Life Skills
Working together to enhance skills and develop resources that open paths to independence through assessment, planning, and training services.
American Sign Language (ASL) Training
Disability Network Eastern Michigan (DNEM) offers a full range of American Sign Language (ASL) classes to support learners at every stage, including Beginner, Beginner 2.0, Intermediate, Intermediate 2.0, and Conversational ASL. These classes build progressively, starting with foundational signing skills such as the alphabet, numbers, and basic vocabulary, and advancing toward improved fluency, sentence structure, and real-world conversational practice. Participants develop both receptive and expressive communication skills while gaining awareness of Deaf culture in a supportive, inclusive learning environment.
Benefits Counseling
This service explains how employment impacts Social Security benefits, including SSI, SSDI, and healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. It also provides information on SSA work incentives and the importance of wage reporting to avoid benefit overpayments, supporting a smooth transition to employment without jeopardizing benefits.
*This program requires a referral.
Benefits Planning
Our one-on-one support is designed to understand and explain your Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This document contains detailed information about your cash benefits, health history, work history, health insurance, scheduled reviews, and access to work incentives. We ensure that you feel understood and cared for throughout this process.
*This program requires a referral.
Independent Living Skills Training
Helps individuals with disabilities build the confidence and skills for independent community living. Personalized instruction covers daily living, communication, self-advocacy, and community participation, using hands-on learning and peer support to promote practical skills and self-determination.
Empowerment Training
This program is designed to enhance your advocacy skills, build self-confidence, and empower you to achieve your self-advocacy goals. Participants will engage in skill-building activities focused on: self-awareness, self-esteem, stress management, effective communication, goal-setting, conflict resolution, and positive self-advocacy.
*This program requires a referral.
Independent Living Skills Assessment
A brief interview is conducted to gather background information and create a personalized assessment linked to their Independent Living goals. The Independent Living Skills Assessment offers hands-on evaluation in areas such as home maintenance, hygiene, budgeting, socialization, cooking, and daily living tasks.
*This program requires a referral.
Pre-Employment Program (PEP)
This course offers various materials and activities to assist consumers with enhancing their vocational skills and conveying the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Participants will identify their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. During this program, information and resources related to networking, job hunting, pre-employment documents such as resumes, and interviewing techniques will be provided. In addition, participants will learn about their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, explore the topic of disclosing their disability, and discuss reasonable accommodation in the workplace.
*This program requires a referral.