Highlighting Health and Resilience in Southeast Michigan’s Disability Community

By Jaqueline Boswell | Communications Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI – On June 7, 2025, the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness hosted a transformative event, "Starting the Conversation: Exploring Health & Resilience in Southeast Michigan’s Disability Community," at the Morris Lawrence Building in Ann Arbor. The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including community members, disability advocates, and healthcare providers, all eager to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The day featured a compelling keynote address by Christopher Samp, titled "Best Practices from Detroit's Office of Disability Affairs: Engaging and Responding to the Disability Community." Samp shared valuable insights into his office's strategies for fostering inclusion and community participation, emphasizing the power of effective engagement and tailored responses to community needs.
View Keynote Slides – Christopher Samp (PDF)

The program offered two impactful sessions. "Co-Creating Solutions with the Black Disability Community" brought together leaders like Loren Glover of The Arc Detroit and Lisa Franklin of Warriors on Wheels. Moderated by Dr. Brandie Bentley, this session facilitated an in-depth discussion on leveraging community strengths and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black individuals with disabilities. The focus was on collaborative problem-solving and empowering community voices.
View Session Slides – Dr. Brandie Bentley (PDF)

Another highlight was the "Listening Session on Aging and Disability," which provided a platform for attendees to share their experiences and concerns regarding the intersection of aging and disability. This session aimed to identify gaps in resources and support while fostering a deeper understanding of the needs of older adults in the disability community.

An expo complemented the sessions, featuring organizations such as the Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and PEAC Bike Program. These resource tables offered attendees a wealth of information about wellness programs and community services. 
View Photos from the Event

Looking ahead, the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness continues our mission to advance health equity, reflecting our center's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and solutions. Attendees and community members are encouraged to join in this ongoing dialogue by subscribing to the center's newsletter for updates on future initiatives and events.

For more information, visit https://michmed.org/disabilityhealth.