Michigan
Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)
MDRC News March
2009
Back to Last Issue: February 2009
Table of Contents
- Make a Difference - Sign Up for Action Alerts
- Affordable & Accessible Health Care
- Our Homes! Community Choice Act Now
- Check "Yes" for Michigan's Housing and Community Development Fund
- Our Hopes
- Disability Pride and Power at Transition Conference
- Bowl A Rama!
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.
Affordable & Accessible Health Care
MDRC has been invited to participate in a work group on affordability and accessibility in health care formed by state Senator Tom George. The purpose of the work group is to discuss ways to address access and affordability in health care. This is an important issue to people with disabilities as efforts have been made previously to shift more of the costs of health care to those least able to pay. For more information, please contact RoAnne Chaney at MDRC roanne@prosynergy.org.
Our Homes! Community Choice Act Now 
Members of Michigan ADAPT went to Senator Stabenow's offices in Lansing, Flint, and Detroit to hold her to her promise of co-sponsoring the Community Choice Act (CCA). After a few hours of negotiation and direct action, ADAPT left with a signed letter stating Senator Stabenow's intention to co-sponsor the CCA.
Check "Yes" for Michigan's Housing and Community Development Fund!
Check yes on your Michigan income tax form for your $5 contribution to Michigan's Housing and Community Development Fund! MDRC is working with other organizations to sponsor billboards encouraging people to donate. Watch for our logo on a billboard in the Lansing or Detroit area soon! Living in Michigan has more information about the fund. You may also email Nelson Grit at ngrit@prosynergy.org.
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. The first forum took place February 24th in Flint. The next five are scheduled for: 
- March 19th in Southfield
- April 28th in Plainwell
- May 5th in Midland
- May 20th in Gaylord
- 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.
Disability Pride and Power at Transition Conference
MDRC staff members Theresa Squires and Melinda Haus-Johnson will explore proud and powerful as an identity and how it can help transitioning youth with disabilities empower themselves, gain self-acceptance, and realize the power they can have in their own life and in the community. The workshop will take place March 20th at the Michigan Transition Conference.
Support MDRC at Our Second Annual Bowl-A-Rama
This second annual event will be held May 9, 2009 at the Royal Scot Golf & Bowl. We had a great time last year and hope you'll come and join the fun this year! There will be bowling, prizes, networking, goodie bags, and more! To participate, form a team, register, and collect at least $25 per bowler in pledges. For more information, contact Teresa Christmas at 1-800-760-4600 at extension 315 or write to Aimee Sterk at aimee@prosynergy.org.
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.
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.
