People with disabilities deserve dignity, belonging, and ordinary lives, too
In this Shore Story, Muskegon resident Jeffrey VanDyke explores grief, disability, and fighting for our humanity: “We don’t just exist. We belong.”
Disability Inclusion
Tailored internship prepares student who is blind for social work
Disability Network West Michigan shapes internships to students’ needs, helping Miracle McCloud gain skills and confidence for a social work career.
Adaptive recreation opens West Michigan adventures to people with disabilities
West Michigan recreation groups are removing barriers through adaptive equipment, creative problem-solving, and partnerships that give people more ways to participate.
Designer aims to elevate quality of life through accessible housing plans
Disability Advocates and a West Michigan designer create housing plans for safe, independent living.
Alpena builds accessibility roadmap by listening first, improving public spaces for everyone
Alpena's accessibility assessment helps prioritize affordable improvements, showing small communities how resident input can guide inclusive planning and investment.
Partnerships help students with disabilities prepare for careers while building confidence and independence
Disability Network West Michigan partners with schools and colleges to remove barriers and help students progress toward employment and independent living.
Traverse City recognizes how accessibility can build tourism
Northern Michigan organizations partner to improve accessibility, helping more travelers enjoy Traverse City while building a more welcoming tourism destination.
Designer’s accessibility sticker encourages communities to rethink who automatic doors serve
Grand Rapids designer Aidan Van Doren created an accessibility sticker showing automatic doors benefit parents, workers, older adults, and people with disabilities.
July ADA Celebration brings advocacy, resources, inclusion to Muskegon County communities
The free July 21 event celebrating the ADA's anniversary connects residents with disability resources, assistive technology, voter information, and advocacy organizations.
How a gaming group created a friendship circle for people with disabilities
Disability Network Northern Michigan’s gaming group reduced isolation, inspired friendships, and even inspired an effort to create a nonprofit for railroad preservation.
