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MI-UCP | Lauren
Let's Close the Disability Divide
for Lauren 

Lauren learned how to stand up for herself and now help

others close the disability divide.

 

“When I was a kid, I knew that I wanted to have big dreams and big goals for my future.” 

 

Lauren was born with a form of muscular dystrophy which affects all of her voluntary muscles.

 

Lauren says, “I need to rely on caregivers, people that come in and out of my home, and help me with daily living…”

 

She also needed help understanding Social Security, Medicaid, the Department of Health and Human Services because these systems are so complex.

 

“Navigating the system is really difficult…organizations like MI-UCP really help with that. They offer something called benefits counseling, which is when someone like an advocate or an advisor comes out to your home, and sits down with you, and helps you understand what these systems really mean.”

 

“I never would have been able to go off to college, or live on my own…I'm always up for trying new things, but I wouldn't be able to do any of those things if I didn't reach out to organizations that have really opened up the doors for me.”

 

MI-UCP taught Lauren the importance of advocacy and the importance of speaking up. Those are lessons she uses to help others as a therapist, counselor and advocate. 

 

“I don't want people and families affected by disabilities to be left on the sidelines. I want them to be empowered, I want them to benefit from resources and organizations like MI-UCP. It's time.”

 

Whether the need is advocacy, navigating the caregiver system or advice on Medicaid, MI-UCP is here to help close the disability divide for all 1.4 million Michiganders. To learn more, visit Advocacy.

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