United Ways, Disability Network partner for Disability Equity Challenge
To help people better understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities, the United Ways in Michigan have launched the 21-Day Disability Equity Challenge.
Disability Inclusion
Advocate works behind the scenes to create a more inclusive community
From affordable housing to accessible transportation, big-picture thinker Paul Ecklund works to make lasting changes by changing systems.
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.
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.
Making Michigan’s beaches accessible to everyone
“It has been wonderful to hear the stories of families being able to enjoy the beaches and trails together for the first time. The stories go on and on,” says Michelle O'Kelly, coordinator for DNR Fund and Resource Development.
Jon Cauchi’s stand-up comedy shares humor of his experiences as a person with a vision impairment
Jon Cauchi, who became blind at age 12, performs a comedy routine called “The Real and Funny Side of Having a Disability” that brought down the house during Laughfest in March 2020.
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.
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.
West Michigan employers leading the way in accessible workplaces
Despite a labor shortage, people with disabilities are dramatically underemployed. But there are employers leading the way in providing accessible accommodations so they can tap into this often-overlooked talent pool.
Your words matter: How to respect people with disabilities
Persons First Language is replacing ableist language that devalues people with disabilities by erroneously implying they are abnormal.
