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.

Benjamin's Hope founders Krista Mason (right) and Dave Mason pose with animal scientist and autism advocate Temple Grandin.

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.

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Un entorno familiar para las personas mayores y un respiro para quienes las cuidan

El programa PACE es uno de los innumerables recursos que los adultos mayores y sus familias pueden revisar, y a menudo perder, en busca de ayuda para que sus seres queridos puedan seguir viviendo en casa.  

Los jóvenes que cuidan de otros necesitan más apoyo. Hay una aplicación para ello.

La edad promedio de un cuidador es de 49 años, pero alrededor del 24 % de los cuidadores adultos no remunerados (casi 13 millones de estadounidenses) tienen entre 18 y 34 años, según un informe de 2020 emitido por la Alianza Nacional para el Cuidado y AARP. Y eso no incluye a otros 5,4 millones de adolescentes que son cuidadores no remunerados. Dicen que el cuidado ha afectado su salud mental o física, o ambas.

Estas ventajas y beneficios son fundamentales para mantener saludables a los cuidadores remunerados

Las enfermeras encuestadas en 2021 dijeron que la razón más común por la que planeaban dejar su trabajo era que el trabajo había afectado negativamente su salud y bienestar. La segunda razón más común fue la falta de personal. He aquí por qué es importante brindarles atención y lo que algunos están haciendo para asegurarse de que la reciban.

Los cuidadores y la salud mental: una ‘sobrecarga en todos los sentidos’

La presión de ser un cuidador se vuelve más común. AARP estima que la cantidad de cuidadores no remunerados, aproximadamente uno de cada cinco adultos, ha aumentado casi un 25 % durante la última media década, a alrededor de 50 millones de personas.¿Qué soluciones pueden aliviar los múltiples peajes que pagan los cuidadores?

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.

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.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

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

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

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