Michigan
Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)
MDRC News June
2009
Table of Contents
- MDRC Accepting Applications
- MDRC Hosts Night of Remembrance
- Oh What A Sweet Victory! You are invited...
- Taking Proud and Powerful to Washington, D.C.
- Register Now for Leadership Seminars
- Our Hopes
- Make a Difference - Sign Up for Action Alerts
- MDRC Board Meetings
MDRC Accepting Applications
MDRC Accepting Applications MDRC is accepting applications for a Community Inclusion Specialist. This part-time position will work with a team to carry out the goals of the Including Our Neighbors Grant from the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council. The Including Our Neighbors grant will support neighborhood organizations in their work to grow stronger by becoming inclusive communities that respect, welcome and celebrate the contributions of all of their community members, especially people with developmental disabilities.
To apply, send us a letter that tells us how you have lived and/or advocated for a life of inclusion and why you would be the best person for the job. Also include your resume or fill out the attached form if you do not have a resume. The deadline for applications is June 26, 2009. If you have any questions, contact Theresa Squires (800) 760-4600 extension 326.
Send your letter and resume or application to:
Teresa Christmas
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
3498 East Lake Lansing Road, Suite 100
East Lansing, MI 48823
or by email to tchristmas@prosynergy.org
or by fax to (517) 333-2677
These link to Microsoft Word documents you may download: job description and resume form.
MDRC Hosts Night of Remembrance 
Fifty members of Michigan's disability community and their families gathered at the East Lansing Unitarian Church to remember persons with disabilities who died in the last few years. We celebrated their lives and told stories under the guidance of Rev. Laurie Thomas, who led the service.
Oh What A Sweet Victory! 10th Anniversary of the Supreme Court Olmstead Decision
Join the celebration of the victory anniversary of an individual's civil right to live in the community. We still have a lot progress to make in order to establish this right for everyone who desires it. However, please join us for a dessert party in commemoration of the Decision. There will be cake and ice cream for all (some sugar-free options will be available). This celebration will take place at MDRC 3498 East Lake Lansing Road Suite 100 East Lansing, MI 48823 on Monday, June 22, 2009 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM.
Our Hopes Community Conversations
The Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council wants your input for its next 5-year plan. This is your chance to say what is important to you. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and United Cerebral Palsy Michigan are holding regional forums in six locations across the state to gather input and we need you to be there to make this a success. There is one forum yet to be held on June 11th in Marquette. For more information, visit the Our Hopes web site or contact Carolyn Lejuste at MDRC 800-760-4600 ext. 321 or clejuste@prosynergy.org.
Taking Proud and Powerful to Washington, D.C.
MDRC staff members Melinda Haus-Johnson and Theresa Squires provided Proud and Powerful training with young adults from Kids As Self Advocates (KASA). They also expressed the importance of teaching people about disability pride as well as specific things family members can do to promote disability pride in their children at their presentation at the national Family Voices conference. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive at both sessions. For more information about Connections for Community Leadership (CCL) activities, please see the CCL Newsletter!
Register Now for Leadership Seminars
MDRC's Connections for Community Leadership (CCL) is offering a series of three seminars in East Lansing focusing on leadership development. The first seminar, on May 29, will examine the Lejuste Three Dimensions of Leadership and practice different methods of developing skills in the areas of self, community, and vision. The second, on June 26, will explore specific ways to foster leadership development amongst participants in your program and identify the most critical roles of a facilitator. The last seminar, on July 3, will look at the concepts of pride and power and their important role in leadership development while exploring ways to create pride and power amongst their program’s participants.
These leadership seminars are designed for professionals who facilitate leadership development programs in their communities. They are not designed for individuals or groups aspiring to become leaders. For more information or to register, please contact Melinda at (866) 532-2669 or email leadership@prosynergy.org.
Make a Difference - Sign Up for Action Alerts
When you sign up for MDRC alerts, we'll email you when issues arise and give you the information you need to take action on issues important to Michigan's disability community. Don't miss this opportunity to have your voice heard! Sign up for Action Alerts.
MDRC Governing Board Meetings
Come and tell your story to the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition's Governing Board. All meetings are open to the public and we encourage people to attend. The next meeting is July 30th from 5 PM to 7 PM. All meetings are at:
MDRC's office
3498 E. Lake Lansing Rd., Ste
100,
East Lansing, MI 48823.
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition News:
If you have questions about subscribing to this newsletter, send an e-mail message to Kathryn Wyeth mdrc@prosynergy.org or call 1.800.760.4600.
