Category Archives: Society

The Latest news about what is effecting Society in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Teams with EnChroma to Enhance Experience for Color Blind Visitors


Eric Carle, Illustration for The Grouchy Ladybug. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1977 Penguin Random House LLC

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other works by Eric Carle are some of the most iconic and colorful in children’s literature. Now, with The Eric Carle Museum, color blind visitors will be able to fully enjoy his and other artist’s picture book illustrations in vivid color -Erik Ritchie, CEO, EnChroma

EnChroma® glasses to enable guests with color vision deficiencies to see the vibrant, colorful collages of Eric Carle

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the first art museum in Massachusetts to offer eyewear by EnChroma to visitors with color vision deficiencies, or “color blindness.” Beginning March 1, guests with color vision deficiencies can borrow special EnChroma glasses from The Carle to experience the Museum’s picture book art in clear, vibrant color for the first time. Eight pairs of eyewear are available, including glasses for both children and adults, indoor and outdoor use, and pairs adapted to fit over eyeglasses, through the EnChroma Color Accessibility Program™.

“Eric Carle said his painted papers were like his palette. His collages began by painting tissue paper with bright, acrylic paints, creating colorful patterns across each paper. And by partnering with EnChroma we can now offer glasses to color blind guests so they can better view those vibrant colors and designs, not only in the colorful collages of Eric Carle and other works in our collection, but outside appreciating nature in Bobbie’s Meadow,” said Courtney Waring, director of education.

One in 12 men (8%) and one in 200 women (.5%) are color vision deficient, which affects an estimated 13 million in the United States and 350 million worldwide. While people with normal color vision see over one million shades of color, those with color vision deficiency only see an estimated 10% of hues and shades. As a result, colors can appear muted, indistinct, and difficult to discern.

Click here for images of Eric Carle’s artwork as it appears to the color blind.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and other works by Eric Carle, are some of the most iconic and colorful in children’s literature,” said Erik Ritchie, CEO of EnChroma. “And now, with the help of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, their color blind visitors will be able to fully enjoy his and other artist’s picture book illustrations in vivid color.”

Special optical filters in EnChroma glasses help color blind people perceive a wider range of colors and to see them more vividly and distinctly. A study by the University of California, Davis, and INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, demonstrated the effectiveness of EnChroma glasses. A separate recent study in the scientific publication Eye-Nature also highlights the benefits of the glasses.

EnChroma Color Accessibility Program™

EnChroma is the leading advocate for accessibility for those with color blindness. Nearly 200 public institutions—including libraries, schools, universities, national parks, gardens, tourism bureaus—participate to help color blind visitors more fully experience colors in art, nature, and overcome obstacles to learning. EnChroma donates a pair of glasses for every pair an organization purchases. EnChroma also provides materials for institutions to educate the public or teachers, students, and parents about color blindness and its effects. Organizations interested in joining the program can email accessiblity@enchroma.com.

More information can be found at enchroma.com. Additional media materials can be downloaded here. Photos of three color blind people trying the EnChroma glasses at the Eric Carle Museum on February 27 are available for media here.

About The Museum:

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion for picture books. We collect, preserve, and exhibit original illustrations, encourage guests of all ages to read and create art, and foster an ever-growing audience passionate about children’s literature.

The late Eric and Barbara “Bobbie” Carle co-founded the Museum in November 2002. Eric Carle was the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since opening, the 43,000-square foot facility has served nearly one million visitors. The Carle has 9,000 permanent collection illustrations. The Carle has three art galleries, an art studio, a theater, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and school children. Bobbie’s Meadow is an outdoor space that combines art and nature. Educational offerings include professional training for educators around the country and master’s degree programs in children’s literature with Simmons University. The Museum offers digital resources, including art activities, book recommendations, collections, exhibition videos, and workshops for online visitors. Learn more at http://www.carlemuseum.org and on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram @CarleMuseum.

