Michigan
Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)
Annual Letter 2010
Dear Friend,
Over the past year, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition inspired thousands of people with disabilities to seize their own power and live the lives they want.
If you have a disability or know someone who does, you know that’s the kind of power that can change the world – one person, one community at a time.
That’s what Michigan Disability Rights Coalition does. By providing practical tools and strategies, the Coalition works to help create the change people with disabilities and their allies seek.
Consider the “Her Power, Her Pride, Her Voice” weekend event held in August for high school girls with disabilities. Participants explored what it means to be a teen girl with a disability using interactive and art-based activities. They challenged stereotypes, shattered myths and went home with a powerful vision of who they are and what they can do. Here’s what some of the participants and their parents had to say:
"I learned that it's okay to have a disability and that you can be proud to be different and strong. I loved the chance to meet girls my same age with different needs."
“I realize the state is in a terrible situation and that every time we turn around some program is being cut. However, this event empowers these young ladies to be independent. It shows them that it is OK to be "different" and to embrace those differences with grace and confidence! Many of the parents and young women said this event should last a week instead of just a weekend. Imagine the difference two or three more days could make in our daughters’ lives!”
Unfortunately, the number of girls interested in this experience exceeded our capacity. With the right resources, we can offer more opportunities for this life-changing work.
That’s where the power of your dollars comes in. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is committed to making sure every dollar is leveraged to do the most good. We have a stellar track record on that front, and in these tight economic times it’s never been more important. See the enclosed brochure for details on how we put our funding to work.
Please consider helping us with your resolve and your resources. We can do this, but we can’t do it without you – you’re vital to our mission!
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition is a disability justice movement working to transform communities!
Thank you for sharing your power,
Norman G. DeLisle Jr.
Executive Director
P.S. Have a Feisty and Non-compliant New Year. Please use the enclosed window cling to celebrate the never-ending season of activism.
P.P.S. Save the Date for Bowl-a-Rama 2011! Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Royal Scot in Lansing and Capitol Bowl in Owosso. You don’t want to miss this fun fundraiser!