Disability Network Southwest Michigan

05/28/2026

DNSWM is proud to be part of Consumers Credit Union’s Round Up for Impact program. Your spare change can help us do more good—automatically. Enroll today and choose Disability Network Southwest Michigan!

👉🏾Learn more: https://www.consumerscu.org/round-up

ID: A hand depositing a coin into a jar of change labeled “donate.” Consumers Credit Union and Disability Network Southwest Michigan logos.

05/28/2026

May is Older Americans Month. As we age, many of us develop disabilities as a natural part of the aging process. Examples might include back pain, joint issues, cardiac conditions, etc., making using stairs dangerous or even impossible.

Community organizations like Disability Network, Milestone Senior Services, Area Agency on Aging, and others have programs that help older people remain safe and independent in their homes. Ramps and home repairs provide dignity, autonomy, and security - no one wants to be trapped in their home or live somewhere in disrepair!

We're so grateful for community organizations who do this work and proud to have opportunities to partner with them. Check out this great story highlighting one of these organizations, Milestone Senior Services.

👉🏾 https://loom.ly/L9GMrDg

Milestone Senior Services helped an Oshtemo senior replace a failed furnace and rebuild an unsafe ramp at no cost through grant-funded home repair and accessibility programs serving Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

05/27/2026

Every Wednesday, we share good things happening here at DN and in our community.

Our team had a great time connecting with community members at the recent Berrien County Senior Expo. Events like these are a great reminder that building communities where everyone belongs takes all of us working together. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello, ask questions, and learn more about disability resources and services that DNSWM offers the community!

ID: DNSWM Advocacy Specialist Cindy G. at the Berrien County Senior Expo, pictured here with staff from the Berrien County Sheriff's Office & Berrien County Health Department.

05/26/2026

Join us in July for our annual ADA Celebration, a gathering filled with disability pride, community resources, art, and celebration for all ages.

We’re currently looking for:
🖌️ Artists & makers to join our Disability Arts & Crafts Market
🏢 Community organizations interested in hosting a booth or informational table

Whether you create art, share resources, advocate, or simply want to be part of an inclusive community event, we’d love to have you there.

Come help us build a celebration for all!

📅 July 24, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
📍 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 1204 Bank St, Kalamazoo, MI
🔗 Learn more & sign up: https://loom.ly/1Buefl8

Join us for the Annual Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Celebration! Disability Network Southwest Michigan believes all people deserve full access and inclusion in our…

05/25/2026

A reminder that Disability Network Southwest Michigan offices are closed today for the Memorial Day holiday. We join communities across the country in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Regular office hours will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26.

ID: Four American flags against a background of a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. DNSWM logo. Text: Memorial Day. Honoring those who gave everything for our freedom.

05/22/2026

Heads up: all Disability Network Southwest Michigan offices will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. We wish everyone a safe holiday weekend as we honor and remember those who served and sacrificed. 🪖🎖️🎗️

ID: A blurred background image of numerous small American flags planted in the grass. DNSWM logo; text: Office Closure.

05/21/2026

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)!

GAAD is a reminder that accessibility shapes how people experience the world every single day, including online.

It can look like:
📺 adding captions to videos
🖼 alt text for images & graphics
✍🏽 adding image descriptions (IDs) to posts with visual content
💻 screen-reader friendly websites
🔶 using high color contrast & readable fonts
#️⃣ use camel case hashtags, capitalizing each word’s first letter ( instead of )
✨ learning from disabled people & accessibility advocates

⁉️ Tell us, what's an accessibility feature you wish you better understood?



ID: Overhead view of the arms of a woman who is working on a cell phone held in her hands. A white computer keyboard is also visible. DNSWM logo. Text: Global Accessibility Awareness Day.

05/20/2026

Every Wednesday, we share good things happening here at DN and in our community.

Fresh air, community, and connection made for a wonderful day at Pretty Lake Camp • Adventure Centre • Farm 🌿

Members of our Advocacy Academy Alumni Group recently came together for a retreat focused on peer support, relationship-building, and fun. Participants practiced accessible chair yoga, learned about camping and outdoor safety, and spent time reconnecting with fellow alumni.

