Disability Inclusion

Athletes attending their first year have a set schedule to try everything the SEC offers. For those who return in subsequent years, the young athletes get to customize their schedule.

Sports Education Camp can be life-changing for athletes who are blind, low-vision

Now in its 33rd year, the Michigan Blind Athletic Association’s Sports Education Camp, which will be held this month at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, teaches youth basic adaptive sports skills and activities.

Wheelchair basketball is a highly physical sport, with players often bumping into one another and sometimes flipping their chairs. Yet the players love the thrill of getting a shot at the basket and scoring points.
Mary Free Bed women’s wheelchair basketball team competes nationally

Basketball played a big part in Jeni Rummelt's childhood. Her return to that old love marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life as an adult wheelchair user, playing on a highly competitive all-women's sports team.

Increasing entertainment accessibility for the hard-of-hearing community

Northview High School Senior Evan Arnold currently studies American Sign Language and is asking big questions: "Why is it necessary to find an alternate source in order to provide equal access during a performance that is intended for everyone? And further, how can our Grand Rapids community work to continue bridging communication gaps during performances?"

Lucia Rios holds State of Michigan Special Tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials. (Shandra Martinez)
Disability Inclusion Series Editor Lucia Rios receives 2023 Ability Award

Lucia Rios is honored for her decades of work educating people about accessibility issues and mentoring the next generation of disability advocates.

A HUD grant is funding home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties. (DAKC)
Disability Advocates Kent County helps low-income seniors age in place

Disability Advocates Kent County is using a $975,000, 3-year HUD grant to fund home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties.

Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue Chief Shawn Schrader speaks to Michigan Justice Richard Bernstein. (Shandra Martinez)
Justice Bernstein brings a perspective of inclusion to court

Richard Bernstein believes one of the most important attributes he brings to his role as a justice on Michigan’s highest court is the perspective of someone navigating life with a disability. 

Herrick District Library's main branch near downtown Holland.
How one library is making a renovation plan inclusive

As Herrick District Library prepares for a major renovation, the staff is working to make sure people with disabilities are part of the planning process to create an inclusive space

Norman Peak explore the new inclusive playground at Milham Park. (Shandra Martinez)
Park playground transformation creates space for inclusive play

The transformation of the playground at Milham Park has created a model for inclusive play for children with disabilities. It's part of a growing trend to make parks more accessible for people of all abilities.

Sara Hendren (right) at the workshop with DAKC board member Elliot Keyes
How Sara Hendren inspires a ‘joyful approach’ to accessible design

Sara Hendren, the author of “What Can A Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” advocates for the “most creative, joyful approach to making the world accessible.”

In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities.
How a new DOT bill of rights will make flying better for those with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities applies to all flights in the United States, and is designed to be a summary meant to help travelers understand and assert their rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, passed in 1986.

Our Partners

Disability Advocates of Kent County logo
Kids Food Basket
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Housing Commission

Don't miss out!

Everything Grand Rapids, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.