Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council

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

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.]

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]

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.)

🚨 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

🎨 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]