Welcome to Disability Network/Michigan

If you are seeking assistance in your local community please click on our member locator and select the county you reside in for your local Center for Independent Living

Posted December 15, 2011:

Disability Network/Michigan Hires New Chief Executive Officer

Disability Network/Michigan (DN/M) works to maximize the effectiveness of Michigan’s fifteen Centers for Independent Living to create inclusive communities across the state, and has recently hired a new Chief Executive Officer. Sara Grivetti, MA,CRC, has been selected to lead our organization. Most recently Sara served as the Executive Director of the Disability Network of Mid-Michigan.

Sara brings exstensive knowledge of Centers for Independent Living, the Independent Living Philosophy and a great attitute towards partnership and collaboration. Her main priorities include building legislative relationships, enhancing partnerships and increasing capacity for Michigan's Centers for Independent Living.

Sara can be reached at Sara@dnmichigan.org or by phone at 517-339-0539

Posted July 27, 2011:

Disability Network / Michigan Restructures
As Cuts in Core IL Funding Loom

Disability Network/Michigan, (DN/M), the collective voice of Michigan’s network of 15 Centers for Independent Living (CILs), has restructured its Lansing area state office in response to the changing needs of its members and reductions in state core CIL funding. The pending cuts will impact the financial health and program service delivery capacity of each member CIL across the state.

Board President Amy Maes states, “DN/M will continue to be a dynamic organization focused on promoting the consumer and community based independent living philosophy, representing Michigan’s network of CILs, and providing a strong advocacy voice on state and national level issues of importance to all citizens with disabilities.” Maes also states that “DN/M will continue to serve its member CILs with a focused approach, but will do so with less staff.”

Effective September 30th, the Disability Network/Michigan office in Haslett will close and DN/M will begin the search for a new Chief Executive Officer. “The many years of hard work and dedication of Disability Network/Michigan staff contributed immeasurably to the growth and success of each member CIL and our statewide network. We want to extend to them our heart-felt ‘thank you’.” stated Jim Magyar, former Executive Director of DN/M and current CEO of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living.

The Disability Network/Michigan has many strong and vocal champions in the legislature and important state level partnerships. “We believe that the change we are undertaking will end up strengthening our ability to work effectively with our champions and partners to improve the economic status and quality of life of Michigan’s citizens with disabilities” Maes said.

Maes also stated, “People with disabilities rely on their local Center for Independent Living to be there when they need help. If the pending cuts in state core IL funding stand, the result will be the loss of over 50 CIL staff across the state, a majority of whom are people with disabilities, and a significant reduction of independent living support services. This is a daunting situation for each DN/M member CIL, and especially for the thousands of people with disabilities who rely on their local CIL to help them be successful at home, school, work and in their communities.” CILs continue to work with the Michigan Legislature to replace funding cuts.