Blog/Videos

Monthly Archives: April, 2020

Covid-19 and Your Rights as a Person with a Disability

Do you fear you may not receive the same care as those persons without disabilities?
People with disabilities are worried about staying safe and if they can get care if they get sick. Disability Network West Michigan can help answer your questions and help find resources to meet your needs during this scary time. Here are a few things we think you should know:
Disability Network staff are still working – We are here for you. Call us if you need anything, have questions, or just want someone to talk to. The best ways to reach us are:
o   231-722-0088 and leave a message as our phones are monitored daily
o   Our Website at www.disabilitynetworkwm.org or our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/disabilitynetworkwm/
You have a RIGHT to medical care.
You or you families might hear about ‘Medical Rationing’. We hope this doesn’t happen. You should know that every choice about medical care is supposed to made one person at a time. You cannot be denied care just because you have a disability. If someone tells you different, CALL US!
Making decisions about your health care on the basis your disability is ILLEGAL and a violation of your Civil Rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Things are changing fast. Some things we thought were true a few weeks ago, we found out were not true. It’s OK to be confused.
There are a lot of community resources designed to help. If you need food, money, or are worried about your internet getting shut off, or having trouble with any other bills, let us know. We can connect you to these vital resources.
If you want more information about what is happening in Michigan, the latest can be found at:
If you need someone to talk to, call us at 800-782-4160.
There are Crisis Hotlines in every county, too. Find the Crisis Hotline for your county here:
You can also call the National Hotline at 1-800-273-8225 or go to their website:
There is also a HealthCare Hotline called Disability Underground.
If you have a disability and need Covid-19 related medical advocacy or other support you can call 800-626-4959. Remember – You cannot be denied care simply because you have a disability.
Know your rights and call Disability Network if you don’t know what else to do. We are here to help.
Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay home.