Disability Network Lakeshore

Disability Network Lakeshore DNL provides Disability support services to any individual.

All written materials and electronic communications notify individuals that alternative formats, reasonable accommodations, and/or auxiliary aids and services are provided upon request. Our staff provides information, referrals, and support to people with a wide variety of disabilities. We also work on a larger scale, helping governments, businesses, and other organizations make changes that improve life for everyone in the community.

Self-care isn’t just about productivity — it’s also about joy and rest. 🛀 Winter is a great time to explore adaptive hob...
02/28/2026

Self-care isn’t just about productivity — it’s also about joy and rest. 🛀

Winter is a great time to explore adaptive hobbies like audiobooks, accessible crafts, music, podcasts, journaling with speech-to-text, or tactile activities. Making time for rest, creativity, and connection supports emotional well-being and helps prevent burnout. 🎨

Wellness means finding balance that works for you — mind, body, and independence, all year long. ✨

Paying It Forward: Mike’s StoryFifteen years ago, Mike found himself recovering from major surgery, adjusting to life wi...
02/27/2026

Paying It Forward: Mike’s Story

Fifteen years ago, Mike found himself recovering from major surgery, adjusting to life with an ostomy and spending sixteen days in the hospital. Back home, confined to a hospital bed in his living room, he felt uncertain and overwhelmed. That’s when he connected with Lending Hands of Michigan in Kalamazoo. Through their loan closet, he received a hospital table and trapeze bar that helped him regain independence and hope.

Years later, after moving to Holland to support his daughter during her husband’s battle with cancer, Mike felt called to give back. He began sourcing durable medical equipment through online auctions and donating it locally. That’s how he found Disability Network Lakeshore.

Today, Mike thoughtfully bids on and donates equipment that helps others live more independently. He focuses on items that will make a real difference and ensures they reach people who truly need them.

“The support I received is now being passed forward,” Mike shares. “That gives me a sense of purpose and joy I never expected.”

We’re so grateful for donors like Mike who turn gratitude into action and help strengthen our community.

Low Vision Awareness Month: Everyday InclusionAccessibility isn’t just about technology or physical spaces — it’s also a...
02/26/2026

Low Vision Awareness Month: Everyday Inclusion

Accessibility isn’t just about technology or physical spaces — it’s also about how we communicate and interact with one another. Small, thoughtful actions can make daily life more inclusive for people with low vision.

When sharing information, describe what’s on screen instead of saying “over here” or “this one.” When sending emails or documents, use clear subject lines, readable fonts, and accessible formats. If you’re offering help, ask first and follow the person’s lead — everyone has different preferences.

Consistency also matters. Keeping items in predictable places, announcing when environments change, and communicating clearly in meetings or public settings can reduce unnecessary barriers.

Let’s remember that inclusion isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness, respect, and taking the time to meet people where they are.

Late last week, our Executive Director, Amanda Rhines-Poehlman, met with Ottawa County Commissioner Doug Zylstra and Jen...
02/24/2026

Late last week, our Executive Director, Amanda Rhines-Poehlman, met with Ottawa County Commissioner Doug Zylstra and Jenna Lee, along with her parents, Mike and Ruth Lee, to discuss the urgent need for accessible and affordable transportation across our county.

Partnerships like these drive lasting change and help build communities where everyone — regardless of ability — can fully participate, contribute, and belong. We’re proud to be part of this important conversation!

Call for Nominations: 2026 Ability AwardWe’re now accepting nominations for our 2026 Ability Award, presented at our Abi...
02/23/2026

Call for Nominations: 2026 Ability Award

We’re now accepting nominations for our 2026 Ability Award, presented at our Ability Award Gala on May 21, 2026!

The Ability Award honors a person, organization or business that is helping people with disabilities live the lives they choose — with the same access, dignity and belonging as anyone else.

We’re looking for nominees who:

✅ Remove barriers
✅ Improve access in real, tangible ways
✅ Expand opportunities for leadership and participation
✅ Partner with people with disabilities, not just serve them
✅ Shift attitudes, systems and practices
✅ Respect choice, voice and self-direction
✅ Create change that lasts

Nominees may be individuals with or without disabilities and must live or work in Ottawa and/or Allegan Counties.

The strongest nominations include specific examples and clear impact — tell us the story of the difference they’re making!

All nominees will be invited to attend the Gala and collectively recognized. Finalists and the recipient will be selected through a review process led by DNL staff and board members and will be individually recognized on social media and at the Gala.

🗓️ Nominations are due by March 20, 2026.

