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

Graphic illustrates the evolution from a "handicap" sign to an "accessibility" sign.
New accessibility icon better reflects the lifestyles of people with disabilities

Thanks to a new state law, current blue signs portraying wheelchair users as passive and inactive will be replaced with a new accessibility icon that better reflects the lifestyles of people with disabilities.  

Hailey Cone (GRCC/Hailey Cone)
GRCC student gaining following for her musical perspective

Hailey Cone, who is blind, is using her perspective as a member of the writing staff for “Inside the Score,” a YouTube channel that seeks to deepen the appreciation of classical, film, and art music.  

Jennifer Owens is CEO of Lakeshore Advantage.
Lakeshore Advantage looking for business stabilization projects

Lakeshore Advantage is seeking business stabilization projects for funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. Applicants should submit letters of intent by Sept. 22.

A grant was used by Heights of Hope to purchase affordable housing. (CFHZ)
From affordable housing to restorative justice, foundation awards $125K in grants

The funds are being distributed to six organizations through the Community Foundation’s endowment.  

A new state program is providing an opportunity to reframe the mindset of parents of young children with disabilities. (Canva)
New training supports children with developmental disabilities

A new statewide program, Paving the Way to Self Determination, has been developed to raise the expectations families have for their children with developmental disabilities.

Beyond26 have helped these 6 clients find work they like. (Beyond26)
6 success stories: Matching those with developmental disabilities with work they like

People with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed compared to those without a disability. Beyond26 is one of several organizations trying to change that. Their clients share their success stories. 

Temple Grandin takes a tour of Benjamin’s Hope in Holland. (Courtesy)
Temple Grandin makes memorable visit to Benjamin’s Hope

Temple Grandin, whose work inspired the founder of Benjamin’s Hope, visits the Holland farmstead community for adults with autism. She’ll return for a 2023 event.

Spring Lake's newly opened Tanglefoot Park features a universally accessible kayak launch. (Tyra Jonas/Spring Lake Village)
Accessibility to waterways becoming a priority in state and local parks

Recent projects in Spring Lake and Grand Rapids are examples of how accessibility to waterways is becoming a priority in state and local parks. Increasing accessibility is a priority for the state, which is providing grants for these projects.

D&HHS Board President Rowan O’Dougherty speaks at the organization's capital campaign launch.
7 ways Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services pivoted during the pandemic

Responding to clients who were frustrated about missing out on critical COVID-19 information, staff at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services in Grand Rapids made changes to better serve them. 

A Holland Rotary Club partners with Gentex to donate accessible equipment to Food Club & Opportunity Hub. (CAH)
Donations of adaptive equipment increase accessibility

Organizations are stepping up to donate equipment that increases or improves access to public spaces for people with disabilities. Most recently, track chairs were gifted to Holland State Park and a motorized shopping cart was given to the Food Club in Holland. 

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