How the godmother of the disability rights movement changed my life
Judith Heumann was a mentor I never met. Her life’s work reminds us that our voices and persistence can make a difference.
Disability Inclusion
Accessible humor takes the stage at Laughfest
D.J. Demers, who is hearing impaired, brings his unique stand-up style to LaughFest on March 8 at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids. His opening act will be local comedian Jon Cauchi, who is visually impaired.
More than half of people with disabilities in West Michigan struggle financially
The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs.
Autism rights advocate Temple Grandin hails those who think differently
Although Temple Grandin is a widely sought-after professor for animal science and veterinary colleges, she couldn’t get into veterinary school when she failed the math portion of the SAT. The educational system is screening out visual thinkers such as herself, Grandin says.
Documentary explores challenges faced by parent caregivers of children with disabilities
The public is invited to a Feb. 26 screening of a documentary that looks at parent caregivers for children and adults who are disabled or medically complex, and their lack of support from society.
How the pandemic made a brain injury support group more accessible
After going virtual during the pandemic, the brain injury support group hosted by Disability Network Southwest Michigan has shifted to a hybrid model as in-person meetings resume so more people can attend.
Living with a disability is expensive
From buying a car to getting groceries, these necessities cost more when they need to adapt to someone who uses a wheelchair. Lucia Rios explains the hidden costs of living with a disability.
Ride YourWay fills niche for wheelchair-accessible transportation service in West Michigan
Last year demand for Ride YourWay grew nearly ten-fold. The company now has seven wheelchair-accessible vans and one ambulatory sedan to serve clients from Muskegon to Kalamazoo.
Currency readers available for Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired
Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired can now apply to receive an audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library.
Signing Santa brings inclusive holiday cheer to kids with hearing loss
For more than a decade, DHHS has hosted Signing Santa for children who are deaf and hard of hearing so they can more fully experience the holiday tradition.