About EnChroma:

Based in Berkeley, Calif., EnChroma produces leading-edge eyewear for color blindness and low vision, and other solutions for color vision, sold online and through Authorized Retailers worldwide. Invented in 2010, EnChroma’s patented eyewear for color blindness combines the latest in color perception, neuroscience and lens innovation to improve the lives of people with color vision deficiency around the world. EnChroma received an SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It earned the 2016 Tibbetts Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration in recognition of the firm’s innovative impact on the human experience through technology, and the 2020 Innovation Award in Life Sciences from the Bay Area’s East Bay Economic Development Alliance. For more information call 510-497-0048 or visit enchroma.com.

Media Contacts:

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Sandy Soderberg

Marketing Manager

P: 413.559-6315

sandys@carlemuseum.org

EnChroma

Kent Streeb

Vice President of Communications and Partnerships

P: 530.908.9225

kent@enchroma.com

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InterExchange Awards Exclusive Fellowship to Support Social, Environmental and Humanitarian Impact


Postpandemic, we see that the need for altruistic service projects in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals is more important than ever. We look forward to doing our part so that our Fellows can do theirs.

InterExchange is proud to announce that it will be awarding up to $100,000 in fellowships in 2023 to support sustainable international volunteer projects. The Christianson Fellowship—which provides funding up to $10,000 per recipient—will be awarded to individuals working on projects that align with the InterExchange mission, and will provide recipients with the resources and support they need to make a sustainable, positive impact in communities around the world. Since its inception in 2007, the Christianson Fellowship has supported more than 100 individuals carrying out volunteer projects abroad of varying lengths (minimum six months requirement) in all corners of the globe.

“The InterExchange Christianson Fellowship is a truly unique source of funding support for inspiring young Americans committed to doing good in the world,” says Christine La Monica-Lunn, President & CEO of InterExchange. “Since the beginning of our commitment to meaningful philanthropic activity, we have made it a priority to consider a wide range of impactful projects around the world in line with the motivations and future career goals of our exceptional Fellows. Postpandemic, we see that the need for altruistic service projects in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals is more important than ever. We look forward to doing our part so that our Fellows can do theirs.”

The Christianson Fellowship is open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Christianson Fellows have had a lasting, positive impact on rural and urban communities in 42 countries across five continents, engaging in meaningful service projects in a broad array of fields. Most recently, InterExchange has provided support to inspired young Americans involved in restorative justice, sports diplomacy, and clean water projects in South Africa, Panama, and India. Alumni have gone on to pursue careers as medical doctors and researchers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and even as founders of their own NGOs, both in the United States and abroad.

“The Christianson Fellowship for me was the foundation to who I am today,” says Sheila Xu, a 2015 Christianson Fellow whose project focused on organizing resources for the deaf community in Italy’s Veneto Province. “Once I looked at the Christianson Fellowship I thought it was a perfect match because I could create what I wanted… and that, truly, started off my entire journey to lead me to where I am now.”

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed after the close of each application deadline (March 15, July 15, October 15). For more information about the Fellowship and application process, please visit https://www.interexchange.org/foundation.

About InterExchange: InterExchange is a private, nonprofit organization with 55 years of experience in international cultural exchange. We are dedicated to promoting international understanding through development and implementation of affordable intercultural and life experiential work/training opportunities. Our mission is to promote cultural awareness, knowledge, and global competence among people from around the world through international exchange programs, offering work and training opportunities in the United States and abroad.

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Momentum Wheels for Humanity Teams Up with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health to Transform Rehabilitation Care for Injured and Disabled Ukrainians


“The war has created an influx of newly injured people in need of physical rehabilitation and mobility aids, and those with pre-existing mobility impairments need continued access to services and supplies,” said Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s Ukraine Country Director, Natalia Melnychenko.

Momentum Wheels for Humanity, a global organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with physical disabilities, has announced a formal partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health to enhance the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation care for injured and disabled Ukrainians.

With the signing of a memorandum of understanding on February 7, 2023, Momentum Wheels for Humanity and the Ministry of Health are taking concrete steps to build up the systems and workforce needed in Ukraine to provide long-term quality rehabilitation services and assistive technology (AT), including wheelchairs, prostheses, orthoses and a range of other mobility and daily living aids. The formal partnership builds on their long-time collaboration to ensure that Ukrainians with disabilities have access to essential care for their health and well-being.

Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s Executive Director, Kate Selengia, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “This partnership solidifies Ukraine’s commitment to its most vulnerable population. We will continue to work tirelessly to improve and increase Ukraine’s available rehabilitation services, ensuring that more people in need across Ukraine are able to access the services and products they need to recover from injury and to live as independently as possible.”

Viktor Liashko, the Minister of Health in Ukraine, expressed enthusiasm for Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s past contributions and ongoing commitment to support, stating, “Through its work in Ukraine, Momentum Wheels for Humanity has demonstrated its unique competencies in the area of AT and rehabilitation. Momentum Wheels for Humanity has positively impacted Ukraine’s rehabilitation sector, and we appreciate their contributions and partnership.”

Momentum Wheels for Humanity has worked in Ukraine for over 25 years, and since 2014 has supported the Ministry of Health to develop and strengthen rehabilitation services within the national health system through technical assistance and workforce development activities, including training, policy advisement, and in-depth capacity building within health facilities.

“The war has created an influx of newly injured people in need of physical rehabilitation and mobility aids, and those with pre-existing mobility impairments need continued access to services and supplies to ensure their health and safety,” said Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s Ukraine Country Director, Natalia Melnychenko. “In partnership with the Ministry of Health, and with our implementing partners, we are supporting the development of specialized rehabilitation services, providing humanitarian aid for persons with disabilities, and partnering with hospitals and universities to educate the next generation of physical and occupational therapists.”

Currently, Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s work includes establishing an assistive product distribution and training hub in Lviv that will address the unmet need for assistive products. The hub will store and dispatch wheelchairs and other assistive products to its network of partner health facilities and serve as a space for product demonstrations, service provision, and training. In partnership with the Ministry of Health, Momentum Wheels for Humanity will provide training and products to establish AT clinics within health facilities throughout western and central Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, gaps in capacity to provide rehabilitation to patients with spinal cord injuries have become more evident. Momentum Wheels for Humanity is working with the Lviv Territorial Medical Union Hospital (TMU) to establish a dedicated spinal cord injury unit, including providing technical guidance on setting up and equipping the unit and building the capacity of multidisciplinary teams of rehabilitation professionals and peer mentors working with spinal injury patients at TMU and other health facilities in Ukraine. Momentum Wheels for Humanity is also partnering with universities and government hospitals in Lviv, Kyiv, Lutsk, Ternopil, and Ivano Frankivsk to develop and enhance clinical education programs for physical and occupational therapists, which are critical to building a pipeline of qualified rehabilitation professionals.

Momentum Wheels for Humanity’s programs are generously funded by USAID, USAID’s Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance through Project Hope, and the Christian Blind Mission (CBM). To support Ukaraine’s most vulnerable population, consider donating to Momentum Wheels for Humanity at momentum4humanity.org/donate.

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Marshmallow Games’ Smart Tales App Receives IBCCES Certification as an Autism Resource


We are thrilled to have received this certification from IBCCES. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality educational content, and we’re proud to have developed one of the most inclusive digital products for children.

Marshmallow Games, a leading Italian edtech company, is proud to announce that their educational app for children, Smart Tales with over 1 million downloads globally, has recently been certified by IBCCES as an Autism Resource. The app aims to be a safe, fun, and inclusive learning platform for every child, regardless of their educational needs.

With its engaging and interactive gameplay Smart Tales helps children to fall in love with Math and Reading and to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills in a safe and fun environment. With over 20 customizable educational paths, children can learn about a wide range of topics, including science, math, language, and social studies.

Smart Tales is designed to engage children in a playful and interactive learning environment. With its innovative approach to teaching and learning, the app has already gained a reputation as one of the most inclusive digital products for children on the market.

Cristina Angelillo, CEO of Marshmallow Games, expressed her pride in the development of Smart Tales, stating, “We are thrilled to have received this certification from IBCCES. We believe that every child deserves access to high-quality educational content, and we’re proud to have developed one of the most inclusive digital products for children. With Smart Tales, we’re creating a safe and fun space where children can learn and grow together.” Smart Tales offers several features that make it an ideal educational tool for children with different learning needs.

