disability justice challenge

 

Join Us For The 21-Day Challenge!

Whether you’re a person with a disability, know someone with a disability, or have simply seen people with disabilities, we probably all have an idea what we think it means to have a disability. But let’s go deeper.

This statewide effort explores disability from a position of equity and pride in order to raise awareness, increase understanding, and shift perspectives about disability in our culture. Participants will receive one email each weekday, beginning Monday, August 1, that features videos, articles, podcasts, and discussion questions on topics including ableism, the history of the disability justice movement, intersectionality, language, accessibility, systemic inequalities for people with disabilities, allyship, and disability pride.

HOW IT WORKS

It’s completely free to participate, and we deliver everything you need right to your inbox:

  • Fill out the sign-up form from your local United Way

  • For 21 weekdays, you’ll receive a daily email

  • Start each day of the challenge by reading the introduction

  • Explore the topic in depth using the provided options

  • Capture your daily reflections and actions using our activity log (PDF | WORD)

  • Explore this work with friends, family, and colleagues by using our discussion guide

The challenge will launch in conjunction with the latest installment of the ALICE in Focus Research Series from the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) and research partner United For ALICE. Releasing on Tuesday, July 26, the 32nd Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), this report will use data and analysis to spotlight the realities of people living with disabilities in Michigan.

The Disability Equity Challenge builds upon the 21-Day Race Equity Challenge developed by diversity experts Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Debby Irving, and Dr. Marguerite Penick and adapted for the United Way network by United Way of Washtenaw County. Disability Network Southwest Michigan developed specific content for the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge.

COMMIT TO THE CHALLENGE

To join the challenge with your community and local United Way, select your county below.

 

HEART OF WEST MICHIGAN UNITED WAY
(kent county)

United Way of the lakeshore
(Muskegon, Newaygo, AND OCEANA)

United Way of ottawa and allegan counties

VIRTUAL DISCUSSION SESSION

Aug 11, 2022 11:30 AM


Join Disability Advocates of Kent County and Heart of West Michigan United Way as we discuss the first 10 days of the equity challenge. During our community conversation, we will create a safe virtual space to ask questions and reflect on the material.

special thanks to our agency partner

 
 

Disability Advocates of Kent County was founded in 1981 by persons with disabilities who sought to help themselves and others with disabilities gain control over their own lives.

Disability Advocates is unique in that we are who we serve—75% of our board and 56% of our staff are people living with disabilities. This perspective provides us tremendous knowledge and experience to support our constituents.

  • The first part of our mission is “to work alongside persons with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives.” We accomplish this through the provision of an array of services throughout Kent, Mecosta, Ionia, Montcalm, and Osceola counties to individuals with physical, cognitive, mental, and sensory disabilities and their families.

    The second part of Disability Advocates’ mission is “to advocate for accessible and welcoming communities” which is rooted in a federal and state mandate to work on public policy change. We do this by engaging persons with disabilities and partners to create positive change through advocacy and education at the local, state, and federal levels. We strive to eliminate systemic barriers and enhance programs so that people with disabilities can live the self-directed life they choose. Our community benefits by becoming more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for all. We have become recognized locally and across the state, specifically for our transit advocacy, education, technical assistance on accessibility, and Universal Design through our Absolutely Accessible Kent program. Evidence of this includes invitations to be part of state-level coalitions and local planning efforts, along with many requests for our staff and volunteers to be part of committees and workgroups that address mobility, transit, and accessibility.

  • Veteran Support
    Disability Advocates of Kent County supports veterans with disabilities by providing independent living resources and guidance and work-related training experiences.

    Disability Education Programs
    Become as informed as possible by signing up for one of our many disability education programs and learn how you can better serve your community.

    Occupational Therapy Independent Living
    We assist consumers with home modifications, equipment, resources, and funding options so they continue living independently in their own homes.

    Accessibility Reviews
    We provide assessments, give insight, and make recommendations to organizations interested in creating an accessible environment for all.

    Family Support
    A program that guides families with adults with disabilities to the many supports available through healthcare and educational resources.

    Youth Transition Services
    Serving students ages 14–26, we work to ensure youth have a successful transition into adulthood and independence.

    Benefits Planning
    Our Certified Benefits Practitioners can answer questions and help you plan for the future.

    Nursing Facility Transitions
    A program that assists people with disabilities and older adults residing in a nursing facility that have a desire to live independently.

    Employment Navigation
    Interactive programs to help learn, practice, and discuss independent living skills in a safe and comfortable environment.