Disability Advocates

05/06/2026

Recently, Chloe Bayer, our Benefits & Employment Specialist, was in Lansing representing Disability Advocates at the Michigan Community Health Workers Alliance Advocacy Day.

The focus? Medicaid funding and its impact on the people we serve. She connected with representatives to help amplify these important conversations.

05/06/2026

Nicholette’s Nook!✨

Where we talk about accessibility, advocacy, and all the amazing things happening around West Michigan.

This episode, Nicholette explains a 60-inch turning radius and what that looks like by testing different areas in the building.

05/05/2026

Barrier Free Bites | Episode 11: Hallways
This week, our Home Accessibility team is highlighting hallways and how it can support safer, more accessible, and more independent living at home.

Small changes can make a big difference.

💬 Curious if this could work in your home or for someone you support?
📩 Contact us at otintake@dakc.us or call 616-323-2222 or learn more at
https://buff.ly/dq6fXGl

📅 New Barrier Free Bites drop every Tuesday

05/04/2026

We’re just TEN days away from Absolutely Accessible West Michigan! 🎉

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be part of building a more accessible inclusive community for all.

👉 Be sure to register today—CEUs are available!

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL Access is for everyone. Absolutely Accessible Kent is evolving into Absolutely Accessible West Michigan to better reflect the regional impact of this work and the strong partnership between Disability Advocates of Kent County, Disability Network Lakeshore and Disability Network...

05/04/2026

Absolutely Accessible West Michigan Community Planning — Suzanne Schulz

We’re excited to welcome Suzanne Schulz, Urban Planning Practice Leader with Progressive Companies, to Absolutely Accessible West Michigan.

Suzanne brings extensive experience leading innovative land use and transportation planning efforts, with a strong focus on creating systemic change and more inclusive, people-centered communities. In her previous role as Planning Director and Managing Director of Design and Development for the City of Grand Rapids, she helped launch the City’s collaboration with Disability Advocates of Kent County, incorporating lived experiences into development review and planning conversations.

Her session will explore how stronger collaboration between transportation engineers, planners, advocates, and community members can build trust, foster understanding, and create safer, more accessible, and equitable streets for everyone.

📅 May 14 | 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 DeVos Place: 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
Register here: https://buff.ly/2qXYot2

05/03/2026

May is Mobility Awareness Month!

At Disability Advocates of Kent County, we’re committed to helping individuals achieve greater independence. Our accessible equipment loan closet offers over 15,000 pieces of equipment.

Visit our website for more info and to learn how we can help! 🚶‍♀️♿️

https://buff.ly/DM5Gd0W

05/02/2026

We’re excited to be at the 2026 Building Michigan Communities Conference
Vendor Marketplace! Stop by our booth and connect with us on May 12!
Learn more: https://buff.ly/e7ydHpz

05/01/2026

Absolutely Accessible West Michigan Real Estate Breakout — Sarah Takens

We’re excited to welcome Sarah Takens, Associate Broker at The Local Element, to Absolutely Accessible West Michigan.

Sarah’s work sits at the intersection of real estate, design, and life transitions. With experience in housing, interior design, and emergency management, she brings a unique perspective on why accessibility should be part of every housing conversation.
Her session will explore how real estate professionals can think more intentionally about accessibility and how thoughtful design benefits homeowners, buyers, and communities alike.

📅 May 14 | 9 AM – 3 PM
📍 DeVos Place: 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Register here: https://buff.ly/2qXYot2

04/30/2026

April is volunteer appreciation month! Today we held our volunteer appreciation gathering to thank our incredible volunteers and test pilots for all their hard work!

If you’re interested in volunteering with us visit https://www.dakc.us/get-involved or contact courtney.r@dakc.us

04/30/2026

📝 From Dave’s Desk

April kept us moving, and May is shaping up to be even busier with exciting opportunities ahead!

Next Tuesday, we’re hosting another Mock Interview event. If you’d like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you—contact us to learn more.

We’re also heading to Lansing next week for the Building Michigan Communities Conference.

And right here locally, don’t miss Absolutely Accessible West Michigan on May 14! Register here: https://buff.ly/2qXYot2

Stay tuned for more updates from Dave’s Desk!

04/29/2026

Welcome to Nicholette’s Nook!✨

Where we talk about accessibility, advocacy, and all the amazing things happening around West Michigan.

Tune in to this week’s episode as Nicholette gives you a tour of Disability Advocates’ Wolters Home Accessibility Center! Discover features that can make everyday living more accessible. Contact us if you’d like to schedule a tour or learn more about creating a more accessible home.

04/29/2026

Family Support Services Workshop: Guardianship and Alternatives, MiAble, and Trusts
May 7, 2026
12:00 - 2:00 pm

Special Guest Speaker: Jeff Light from Inclusive Futures

Attendance is limited to 15 - register today! https://buff.ly/uwJfZHX

If you would like to attend virtually, contact chloe.b@dakc.us for more information!

Questions? Contact Chloe Bayer at chloe.b@dakc.us or call 616-949-1100