The app is available in five different languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, making it accessible to a wider audience. It also includes specific features for children with dyslexia and color blindness.

Marshmallow Games is committed to developing innovative educational products that promote inclusivity and diversity. With Smart Tales, the company is helping to ensure that every child has access to high-quality educational content that can help them to reach their full potential.

For more information visit: smarttales.app

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First-Ever Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Reimagined to Honor BraunAbility’s Legacy and Mobility’s Future


Named ‘Ralph-E’ after the company’s founder, Ralph Braun, the refurbished 1961 postal Jeep bridges the company’s history of innovation to the future of personal accessible travel.

Braun didn’t realize it at the time, but his personal invention was the foundation of the automotive mobility industry and would revolutionize accessibility for people with mobility challenges around the world.

When Ralph Braun purchased an old postal Jeep in 1966, he had one goal: find a way to make it both accessible and drivable from his battery-powered scooter. Braun lived with muscular dystrophy, and the disease was gradually stealing his strength. He needed a way to get himself and his battery-powered scooter – also his own invention – to and from his job at a local factory in his hometown of Winamac, Indiana. The result was the country’s first wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Braun didn’t realize it at the time, but his personal invention was the foundation of the automotive mobility industry and would revolutionize accessibility for people with mobility challenges around the world. In 1972, Braun founded The Braun Corporation (today known as BraunAbility), and 50 years later his company is the global leader of automotive mobility solutions.

To recognize its 50th anniversary, the company issued an internal challenge: build a mobility solution that both honored the BraunAbility’s legacy of innovation and incorporate the future of mobility technology.

The answer to the challenge was Ralph-E, a reimagining of the original postal Jeep engineered with modern mobility equipment. The team located a 1961 Jeep identical to the original chassis, a rare Willy’s FJ-3 “Fleetvan.” The Jeep’s gas engine, fuel system, steering and suspension were removed, and the new custom frame was modeled after the original. The reengineered vehicle includes:


  • Electric drivetrain from a Polaris GEM eL XD vehicle
  • 4-corner custom air kneel system
  • ADA-compliant, infloor ramp
  • BraunAbility Turny® Evo seat
  • BraunAbility/Q’Straint Omni aluminum floor
  • All-new modern steering system converted to right-hand drive
  • 4” lowered rear fender wells to accentuate the lowered floor aesthetic
  • Updated LED headlights, turn signals and brake lights

Ralph-E’s name and exterior design came from a company-wide competition, and submissions were voted on by long-time BraunAbility employees, some of whom were founding members of the company. Ralph-E is a nod to the company’s founder and the ‘E’ represents the electric drivetrain. The paint scheme reflects the original postal Jeep’s colors and includes former logos from Ralph’s company and a ghosted image of Ralph in the side windows.

Ralph-E will spend time displayed at the company’s headquarters in Carmel and Winamac, IN and is available for appearances at automotive mobility shows throughout 2023.

About BraunAbility

BraunAbility is the world’s leading manufacturer of mobility transportation solutions, including wheelchair accessible vehicles, wheelchair lifts and seating, storage and securement products. Founded nearly 50 years ago by Ralph Braun, an entrepreneur who spent most of his life in a wheelchair, the company has grown into the most well-known and trusted name in the mobility industry, bringing independence to millions of individuals across the world. BraunAbility is a wholly owned subsidiary to Patricia Industries, a division of Investor AB Group. Visit http://www.braunability.com for more information.

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New book diagnoses the disease of the American nation and points to Jesus as the only cure


News Image

“Are we living in a world of wickedness that is worse than Sodom and Gomorrah? Is it possible that the United States of America has plunged from the greatest nation on the planet with endless opportunities for American dreams to a country that rivals the evil and adulterous ways of Nineveh?” Dr. Debra J. Dean often questions if the world today is as bad as it was when Noah built the ark or when the tower of Babylon was being built.

