Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

06/02/2026

10 days left to register for Breaking Barriers Day on Tuesday, June 23.

Please note: You must register to reserve a ticket to access the art exhibit and sensory-friendly baseball game. Please register by 11:59 PM on June 12.

Learn more and sign up to reserve your spot:

https://bit.ly/bbday2026

06/01/2026

Growing up disabled can mean navigating more than one set of expectations, from family and culture to identity and access. Join us next week for a virtual discussion called "Growing Up Disabled: Navigating Between Cultures," which will feature a panel of people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities sharing personal stories and strategies. Panelists represent a range of lived experiences and identities, including New American and mixed status families, as well as diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Event Details:
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom
ASL and CART captioning provided

Register today: https://LeadNavigatingCultures.eventbrite.com

The LEAD program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image description: Flyer for a Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and LEAD virtual event titled “Growing Up Disabled: Navigating Between Cultures.” The event takes place Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. The flyer describes a panel discussion with people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities sharing experiences navigating disability identity alongside family, cultural, and community expectations. Participants will hear personal stories about advocacy, parenting, communication, and access across cultures, and learn strategies for building cultural pride, self-advocacy, resilience, and culturally responsive communities. Registration link: https://LeadNavigatingCultures.eventbrite.com. ASL and CART captioning will be provided. The bottom includes the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council logo and an illustration of a diverse group of people.]

06/01/2026

Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are vital spaces for accessible technology, information, internet access, learning, and community connection.

Join the LEAD-Inclusive Network (LEAD-IN) Team from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition for a virtual training on how libraries can better support people with disabilities.

Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Virtual on Zoom

Register here: https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com

ASL interpretation and CART captioning provided

This training is designed for library staff, community members, advocates, and anyone interested in creating more welcoming and accessible library spaces.

The LEAD-IN Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image description: Square graphic promoting MDRC’s virtual training, “Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library,” on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. The graphic includes LEAD Inclusive Network, MDRC, and MIDDC logos, plus a photo of two smiling children in a library, one standing and one using a wheelchair. Text says the training will cover disability inclusion, common barriers, practical accessibility strategies, and MDRC resources. ASL and CART captioning will be provided. Register at https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com]

05/28/2026

Sign up your student for our Outdoor Adventure Camp by June 10 ☀🌊 This camp will be held June 24-28 for students who are blind/low vision, ages 10-17. Participants will have an opportunity to hike, practice archery, play sports, scale the climbing tower, swim, fish, create art, and enjoy campfires. Learn more: bit.ly/CampT-06-24-26

(Image: A teen boy holds a vertical rope on the ropes challenge course in the woods at camp while Camp Director Jill and other campers stand next to him.)

05/28/2026

Want to build your disability advocacy skills and connect with others working toward change?

Join MDRC for our Disability Advocacy Training Series, a set of virtual trainings focused on assisting advocates looking to create more inclusive communities. This series promotes building power by working in community to strengthen disability justice, advocacy, and inclusion.

Registration is open now.

Sign up for individual trainings on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/disability-advocacy-training-series-4844798

Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities led by disabled people and rooted in justice.

[Image description: Square promotional graphic for the Disability Advocacy Training Series. The top includes the Leaders for Inclusion and Michigan Disability Rights Coalition logos. Large navy text reads “Disability Advocacy Training Series.” Below, three virtual trainings are listed with dates and times: Cause Advocacy Part 1 on Thursday, June 11; Cause Advocacy Part 2 on Thursday, June 18; and Disability Advocacy Workshop: Preparing for Meetings with Legislators on Thursday, June 25. Each training runs from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. The graphic notes that ASL and CART captioning are provided and includes a green “Register on Eventbrite” button. The bottom includes details about how MiDDC funds the program and its logo.]