If you know someone who is building belonging and expanding access in our community, we invite you to submit a nomination!

👉 Submit here:
https://ow.ly/AZvW50YiZXL

Today, we recognize World Day of Social Justice and reaffirm our commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for people ...
02/20/2026

Today, we recognize World Day of Social Justice and reaffirm our commitment to equity, access, and inclusion for people with disabilities. 🌍

At Disability Network Lakeshore, social justice means more than awareness — it means action. It means removing barriers, amplifying disabled voices, and ensuring individuals have the tools, resources, and support they need to live independently and fully participate in their communities.

True social justice is only possible when everyone has equal access to opportunity, dignity, and choice. Every day, our work centers on creating a more inclusive community where disability is not a limitation — but a valued part of human diversity.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue to advocate, educate, and empower. Together, we can build a more just and accessible future for all. 💙♿

Staying active in winter doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Gentle, accessible movement can support circulation, fle...
02/19/2026

Staying active in winter doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Gentle, accessible movement can support circulation, flexibility, and energy levels — and even small amounts of movement throughout the day can make a difference. 💪

Try seated stretches, resistance bands, or short movement breaks to keep your body engaged. Adaptive exercise videos, chair yoga, and audio-guided routines can make movement more accessible and easier to fit into daily life for many people with disabilities. 🙆‍♀️

Listening to your body and moving in ways that work for you is an act of self-care. 💙

Support us without changing your routine.If you're a Consumers Credit Union member, you can help Disability Network Lake...
02/18/2026

Support us without changing your routine.

If you're a Consumers Credit Union member, you can help Disability Network Lakeshore grow by rounding up your purchases. It’s easy, automatic and free to join. Start today!

👉 Learn more: https://ow.ly/motN50Xro1S

Low Vision Awareness Month: Education & AwarenessLow vision and blindness look different for everyone. Vision loss isn’t...
02/17/2026

Low Vision Awareness Month: Education & Awareness

Low vision and blindness look different for everyone. Vision loss isn’t always total and may include blurred or tunnel vision, sensitivity to light or glare, difficulty seeing contrast or fine details, or partial vision that changes over time.

Creating accessible spaces helps support safety and independence for people with low vision. At home, simple steps like using high-contrast labels, improving lighting, and keeping pathways clear can make a big difference.

In the workplace, accessible documents, adjustable screen settings, and flexible lighting help create inclusive environments. In public spaces, clear signage, tactile markers, good lighting, and uncluttered walkways make navigation easier for everyone.

Understanding vision differences helps create more welcoming and inclusive communities for all.

We’re Seeking Peer Mentor Volunteers!Do you identify as a person with a disability and want to make a meaningful differe...
02/16/2026

We’re Seeking Peer Mentor Volunteers!

Do you identify as a person with a disability and want to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life? Join our Peer Mentor Program and help build connection, confidence and community inclusion right here along the Lakeshore.

As a Peer Mentor, you can:

✔️ Provide support and companionship
✔️ Share your lived experiences and strategies
✔️ Offer encouragement and a listening ear
✔️ Help reduce isolation and strengthen community connections

Your voice and experience matter — and someone in our community could truly benefit from your support.

Interested? Complete the interest form today:
https://ow.ly/pNbB50YcffG

Questions? Reach out to Jessica at jessica@dnlakeshore.org or call 616.396.5326.

We love our donors! ❤️This morning, we had the absolute joy of celebrating the incredible supporters who make our missio...
02/13/2026

We love our donors! ❤️

This morning, we had the absolute joy of celebrating the incredible supporters who make our mission possible at a special Donor Appreciation Breakfast at the Haworth Hotel.

It was a wonderful time of connection, gratitude and shared stories — all centered on the powerful impact our donors have on the lives of people with disabilities in our community. Because of your generosity, the individuals we serve gain greater access to opportunities, meaningful experiences and the support they need to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Your compassion helps create inclusive spaces, strengthen programs and open doors every single day. We are truly grateful for every person who believes in our mission and walks alongside us.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community — we truly love and appreciate our donors.

📢 Delayed Office Opening TomorrowOur office will open at 11:00 AM tomorrow, Friday, February 13, as our team will be off...
02/12/2026

📢 Delayed Office Opening Tomorrow

Our office will open at 11:00 AM tomorrow, Friday, February 13, as our team will be offsite in the morning for a donor appreciation event celebrating the generous supporters who make our work possible.

Thank you for your understanding — we look forward to assisting you when we open.

Address

442 Century Lane
Holland, MI
49423

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16163965326

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