possible. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in our elections.



ID: DNSWM staff member Miranda stands by a City of Portage ballot drop box holding a ballot. Text: "For me, this is personal." -Miranda Grunwell, Community Education Manager.

09/17/2026

Accessible voting can look different for different people.

For one voter, it might mean an accessible entrance. For another, it might mean using a ballot-marking device, getting assistance, voting from home, or using curbside voting. There isn't one “right” way to make voting work for everyone.

In Michigan, voters with disabilities have the right to request accessible voting options.

What helps make voting work for you?

ID: A piece of paper with DNSWM logo and doodling. Elements include an automatic door-opener button, a curbside voting sign, an accessible voting machine, a mail-in ballot, and a person getting help while voting. Text: What can accessible voting look like? A barrier-free entrance, curbside voting, voting from home, accessible voting equipment, getting help when you need it.

09/16/2026

🗳️

This week is Disability Voting Rights Week and we’re excited to see disability voting rights getting more attention across Michigan!

Next week REV UP Michigan will host a virtual presentation about voting rights featuring our own Miranda Grunwell. It’s a great reminder that knowing your voting rights and options is an important part of making your voice heard. 📢

September 24 | 1:30–3:00 PM on Zoom
Register Here: https://loom.ly/r-E5xzg

We'll see you there!

ID: A ballot entering a ballot box. REV UP! Michigan logo. Text: Your Voting Rights, hosted by Miranda Grunwell of Disability Network Southwest Michigan. Don't miss it! September 24, 2026, 1:30–3:00 PM on Zoom.

09/16/2026

: Coming up soon! 🗣️💡

There's still time to register for our Community Conversation with Consumers Energy.

Bring your questions and feedback, learn more about available programs and services, and join the conversation with Consumers Energy representatives.

Each session is from 5:30–7:30 PM. Please register for one conversation, not both.
📍 September 23: In person
💻 September 29: Virtual

Participants will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

🔗 Register: https://loom.ly/O02lYP8

ID: Community Conversation registration webpage displayed on a laptop; a cartoon megaphone with three green shapes representing noise; Consumers Energy logo and DNSWM logo. Text: Don't forget to register.

09/15/2026

This Disability Voting Rights Week, we're sharing information to help people with disabilities know their rights and make a voting plan.

🗳️ : Getting ready to vote? Start with these 3 things!

Before you vote, check:
1) Am I registered to vote? Check here: https://www.vote.org/am-i-registered-to-vote/
2) Where do I vote? Check here: https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/
3) What voting option works best for me?

Voting in person, voting early, or voting by mail are all options to consider. Knowing your choices ahead of time can help make voting a little easier.

ID: Red, white, and blue graphic. Text: Tip Tuesday, Disability Voting Rights Week. Use these questions to get ready to vote: Am I registered? Where do I vote? What voting option works best for me?

09/14/2026

📢 We have a great webinar coming up this week!

Whether you’re voting for the first time or have been voting for years, you may have questions about your rights and how to cast your vote. Join us Thursday for our Vote: Know Your Rights.

This presentation will cover:
• Who can vote
• How to check your voter registration
• How and when to register to vote
• Voting accessibility
• How to vote before Election Day
• What to expect on Election Day

📅 Thursday, September 17, 10:00–11:30 AM
💻 Virtual webinar

Everyone’s voice should be heard, and every vote counts. 🗳️

Register today! https://loom.ly/LuyCyq4

09/14/2026

September 14–18 is Disability Voting Rights Week! This week we’re joining Accessible Democracy Defenders across the country to share information about disability and voting, support voters, and celebrate the Disability Community’s role in democracy.

Facts:
• People with disabilities have the right to vote.
• You have options for how you vote.
• You can get help with voting if you need it.

ID: DNSWM logo and a ballot going into a ballot box. Text: September 14-18, 2026. Disability Voting Rights Week. Your vote. Your voice. Your rights.