Disability Advocates

02/02/2026

Consider becoming a monthly donor and supporting Disability Advocates where safety and independence meet.

Your $25 monthly gift helps fund grab bars and small home upgrades that prevent falls and restore confidence at home. Visit dakc.us/donate to make your contribution!

Your generous donation can transform lives and support those in need. Join us in making an impact.

02/01/2026

Home Assessments
Helping individuals continue to live safely and comfortably at home.

Disability Advocates offers comprehensive home assessments designed to support independent living as needs change. Our certified aging-in-place specialists identify barriers, recommend solutions, and help families plan with confidence.

Contact us at otintake@dakc.us or visit our website: https://buff.ly/IMOXXVY

01/31/2026

Consider becoming a monthly donor and supporting Disability Advocates as we help build futures rooted in independence.

Your $10 monthly gift helps young adults with disabilities explore options, build skills, and shape their path forward. Visit dakc.us/donate to make your contribution!

Your generous donation can transform lives and support those in need. Join us in making an impact.

01/30/2026

Family Support Services
Planning for the future doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

Disability Advocates works with families to help plan for the long-term support and independence of their loved one with a disability. Our step-by-step approach helps families understand options, access resources, and build a balanced plan for independent living. Contact us at wfd@dakc.us or visit our website for more information: https://buff.ly/jzjfGJm

01/29/2026

📝 From Dave’s Desk: Back at the Desk

We’re back at the desk after attending the Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Breakfast. We’ve been proud members of the Chamber for more than 30 years—showing up, listening, learning, and working alongside the business community.

When it comes to business, we do a lot with businesses and for businesses. We provide services, have many business supporters, and actively collaborate with employers across the region. We’re involved with organizations like the Grand Rapids AIA and Home Builders Associations, bringing an inclusive design perspective to the table.

Our work includes presentations on inclusion in the workforce, accessibility reviews, and partnerships with local municipalities, the airport, zoos, museums, and more. Everything we do is rooted in the belief that inclusion makes communities stronger.

Moving forward together toward inclusion.
👉 Learn more about our work at dakc.us

01/28/2026

Are you receiving government benefits and want to become employed?
Disability Advocates has professionals that can help you understand how those benefits will be affected if/when you become employed. There are several work incentives available that increase opportunities for people with disabilities to become employed and not lose essential benefits like healthcare. We are here to help you understand and make an informed career choice. Contact us at wfd@dakc.us or visit our website for more information: https://buff.ly/PsLSct4

01/27/2026

As snow and frigid temperatures continue, staying safe and warm is more important than ever. Warming centers across our community are open to offer a warm, safe place to go.

The availability of warming centers may change based on weather conditions, power outages, or holidays. We recommend calling ahead to confirm their status or contacting 2-1-1 for the most up-to-date information.

For more information, visit here: https://buff.ly/Bra0hoK

Lotus Brew Coffee: 211 Diamond Ave SE, 616-419-8613, Weds 8:00am – 6:00pm. Thurs-Sun 8:00am – 8:00pm

Kent District Library: 616-784-2007 All locations available during regular hours: kdl.org/locations
Grand Rapids Public Library: grpl.org/locations, Main Library: 616-988-5400, All locations available during regular hours: grpl.org/locations

Westminister Presbyterian Church: 47 Jefferson Ave SE 616-717-5581, Mon-Weds 9:30am – 3:00pm

Community Center and Service Center at Westminster: 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Mon-Fri 8:00am – 3:00pm, Open November 17 – March 31

Matthew’s House Ministries: 766 7th St NW, 616-233-3006, Mon-Fri 8:30am – 3:30pm

West Grand Neighborhood Association: 754 Leonard St NW #2 616-451-0150, Mon-Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm

Mel Trotter Ministries: 225 Commerce Ave SW, 616-454-8249

In the Image: 4255 Kalamazoo Ave SE, 616-456-6150, Mon-Thurs 9:00am – 3:00pm

The Salvation Army: (Fulton Heights)1235 Fulton St E, 616-454-1459, Mon-Fri 9:00am – 4:00pm
The Salvation Army: (Kent County)1215 Fulton St E, 616-459-9468, Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm

01/27/2026

Through our Youth Transition Services, we help young people with disabilities build real-world skills for adulthood—including confidence in the interview room. During our recent mock interview sessions, participants practiced professional interview skills and received supportive, one-on-one feedback.

For Robert, the experience was nerve-racking at first—but with each interview, his confidence grew. He used what he had learned from his work with us on how to respond to illegal interview questions, practiced maintaining eye contact, posture, and a strong handshake, and developed techniques like deep breathing to manage nerves.

Robert went above and beyond by completing four mock interviews, feeling more prepared after each one. His hardworking, outgoing, and independent nature truly shined, and he’s now stepping into future opportunities with greater confidence and readiness. To learn more about our Youth Transition Services, visit our website at https://buff.ly/ny6uYtO

01/26/2026

Family Support Services Workshop: What's The Benefit? SSDI/SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare

February 5, 2026
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Light refreshments will be provided

In this workshop, you will learn the basics of:
Applying for Social Security and DHS benefits
What your young adult might qualify for
Earned income and the effects on those benefits
How benefits can change in the transition between childhood and adulthood
The difference between and qualifications for the various benefits categories

Attendance is limited to 15 - register today! https://buff.ly/EDtgGx9

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

01/25/2026

Consider becoming a monthly donor and supporting Disability Advocates—your impact adds up all year long.

A $5 monthly gift helps provide basic accessibility tools and resources for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities—so no one is left behind because of cost. Visit dakc.us/donate to make your contribution!

Your generous donation can transform lives and support those in need. Join us in making an impact.

01/24/2026

Jackson Botsford, our Accessibility Consultant, recently presented on inclusion, disability, ADA basics, and universal design at Irwin Seating, sharing insights to promote accessible and inclusive spaces for all.