Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute

Do you have experience with adult guardianship in Michigan?

The Michigan Advancing Guardianship Innovations Center (MAGIC) is seeking adults to join a Lived Experience Advisory Group to help improve Michigan's guardianship system.

You may be eligible if you:
• Are currently under adult guardianship
• Were under adult guardianship in the past
• Use supports instead of guardianship

Participants will have the opportunity to:
• Share their experiences
• Discuss what works and what doesn't
• Make recommendations for improving the guardianship system
• Help shape how lived experiences are represented and heard

Meetings may be held online, in person, or both, and participants selected for the group will receive a $25 gift card for each meeting as compensation for their time and expertise.

Support and accommodations may be available, including transportation assistance, caregiver support, communication supports, and other accommodations.

Apply by June 15, 2026: https://tinyurl.com/5e8c64ha

Check out our May e-newsletter!

https://mailchi.mp/28f69fff273e/aprilnews-17461791

MHTC June 2026 Newsletter MHTC June 2026 Newsletter

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, June 4th
1:00 – 2:00 PM

Online via Zoom
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2j3ph5ue

Only four more days to submit to the 2026 Breaking Barriers Art Exhibit.

This is an opportunity presented by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council to allow artists with developmental disabilities to bring their powerful perspectives to the art world. All selected artworks will be displayed at an art exhibition in downtown Lansing at the Lansing Shuffle in June, July, and August

Accepted artwork includes painting, drawing, digital art, photography, and more.

Submissions end on May 24th

Exhibit Location:
Lansing Shuffle

Exhibit Dates:
June 23 – August 4

Submission Deadline:
Sunday, May 24th

Apply today at:
bit.ly/bbart2026

Are you or someone you know living with disabilities and thinking about living alone or becoming more independent?

Join MI-DDI’s Community Transition Trainers (CTT) for a FREE virtual session designed specifically for people with disabilities who want to explore independent living.

Whether you're planning to move out, looking for more control in your current living situation, or just want to learn about your options, this session is for you!

Hear from others with lived experiences, ask questions, and get helpful insights on living in the community.

Thursday, June 4th
1:00 – 2:00 PM EST

Online via Zoom
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/2j3ph5ue

[Alt Text] Promotional graphic for a “Community Transition Trainers” online workshop on living independently with a disability. The flyer features a photo of a boxing trainer holding pads while a young woman with Down syndrome practices punches in a boxing ring. Green text on a black background lists the event date and time as June 4th from 1–2 PM, alongside the MI-DDI logo and a house icon.

Applications have been extended for our 2026 Jane Vermeulen Leadership Award!

MI-DDI presents this award annually to an outstanding self-advocate who embodies the spirit of the award’s namesake, Jane “Janey” Vermeulen. Jane was a passionate advocate for disability rights and a vibrant, positive person who believed that all people with disabilities should be respected and supported to live active lives in their communities.

Nominations now close on June 1st, 2026.

The award honors Jane’s passion for self-determination by recognizing individuals with disabilities who demonstrate leadership and make a positive impact in their local communities. The person selected for this award will receive a scholarship of up to $500 to attend a leadership training event or conference.

Many great contestants have already entered, if you or someone you know would be deserving of this award, please follow the registration link below to submit a nomination.

Self-advocates also have the opportunity to nominate themselves.

Nominations close on June 1st, 2026.

Visit the following link for nomination forms and requirements: https://tinyurl.com/34bpawmz

[Alt Text] Smiling young girl with braided hair seated in a wheelchair at a table indoors, wearing a light green sweater and dark pants. She is leaning comfortably on the table and looking toward the camera.