“Jesus Come Revive America: Forgive Us for We Have Sinned” (published by Archway Publishing) is a user-friendly approach to reading the Bible, understanding historical events, and practically implementing the Bible’s teachings in today’s world. It incorporates archeology, anthropology, geography, history, philosophy, sociology, and theology to help Americans prepare for the next Great Awakening. Here, Dean expands on the lives of regular people like Esther and Gideon, along with the Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ, to highlight how they were bold and courageous. In doing so, she reveals how people can apply the same zeal for God today as they prepare for revival and learn to live a holy lifestyle.

“This book will explain the issues I have personally faced as a Christian American woman. It will also share stories of others that quietly, fearfully, and reluctantly shared with me. Stories that need to be shared with a broader audience in the hopes of redirecting the course of religious freedom for our once great nation and most importantly, hope for the soul of each person that they may choose an eternity in heaven instead of suffering forever in hell,” Dean says.

When asked what she wants readers to take away from the book, Dean answered, “I pray this book will give you hope for the future, courage to be bold, and a sense of compassion for all people. I hope it will give you a sense of all sides of the issue and a heart to seek understanding. I also hope it will somehow unite people across the globe and bring civility to the nations. And, most importantly, I hope it will give rise to a rebirth of Christianity throughout the world, a spiritual revival of people deciding to live for Christ and seek their eternal home. An awakening that we desperately need.” For more details about the book, please visit https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/806740-jesus-come-revive-america

“Jesus Come Revive America: Forgive Us for We Have Sinned”

By Dr. Debra J. Dean

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 182 pages | ISBN 9781665736732

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 182 pages | ISBN 9781665736749

E-Book | 182 pages | ISBN 9781665737708

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Dr. Debra Dean is author, speaker, coach, and consultant. She is a Christian and as a mother and grandmother of six, she has her eyes on the pulse of the world. She has noticed that while the morality of America is plummeting to all-time lows, God is stirring the soul of the country to an awakening. She has 25 years’ experience in the corporate world where she saw the degradation of society in front of her as her value system no longer aligned with the value system of her company. She also has a doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University, where she exegetes scripture to apply it practically to the world around her.

Simon & Schuster, a company with nearly ninety years of publishing experience, has teamed up with Author Solutions, LLC, the worldwide leader in self-publishing, to create Archway Publishing. With unique resources to support books of all kinds , Archway Publishing offers a specialized approach to help every author reach his or her desired audience. For more information, visit archwaypublishing.com or call 844-669-3957.

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James Wasted No Time In Addressing Speech, and Neither Should We


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I was inspired to write this book because my words did not align with the Bible’s standards for Christians

Author Zachary Wayne Lavender helps Christians mature in the area of taming the tongue with A Restless Evil: Dental Danger ($12.49, paperback, 9781662867101; $5.99, e-book, 9781662867118).

What does it mean to take control of your tongue? Taking his cue from the book of James, Lavender expounds on the theme of restless (uncontrolled or unrestrained) tongues and the importance of words.

“I was inspired to write this book because my words did not align with the Bible’s standards for Christians,” said Lavender.

Zachary Lavender’s training was helmed by some of Chicago’s finest in choral, church, and vocal music. In addition, he has done extensive training in voice pedagogy at Roosevelt University/Chicago Musical College under the guidance of Mr. Robert Long and Ms. Ruth Ann Bishop. Throughout his fifty-year tenure as a church musician, Lavender has built a reputation for developing singers and musicians to perfect the church’s music ministry. He has continued to hone his skills as a composer, conductor, teacher, musician, and author.

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Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world’s largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. A Restless Evil is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

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AMEN Church and TRUE Music Hosts AMEN NIGHTS with Dante Bowe


CHAPTER 2

“Music has a way of removing all gaps and boundaries of separation between cultures, generations, and denominations. … The things that separate us from one another don’t seem as important when we are in God’s presence together,” said Sabrina Harrison, Co-Founder of AMEN Church and TRUE Music.

AMEN Church — an urban nondenominational congregation in Dallas founded by local entrepreneurs and Christian worship leaders Dr. Field and Sabrina Harrison, hosted AMEN NIGHTS CHAPTER 2, a free worship night open to the Dallas community, on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the Echo Lounge. The Harrisons are the Founders of several successful businesses and faith-based charitable organizations including, MINT dentistry, AMEN Church, and TRUE Music.