05/28/2026

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month we're highlighting assistive technology (AT) that can support mental health and wellness. Here are some of our favorite mobile apps that can help with emotional regulation, building healthy routines, and making tasks feel more manageable:

Finch: AT Specialist Caitlin Hurban's favorite. This app adds fun and motivation to building healthy habits through a self-care pet game to work toward your personal routines and goals. Learn more here: https://finchcare.com/

Calm: Supports relaxation and mindfulness with guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises. Note: many features require a paid subscription. Check it out: https://www.calm.com/

PTSD Coach: Recommended by MATP Program Director Aimee Sterk. Developed by the VA, this free app helps people manage stress, track symptoms, and learn coping strategies after experiencing trauma. Learn more: https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach

A companion to the PTSD coach is PTSD Family Coach: Living with a family member who has PTSD can be stressful. This free VA app is designed for concerned family members and loved ones. It can help you learn about PTSD, take care of yourself, manage your relationship, and support your loved one in getting the treatment they deserve. See more: https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-family-coach

Goblin Tools: One of AT Specialist Abby Squires's favorites. Goblin Tools is a collection of small, simple, AI-powered tools designed to help people (especially those who are neurodivergent) manage tasks that feel overwhelming or complicated. Tools include Magic ToDo, which breaks complex tasks into smaller steps; Formalizer, which adjusts the tone of your writing; Judge, which identifies the emotional tone of a piece of text; Professor, which explains topics in simple terms; Estimator, which approximates how long a task will take, and more! Learn more: https://goblin.tools/

Have you tried any of these apps? Are there others you'd recommend? Share them in the comments so we can build a list together!

[ID: A flyer for mobile apps for Mental health, has a picture of a phone with the finch app picture of a Birb with text: "Finch- Build healthy habits with a little fun.", the Calm logo with text: "Calm: support relaxation and mindfulness.", PTSD Coach logo with text: "PTSD Coach- Manage stress, track symptoms and learn coping strategies.", and a Goblin Tools logo with text: "Goblin tools- simple, single-task tools to help manage overwhelming tasks." There is a succulent to the left of the phone and both are upright on a desk. A MATP logo is on the bottom left. Text: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Support in Your Pocket. Mobile apps can support emotional regulation, healthy routines, and managing everyday tasks. End text.]

05/28/2026

What difference can fruits & veggies make? Millions!

In 2025, SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks generated $12.4 million in sales of fruits & veggies. Now that’s a big local impact! Learn more during and get involved: doubleupfoodbucks.org/awareness-month

05/27/2026

Join us in Lansing on June 23 for Breaking Barriers Day!

✅Attend the opening reception of the Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit. Artwork by artists with developmental disabilities will be featured at the Lansing Shuffle.

✅ Explore the art exhibit, interactive resource booths, and family-friendly activities that celebrate the disability community.

✅ Join us for a sensory-friendly baseball game with the Lansing Lugnuts. Attendees will enjoy an accessible, inclusive ballpark experience at Jackson Field.

Interested? Learn more and sign up to reserve your spot:

https://bit.ly/bbday2026

Breaking Barriers Day is a celebration of creativity, community, and connection! Join us at the Lansing Shuffle (325 Riverfront Dr, Lansing, MI 48912) for the opening reception of the Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit. Artwork by artists with developmental disabilities from across Michigan will be featu...

05/26/2026

🚨 Public Comments Now Accepted for 2027-2031 Five-Year State Plan 🚨

Council members recently voted to approve a draft five-year state plan that will begin October 1, 2026, and end on September 30, 2031. The plan must identify goals and objectives to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the state.

The public has 45 days to review and share comments on the draft plan. Public comment will close on July 11, 2026.

Review the plan and share your thoughts:

www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil

05/26/2026

🎨 Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit - Submissions close at 11:59 PM! 🎨

The deadline for artists with developmental disabilities to submit artwork for the Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit is tonight at 11:59 PM.

We encourage artists of all experience levels to participate.

Share your creativity today: bit.ly/bbart2026

Questions? Contact Renee Hall at [email protected]