We love seeing Advocacy Academy graduates continue building community long after their internship experience ends.

ID 1: DNSWM logo and an arm holding a bullhorn into the air; text: Advocacy Academy Alumni Group.
ID 2: Graduates of Advocacy Academy gathered, seated on a U shaped couch.
ID 3: Max and Bo enjoy a snack while listening to a presentation.
ID 4: The group participates in accessible chair yoga.
ID 5: Arias and Abby doing chair yoga while service dog Dill naps at Abby's feet.
ID 6: Side shot of the group doing chair yoga; multiple wheelchairs are visible.
ID 7: Cas from Kalamazoo Nature Center presenting on outdoor safety.
ID 8: Claire, roasting a marshmellow.

05/19/2026

On National Rescue Dog Day, we’re sharing some beloved rescue dogs (and cats) from our staff team because all adopted pets deserve their moment in the spotlight. 🐾

Beyond companionship, animals can play important roles in emotional wellbeing and disability support. Emotional support animals and service animals help many people feel safer, more independent, more connected, and more supported in daily life.

Please enjoy this parade of floppy ears, heroic side-eyes, and very important nap schedules. ❤️ Drop a pic of your furry friend in the comments!

Slide 1: A black, shaggy dog wearing an orange vest. DNSWM logo. Text: Happy National Rescue Dog (And Cat) Day. Rescue dog and service animal in training, Mackie.
Slide 2: A tan dog with an underbite; text: Allison's dog Stash. A black dog with pointy ears; text: Tweezer.
SLide 3: A small brown, white, and tan dog; text: Jackie’s dog Jojo.
Slide 4: A small, brown and black dog resting on a puffy bed; text: Baby Yoda. A small, brown and black dog resting on blankets; text: Kathy's dog Lulu.
Slide 5: A grey cat wearing a pink collar; text: Miranda's cat Biscuits.
Slide 6: A black lab resting on carpeted stairs; text: Sheralee’s dog Mika.
Slide 7: A charcoal dog getting a belly rub; text: Jax. A white, fluffy dog wearing a green collar; text: Max’s dog Dryfus.
Slide 8: An orange cat resting on a beige bed; text: Angelo. A black and white cat sitting on wood flooring; text: Lauren’s Cat Prince.
Slide 9: Close up on the head of an orange, black, and white cat; text: Kristi O.’s cat Hazel.
Slide 10: A dark grey cat seated, looking at an orange and white cat with his arms and legs spayed open, playing; text: Sarah S.’s cats.
Slide 11: DNSWM logo; text: Happy National Rescue Dog (And Cat) Day.

05/19/2026

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

For people with disabilities, preparing for medical appointments can make a big difference in successfully communicating your needs. How can you do that?
✔ Write down questions in advance
✔ Track symptoms or concerns
✔ Bring a support person if helpful

Want to learn more? Join our free webinar from 10:00-11:30 AM TODAY on Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare.
🔗 https://loom.ly/ve29dOE

ID: DNSWM logo. Text: Preparing for medical appointments can make a big difference. ✔ Write down questions in advance, ✔ Track symptoms or concerns, ✔ Bring a support person if helpful.

05/15/2026

KP Cinemas in Kalamazoo has two sensory-friendly movie events tomorrow! 🎬🎥🍿

KP Cinemas' sensory shows offer a welcoming, comfortable environment for individuals with diverse sensory needs. These screenings provide a welcoming space for individuals who may find traditional movie theaters too stimulating. Lights will be up, sound will be down, and captions will be on for a more relaxed performance. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the freedom to move around, make noise, and engage while watching a movie!

ID 1: Cover of the movie The Sheep Detectives, which has a diverse group of seven people and numerous sheep in a grassy, outdoor setting. Text: VIP Cinemas presents: Sensory Series. Lights up. Sound Down. Captions on. Saturday, 5/16 at 11 AM.
ID 2: Cover of the movie Mortal Kombat II, which shows many different characters, many holding weapons, against a galaxy-like background. Text: VIP Cinemas presents: Sensory Series. Lights up. Sound Down. Captions on. Saturday, 5/16 at 1 PM.