On April 29, 2022 the MPVA was honored to partner with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) to present a webinar on a topic that is all too often taken for granted today–that is, until something happens and the choice is between speaking up or shutting down: disability rights.
The MDCR helped to navigate our members, citizens of the disability community at large, and business leaders through the complex seas of civil rights laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act (FHA), and Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), among others. As important as it is to understand the rights available to the disability community, it is also important to understand the next steps that are available in this world that is often not made for ALL individuals. With that in mind, they also broke down the different agencies where someone could file a complaint or suit, if needed.
The MPVA President, Michael Harris, spoke about the need to advocate for our rights and speak up when someone feels those hard-fought rights have been infringed; “It takes all of us to advocate for ourselves and, at the same time, other members of our community in order to keep disability rights safe and moving forward.”
After the presentation participants had the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Several citizens of the disability community in Michigan asked the MPVA questions on topics ranging from what rights are protected for travelers with disabilities on airlines to issues stemming from changes in catastrophic care due to the auto no-fault insurance changes.
The webinar is presented in full on the MPVA YouTube channel. As always, feel free to reach out to the MPVA—whether a Member or not—for advocacy assistance or questions. Also, MDCR generously has provided contact information to team members adept at guiding individuals through a deeper understanding of their civil rights.
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