Empowering Young Women with Disabilities
Her Power! is a collaborative initiative by the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition and LETA Solutions. We are dedicated to self-empowerment of young women with disabilities through various programs, training sessions, and events. For detailed information please visit letasolutions.org/her-power/
Annual Event: Her Power! Her Pride! Our hallmark event, Her Power! Her Pride!, is an annual four-day, overnight, gathering designed specifically for middle school and high school girls (Cis, Trans, and non-binary) with disabilities held in Michigan but open to girls nationwide, to promote critical thinking about society’s messages, eliminate shame, develop leadership skills and encourage self-acceptance. We aim to be fully inclusive of all types of disabilities (apparent and non-apparent), by providing personal attendant services, a 24-hour nurse, and inclusive menus for people with medical/religious dietary needs. Our staff are all disabled women, trauma-informed, and undergo full background checks each year. Through accessible art techniques and powerful round table conversations, this event provides a platform for self-expression and exploration of their multiple identities within society and the world today. Engaging discussions around media help participants critically analyze the influences shaping their self-image and confidence. Media and commercial advertisements often dictate how girls should look, act, and think. Our program encourages participants to challenge these narratives by discussing topics such as identity, body image, media-induced bullying, and violence against women. We empower girls to question societal norms and discover their true selves beyond superficial standards and amplify their voice and their power to boost their own confidence in today’s world. Beyond Self-Esteem
Our event goes beyond traditional self-esteem programs by addressing deep-seated issues, from body image to societal biases about disability. We encourage participants to recognize and dismantle harmful stereotypes, fostering a community where every girl feels proud and powerful. As a group, we explore what it means to be a girl with a disability, in society today. We shatter myths about what it mean to be a girl with a disability through interactive art-based activities. Art as a Medium for Change
Through interactive art-based activities, the girls create powerful artwork that sends impactful messages such as:
“Proud to be big”
“Yes I am awesome, special, beautiful, strong, witty, and proud, BUT so are you!!”
“Happy to be disabled”
“Proud and powerful”
Support Our Mission
Our work is supported by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council, the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, and generous donations from community members who believe in our mission. Do you think our mission and work is valuable? Would you like to support Her Power! Her Voice!? To donate online simply click here https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/MakeDonation.aspx?ORGID2=382435517&vlrStratCode=5roQCb1zSXRO09P6IgOxDLDGzsVlqyTyjgUdGOq5QlXup9VVfShdGlXu6U1G58uD
As a nonprofit organization all donations are tax deductible. Need another option or want to support Her Power! in another way? Please contact our Program Director Theresa Metzmaker at [email protected]
Thank you for your support!
