STATUS: Open

SERVICE AREA: Huron, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties. Residents outside these counties can contact DNEM for referral to the appropriate Center for Independent Living.

CLIENTS SERVED: People with disabilities, their families and caregivers, veterans, and individuals seeking support to live independently. Some programs have specific eligibility or referral requirements.

DESCRIPTION: Disability Network Eastern Michigan is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living that helps people with disabilities maintain independence, exercise personal choice, and access community resources. Services include advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, information and referrals, transition assistance, and adaptive recreation.

SERVICES / PROGRAMS:

• Information & Referral: Connects individuals with resources for housing, transportation, benefits, healthcare, assistive technology, home modifications, and other support needs.
• Advocacy: Helps individuals navigate service systems, access benefits, address barriers, prepare for emergencies, and advocate for their rights. Includes assistance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Independent Living Skills Training: Offers individualized support with daily living, communication, self-advocacy, budgeting, household management, and community participation.
• Peer Support: Helps people connect with others and locate resources for housing, healthcare coverage, Community Mental Health services, and home modifications.
• Assistive Technology: Provides information and demonstrations of devices that support daily living, communication, mobility, vision, hearing, memory, and recreation.
• Community Transition Services: Assists eligible individuals transitioning from nursing facilities to independent living. Eligibility includes Medicaid and the ability to support community living financially.
• Residential Access Mobility Program (RAMP): Provides temporary ramp loans for up to six months for short-term situations, such as recovery from an injury or transition from rehabilitation.
• Veteran Services: Provides support coordination, basic computer training, and housing-stability assistance for eligible veterans and their families. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) serves eligible veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and meet income and service requirements.
• Youth Services: Provides school-based programs covering life skills, job readiness, financial literacy, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and disability awareness.
• Adaptive Recreation & Wellness: Offers accessible sports, recreational activities, adaptive cycling and golf, and social programs for people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
• MI Options, Person-Centered Options Counseling: Provides free, unbiased counseling to adults, families, and caregivers exploring long-term care and support options, regardless of income or disability status.

RAMPS:

• Types: Temporary modular aluminum accessibility ramps with braces, supports, and handrails, installed at residential entrances. DNEM staff conduct a home site evaluation to determine appropriate ramp placement and configuration.
• Availability: Residents of Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties experiencing temporary mobility limitations due to disability, injury, or recovery. Registration does not guarantee ramp availability.
• Cost: Free temporary ramp rental for up to six months, with a small refundable security deposit. Ramps are installed by the program and must be returned at the end of the loan period.
• Application: Register online at DNEM R.A.M.P. or call 810-987-9337 for more information. Individuals needing permanent ramps can contact DNEM’s Information & Referral team for other resources.

HOW TO APPLY: Contact DNEM to discuss the individual’s needs and determine which services or referrals are appropriate. Some programs require referrals from specific agencies, while others accept direct inquiries. Ask about eligibility and current availability, especially for temporary ramps and veteran services.