Disability Network of Mid-Michigan promotes inclusion beyond Neighboring Week

Although Neighboring Week has ended, the impact of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan (DNMM) continues to ripple through the community. From Sept. 28 through Oct. 4, DNMM hosted and participated in a series of events designed to promote visibility, inclusion, and connection for people with disabilities across Midland County.

Midland County Neighboring Week, organized annually by the Midland Area Cultural Awareness Coalition’s Midland Neighboring Committee, aims to realize Midland’s vision of being an inclusive, thriving community. DNMM’s participation gives the organization’s consumers opportunities to take part in the celebration and increases the visibility of people with disabilities in the community.

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, DNMM kicked off the week by hosting “Connect Over Coffee,” inviting neighbors to stop by its Saginaw Road office for a light breakfast and conversation. In preparation, DNMM staff went door-to-door to hand-deliver more than 200 invitations.

“Every time one of our consumers is an active participant in a community event, it is an opportunity for our neighbors to experience what people with disabilities bring to the table,” says Kelly PeLong, executive director of DNMM.

“We are teaching our consumers how to be good neighbors, and in turn, we are teaching our neighbors that including people with disabilities is something to be celebrated, not feared.”

Later that day, DNMM’s STAGES team offered snacks and outdoor games at the organization’s Skills Site, located at 3921 Todd Street. The Skills Site is an apartment rented by DNMM that gives youth with disabilities a place to gather after school and gain hands-on experience completing daily tasks such as laundry, personal hygiene, cooking, and cleaning. The program helps young people build confidence and independence while fostering social connections in a supportive environment.

“Our participation in Neighboring Week is about more than just showing up — it’s about breaking down barriers and building relationships,” PeLong says. “Every handshake, every shared laugh, every moment of connection brings us closer to a truly inclusive community.”

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, DNMM joined “Fall into Fun at Miracle Field,” hosted by The Arc of Midland at 225 E. Collins Street. The event featured booths from more than 20 organizations, food, games, and a free food distribution. The gathering allowed residents to meet service providers, explore local resources, and enjoy a day of outdoor activities.

On Thursday, October 2, DNMM celebrated with a fun-filled “Lunch & Laugh” at their Saginaw Road location. They enjoyed a picnic in the parking lot, partnering with Habitat for Humanity. These events brought everyone together in a friendly atmosphere where neighbors shared meals and engaged in meaningful conversations, reinforcing the strong bonds in our community.

DNMM’s Peer Group and staff gathered eight bags of litter during the Community Clean-Up event on Friday, Oct. 3, along Saginaw Road. Each volunteer was gifted DNMM T-shirts as a token of appreciation for their contributions, highlighting the significance of civic involvement and environmental responsibility.

“When people with disabilities are visible and active in community events, we challenge outdated assumptions and open minds,” PeLong says. “Visibility creates familiarity — and familiarity is the foundation of inclusion.”

DNMM remains committed to creating a more accessible, connected Midland.

“We believe everyone deserves the chance to contribute, belong, and thrive,” PeLong says. “Events like these highlight the power of connection — and remind us that real community includes everyone.”

Disability Network Mid-Michigan is a federally funded Center for Independent Living that works to change societal attitudes toward people with disabilities and to create an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute to their communities.

For more information, visit DNMM online or call 989-835-4041.