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June 24, 2026
In This Issue:
 Image is a promotional graphic for the upcoming ADA Virtual Commemoration Event: Everyday Access for All on July 9 from 9am to noon. The graphic is dark blue and includes the MDCR logo and a collage of photos showing diverse people.
Everyday Access for All 2026
On July 9, join us for Everyday Access for All, a virtual event that will bring together advocates, community leaders, organizations, and residents from across Michigan to reflect on the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) legacy and explore the work that continues today.
Through engaging discussions and expert perspectives, participants will examine how accessibility impacts everyday life and learn more about efforts to remove barriers while expanding opportunities for people with disabilities.
Sessions Include:
Voting is a civil right for all eligible Michigan residents. Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities face additional barriers when it comes to participating in the democratic process. This session will dive into voting accessibility, barriers to participation, and more.
People are turning to social media for news and information now more than ever. This panel discussion will equip organizations, agencies, and individuals with best practices for creating accessible social media content that broadens reach and improves access.
Barriers to healthcare access can pose life-threatening challenges to the people of Michigan. This dynamic discussion will emphasize the importance of the reasonable accommodation process for patients with disabilities, highlight the soft skills that strengthen patient-centered care grounded in dignity and respect, and examine the risks and benefits of using video remote interpreting as a primary tool for communication access.
Addressing Access Barriers in Michigan
This session will highlight the ADA as the federal landmark civil rights law designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life and provide education on MDCR Enforcement services pertaining to disability discrimination.
Event Details:
Date: July 9, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Format: Virtual
Registration is required
Reserve your spot today and join us as we honor the legacy of the ADA while helping build a more accessible future for all.
Image above shows a dark blue button that says learn more & register. The link goes to www.michigan.gov/mdcr/everyday-access-for-all-2026.
 Image is a promotional graphic for the Michigan Civil Rights Commission meeting on July 27 at 10am in Petoskey. The graphic is dark blue and includes the Commission logo and a black and white photo of a community meeting.
Notice of Public Meeting
The Michigan Civil Rights Commission will convene its upcoming quarterly public meeting to engage community members and stakeholders in ongoing efforts to advance civil rights across Michigan.
The meeting will also provide updates on current work within the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, which is the operational arm of the Commission.
Event Details:
Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Format: Hybrid
Location: Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Community Engagement Room, 800 Bay Harbor Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770
Community members are encouraged to attend and there are two opportunities for public comment for those participating in person. The Zoom link for the meeting will be posted on the Commission Schedule page prior to the start of the meeting.
Remote ASL interpretation services will be available. Other in-person accessibility accommodations may be provided via request to MDCR-INFO@michigan.gov by July 20, 2026.
For more information, please contact Katie Adrianse, MDCR Communications Manager, at adriansek@michigan.gov.
 Image of a dark skinned person with shoulder-length curly black hair wearing a yellow sweater and a red, white, and blue sticker that says "I Voted"
MDCR Spotlight Series: Voting Rights
Join us on Thursday, July 23 for our upcoming Spotlight Series on Voting Rights. This interactive forum will bring together community leaders, advocates, subject matter experts, and residents to explore current voting rights issues, barriers to participation, and how MDCR can support equitable access to the ballot box.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about voter protections, hear from experts working in the field, and engage in meaningful discussions about how communities can support fair and accessible elections for all.
Event Details:
Date: July 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. (Dinner) | 6:00 p.m. (Program)
Location: Detroit
Stay tuned to MDCR’s social media channels for event specifics and registration information!
Save the Date for Click with Kindness
Mark your calendar for our upcoming MI Response to Hate (MIR2H) conference. This year’s theme, Click with Kindness: Shutting Down Hate One Post at a Time, will be focused on addressing online harassment and fostering more respectful digital spaces.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University, 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
More information and registration coming soon!
(Image shows the MI Response to Hate Conference logo)
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Where do you get your news?
We’re asking Michigan residents to take a brief survey to help improve how important information reaches communities across the state.
Your input will help shape how people receive updates about:
- Civil rights protections and resources
- How to get help or file a complaint
- Job opportunities
- Education and community resources
- Upcoming events
Take the survey here
(Image is a black and white photo of a person reading the newspaper while looking at the news on a laptop.)
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