Disability Inclusion

Grand Haven Township Fire/Rescue Chief Shawn Schrader speaks to Michigan Justice Richard Bernstein. (Shandra Martinez)

Justice Bernstein brings a perspective of inclusion to court

Richard Bernstein believes one of the most important attributes he brings to his role as a justice on Michigan’s highest court is the perspective of someone navigating life with a disability. 

Herrick District Library's main branch near downtown Holland.
How one library is making a renovation plan inclusive

As Herrick District Library prepares for a major renovation, the staff is working to make sure people with disabilities are part of the planning process to create an inclusive space

Sara Hendren, right, at the DAKC workshop with a participant. (DAKC)
How Sara Hendren inspires a ‘joyful approach’ to accessible design

Sara Hendren, the author of “What Can A Body Do? How We Meet the Built World” advocates for the “most creative, joyful approach to making the world accessible.”

Norman Peak explore the new inclusive playground at Milham Park. (Shandra Martinez)
Park playground transformation creates space for inclusive play

The playground at Milham Park has undergone a transformation that has created an inclusive environment for outdoor fun. It’s an example of a trend in making parks more accessible for people of all abilities. 

In July, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced its first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities.
How a new DOT bill of rights will make flying better for those with disabilities

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s first bill of rights for travelers with disabilities applies to all flights in the United States, and is designed to be a summary meant to help travelers understand and assert their rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, passed in 1986.

A photograph of Judith Heumann. She is sitting in her power chair behind table covered with a white table cloth. There is a microphone and a name placard in the foreground.
How the godmother of the disability rights movement changed my life

Judith Heumann was a mentor I never met. Her life’s work reminds us that our voices and persistence can make a difference.

Accessible humor takes the stage at Laughfest

D.J. Demers, who is hearing impaired, brings his unique stand-up style to LaughFest on March 8 at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids. His opening act will be local comedian Jon Cauchi, who is visually impaired. 

The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs. (Canva)
More than half of people with disabilities in West Michigan struggle financially

The United Way ALICE initiative puts focus on the financial struggles faced by people with disabilities, while other efforts work to address those needs.

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.

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.

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