Michigan Assistive Technology Program

06/04/2026

Social connection is essential for health and independence. Join leaders across the country for the 2026 National Summit to Increase Social Connections. This free, virtual event, which will dive into how nutrition and physical activity programs foster social connection, is happening on June 23-24 from 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Don't miss Outdoor Recreation Assistive Technology Specialist Jileesa Irwin, she will be presenting Assistive Technology Resources to Support Community-Based Exercise on June 24th.

Registration is required, register today!

Join Commit to Connect for the National Summit to Increase Social Connections, a two-day virtual event focused on this year’s theme: “Champion Your Health: Social Connection as a Cornerstone of Prevention, Wellness, Healthy Aging, and Independence.” This year’s theme builds on the Administra...

06/04/2026

Today is World Day for Assistive Technology!

Assistive technology (AT) helps remove barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities and older adults to participate fully in their communities. From communication devices and screen readers to wheelchairs, smart home technology, and simple daily living tools, assistive technology helps people do the things that matter most to them.

At the Michigan Assistive Technology Program, we see every day how access to the right AT can make a difference: for Tyrone, an Ipad helped him keep creating portraits. For Tom and Marie, cabinet alarms and kitchen AT helped making cooking safer and easier.

Access to assistive technology is about more than equipment, though! It's about independence, choice, inclusion, and ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to navigate everyday life. Worldwide, billions of people could benefit from assistive technology, yet many still face barriers to accessing the devices and services they need.

Find out more about World Day for Assistive Technology at https://unlocktheeveryday.org/world-at-day/.

[Image description: A flyer recognizing World Day for Assistive Technology on June 4.On the left side, the MATP logo appears above the large headline "World Day for Assistive Technology" with a teal banner displaying "June 4th." Beneath the headline is the message: "Assistive technology is about access, participation, and the freedom for individuals to live life their way."
The right side has a photo of Tyrone smiling and holding technology equipment accompanies the heading "Creating Without Limits." The text : "Tyrone’s iPad Pro helps him create detailed digital portraits using an Apple Pencil."A photo of Tom and Marie in their home accompanies the heading "Making Life Safer and Easier." Text: "Cabinet alarms help Tom and Marie prevent injuries from open doors. Kitchen tools like a one-touch jar opener and can opener make cooking easier and more enjoyable."
The graphic also includes the hashtag and the Unlock The Everyday logo.]

06/04/2026

2026 is well underway, and our Quarter 2 numbers for 2026 show how MATP continues to reach people, spark curiosity, and open doors to assistive technology:
- 23,918 people reached through MATP Community Awareness on social media, sharing information about assistive technology, events, and available supports.
- 196 assistive technology demonstrations delivered across communities to 247 people.
- 693 people were educated about assistive technology options.
- 152 information and assistance connections made.
- 238 assistive technology devices loaned through MATP’s lending program.

Behind every number is a real interaction: someone learning about assistive technology, trying something new, or finding a support that meets them where they are.

Interested in exploring assistive technology for yourself or someone you support? From demonstrations to device loans, MATP is here to help you connect with options that fit your needs. Contact us to get started: https://mi-at.org/contact-us/.

[Image Description: Infographic titled "2026 Quarter 2 Outcomes." The graphic features four colored squares (purple, orange, light blue, and navy) with the following text: "1. 196 demonstrations of AT devices provided to 247 people. 2. 693 people educated about AT. 3. 152 information and assistance referrals made. 4. 238 AT devices loaned." A teal circle centered over the four squares contains the text: "23,918 Social Media Awareness Reach." End Image Description.

06/02/2026

The Michigan Assistive Technology Program, offered statewide by the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC), recently visited Sarah’s friendship group at Cultivate Coffee in Midland, Michigan, for an afternoon of connection, learning, and hands-on assistive technology (AT) demonstrations.

MDRC's Abby Squires, Gaming, Crafting, and Daily Living Assistive Technology Specialist, and Brandon Taylor, Northern Michigan Assistive Technology Specialist, shared an overview of AT and highlighted tools that can support disabled people in everything from recreation to daily living. The group also had a very special guest: Sansa, an epilepsy service dog who brought plenty of joy to the day.

Thank you to Sarah’s friendship group for welcoming us and creating such a warm, friendly space to promote and demonstrate accessibility in action.

[Image description: 3 photos of the event:
Image 1: A fluffy white service dog named Sansa wearing a harness stands indoors on a wood floor at Cultivate Coffee & Tea.

Image 2: A group of people (including AT Specialists Abby and Brandon) gather around a long table in a community room. The table is covered with craft supplies, papers, snacks, drinks, and assistive technology items. Several people smile toward the camera.

Image 3: Two people sit with Sansa the service dog in a community room. One person pets the dog while another smiles toward the camera while also petting the dog. The dog is wearing a harness and leash.

06/01/2026

Happy Pride month!

