Friends With Disabilities is expanding its services to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Paul Mayfield will be the Executive Director of the Grand Rapids site.
He is in the process of seeking funding and recruiting participants.
If you know anyone who is interested in donating or joining , please contact Paul Mayfield at 248-460-6070.
It will air monthly with topics and information that is important to our participants.
ZOOM LIVE is right for us because:
A disability is a natural part of the human condition, a state we can move in and out of as our life progresses. Disability is something people experience, not something they are. People experience disability on a continuum, from mild and temporary, to severe and lifelong. Many people who experience disability might not consider themselves ‘disabled.’ For these reasons, we describe disability as a functional limitation, rather than a specific diagnosis. One in four Michigan residents has such limitations. There is currently a disparity, or inequality, in health status between people who have disabilities, and people who don’t.
For example:
These disparities exist in part because there are barriers for people with disabilities in obtaining the information, activities and services that are necessary to achieve and maintain good health.
(Michigan Dept of Human Services (MDHS)- Strategic Plan2016-2018)
FwD will provide a resource base that will create an atmosphere where everyone will feel comfortable and cared for. The overall goal is to provide an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to live a gainful life while struggling through daily challenges.
Goals:
1. If you are in need of food and delivery please call: Loaves & Fishes
(269) 343-3663
2. Kalamazoo Mental Health Assistance (medicaid and/or Medicare)
(269) 373-6000
3. Walmart.com (Now accepts EBT)
For Food pick-up & delivery 1-800-925-6278
We believe that all people should enjoy certain rights. Because people with disabilities have consistently been denied the right to fully participate in society as free and equal members, it is important to state an affirm these rights. All people should be able to enjoy these rights, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, religion, or disability.
Can you believe that we are already into the last two weeks of July! This is a busy summer for our participants, with our planned events and activities.
Our participants are a testament to the importance of being connected, socializing, and interacting with others who understand their limitations as well as their abilities.
There is a strong confirmation on the impact that we are making with our monthly activities and events. Listening to the participants share their personal stories about the challenges they face while living with a physical disability and stepping up to assist where we can as an organization.
There is a new way of doing, planning, and scheduling events and activities. There is no “ NEW Normal” , but they are new ways to reach others and connect. As we explore new ways to stay connected, we must always remember to be inclusive of those with physical disabilities.
People with physical disabilities are being challenged in the Kalamazoo area with transportation needs.
Picking up prescriptions, going to the doctor or store can be an overwhelming experience. Some might say, why not take a “uber” . Let’s remember , to be eligible to utilize a uber, you must have a credit/debt card, and the funds.
Friends with Disabilities must continue to share with our community , the many barriers our participants face, such as financial resources, lack of knowledge of available community resources, trusting organizations and stigmas!
We are still hopeful that the VIRUS is behind us, and we can continue to increase our participants and volunteers.
Friends with Disabilities will continue to develop partnerships and collaborations with other organizations to make sure “voices” are heard by all and they can continue to live more abundant, inclusive lives.
Thank you! Together, INCLUSION, starts with US!
Sharmese D. Anderson
President and CEO
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. The ADA is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life.
In 2008, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) was signed into law and became effective on January 1, 2009. The ADAAA made a number of significant changes to the definition of “disability.” The changes in the definition of disability in the ADAAA apply to all titles of the ADA, including Title I (employment practices of private employers with 15 or more employees, state and local governments, employment agencies, labor unions, agents of the employer and joint management labor committees); Title II (programs and activities of state and local government entities); and Title III (private entities that are considered places of public accommodation).
info@friendswithdisabilities.org
www.friendswithdisabilities.org
5047 West Main Street #110
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009