Disability Inclusion

Tom Sikkema is responsible for promoting Go MUVE’s tagging feature, which enables users to identify levels of accessibility within their community.

Transportation app redefines mobility for people with disabilities who don’t drive

The app comes on the heels of MUVE’s recent announcement of its partnership with the state of Michigan, with the launch of a new transportation ecosystem application redefining mobility for people of all abilities.

Jaden Anderson works at Kenzie's Be Café in Grand Haven. His favorite jobs are passing out coffee and cleaning tables. His favorite drink is hot chocolate with whipped cream. 
Kenzie’s BE Café provides work opportunities for people with disabilities

Kenzie's Be Café is a nonprofit coffee shop in Grand Haven that provides meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Disability Network Lakeshore staff
Disability Network Lakeshore celebrates 30th anniversary

As Disability Network Lakeshore marks its 30th anniversary, it credits its longevity to the commitment of volunteers and staffers who are dedicated to serving residents with disabilities in Ottawa and Allegan counties. 

GRCC music student Tyler Zahnke (GRCC)
How Tyler Zahnke, a musician who is blind, is turning passion into a career

Grand Rapids singer Tyler Zahnke was one of 10 music students who are blind selected to attend the SongSight event with Scott MacIntyre, of “American Idol” fame.

Justine Bryant is an affiliate assistant professor of ASL at GRCC. (GRCC)
ASL interpreter sees a growing need in the field, helps develop a career pathway

According to the most recent study, by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, 733,356 Michiganders — about 7.4% of the state population — identify as deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. In West Michigan, 8% of residents identify as members of that community.  

Members of the DNSWM's I&R team
Why information and referrals are key to supporting the disability community

Every day, people with disabilities find the support and help they need — quickly, conveniently, and free of charge — because of information and referral services.

Raul Garcia, Homeowner Services Coach with Brittany Rabideau, a future Haven Townhome homeowner.
Habitat for Humanity building affordable housing for those with disabilities

Habitat for Humanity is building five townhomes in Holland that will be exclusively for those who have mental or physical disabilities.

Coach Lee Montgomery was inducted into the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 2015.
Lee Montgomery brings inclusive coaching style to adaptive sports

Coach Lee Montgomery has volunteered as the coach for the city of Kentwood Recreation Program’s wheelchair basketball team, a passion he continues in the same capacity with Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital’s team. 

This year Meijer added Meijer is adding accessible, adaptive children's costumes to its selection of costumes. (Meijer)
Accessible and adaptive Halloween costumes are a treat for everyone

Lucia Rios remembers what Halloween was like before retailers began offering adaptive and accessible Halloween costumes. Thankfully, her mom always had creative ideas to make the holiday fun. 

Lucia Rios speaks at the Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture at Hope College on Oct 4. (Hope College)
Lucia Rios shares her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate

Lucia Rios speaks at Hope College’s Disability Inclusion and Hispanic Heritage Lecture about her journey to becoming an accessibility advocate.  

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