Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
Biography
Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) is a nonprofit organization devoted to justice and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, promoting collaboration, and dismantling obstacles. For almost four decades, MDRC has partnered with individuals, families, and organizations to foster disability pride and build communities where everyone can participate fully.
MDRC is a cross-disability organization. This means we are an organization for people with all disabilities (apparent and non-apparent). We have made an intentional decision to place particular emphasis on valuing and including the desires and voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
What We Do MDRC’s priorities are directly linked to our mission statement. We have focused our efforts on specific areas directly impacting the lives of people with disabilities in the state of Michigan. Our work includes:
- Advocacy and education
- Building leaders and fostering community engagement
- Expanding access to assistive technology
- Community partnerships
- Building connections between disability groups across Michigan
- Peer support
- Supporting individuals with disabilities
- Supporting families of individuals with disabilities
- Ending domestic and sexual violence
- Working with businesses, community organizations, local entities, state entities, and others on how to be inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities
- And more
MDRC’s mission: “MDRC cultivates disability pride and strengthens the disability movement by recognizing disability as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity while collaborating to dismantle all forms of oppression.”
Our Commitment MDRC believes that creating truly welcoming communities means addressing all forms of discrimination. MDRC believes to our core that true inclusion requires addressing all forms of violence, including racism, classism, heterosexism, sexism, sizeism, and many other isms. MDRC upholds its mission with integrity by considering how funds are distributed, how work is executed, and who takes the lead. The foundation of MDRC’s relationship with the community is built on representation, inclusivity, and connectedness. The majority of our staff and board members identify as individuals with disabilities, and all of our work is in collaboration with individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a society where individuals with disabilities can thrive without facing discrimination or barriers. Our work encompasses advocacy, education, and support services to support individuals with disabilities to lead self-determined lives. Join us in our mission to promote disability pride, dismantle barriers, and achieve true inclusion for all.
Disability Pride has always been core to the work we do. Learn more about MDRC’s definitions of Disability Pride.