Disability Network Lakeshore

04/20/2026

🌸 Don’t Miss Out: Register for the Ability Award Gala! 🌸

There’s still time to join us on May 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection and impact — but spots are filling quickly!

The Ability Award Gala brings together community leaders, businesses, advocates and supporters who believe in equity, accessibility and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

This year’s theme, Blooming Beyond Barriers, celebrates growth, resilience and possibility. You’ll hear powerful, real-life stories from individuals whose lives have been impacted by our work — stories that inspire action and show what’s possible when we come together.

We’re grateful to our event sponsors — because of their generosity, event costs are fully covered. That means 100% of your ticket purchase directly supports our youth services programming, empowering young people with disabilities to build skills, develop leadership and move toward greater independence.

🏆 Platinum Sponsor: Haworth
🥇 Gold Sponsors: City Of Holland, Michigan - City Hall and DNL Board Member Marge Bakker
🥈 Silver Sponsor: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital

🎟️ Don’t wait — secure your seat and make an impact. Register today!

🔗 https://ow.ly/zFx350YFbtv

04/17/2026

Autism Acceptance Month is about listening — really listening — to autistic voices. 💬

At Disability Network Lakeshore, we believe the most important perspectives come from those with lived experience. Autistic individuals are experts in their own lives, and their insights help shape more inclusive, respectful communities.

“Nothing about us without us” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a commitment to ensuring autistic voices are heard, valued and centered in the decisions that impact their lives.

This month and beyond, we encourage you to seek out, amplify and learn from autistic creators, advocates and community members.

When we listen, we grow. When we include, we all benefit.

04/16/2026

Absolutely Accessible West Michigan Keynote Speaker Spotlight — Valerie Fletcher

Join us at Absolutely Accessible West Michigan as we welcome keynote speaker Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Centered Design.

A global leader in inclusive design, Valerie has spent decades advancing accessibility through research, consulting and design innovation. Her work focuses on creating environments that work for everyone — particularly historically underrepresented communities.

Her keynote will set the stage for a day of learning, collaboration and practical strategies for building more inclusive spaces across West Michigan.

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

Register here: https://ow.ly/y6Yu50YCsGc

Accessibility benefits everyone — don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leading voices in inclusive design.

04/15/2026

📢 April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — and it’s essential to talk about a part of this issue that doesn’t get enough attention.

People with disabilities experience sexual assault at much higher rates than people without disabilities — children and adults with disabilities are three times more likely to experience sexual violence. These risks are often compounded by factors like isolation, reliance on caregivers, harmful stereotypes and not being believed when they report abuse.

Everyone deserves safety, dignity and support. That’s why raising awareness and understanding is so important — not only to prevent harm, but also to ensure survivors are taken seriously and connected to the resources they need.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you’re not alone. We can help connect you with trusted support and community resources. Call us at 616‑396‑5326.

Learn more and read our full blog here: https://ow.ly/wO2S50YErYY

Let’s stand together to support survivors and build safer, more inclusive communities. 💙

Sexual assault awareness for people with disabilities highlights the increased risks, common warning signs, and practical steps for prevention, support, and survivor advocacy.

04/14/2026

🌸 Help Youth Bloom Beyond Barriers 🌸

We’re inviting local businesses, organizations and community partners to be part of something truly special at our 2026 Ability Award Gala Silent Auction on May 21, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant.

This year’s theme, Blooming Beyond Barriers, celebrates growth, possibility and the power of community coming together to create opportunity.

The silent auction is one of the most exciting parts of the evening — and every donated item helps make that impact possible.

Funds raised directly support our programs and services, with a special focus on youth initiatives that help young people with disabilities build independence, confidence and leadership skills.

We are currently seeking donations that create excitement and unforgettable moments, such as:

🎟️ Tickets to events, lessons, tours or experiences
✈️ Weekend getaways or travel packages
🎨 Unique local experiences you can’t find anywhere else
🧺 Curated gift baskets or specialty items
💳 Gift cards or professional services

We’re also excited to bring back our signature wine pull by popular demand and are seeking donations of wine bottles valued at $20 or more. 🍷

If you’ve already donated an item — thank you. Your generosity is helping shape a meaningful and memorable evening for our community.

