Leadership Programs at MDRC
Our Leadership Programs are committed to impacting change within the disability community.
About Leadership at MDRC
Our Mission
Our work is by people with disabilities for people with disabilities and their allies. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition’s mission is woven into everything we do: “MDRC cultivates disability pride and strengthens the disability movement by recognizing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity while collaborating to dismantle all forms of oppression.”
"Disability Pride-Accepting and honoring our uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. Pride comes from celebrating our own heritage, culture, unique experiences, and contributions." MDRC's Definition. Learn more about disability pride on our About Us page.
Leadership Program Values
Services are provided for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities.
We prioritize communities that have been ignored or haven’t received enough help in the past. Our goal is to make sure that these communities can get the resources they need to take on leadership roles.
Disability is a natural and beautiful part of the human experience and people can be proud of having a disability.
Everyone can participate in some way. Purposeful steps are taken to ensure that everyone is valued, can contribute, and belongs.
Community is an important part of Disability Pride, Our programs bring people together to develop community and form connections.
We center the voices of people who are most directly affected by oppression.
Our programing is rooted in disability justice principles.
We provide the tools for people to advocate for themselves and better communicate their wants and needs.
Our Current Programs
Leaders For Inclusion (LFI) - program for 18-26 year olds with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) that want to gain opportunities and resources to grow their leadership skills.
Provides community organizations with training and support on internal inclusive practices.
Leadership Engagement and Advovoacy Development (LEAD) - program committed to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, & People of Color) with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities through training and leadership engagement opportunities.
Provides community events and presentations focusing on enhancing the visibility of people of color in disability rhetoric, training, and storytelling.
Lead-In Program- a workplace leadership program for non-profit leaders to learn more about disability inclusion and then apply disability inclusion and justice principles to their work.
The LEAD-IN Program hosts discussions and facilitates training about disabilities in the workplace.
HER POWER! HER PRIDE! - an annual event for girls with disabilities ages 11 - 19 in Michigan.
MI Youth Leadership Forum- The Youth Leadership Forum is a FREE conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Michigan and other states across the country. YLF participants build leadership skills and leave better prepared for future employment, higher education, and independent living.
How to Join Our Programs
Individuals
We have Leadership Programs beginning with youth age 11 to older adults. Our programs focus on bringing individuals with disabilities together to create community. To join our Leadership programs contact staff by phone at 800-578-0280 or fill out the information request form.
Organizations
We are a state-wide organization that provides information and resources through trainings, working with businesses and organizations, and increasing awareness of disability justice through social media, presentations, and community activities. To schedule a presentation from our staff, contact us by phone at 800-578-0280 or fill out the information request form.
Other Ways MDRC Can Help Include:
MDRC works to increase awareness of Disability Justice through social media, presentations, and community activities. We are always looking to connect with the community and collaborate on more ways to bring awareness and impact change. Please reach out to connect with us.
Our Funding
MDRC Leadership work is currently funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
