Disability Inclusion

The band Flexadecibel performs at Party in the Park in 2022.

Disability Network West Michigan hosts inclusive Party in the Park on July 28

Disability Network West Michigan is making the Party in the Park on July 28 accessible in several ways, from having ASL interpreters to wheelchair-accessible seating.

Kalamazoo’s MRC Industries cultivates ability in people with disabilities

Downtown art patrons are familiar with MRC artWorks and its colorful storefront. For 54 years, MRC Industries has been cultivating the artist in people with disabilities while preparing them through job and living skills training to lead full, independent lives. With new CEO Dan Pontius, positive changes are on the horizon.

Lucia Rios has been honored as the 2023 Media Person of the Year by the WMPRSA for her work as co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series.
Disability Inclusion editor Lucia Rios named Media Person of the Year

Lucia Rios has been honored as the 2023 Media Person of the Year by the WMPRSA for her work as co-editor of the Disability Inclusion series. This multi-year series runs in The Lakeshore WM, Rapid Growth and Second Wave Southwest Michigan.  

Megan and Andrew Howe enjoy the great outdoors.
Accountant with hearing loss advocates for her success

Hungerford Nichols accountant Megan Howe talks about navigating her personal and professional life with hearing loss.

Absolutely Accessible Kent looks at making ‘disabled’ buildings extinct

On June 14, from 1–4 p.m. at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, Absolutely Accessible Kent will explore how universal design goes beyond ADA to future-proof space.  

Lucia Rios
Why commemorating Global Accessibility Awareness Day is important

This global event shines a light on digital access and inclusion for people with disabilities. The idea is that every user deserves a first-rate experience on the web.   

Athletes attending their first year have a set schedule to try everything the SEC offers. For those who return in subsequent years, the young athletes get to customize their schedule.
Sports Education Camp can be life-changing for athletes who are blind, low-vision

Now in its 33rd year, the Michigan Blind Athletic Association’s Sports Education Camp, which will be held this month at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, teaches youth basic adaptive sports skills and activities.

Wheelchair basketball is a highly physical sport, with players often bumping into one another and sometimes flipping their chairs. Yet the players love the thrill of getting a shot at the basket and scoring points.
Mary Free Bed women’s wheelchair basketball team competes nationally

Basketball played a big part in Jeni Rummelt's childhood. Her return to that old love marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in life as an adult wheelchair user, playing on a highly competitive all-women's sports team.

Lucia Rios holds State of Michigan Special Tribute signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials. (Shandra Martinez)
Disability Inclusion Series Editor Lucia Rios receives 2023 Ability Award

Lucia Rios is honored for her decades of work educating people about accessibility issues and mentoring the next generation of disability advocates.

A HUD grant is funding home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties. (DAKC)
Disability Advocates Kent County helps low-income seniors age in place

Disability Advocates Kent County is using a $975,000, 3-year HUD grant to fund home accessibility assessments and modifications for 150 homeowners in rural West Michigan counties.

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