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.

Black Entrepreneur Training Academy celebrates fourth cohort

The Black Entrepreneur Training Academy uplifts Black entrepreneurs, helping to keep small business sector growth equitable  

Latest in Diversity & Equity
Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy
Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

La ‘Cohorte COVID’: Cómo el ‘salto pandémico’ está afectando a los jóvenes adultos

Tres años después del apogeo de la pandemia, a pesar de que la vida normal se ha reanudado por completo, algunos adultos jóvenes sienten que su edad mental y su etapa actual de la vida no coinciden con su edad cronológica. Así es como están ayudando los programas de preparación universitaria, la capacitación laboral y los servicios integrales individualizados.

AAoM's Navigating Autism Today Conference takes place November 15, 2024, in Grand Rapids at the Grand Valley State University Pew Campus L.V. Eberhard Center.
Navigating Autism Today Conference in Grand Rapids focuses on navigating autism for a lifetime

The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is preparing for its upcoming Nov. 15 Navigating Autism Today Conference in Grand Rapids. The event connects families and autistic individuals with resources and support networks on critical topics: financial planning, health care advocacy, employment, and independent living solutions for adults on the spectrum.

PHOTOS: Kalamazoo Women’s March draws over 1,000

Since 2016, Kalamazoo has been hosting annual women's marches. This year's theme was "We are not going back!" Over 1,200 people showed up to march for women's and LGBTQIA+ rights on Oct. 13. Check out Fran Dwight's photos!

Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.
Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Mientras los jóvenes enfrentan problemas de salud mental, el tratamiento de caballos ayuda

La terapia asistida por caballos, en la que un terapeuta de salud mental tiene formación adicional para usar caballos como parte del plan de tratamiento, es una modalidad que parece estar en expansión por todo el país. Esto es particularmente cierto en la era post-Covid, ya que el número de niños diagnosticados con ansiedad, depresión o ambas ha aumentado considerablemente.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training for staff at Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke and Brad Hastings.
Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Brad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, is honored with Muskegon’s Future 15 Award for his work in disability advocacy and improving community accessibility.

A high jumper competes in the 2024 Hartford Nationals.
West Michigan to Host 2025 and 2026 National Adaptive Sports Championship

Grand Rapids will host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals, showcasing adaptive athletes and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and world-class sporting events.

The Inclusive Health Care Taskforce hosted an information and resource fair on June 13.
Michigan coalition works to address health disparities for older adults

A broad coalition of Michigan organizations has come together to address health disparities that affect Michigan's rapidly growing population of older adults.

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