2024 Winners
1st Place Winner
"I am autistic. I am not limited by my diagnosis. Instead, I am freed! I am free to see my struggles in others—empathy. I am free to see my accommodations as potential helps—hope. I am free to see abilities in myself instead of inabilities—perspective. I am free to be childlike, to serve others, and to embrace my autism. I am free!
Alex F.
Lansing, MI
2nd Place Winner
"Thank You so much for the opportunity to share with you my story of advocacy and helping others. I m happy to have learned Leadership skills to assist me in the Future."
Laura D.
Lansing, MI
3rd Place Winner
"I am so grateful to God having reached another milestone in my life. I struggled with depression and schizophrenia most of my adult life. I went through a rough time, but I am blessed to say that I pulled through it by the grace of God and the right treatment. I don’t let my age and illness stop me from doing what I have always wanted to do in life. That is helping others and advocating for mental health."
Betty R.
Southfield, MI
Ernie Reynolds Essay Contest 2025
Disability Rights Michigan (DRM) is proud to, once again, hold our annual essay contest in honor of an outstanding disability rights advocate, Ernie Reynolds, who passed away in 2012.
We are looking for motivating stories about people with disabilities who have successfully overcome barriers and achieved success while advocating for themselves or others.
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $200
Third Prize: $100
Entry deadline:
Friday, January 10, 2025
Submissions will be judged on:
- Authenticity
- Content and appeal of the advocacy story
- Impact the story has had on the life of the individual or the lives of other people who have disabilities
- Impact the story has had on the focus areas within DRM
Rules
1. Must be a resident of Michigan.
2. The limit is 500 words or less.
3. Submissions do not have to be typed, but they need to be legible.
4. There is no age limit to the contest.
SUBMISSIONS (3 ways to submit entries):
1. E-mail:
tdiebolt@drmich.org
2. Fax:
517.487.0827
3. Mail:
DRM Essay Contest
4095 Legacy Parkway
Lansing, MI 48911-4263
*Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and email address on all entries.
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