Diversity & Equity

Coverage of programs that deal with gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, physical ability, and socioeconomic status; are focused on fair access to resources and opportunities; and, those that create environments where people feel welcome, respected, and fully accepted.

The documentary, “Unseen: How We’re Failing Parent Caregivers & Why It Matters,” explores the lives of parent caregivers for children and adults who are disabled.

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.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Lucia Rios's first time driving her new car. Her nephew Angelo Mata is in the front seat. He helped her identify how to work with the new technology.
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. 

The DNSWM brain injury support group celebrates its first in-person meeting in the fall since the pandemic. (DNSWM)
How the pandemic made brain injury support groups 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. 

From left: Dennis Young, Tom Sikkema and Melinda Young.
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.

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.

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.

Synergy Health Center CEO Valarie Cunningham is the organizer of the upcoming symposium.
Kalamazoo symposium to address mental health disparities in Black community

Black Americans face many unique mental health challenges, including higher rates of emotional distress and lower access to behavioral health care.

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.  

Issue Media Group relaunches Upper Peninsula publication

Issue Media Group is excited to announce the relaunch of its online, community-informed, digital publication in the Upper Peninsula. UPword will focus on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development, while featuring U.P.-based talent.

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Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

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