During the month of August, United Ways across the state of Michigan – including United Way of South Central Michigan – are partnering with local Centers for Independent Living to present the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge.
This statewide effort to explore disability from a position of equity and pride is designed to raise awareness, increase understanding, and shift perspectives about disability in our culture. The challenge was developed and facilitated in the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo region in partnership with Disability Network Southwest Michigan last fall, with more than 800 community members participating.
“I really appreciated the opportunity to learn through this challenge, and I appreciated the variety of materials – things to read, watch, and listen to,” one participant said. “The real stories and examples helped me think through ways that I can improve my words and actions to help make our community a better and more welcoming and accessible place for neighbors with disabilities.”
How it works
- First, you register. It’s free! Encourage friends, family and colleagues to join you.
- Beginning Aug. 1, registrants you will receive one email each weekday that features videos, articles, podcasts, and discussion questions on topics including ableism, the history of the disability justice movement, intersectionality, language, accessibility, systemic inequalities for people with disabilities, allyship, and disability pride.
- Participants can opt to join one of two virtual discussions offered by Disability Network Southwest Michigan and United Way, or talk about it with your friends and colleagues. A discussion guide will be provided.
- Next, take action. The email you receive on Day 21 is full of local resources and ways YOU can take action.
The challenge will launch in conjunction with the latest installment of the ALICE* in Focus Research Series from the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) and research partner United For ALICE. This report, to be released July 26 on the 32nd Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), will use data and analysis to spotlight the realities of people living with disabilities in Michigan.
Thank you to our 2022 Equity Challenge sponsors, Warner Norcross + Judd and CSM Group, and our local partners for this challenge: Disability Network Southwest Michigan, Disability Network Capital Area, and disAbility Connections, Inc.
*ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed
The Disability Equity Challenge is modeled after the 21-Day Race Equity Challenge developed by Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Debby Irving, and Dr. Marguerite Penick and adapted for the United Way network by United Way of Washtenaw County. The specific content found in the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge was developed by Disability Network Southwest Michigan.