Michigan
Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)
MDRC News June
2008
Table of Contents
- Bowl a Rama a Success!
- Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) Update
- Starting a Movement
- Becoming a Welcoming Community
- MDRC Board Meetings
- About MDRC News.
1st Annual Bowl-A-Rama a Success!
More than 75 people came out for the 1st Annual Bowl-A-Rama for Social Justice. Together with our partner, The Leaven Center, MDRC hosted the event at the Royal Scot Bowling Alley in Lansing on May 31st. More than $5,000 was raised and great fun was had by all. We had so much fun at the event that we're already planning for next year, or even holding it twice a year. Special thanks to our event sponsors--MSHDA & Option 1 Credit Union. Thanks to all who participated and donated!
Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP)
During the summer of 2007, MSHDA began public hearings regarding their QAP. The QAP is MSHDA's plan on how they will distribute their largest pot of funds, anticipated to be about $19,000,000 in LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit) dollars. One item extremely important to the disability advocacy community is a provision requiring that 10% of all new construction be set aside for people on extremely low incomes requiring supports.
The governor declined to sign the QAP. An outside group, called Recap, reviewed the QAP as it was sent to the governor, and then issued an analysis and recommendations. As a result, a new QAP draft was completed and that has been through the hearing process and should soon be approved by the MSHDA board and submitted to the governor. Since that money must be committed and used this year, there is considerable pressure to have a plan approved. For more information on the QAP .
Starting A Movement!
Are you a college student with a disability * who is or wishes to be a leader on your college campus or your greater community? Plan on attending the 2008 Michigan CONNECT “Starting A Movement,” at Grand Valley State University on July 22- July 25, 2008. Students from across the state of Michigan will be coming together at Michigan Disability Rights Coalition to facilitate, explore and discuss. The purpose of this event is to bring together college students with disabilities and their allies to a four day networking conference with other young leaders from across the state of Michigan. Time will be spent exploring disability activism on campus and the greater community, student organization leadership, disability pride/culture, and inclusion.
Becoming a Welcoming Community
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition held a luncheon on May 19 at the Kellogg Center. This luncheon provided many organizations with an opportunity to hear from members of our disability and aging communities who also identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT). Attendees from organizations throughout Michigan were given an opportunity to ask questions of our speakers while receiving specific ideas about creating a welcoming environment. Luncheon speakers included: Peg Ball, Rachel Crandall, Penny Gardner, Stephen Jukuri, Nina Akey, and Kathleen Russell with special guest, Eli Clare, author of Exile & Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation. This event was funded by the ARCUS Foundation.
MDRC Governing Board Meetings
Come 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. All meetings are at 3498 E. Lake Lansing Rd., Ste 100, East Lansing, MI 48823. Upcoming meetings are:
- July 24, 2008 from 4-6 PM
- October 23, 2008 from 4-6 PM.
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition News:
If you have questions about subscribing to this newsletter, send an e-mail message to Kathryn Wyeth kdwyeth@prosynergy.org or call 1.800.760.4600, ext. 335.
