5 ways to support people with disabilities in the winter
Disability Inclusion Co-editor Lucia Rios suggests five ways people and organizations can help with accessibility during snowy, icy winters.
Disability Inclusion
What happens when disability rights run up against homeowner associations’ rules?
The Fair Housing Act ensures people with disabilities have the right to modify their residences even if they live in condos and other neighborhoods with homeowner association rules.
DNR fund drive helps make state nation’s leader in accessible track chairs
Michigan now offers more track chairs for public use than any other state parks and recreation system.
A lack of awareness about service animals leads to discrimination
Candace Carlisle says she and her trained service dog regularly are asked to leave restaurants and stores, even though such a request is illegal.
Will Wilson steps up as new CEO of DNWM
A familiar face will lead Disability Network West Michigan. Will Wilson has been with the nonprofit for 14 years and was the interim CEO for the past nine months.
‘It really opened up my world’: Users welcome health benefits of accessible trails
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked closely with Disability Network West Michigan to develop an accessible trail system that gives visitors like Jeffrey VanDyke access to the health benefits of being in nature.
Why a Kalamazoo nonprofit is ending subminimum wages for workers with disabilities
Since its inception, MRC Industries, a nonprofit that serves people with developmental or intellectual disabilities in Kalamazoo County, has paid its workers a subminimum wage. But no longer. MRC dropped its 14(c) certification in September.
All-terrain wheelchair loan program opens outdoors to more users
The GRIT wheelchair can go across all terrains standard wheelchairs can’t, and a West Michigan family who knows the constraints of conventional wheelchair use has created a program to allow the public borrow two of them.
Rock musicians with autism to be honored with Discover Ability Award
Together, Keegan Russell and Keenan Miller keep the beat as the band K-Rock. The musicians were nominated by Autism Support of Kent County because “they show others what is possible when individuals are given a chance to shine.”
‘I can finally vote by myself’: Portage disability advocate improves accessibility at the polls
Disability advocate Miranda Grunwell has voted in every election for the past 22 years, since she turned 18. But it hasn’t been easy because of a severe learning disability.
