Disability Advocates

03/20/2026

Recently, test pilots Taylor and Ren, along with DAKC staff member Nicholette, attended fittings for the Cosmic Couture Fashion Show hosted by the Ferris Fashion Alliance at Kendall College of Art and Design, Ferris State University.

They’ll be modeling a design by Abigail Lehman, highlighting how fashion can be both creative and accessible, ensuring style is inclusive for everyone. The Fashion Show will be on March 27, 2026, from 6–9 PM at the David L. Eisler Center Ballrooms. It is free and open to all!

03/19/2026

📝 From Dave’s Desk

Disability Awareness Day was fantastic—thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make it such a great event. We loved seeing the community come together!

What’s coming up next?
✨ Absolutely Accessible West Michigan – May 14
🎉 ADA Celebration featuring Rynita Short-e McGuire (DJ Short-e) – July 22
Register for Absolutely Accessible West Michigan here:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dakc/event/aawm26/

Stay tuned for more updates from Dave!

03/18/2026

Family Support Services Workshop: What's The Benefit? SSDI/SSI, Medicaid, and Medicare
April 2, 2026
12:00 - 2:00 pm

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/wpBVBAX

Please note that this is a repeat of the February workshop.

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

03/17/2026

Recent storms in Grand Rapids caused significant flooding and damage at the Grand Rapids Pride Center, forcing them to temporarily pause many of the vital services their community relies on.

The Pride Center is working to restore their space so it can reopen their doors and continue providing vital programs and a welcoming place for the community. Donations of any amount will help with repairs, replacing damaged items, and getting services back up and running.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to help them recover and restore their space. Every contribution makes a difference:

By Grand Rapids Pride Center

03/17/2026

Barrier Free Bites | Episode 4: Counter Heights
This week, our Home Accessibility team is highlighting counter heights 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

03/16/2026

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) recently issued a Memorandum requiring that qualifying Direct Care Workers (DCWs) be paid at least $17.13 per hour starting January 1, 2026, before overtime. However, the policy creates a serious challenge. The MDHHS memo places responsibility for paying these wages on service providers, without clearly requiring Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs) or Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs) to ensure reimbursement rates are high enough to support them.

Right now, providers and families are being asked to absorb these costs, and many are reaching a breaking point. Without adequate funding, access to services for Michigan's most vulnerable residents could be at risk. We are asking you to urge the Michigan Legislature to address this funding inequity as soon as possible, as providers and families bearing the burden of these increased expenses are at a breaking point of sustainability by using the link below.

Thank you for your advocacy!

03/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who made Disability Awareness Day 2026 such an incredible event at the Prince Conference Center on March 13th.

We’re grateful to the volunteers, partners, speakers, and community members who joined us for a day of connection, learning, and advocacy. Your support helps move our community towards a more accessible and inclusive future.

03/14/2026

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

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

ADA Employment Advocacy - Work should work for everyone.

Disability Advocates works with both individuals and employers to make sure workplaces are inclusive and accessible. We help people understand the purpose of the ADA and how workplace accommodations can support success on the job.

By educating both employees and employers, we help clarify rights and responsibilities—because understanding the ADA is essential to creating fair, supportive work environments. Contact us at wfd@dakc.us or visit our website for more information:

We help individuals understand the intention of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) with regards to workplace accommodations and we work directly with individuals and employers who have a need for them.