Patti's Blog - Advocate for Elders, People with Disabilities and Their Families

Thank you Senator Gary Peters!

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Michigan failed students with disabilities in pandemic, federal investigation finds

https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/education/2024/05/28/michigan-students-disabilities-services-pandemic/73840318007/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYAioTOTc2ODU2MDgwNTM5NTI5NzM1ODIaZGM0YjQxNzZjYTllNDQ4NTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw2mJerdnrTAr58q_Vul4o2w

Shining light on mental health struggles in intellectual, developmental disabilities community

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Ohio DD Council launches statewide storytelling workshop series | News | logandaily.com

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Ohio DD Council launches statewide storytelling workshop series May 28, 2024 May 28, 2024 0

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council is hitting the road this summer to bring its new storytelling workshop series, “My Story. My Life: A Storytelling Workshop Series for People with Developmental Disabilities,” to various communities across Ohio.

via www.logandaily.com

Man With Cerebral Palsy Lands Job After 950 Rejections

Tom Stephens, 23, was ecstatic when he recently landed a full-time job at an Asda store in Altrincham, England. Asda is one of the largest grocery chains in the U.K., and after completing a training course, Stephens, who has cerebral palsy, is now making strides both personally and professionally.

Related: To the Doctors Who May Not Remember How You Talked about This Baby

Over the last five years, Stephens has been rejected 950 times in his quest to find a permanent position. The Asda traineeship program, put on in conjunction with the U.K.Movement to Work initiative, is designed to help individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 who are struggling to find work. The eight-week course gives participants classroom lectures and work experience, and the company hopes to recruit 1,000 young people through the program by the end of next year.

via uk.movies.yahoo.com

Despite surging demand for long-term care, providers struggle to find workers

The hardest part of Culix Wibonele's first job in long-term care was not getting injured.

Originally from Kenya, Wibonele worked as a certified nursing assistant in Atlanta in 2014. She went to the homes of mostly older clients, helping them with everything from bathing to cooking. Wibonele worked alone and sometimes had to lift clients much bigger than her.

It was demanding work and paid only $9 per hour with no benefits. If not for Wibonele's second job as a babysitter and her husband's income, they would not have made ends meet while supporting their four children.

via www.detroitnews.com

Opinion: Americans with disabilities are at a breaking point. Are politicians listening?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/opinion-americans-with-disabilities-are-at-a-breaking-point-are-politicians-listening/ar-BB1n2ZXb

Corktown Music Festival Raises Nearly $4,000 for MI-UCP | Rochester, MI Patch

Mike Ward, MI-UCP Board Member and musician, shared his enthusiasm for the event: "This was my fourth Corktown Music Festival, and they just keep getting better and better. I was proud to be part of raising funds for MI-UCP, an organization I've been involved with for nearly 30 years."

Ann Arbor-based singer-songwriter and performing artist Judy Banker also expressed her delight in participating: "There is nothing better to me, as a musician, than to be able to use my music to contribute to events that make a difference in people’s lives. Knowing the reputation of Corktown Music Festival, my bandmates and I were thrilled to be part of this year’s event. We performed a set Saturday night at Batch Brewing Company and were blown away by the venue, the tech and support team, and the audience – it was a stellar evening!"

The Corktown Music Festival celebrated its fifth year with an extraordinary display of Detroit and Southeast Michigan's vibrant music culture and community spirit. With the participation of 78 musical acts and the dedication of a dozen volunteers, SB Music Alliance Group proudly donated nearly $4,000 to Michigan United Cerebral Palsy (MI-UCP).

via patch.com

MDHHS highlights importance of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline during Mental Health Month

LANSING, Mich. – As the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) commemorates Mental Health Month this May, the state is highlighting the success of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and detailing information to ensure access of this vital resource for all residents.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, first launched in July 2022. It is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline where compassionate care and accessible support is available via call, chat or text. 988 is for anyone experiencing behavioral health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 

“Michigan’s 988 Lifeline receives as many as 8,000 calls per month,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The compassionate staff who answer these calls within seconds are well-trained to help and connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources. We encourage anyone personally experiencing a crisis or their family members to use this resource whenever they may need it.”

via www.michigan.gov