Looking for Pride events in your area? Check out the link below to find ways to celebrate Pride Month in Michigan:

It’s Pride time again, beloved LGBTQ+ folks and qu**rs of every (and any!) gender.And yes, we know — you are, in fact, proud all year

06/01/2026

This training is tomorrow! Don't forget to sign up!

Libraries are more than places to borrow books. They are vital spaces for accessible technology, information, internet access, learning, and community connection.

Join the LEAD-Inclusive Network (LEAD-IN) Team from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition for a virtual training on how libraries can better support people with disabilities.

Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library

Tuesday, June 2, 2026
12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Virtual on Zoom

Register here: https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com

ASL interpretation and CART captioning provided

This training is designed for library staff, community members, advocates, and anyone interested in creating more welcoming and accessible library spaces.

The LEAD-IN Program is funded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

[Image description: Square graphic promoting MDRC’s virtual training, “Inclusive Libraries: Supporting the Disability Community in Your Library,” on Tuesday, June 2, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom. The graphic includes LEAD Inclusive Network, MDRC, and MIDDC logos, plus a photo of two smiling children in a library, one standing and one using a wheelchair. Text says the training will cover disability inclusion, common barriers, practical accessibility strategies, and MDRC resources. ASL and CART captioning will be provided. Register at https://inclusivelibraries.eventbrite.com]

05/30/2026

Check out all the happenings at MDRC in our latest newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/mymdrc.org/disability-leadership-digital-access-and-whats-next-at-mdrc

[Image description: Square graphic with a dark purple and navy gradient background and bright pink accents. A white MDRC logo badge appears in the upper left. Large white text reads, “Read Our Latest Newsletter.” Smaller text says, “Updates, events, and resources from Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.”]

05/29/2026

Check this out: A free Summer Accessibility Open House is being offered at Muskegon Luge Adventure Park! This Open House is designed for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and community partners and all skill levels are welcome. See link below for more information and to register:

Join us on Tuesday, June 9 from 1:00–7:00 PM for a free Summer Accessibility Open House designed for people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and community partners.

Guests will have the opportunity to try adapted outdoor adventure activities, including:

Zipline
Wheel luge
Archery
Rock climbing
Hiking

All skill levels are welcome. Whether you are trying something new, exploring accessible recreation options, or supporting someone who loves outdoor adventure, we would love to have you join us.

RSVP: msports.org/summer-open-house

Location: Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park

Image description: A green, blue, and white event graphic for the Summer Accessibility Open House. The graphic includes photos of people participating in adapted outdoor activities including ziplining, wheel luge, archery, rock climbing, and hiking. Event details read: Tuesday, June 9th, 1:00–7:00 PM. The RSVP link is msports.org/summer-open-house.

05/28/2026

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month we're highlighting assistive technology (AT) that can support mental health and wellness. Here are some of our favorite mobile apps that can help with emotional regulation, building healthy routines, and making tasks feel more manageable:

Finch: AT Specialist Caitlin Hurban's favorite. This app adds fun and motivation to building healthy habits through a self-care pet game to work toward your personal routines and goals. Learn more here: https://finchcare.com/

Calm: Supports relaxation and mindfulness with guided meditations, sleep stories, and breathing exercises. Note: many features require a paid subscription. Check it out: https://www.calm.com/

PTSD Coach: Recommended by MATP Program Director Aimee Sterk. Developed by the VA, this free app helps people manage stress, track symptoms, and learn coping strategies after experiencing trauma. Learn more: https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach

A companion to the PTSD coach is PTSD Family Coach: Living with a family member who has PTSD can be stressful. This free VA app is designed for concerned family members and loved ones. It can help you learn about PTSD, take care of yourself, manage your relationship, and support your loved one in getting the treatment they deserve. See more: https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-family-coach

Goblin Tools: One of AT Specialist Abby Squires's favorites. Goblin Tools is a collection of small, simple, AI-powered tools designed to help people (especially those who are neurodivergent) manage tasks that feel overwhelming or complicated. Tools include Magic ToDo, which breaks complex tasks into smaller steps; Formalizer, which adjusts the tone of your writing; Judge, which identifies the emotional tone of a piece of text; Professor, which explains topics in simple terms; Estimator, which approximates how long a task will take, and more! Learn more: https://goblin.tools/

Have you tried any of these apps? Are there others you'd recommend? Share them in the comments so we can build a list together!

[ID: A flyer for mobile apps for Mental health, has a picture of a phone with the finch app picture of a Birb with text: "Finch- Build healthy habits with a little fun.", the Calm logo with text: "Calm: support relaxation and mindfulness.", PTSD Coach logo with text: "PTSD Coach- Manage stress, track symptoms and learn coping strategies.", and a Goblin Tools logo with text: "Goblin tools- simple, single-task tools to help manage overwhelming tasks." There is a succulent to the left of the phone and both are upright on a desk. A MATP logo is on the bottom left. Text: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Support in Your Pocket. Mobile apps can support emotional regulation, healthy routines, and managing everyday tasks. End text.]