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Community Advocacy
Changing Places Restrooms Initiative
We continue our work to expand access to Changing Places restrooms. To support this effort, we are seeking short testimonials from families who use or would benefit from these facilities. Your stories help decision-makers understand why accessible restrooms are essential.
Families are invited to share:
• How a Changing Places restroom would help
• Challenges faced when accessible restrooms are unavailable
• Why these facilities matter at public events
You may share your experiences in our online forum or email them to info@1in6support.org.
Advancing Accessibility: Sharing Our Public Comments on Accessible Restrooms
In addition, the U.S. Access Board is currently accepting public comments through April 20 on proposed accessibility standards for public restrooms. These guidelines will play a critical role in shaping how inclusive restroom facilities are designed across the country.
In recent weeks, the public comments submitted by 1in6 Support have been circulating across Michigan among parents, advocates, and professionals. We are grateful to see this level of engagement and shared commitment to advancing meaningful accessibility.
Our submission focuses on the urgent need for more inclusive restroom solutions, including features that support individuals with significant physical disabilities and their caregivers. It reflects both lived experience and the collective insights we’ve gathered through our work with families and individuals with disabilities. We are pleased to share these comments more broadly with our community as a resource.
We warmly encourage parents and advocates to use our submission as a foundation when drafting their own public comments. If you do, we kindly ask that you reference 1in6 Support’s position statement, which you can find here, in your submission. Building on shared language and aligned recommendations helps strengthen the overall case for these critical changes.
At 1in6 Support, we believe that knowledge should be shared, not siloed. By making this information accessible, we hope to support stronger, more unified advocacy efforts—because meaningful inclusion is built when communities work together.
Disability Fair in Wayne, NJ
We tabled at the Wayne, NJ Disability Resource Fair, providing information about our services and networking for our 2026 Disability Pride Parade in Essex County.
Save the Dates!
Mother’s Day Events
We’re excited to share that our annual Mother’s Day celebration will take place on Friday, May 8th in both Midland, Michigan and Montclair, New Jersey. This special event is all about pampering the incredible moms who give so much to their families throughout the year.
We’re currently looking for local vendors, especially massage therapists and wellness practitioners, in both locations to help make the day truly restorative and memorable. Please contact us to learn more.
Disability Pride Parade
We are thrilled to announce the date for this year’s Disability Pride Parade in New Jersey: May 30th, with a rain date of May 31st, in Montclair, NJ. More details will be coming soon, but we hope you’ll mark your calendars now.
1in6 Support Gala
Our annual gala will be held on Friday, October 23rd in Montclair, NJ. Please save the date for our premier fundraiser of the year!
Expansion News
1in6 Support Registered in New York City
We are proud to share that 1in6 Support is now officially registered as a nonprofit in New York City. We will soon launch both in-person and virtual connection groups for parents of children with disabilities in NYC. Stay tuned for details.
Recent Friday Group Speakers
Ellen Zimiles
Ellen shared insights on training for direct service providers in group homes and related settings.
Visit Ellen’s website, The True Professional.
Danielle Wildstein
Danielle presented on the benefits of cannabis for stress reduction.
Greg Reisman
Greg discussed social skills groups for neurodivergent children using Dungeons and Dragons as a therapeutic tool.
Guest Speaker Series at 1in6 Support
Our Guest Speaker Series brings families direct access to experienced advocates, attorneys, and professionals who understand disability systems and services. These sessions help families gain practical tools, ask informed questions, and feel more confident navigating supports for their loved ones.
Advocating for Your Child: Therapeutic Interventions and Insurance
Presenters: Janet Ringle-Bartels and Matthew Bartels
This session explored how effective advocacy is built on partnership among families, caregivers, and professionals. Presenters emphasized evidence-based care, open communication, and shared decision-making.
Understanding CLS Budgets After the Waskul Settlement
Presenter: Nick Gable, Disability Rights Michigan
Nick reviewed Community Living Supports budgeting options following the Waskul settlement, including staffing costs, activities, and transportation. Families gained clarity on planning and managing CLS budgets.
Independent Facilitation and Broker Services
Presenter: Jan Lampman
Jan explained how Independent Facilitation and Broker Services can strengthen a person’s program of care and support self-determination. These services are available to any CMH client and do not draw from waiver budgets.
Upcoming Session: Navigating Medicaid, Medicare, and Disability Benefits
Presenter: Anastasia Kolosova, Supervising Attorney, Disability Rights Michigan
April 16 at 7 PM
This session will guide families through Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, SSDI, and Disabled Adult Child benefits, with a focus on how eligibility rules shift across the lifespan and how to avoid losing essential supports.
All 1in6 Support presentations and parent meetups are free for families.
Community Events
Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath with Jacquie Ruderman
This month, our community enjoyed another restorative yoga nidra meditation and sound bath workshop led by Jacquie Ruderman and hosted by board member Satya Scainetti. These gatherings continue to offer families a grounding space for rest and connection.
Visit Jacquie’s website here. Visit Satya’s website here.
Curated Comedy for a Cause
We were honored to be selected as the beneficiary of Curated Comedy For a Cause in Montclair, NJ. The event raised funds, increased awareness of disability community needs, and brought plenty of laughter from talented NYC comedians.
