Author

Shandra Martinez

Shandra Martinez is managing editor of The Lakeshore WM and Rapid Growth Media, where she also edits the multi-regional Disability Inclusion series. She founded Legacina, helping people preserve family stories using digital tools designed to engage the next generation. Learn more at Legacina.com or her contact her at legacina.story@gmail.com

Shandra's Latest Articles

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.

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.

How one family instilled children with values of hard work, entrepreneurship

Four siblings launch businesses as parents encourage creativity, resilience, and responsibility through hands-on lessons in entrepreneurship.

Young patient turns hospital stay into gifts for children

After surgery at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, a Gaylord girl began knitting comfort gifts for children and families at the hospital and Ronald McDonald House West Michigan.

Ferris State taps public health dentist to launch Michigan’s first dental therapy program

Dr. Deborah Brown will lead Michigan's first dental therapy program at Ferris State, preparing providers to improve access to routine dental care.

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.

Philanthropy collective supports 85 nonprofits with $1 million in Kent County

Women Who Care of Kent County tops $1 million in donations, showing how collective giving has helped more than 85 local nonprofits.

The Hartford Nationals is expected to generate over $2 million and boost the community’s capacity for inclusive events.
The Hartford Nationals brings 400 adaptive athletes to Grand Rapids July 10-16

More than 400 athletes with disabilities from across the nation will compete; Paralympian Matt Scott will surprise six athletes with adaptive sports equipment.

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