Leadership Initiatives at MDRC
At the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, leadership development is at the heart of our mission to cultivate disability pride and strengthen the disability movement. For nearly four decades, we've created pathways for individuals with disabilities to discover their power, develop their skills, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Our leadership initiatives span a comprehensive ecosystem of programs designed to support individuals with disabilities, families, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. These programs have successfully led participants to employment opportunities, advocacy roles, board placements, and leadership positions across Michigan.
Our Approach to Leadership Development
MDRC's leadership programs are founded on the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity. We embrace an intersectional approach that recognizes the complex identities of all participants and creates spaces where everyone can bring their full selves.
"Being in community with other people with disabilities gave me so much confidence in accepting my own and my son's disability. I felt apart and not separated, not judged, or not looked at any different. Being apart of this community made me more comfortable and accepted and more understood than I ever felt in my whole journey."
— 2024 LEAD Parent Program Graduate
Our leadership development work is characterized by:
- Disability-led programming: The majority of our staff, board members, and program leaders identify as individuals with disabilities
- Intersectional focus: We recognize that people exist at the intersection of multiple identities and create programming that addresses this reality
- Practical skill-building: Participants gain concrete skills in public speaking, self-advocacy, board service, and more
- Authentic community: We build spaces where people can form lasting connections and support networks
Programs That Transform Lives
Our leadership initiatives work with three key groups:
For Individuals with Disabilities
From comprehensive certificate programs to retreats and training opportunities, we support people with disabilities to develop and implement their leadership skills, connect with advocacy opportunities, and build community with peers.
"My participation with the Leaders for Inclusion program was fun and meaningful... I have gained skills such as confidence and personal advocacy... I believe Leaders for Inclusion is important for others because it gives people with disabilities an opportunity to make their voices heard and share their thoughts and feelings on what is going on in the world around them." LFI Participant
For Nonprofit Organizations
Our nonprofit programs prepare organizations to meaningfully include people with disabilities in leadership roles. We work with boards and staff to understand disability culture, implement accommodations, and create truly inclusive governance structures.
"It has been a pleasure working with... the team from MDRC on this project. Not just the information, but the way that it's been presented, has broadened our perspective on disability rights and our responsibility to make every effort to champion them in our agency for not just the people we work with, but also the people doing the work."
— 2024 Participant
For Families
We offer specialized programming for families of people with disabilities, with particular attention to the needs of families from historically marginalized communities.
"The LEAD program taught me about supporting my children with disabilities... I gained new friends, new connections and skills... But most of all more fuel to advocate with. LEAD is a great program to offer to parents. I believe that any person participating in this program will benefit just as I did or more."
— 2024 LEAD Parent Program Participant
Impact That Lasts
Our leadership programs have demonstrated significant outcomes:
- Participants securing employment in areas aligned with their interests and skills
- Graduates joining nonprofit boards and advisory committees
- Development of self-advocacy groups led by program alumni
- Increased disability representation in community decision-making bodies
- Organizational policy changes that improve accessibility and inclusion
Through our comprehensive leadership initiatives, MDRC is building a more inclusive Michigan where people with disabilities are valued for their unique contributions and embracing their power to lead.
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 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 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.
Support Leadership in the Disability Community
Donate
Help us create a space for self-discovery, to cultivate community, and to develop pride.
MDRC envisions a world where people with disabilities are valued as essential and vital members of the community.
Leadership Program Values
Services are provided for people with disabilities, by people with disabilities.
Our goal is to make sure that 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 amplify the voices and stories of the disability community.
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 people 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 disability in trainings, and storytelling.
Lead-In Program- a workplace leadership program for non-profit leaders to learn more about disability in the workplace.
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. The event is held in Michigan, but girls across the nation can attend.
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.
