Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Lights, camera... ! 🎥 Here's a little behind-the-scenes look from our visit to the FOX 17 studio!

Our team stopped by to chat about , Disability Pride Month, and the work we're doing to encourage more conversations about disability.

We're excited for you to see the interview. Stay tuned!

ID 1: A blue and white printed sign with the Fox 17 logo welcoming today's guests. DNSWM staff members Miranda Grunwell and Anne Kooy are listed at the top.
ID 2: DNSWM staff members Miranda and Anne, both wearing black shirts, posing in front of a large Fox 17 sign.
ID 3: DNSWM staff members Miranda and Anne, both wearing black shirts, posing in front of a large digital Fox 17 Morning Mix sign inside the studio.

Autism Acceptance Month is over, but Autistic self-advocacy happens all year round! We welcome Autistic Michiganders 13 and older to share their perspectives in the Michigan Autistic Needs Assessment, created by our friends at the Michigan Autistic Adult Advisory Committee (MiA3). MiA3 is an affiliate of the Autistic Adult Self Advocacy Network. Learn more about MiA3: MiA3 Committee Take the assessment: SurveyMonkey.com/r/FXX9J9W

ID slide 1: Gold infinity loop symbol with text: Michigan Autistic Needs Assessment, seeking Autistic input from all Michigan communities to develop an Autistic-led statewide autism advocacy agenda!
ID slide 2: Orange checklist with text: What is the Michigan Autistic Needs Assessment? An anonymous survey of Autistic people age 13+ who live in Michigan, including self-identified Autistic people and people with a professional diagnosis of Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
ID slide 3: Michigan Autistic Adult Advisory Committee logo with text: Who made the survey? The Michigan Autistic Adult Advisory Committee (MiA3), a statewide group of Autistic adult self-advocates.
ID slide 4: Golden lock with text: What happens to survey responses? MiA3 will review survey results with help from researchers at Michigan State University to learn what support Autistic people in Michigan want and need. MiA3 will use the information to advocate for better support for Autistic people. MiA3 will never share information that can be used to identify or harm a person who took the survey.
ID slide 5: Megaphone with text: Why should I take the survey? Nothing about us without us! Autism policy decisions should be informed by Autistic experiences. MiA3 wants to survey 2,000 Autistic people in Michigan to include the wisdom of Autistic people from different communities across the state in our advocacy.
ID slide 6: Computer screen with text: How do I take the survey? You can take the survey online: SurveyMonkey.com/r/FXX9J9W. If you need help taking the survey, ask someone you trust or contact MiA3. We suggest using a computer to take the survey. The survey will save your spot if you close and re-open it with the same device and browser.

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

Community support makes celebrations like our ADA Event possible. 🖤🤍

A heartfelt thank you to our community contributors for helping bring this year's ADA Celebration to life. Whether through donated items, discounted services, or shared spaces, your generosity helps create a fun and welcoming event for everyone.

Thank you to Q-It-Up Catering, United Party & Event Services, our local Trader Joe's store, Meijer, and the Kalamazoo Farmers Market for your support. We appreciate everything you've done to help make our Annual ADA Celebration a success!

ID: Logos for 'Q It Up Catering, United Party Rental, Trader Joe's, Meijer, and the Kalamazoo Farmers Market. Text: A special thanks to our ADA Event contributors.

Today! 🎉✨

Join us from 2:00 - 4:00 PM today for July's special presentation, Disability: A Source of Pride. There's still time to register.

We'll explore disability history and disability culture as well as the importance of challenging discrimination and stigma. Join us today to celebrate disability!

🔗 Register here: https://loom.ly/V41JQ7Y

Disability: A Source of Pride