Interested in joining us? We’d love to connect.

Emma Balaskovitz
emma@dnlakeshore.org | 616-396-5326 x107

Let’s help youth bloom beyond barriers — together. 💙

04/13/2026

We’re excited to be part of the NW Ottawa Community Connections event this Thursday, April 16, from 4:30–7:00 PM at Central Park Place in Grand Haven!

Hosted by The Chamber - Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg and the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance, this event is a great opportunity to connect with local nonprofits, discover volunteer opportunities and learn ways to get involved in your community.

Stop by, say hello and see how you can make an impact — we’d love to connect with you!

04/10/2026

Accessibility benefits everyone.

Join us for Absolutely Accessible West Michigan, a one-day technical workshop focused on the intersection of accessibility and the built environment. This year’s event brings together professionals and community members from across the region to explore how thoughtful design can create spaces that work for people of all ages and abilities.

Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Valerie Fletcher and participate in breakout sessions covering architecture, community planning, real estate and residential design. The workshop is presented through a partnership between Disability Advocates of Kent County, Disability Network Lakeshore and Disability Network West Michigan.

📅 May 14, 2026 | 9 AM – 3 PM

Whether you work in design, housing, planning, or simply care about creating more inclusive communities, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical takeaways.

Register here: https://ow.ly/Klbp50YCszh

04/09/2026

Join us for an In-Person Open House App Training at our office and get confident using the MAX Transit app!

📅 April 28, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI

Whether you're new to Macatawa Area Express (MAX) or just need a refresher, this open house-style session will walk you through how to use and pay with the MAX Transit app. Stop by anytime during the session and learn at your own pace — staff will be available to help answer questions and guide you step-by-step.

🚌 Transportation tip: Route 6 stops nearby at :31 after the hour or call 616-355-1010 to reserve a ride (qualifying trips only).

No registration required — just drop in! We hope to see you there.

04/08/2026

🌸 Registration is Now Open: Ability Award Gala 🌸

Join us on May 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland for an evening of celebration, connection and impact!

The Ability Award Gala is our signature fundraising event, bringing together community leaders, businesses, advocates and supporters who believe in equity, accessibility and opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

This year’s theme, Blooming Beyond Barriers, celebrates growth, resilience and possibility. Together, we’ll honor a community where everyone has the chance to thrive. Guests will hear stories from real people impacted by our work.

Funds raised support our youth services programming, helping young people with disabilities build skills, grow leadership and move toward greater independence.

A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:

🏆 Platinum Sponsor: Haworth
🥇 Gold Sponsors: City Of Holland, Michigan - City Hall and DNL Board Member Marge Bakker

🎟️ Don’t miss out — register today and be part of this meaningful evening!

🔗 https://ow.ly/zFx350YFbtv

04/07/2026

What a wonderful evening! 🎨💙

Last night, we gathered at Tanglewood Winery for Colors of Connection: A Community Inclusion Art Night — and it truly lived up to its name.

Community members with and without disabilities came together in a welcoming, relaxed space to explore creativity, share conversation and build meaningful connections.

From first-time painters to seasoned artists, everyone showed up ready to create, connect and enjoy the experience.

With watercolor supplies in hand and encouragement all around, the room was filled with laughter, creativity and genuine connection. It was a beautiful reminder that inclusive spaces bring people together in powerful ways.

A special thank you to Tanglewood Winery for hosting us in such a beautiful and welcoming space.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, brought a friend and made the night so special. We loved seeing this community come to life through art and connection.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to gather, create and connect! ✨

04/06/2026

Your everyday purchases can make a real difference.

If you’re a Consumers Credit Union member, you can support Disability Network Lakeshore every time you use your debit card. Simply enroll in Round Up for Impact and choose us as your nonprofit of choice. Your purchases are rounded up to the nearest dollar, and the change goes directly toward building an inclusive community.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/gKr450YhiUS

04/03/2026

Stress can build up before we even realize it. Recognizing the signs is an important first step toward taking care of yourself.

Our latest blog shares insights on what stress can look like and ways to respond when life feels overwhelming.

Read more:

Feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin? Learn the physical and mental effects of stress and discover practical, healthy ways to manage stress and improve your overall well-being.