Disability Awareness Day 2025 is a time for connection, empowerment, and action. Whether you’re living with a disability, know someone who is, or simply want to help build a more inclusive world, this event offers resources, strategies, and community support to help you thrive. Join us to learn, network, and work on change together! Visit: https://buff.ly/l69bn4s for more information and to register!
Disability Advocates of Kent County
民间和社会团体
Grand Rapids，Michigan 826 位关注者
Working alongside people with disabilities to create equal access to home, community, and employment.
关于我们
The vision of Disability Advocates of Kent County is that each person, regardless of their abilities, has equal rights and opportunities, and that our communities are accessible and welcoming to all. Our Mission The mission of Disability Advocates of Kent County is to work alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and to advocate for accessible and welcoming communities. We were founded in 1981 by people with disabilities seeking to help themselves and other people with disabilities gain control over their own lives. We began as the Grand Rapids “Center for Independent Living," a title used by other such emerging efforts around the country. The term “center for independent living” is defined by federal law as a consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential private nonprofit agency that is designed and operated within a local community by individuals with disabilities and provides an array of independent living services. It is important to note that "we are who we serve." Over 50% of our board, staff, and volunteers always have been - and always will be – individuals living with a disability. We are a dynamic collection of people supporting people with disabilities in achieving their independent living goals, and working toward an accessible and inclusive community for all. On the individual level, we provide support in a variety of issue areas including information about our community resources, housing, employment, transportation, and veteran’s assistance. Through this, we assist thousands of individuals each year. On the community or systems level, we are tirelessly advocating for public policy change and increased accessibility at the local, state and federal levels. We believe this involvement helps to assure that these systems meet their intended goals and are changed when necessary.
- 网站
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https://www.dakc.us
Disability Advocates of Kent County的外部链接
- 所属行业
- 民间和社会团体
- 规模
- 11-50 人
- 总部
- Grand Rapids，Michigan
- 类型
- 非营利机构
- 创立
- 1981
- 领域
- Disability、Accessibility、Independent Living、Transportation、Employment for the Disabiled、Americans with Disabilities Act adherance、Business ADA Assesments、Advocacy、Housing、Housing Rights、Assistive Equipment和Job Accomodations
地点
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主要
获取路线
3600 Camelot Drive NE
US，Michigan，Grand Rapids，49546
Disability Advocates of Kent County员工
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Denise Blair
Human Resources Generalist at Disability Advocates of Kent County
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Clark Goodrich
Founder, Editor at WeaselWorks Freelance Editing, Publishing and Copywriting | Founder at Grand Rapids ADAPT
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David Bulkowski
Executive Director at Disability Advocates of Kent County
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Denise Borges
Employment Specialist at Disability Advocates of Kent County
动态
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?? March 3rd is World Hearing Day Over 5% of the world’s population lives with hearing loss, which impacts communication, education, and daily activities. As we age, hearing often declines, making early detection and support services even more important for maintaining independence and connection. https://buff.ly/4ejoOgZ #WorldHearingDay
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?? On International Wheelchair Day, we at Disability Advocates of Kent County reaffirm our commitment to improving accessibility in our community. From accessibility reviews to home modifications, we're here to help persons lead a self-directed life. Visit our website for more information! https://buff.ly/4ejoOgZ #InternationalWheelchairDay
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?? On Rare Disease Day, we recognize the unique challenges faced by individuals living with rare diseases, including the disabilities and emotional toll these conditions often cause. For those navigating these difficult realities, we are here to help. Visit our website for support with employment, equipment, and resources tailored to you. https://buff.ly/4ejoOgZ #RareDiseaseDay
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?? Get ready for Season 2 of Flattening The Curb! ?? ?? Jon Cauchi, Inclusion Consultant & Trainer with Disability Advocates, is back with more incredible stories and inspiring voices in the world of disability inclusion! ?? In this season, we plan on keeping the fire burning as we tell stories about the world of disability—whether it be the amazing work being done in our community to push inclusion and accessibility, highlighting stories of those who live life with disabilities, or even discussing the history and modern movements of the disability community. ??? Our first episode features none other than our Executive Director, Dave Bulkowski, as he shares his history with Disability Advocates and more! ? You won’t want to miss it! ?? Mark your calendars—Season 2 premieres March 6th! #FlatteningTheCurb #DisabilityInclusion
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?? Disability Awareness Day (DAD) is just a few weeks away! Join us, on March 28th at the Salvation Army Kroc Center from 9:00am-2:00pm! Disability Awareness Day allows the community to become advocates, engage with an advocacy panel, participate in breakout discussions and connect with community vendors. Visit https://buff.ly/3EIlJJY for more information!
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???? Recently, we surprised our Executive Director, David Bulkowski with a small staff celebration in honor of his 30th anniversary with Disability Advocates of Kent County. ?? Along with cake, the highlight of the celebration was a fun game of "Dave's Jeopardy"! During the game, Dave shared that the key to his success has always been ‘team.’ He reflected on the importance of collaboration and how each person plays a vital role in creating lasting impact. Congratulations, Dave! Here’s to 30 years and many more ahead!
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Dominique had been in need of a new power wheelchair, as his old one was falling apart. Thanks to perfect timing in the generous donation of one by a new complex rehabilitation supplier in the area, Dominique was able to get a new chair. When he sat in it for the first time, the smile on his face was nothing short of heartwarming. He called it a miracle, highlighting how a wheelchair could provide such immense comfort and renewed freedom. At Disability Advocates, we’re dedicated to working alongside individuals with disabilities, providing them with the support and resources needed to lead self-directed lives filled with independence and dignity.
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??? February is Low Vision Awareness Month Nearly 12 million Americans live with vision impairment, including conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Access to proper resources, technology, and accommodations is essential for improving daily life and promoting independence. Visit our website for more support! https://buff.ly/4ejoOgZ #LowVisionAwareness
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The Disability Advocates of Kent County's February Newsletter is HERE! As we move through February, it's a great time to focus on raising awareness and embracing inclusivity. February brings Low Vision Awareness Month, an important observance that highlights the strength, resilience, and contributions of individuals with visual impairments. This month, we also talked about our Black & Brown Community Partnership Luncheons and our upcoming Disability Awareness Day Event! Click to read more from the February 2025 Newsletter! ??