There is a new addition to the award-winning Possibilities video series offered by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute (MI-DDI) at Wayne State University.

The Possibilities series focuses on the lives and accomplishments of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Each four- to seven-minute video offers a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of individuals as they work, live and interact in their communities.

The most recent piece follows Alex, who is known as the “self-determinator.” In addition to his job, volunteer work and community involvement, Alex provides training to health and human service professionals on the importance of self-determination and assisting individuals with disabilities to lead full, self-directed lives.

“My career is dedicated to helping others know about the power of self-determination,” Alex said. “My purpose is to build safe, loving relationships where all feel valued.” MI-DDI shares Alex’s mission. The Institute and its staff work toward these goals through a culturally sensitive statewide program of interdisciplinary education, community support and services, research, and dissemination of information.

The purpose of the Possibilities series is to present a vision of how people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families can lead the lives that they wish to lead, without barriers. The videos can be viewed online at the ddi.wayne.edu/  and all are encouraged to freely share them.

For more information about the statewide services and resources that MI-DDI currently offers, please email middi@wayne.edu or call 888-978-4334 toll free.

Wayne State University is one of the nation’s preeminent public research universities in an urban setting. Through its multidisciplinary approach to research and education, and its ongoing collaboration with government, industry and other institutions, the university seeks to enhance economic growth and improve the quality of life in the city of Detroit, state of Michigan and throughout the world. For more information about research at Wayne State University, visit research.wayne.edu/.