AMEN NIGHTS CHAPTER 2 was AMEN Church’s second worship event of the year featuring Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum-selling singer and songwriter Dante Bowe, along with Nate Diaz, Evvie Mckinney, and Aaron Moses. These worship nights, referred to as chapters, are held monthly to establish unity as a community through creative artistic expression. The performance song list included: Blood of the Lamb, Holy Ghost, I Can Do All Things, You Are, I Love Your Presence, Show Me Your Face, Forever Yours, and Hero.

AMEN Church hosts worship nights open to the public each month in partnership with TRUE Music, an independent music label pioneering new approaches to the signing and development of recording artists and songwriters.

“Musicians, songwriters, and artists are a dominant force in shaping culture,” said Sabrina Harrison, Co-Founder of AMEN Church, TRUE Music, and MINT dentistry. “Music has a way of removing all gaps and boundaries of separation between cultures, generations, and denominations. Through worship, we are all reminded of God’s goodness and strength in our lives. The things that separate us from one another don’t seem as important when we are in God’s presence together.”

Dante Bowe headlined the event. The artist, in partnership with Dr. Field and Sabrina Harrison, is the Co-Founder and CEO of TRUE Music. He has been featured on the Tamron Hall Show, Variety, Billboard, Entertainment Tonight, Vogue.com, and BET. With TRUE Music, Bowe has recently released a new genre-defying single and anthem, Hide Me. “Hide Me was created in the middle of a storm,” says Bowe. “God revealed to me that He is in control and is the strong one in the middle of my weakness. And, through it, I’ve found a stronger Dante!”

The Hide Me single is an introduction to Bowe’s solo, cross-genre album scheduled to be released later this year entitled PRESS PLAY on his new TRUE Music record label. “I want this album to touch lives and bless people to the point where they can feel good again, have fun again, and feel a sense of freedom and peace,” said Bowe. AMEN NIGHTS CHAPTER 3 will take place in late March 2023. Admission is free, and all are welcome. For more information, go to http://www.theamenchurch.com.

About AMEN Church: AMEN Church exists to see people walk in the fullness of who they are in Christ Jesus as they represent Jesus and re-present His Church. For more information about AMEN Church, visit http://www.theamenchurch.com.

About TRUE Music: TRUE Music is an independent music label pioneering new approaches to the signing and development of recording artists and songwriters. Raising the level of authenticity in music will cause cultures, generations, and denominations to unite by merging gaps and removing all boundaries. For more information about TRUE Music, please visit http://www.truemusiclabel.com.

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Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living Announces Rebrand


Disability Network

“Disability is a natural part of life. Changing our name to Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston puts disability first and embraces who we are and who we serve.”Alex Gossage, Executive Director

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit disability advocacy and service agency, announced today that it has rebranded as the Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston. The change demonstrates the organization’s connection to the larger system of Disability Network offices within Michigan while strengthening its commitment to promoting independent living and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.

The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living was founded in 1976 and has worked closely with the disability community to help people live more fulfilling, self-determined lives. Over 80% of staff and board identify as having a disability.

In addition to the name change, Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston (DNWML) has debuted a new logo and updated website.

“We will continue to be a Center for Independent Living; that will never change. We will continue to be disability-led, disability-run, and a place for people with disabilities to gather; that, too, will never change,” said Executive Director, Alex Gossage. “Disability is a natural part of life. Changing our name to Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston puts disability first and embraces who we are and who we serve.”

The rebrand showcases the three counties the nonprofit serves and symbolizes an era of growth, progress, and improved visibility within the disability community. Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston continues its mission to empower the lives of people with disabilities and to advocate for a more inclusive community for all.

Visit http://www.DNWML.org to explore the new website and branding.

About Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston

The nonprofit is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. In addition to providing individualized services, community advocacy, and group workshops for self-improvement, DNWML is a dynamic community enrichment and recreation center filled with events and activities to help you connect with people and your passion.

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