Disability Network Southwest Michigan

10/22/2026

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

During our ongoing celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we're thankful for people in our community who are working to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

In Battle Creek, Felicia Jaramillo opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets, llc with a mission to create jobs for people with disabilities, including young people who can often have a hard time finding a workplace that's the right fit for them.

Her story reminds us that everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute their skills, earn a living, and be part of their community.

Thank you, Felicia, for helping make more employment opportunities possible right here in Southwest Michigan!

🔗 Read more here: https://loom.ly/nTep6to

ID: Felicia Jaramillo, a woman wearing a yellow shirt and black hat, smiles while standing at the counter of her store. Baking equipment is visible around her. Text: Good things are growing in Battle Creek. Celebrating local efforts to expand disability employment.

10/21/2026

The face you make when someone says workplace accommodations are expensive… but most cost little or nothing. 👀

Sometimes, a small change can make a big difference. Accommodations help people with disabilities do their jobs, and they don’t have to break the budget.

🔗 Learn more about simple workplace accommodations: https://askjan.org/toolkit/

ID: Split image of a woman. The left side shows a skeptical expression; the right side shows a pleased or surprised expression. Left side text: Being unsure how to respond to an employee's accommodation request. Right side text: Finding out the vast majority of accommodations are low-cost or free.

10/21/2026

: Every Wednesday, we share good things happening here at DN and in our broader community.

Today we’re celebrating an incredible athletic accomplishment! This summer, Scott Lacey from Kalamazoo made history as the first known blind swimmer to swim around Mackinac Island (8.2 MILES!).

We love that Scott felt his success was empowering, but didn't want to call it inspirational. “I’d like people to move in a direction where the expectation isn’t that a person with a disability can’t do it,” Lacey said. “The expectation is they can do it. They just might do it a little differently.”

🔗 Read his story here: https://loom.ly/JCTcB8Q

Great job, Scott! We love seeing people with disabilities pursuing their goals and doing amazing things in our communities.

After losing his vision at 26, Kalamazoo’s Scott Lacey became the first known blind athlete to complete the 8.2-mile swim around Mackinac Island.

10/20/2026

🚍 GUESS WHO’S BACK? (Back again!)

DNSWM's Transportation Advocacy Group (TAG Team) is back, and we’re ready to talk transportation!

TAG keeps an eye on public transit across our 8-county service area to help make sure services meet ADA requirements and work for people with disabilities. Our first meeting back is this Thursday from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Join us in person or virtually!

Have thoughts about public transportation? Want to help make the ride better for everyone? We’d love to have you involved!

Contact Kelly L. at (269) 345-1516 ext. 125 or register online here: https://loom.ly/avhZg5U

ID: DNSWM logo. Rapper Eminem saying, "Tell a friend!" Text: Guess who's back? (Back again). TAG is back!

10/20/2026

Accommodations are a frequent topic of request for our Community Education Team. There's still time to sign up for today's 10:00 AM webinar: Asking for Job Accommodations!

https://loom.ly/mT5_s0s

ID: Five people wearing different work uniforms, including a nurse, grocery store clerk, electrician, and person delivering packages. Text: Asking for Accommodations. An orange banner with text: Part of the October Disability Employment Series.

10/20/2026

: On Tuesdays we share a tip or fact about the to give better insight into who we are and what we stand for.

Did you know that it's Invisible Disabilities Week from October 18 - October 24, 2026?

A person may have a disability that you can't see, but that doesn't make their experience any less real. This is one reason it's important not to make assumptions about what someone can or cannot do based on their appearance.

ID: DNSWM logo. Text: Tip Tuesday. Celebrating Invisible Disabilities Week, October 18 - October 24, 2026. A person may have a disability that you can't see, but that doesn't make their experience any less real.

10/19/2026

We're loving this sticker that staff member Anne has on!

Reminder: today is the last day to register online or by mail to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Citizens can still register in person at their city or township clerk’s office with proof of residency, even on Election Day.
Register to vote, find your early voting site, and learn more at mi.gov/vote

ID: Anne, a red-haired woman wearing a red sweatshirt and olive-green pants. A sticker on her sweatshirt says: Every issue is a disability issue. Vote. Rev Up logo. Text: Last day to register to vote online or by mail.

10/19/2026

✨ Accommodation Spotlight: Kristi!

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, DNSWM staff are sharing what kinds of workplace accommodations help us show up as our best selves.

Kristi uses trekking poles for her mobility. When she’s out doing accessibility surveys in the community, she works with a partner and brings a portable stool so she can sit down when she needs to.

She also has the flexibility to work from home when needed, which is so helpful when any tricky health conditions flare up.

These supports help Kristi do her work while taking care of herself, too.

ID: DNSWM logo. Kristi, a woman with short red hair, wearing jeans and a navy top, holding trekking poles while seated on a stool. Text: Accommodation Spotlight: Kristi Oostveen, Accessibility Specialist & Community Education Assistant.

10/16/2026

✨ Accommodation Spotlight: Sarah!

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), DNSWM staff are sharing what kinds of workplace accommodations help us show up as our best selves.

Sarah’s accommodation is getting written instructions when there are new policies or procedures. Having the information in writing helps her remember the details and gives her something to refer back to, if needed.

And as Sarah points out, those clear instructions can be helpful for other staff members and when training someone new, too!

ID: DNSWM logo. Sarah, a woman with grey and black hair, wearing a red top and white pants while holding a clipboard with written instructions. A notebook and pens are pictured. Text: Accommodation Spotlight: Sarah Stoll, Community Resource Specialist.

10/15/2026

Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who just gets it.

Today is Global Peer Support Day, and we’re celebrating the people who share their experiences, listen without judgment, swap ideas, and remind each other that we’re not alone.

Whether it’s a conversation, a support group, or a friendship that grows from a shared experience, peer support matters. Today, we’re giving a little extra love to the people who show up for each other.

Looking to connect with others in the Disability Community? Disability Network Southwest Michigan offers peer support opportunities to help people connect and learn from one another. Get in touch with us to find out more!

🔗 Learn more about our Peer Support services here: https://loom.ly/94OoL_M

ID: Eleven Brain Injury Survivors Support Group members and supporters standing together for a photo. DNSWM logo. Text: Global Peer Support Day 2026. "Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who just gets it."