Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Brad Hastings never imagined that his career in nonprofit work would make him one of Muskegon’s most influential young professionals. 

As the systems advocacy manager for Disability Network West Michigan (DNWM), Hastings has spent the last six years working to improve accessibility in the community. His dedication recently earned him a spot among the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce's Future 15 Award recipients.

Hastings’ work at DNWM has focused on ensuring that local businesses and public spaces are accessible to all. The Future 15 Award celebrates not just his professional achievements but also his commitment to the community.

Courtesy Disability Network West MichiganBrad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan.

"Working for DNWM has been incredibly rewarding," Hastings says. "This work has deepened my understanding of civil rights laws and given me the opportunity to share that knowledge across Muskegon and the surrounding counties."

He adds that he recognizes that accessibility can mean different things for different disabilities.

Addressing root causes

Before joining DNWM, he managed an emergency food program at TrueNorth Community Services in Fremont, but he sought a role where he could address systemic issues rather than just symptoms.

"Putting food on people's tables is necessary and helps alleviate suffering, but it doesn’t solve the root problem," Hastings says. "I was looking for an opportunity to do systems-change work, and that's what led me to DNWM."

Hastings led an accessibility review program that works with businesses and government agencies to enhance accessibility. This has included a range of facilities, including businesses, non-profit organizations, public health organizations, and municipal parks.

"Brad is a true asset to not only DNWM but the entire West Michigan community. His level of professionalism and dedication to educating us all on the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability awareness, as well as helping to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness, is in the forefront of our thoughts," says Will Wilson, CEO of Disability Network West Michigan.

Hastings is the second member of the DNWM staff to receive the accolade in recent years. Jeff VanDyke, a peer mentor, previously received the award.

Courtesy Disability Network West MichiganWalk and Roll Through Anderson Woods Nature Preserve with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke, Janet Perreault, and Brad Hastings.

Educating the community

Hastings also has been pivotal in launching a community education program at DNWM. This program, including a Lunch and Learn series, addresses a broad spectrum of disability-related topics, from civil rights laws to respectful interactions with people with disabilities. The initiative seeks to increase awareness in the wider community while empowering DNWM's consumers to understand and assert their rights.

"Some of our work is about educating the community on disability-related issues, while other parts focus on helping people with disabilities understand their rights and the services available to them," Hastings explains.

Hastings’ work extends to organizations like the Lakeshore Museum Center and Muskegon Luge, where he has provided guidance on making their facilities and services more inclusive.

He was nominated for the award by Pete DeBoer, director of donor relations at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. 

“Brad is a natural advocate for those with different abilities, as well as all marginalized communities,” says DeBoer. “He approaches his work with a balance of passion, understanding, and balance. Disability Network is a better community partner because of Brad.”

Courtesy Disability Network West MichiganBeyond Disability Art Show at the Muskegon Area District Library’s Library for the Visually and Physically Disabled. Pictured from left to right: Janet Perreault, Jeff VanDyke, and Brad Hastings (artwork by Jeff VanDyke).

Hastings serves on the Downtown Development Authority, the LEAD (Leading Efforts Against Discrimination) giving circle steering committee, and joined the Rotary Club this year.

"Brad is driven by a great moral compass and has a passion for Muskegon, choosing to live and work here to help push the community forward," says DeBoer.

The Future 15 Awards ceremony was held at The Deck on Pere Marquette Beach. The selection committee for Future 15 is composed of the award recipients for the previous two years.

The series is made possible through a partnership with Centers for Independent Living organizations across West Michigan.