Disability EmpowHer Network

Happy Pride Month!

We feel so much love and appreciation for all of the members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community who support us, volunteer with us, participate in our programs, and are involved with Disability EmpowHer Network. From reviewing camp applications to speaking on panels to mentoring to making us baked goods to being active participants in our program and so much more, we would not be able to build the community and spaces that we do without your love, support, and involvement. We celebrate you this month and every month!

Image description: graphic reads "Happy Pride Month" pictures of different LGBTQ+ people are scattered across the bottom of the photo.

Want to support our Young Leaders at EmpowHer Camp this summer? Help us stock up on the supplies we need to have a safe, fun, and inclusive experience. Our young leaders are set to learn so much about survival, independent living, and themselves, but we can't do it without you.

Supporting us with a donation from our wish list is one of the most direct ways to be part of creating a meaningful experience for our young leaders. Want to help? You can purchase items directly from our Amazon Wishlist and send them to us.

You can find our wish list at: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JB54TTA553S1?ref_=abls_nvfly_swy

Image description: a light purple and dark purple graphic with a yellow stamp in the middle that reads "Help us prepare our campers for emergency evacuations!" There are two photos, one on the left of young leaders dressed in rain ponchos and on the right the back of a young leader's power chair where a backpack and quick dry towel are hanging. Below the photos is text that reads "Go-bag Supplies on our Wishlist: packable hiking backpacks - need 10 quickdry towels - need 12 rain ponchos - need 40 AND MORE!"

There’s only one week left until our volunteer webinar! Be sure to sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyNWJfgkL6pSfKI2rJx5x8njHk8WwPKThAW0i1OBeVegA2zw/viewform

Image Description: a pink gradient graphic with a photo of two people talking at a table and text that reads Volunteer With Us Join our webinar on Wednesday June 17 at 12p.m. ET to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Sign up on our website or via the Campsite link in our vio.

Here’s a special sneak peek at the artwork that will be featured at the Disabled Women Make History (and Art) show’s opening reception on June 20 at 5:30pm ET at the Toledo Museum of Art (Green Building, Education Hallway).

Can’t make it? Don’t worry, the artwork will be on display through July 31 in celebration of Disability Pride Month.

Image Description: four slides showing artwork that will be featured at the Disabled Women Make History (and Art) show. Bones in Bloom by Chelsea Lackey,
Dreamy Delirium by Elizabeth Hoverman, Geodesic[k] 5 by Melissa Athey, Life in Pain by Megan Howard

Join EmpowHer Capital for a conversation about priorities and how to build a balanced life - or sundae! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pecA72KPvQGLPJpo9

Saturday, June 20th
386 First Street Troy, NY 12180
1:00pm-3:00pm

This event is free. Snacks and treats will be provided! Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.

Have questions? Email [email protected]

Image description: A light purple flyer with sprinkles in the background and graphics of an ice cream cone and bowl. Dark purple text boxes contain the event information.

A few photos from our Gentle Movement with Goats event on Saturday! Thank you to our ROC/ROC+ leaders for putting this fun event together🐐✨

Image description: three photos of goats standing on people’s backs while they do yoga.

On National Cancer Survivors Day, we are highlighting our own Shruti (SHROO-thee, they/them), who is Disability EmpowHer Network’s Communication and Development Coordinator. After surviving cancer as a child, Shruti has found community and a sense of self worth by building relationships with other disabled people.

Image ID:
Slide 1- On a pink and orange background with yellow stars. Shruti, a disabled person wearing a traditional lehenga, smiles while holding floral decorated forearm crutches. In shades of pink, text reads “Meet Shruti”
Slide 2- On the same background. In text in shades of pink, it reads “When Shruti was just one year old, they were diagnosed with brain stem glioma, a type of brain cancer. Below is an image of a young Shruti with their family- mom Priya, dad Mike, and brother Rahul.
Slide 3- On the same background. In shades of pink, text reads “Shruti went through surgeries, chemo, pain management, and physical therapy. Because Shruti’s tumor was on their brain, treatment left them with an acquired disability similar to cerebral palsy.” Under this is a photo of a young Shruti hugging a young Rahul.
Slide 4- On the same background. In shades of pink, text reads “Shruti has been in remission for 25 years! Their advice is to find community with other disabled people- attending a camp and then coming back as a counselor really helped their mental health.” Under this is an image of a laughing adult Shruti sitting in a wheelchair next to their service dog in training, Clementine, a smiling yellow pup

Want to get involved with Disability EmpowHer Network? Join us for a webinar on Zoom on June 17 at 12pm ET to discuss volunteer opportunities. Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyNWJfgkL6pSfKI2rJx5x8njHk8WwPKThAW0i1OBeVegA2zw/viewform

ID: A graphic with photos of diverse disabled girls and nonbinary youth. Text reads Volunteers wanted. Ready to make a real difference? Become a volunteer for DEN and help create a positive impact in the community!

Our Empowered Futures Summer Sessions are here, and they’re completely FREE for students with disabilities who want to start planning for life after high school. Whether you’re thinking about college, careers, or just figuring out what comes next, we’ve got you covered.

This summer we’re offering sessions focused on:
6/29-7/2 Nazareth University College Prep (applications, supports, what to expect)

7/6-7/9 Gates Library Self-Advocacy (learn how to speak up, set goals, and navigate systems)

7/13-7/16 Irondequoit Library Workplace Readiness (real-life skills that matter)

All sessions are 9am-2:30pm and include lunch.

💡 These are interactive, supportive sessions with real conversations, not lectures.
💡 Meet other students, explore your goals, and build confidence for your future.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait to sign up by June 10. https://forms.gle/jL9CHVxDDMDhdJV58

Image description: A bright summer-themed social media graphic promoting free Empowered Futures Summer Sessions for students with disabilities. The design includes warm colors, playful elements like sunshine and icons, and highlights topics such as college prep, job exploration, workplace readiness, and self-advocacy, along with dates and locations.

The opening reception for Disabled Women Make History (and Art) is less than a month away! Swipe to learn more about this amazing collaboration with the and be sure to check out the display through July 31.

ID: Slide 1 - a photo of a framed picture of the artwork “Dreamy Delirium” by Elizabeth Hoverman with a shadow of a person on top of it.

Slide 2 - a purple graphic with text that reads Disabled Women Make History (and Art) is more than an art show—it’s a celebration of disability history, community, and creativity. This event honors the legacy of Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, two disabled women whose advocacy led to Olmstead v. L.C., the landmark Supreme Court decision that affirmed disabled people’s right to live in the community rather than institutions. Lois, a talented artist, expressed herself through vibrant portraits and paintings, using art as a means of storytelling and self-advocacy. Both she and Elaine deeply valued the power of community, fighting not just for their own freedom but for the rights of all disabled people to live and thrive among their peers.

Slide 3 - a purple graphic with text that reads Disabled Women Make History (and Art) continues this legacy, uplifting disabled women and feminine-aligned nonbinary artists, fostering community, and celebrating the power of creativity as a force for change. Since June 2022, Disability EmpowHer Network in partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art, has presented Disabled Women Make History (and Art), an annual art show featuring the artwork of disabled women. In 2023, the event was expanded to include workshops for the artists the day of the art show to provide additional professional development for the artists covering topics such as public speaking and negotiations.
Slide 4: a green graphic with text that reads “I was touched by the way I felt so welcomed to be silly and bring my whole artist-self to the table. I am still processing some beautiful and evocative comments and discussions with people about our works. I do indeed feel empowered. I also just had a lot of fun!” - Gwynneth past artist