February 2025 Newsletter
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Working alongside people with disabilities to create equal access to home, community, and employment.
Welcome to the Disability Advocates of Kent County's monthly newsletter. Follow us for program updates, stories of impact, and upcoming events.
Save the Date!
For more information, visit: https://www.dakc.us/event/disability-awareness-day-dad/
This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Vélez Ortiz, a Professor of Communication at the Frederik Meijer Honors College at Grand Valley State University. Her keynote, More Than Matter, We Are Energy!, will focus on the power of communication as a tool for advocacy and self-expression, especially for individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. Dr. Vélez Ortiz, who was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in her twenties, will explore how people with disabilities can communicate with confidence, set boundaries, and navigate public spaces with awareness and assertiveness. Drawing on her personal experiences and expertise in communication ethics and Latin-American philosophy, she will offer valuable insights into the intersection of disability, communication, and community well-being.
Low Vision Awareness Month
Disability Advocates of Kent County works to remove barriers and enhance accessibility for individuals with vision disabilities, empowering them to lead self-directed lives. Through community engagement and advocacy, we offer accessibility reviews, educational programs, and opportunities for individuals to advocate for their own rights. Our workforce development services include career workshops, benefits counseling, and personalized support, helping them navigate the challenges of employment and achieve greater independence. We strive to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with vision disabilities.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month
This month-long observance highlights AMD’s impact on central vision. It emphasizes early detection, regular eye exams, and lifestyle choices that can lower the risk. Public education campaigns provide essential information about treatment options and support for those living with AMD.
Low Vision Awareness Month
The initiative promotes understanding of low vision and emphasizes resources that enhance quality of life. By fostering empathy and providing adaptive tools, the Low Vision Awareness Month campaign empowers individuals with visual impairments to maintain their independence.
Specialized support services are available locally by contacting one of these organizations:
Spotlight on Inclusion!
Creating inclusive and accessible environments is at the heart of our mission, and our DEIA (Disability, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) training program is designed to help organizations make meaningful changes.
If your organization is ready to take the next step toward inclusion, learn more about scheduling a DEIA training session with us!
These workshops provide practical guidance on how to foster accessibility, including accommodations for people with vision impairments. Participants learn about best practices, such as making printed materials available in Braille, offering digital content in accessible formats, and fostering an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. Recently, a local company shared how implementing our training led to a more inclusive workplace culture, with staff better equipped to serve clients with diverse needs.
To learn more, call 616-949-1100
Diversity Etiquette: Interacting Respectfully with the Visually Impaired
We’ve teamed up with our Inclusion Consultant and Trainer Jon Cauchi to provide some key etiquette tips on interacting respectful with the visually impaired.
Black History Month
Black History Month serves as a time to recognize the significant contributions of Black individuals throughout history. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Black people with disabilities, who experience racial discrimination. Research shows that Black individuals with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by barriers to healthcare, education, employment, and accessibility. At Disability Advocates, we believe that disability advocacy must address these intersectional issues to ensure that all communities are supported equally. The fight for disability rights and racial equity are closely linked, and advancing both requires addressing the unique challenges faced by Black individuals with disabilities to foster a more inclusive society.
At Disability Advocates we work daily towards a more inclusive society. In March of 2022, we started our Black & Brown Community Partnership Luncheons to bring together organizations dedicated to serving marginalized communities. These luncheons foster collaboration, ensuring that community members have access to essential resources. Since these luncheons began, we’ve seen steady progress in expanding our services to the Black and Brown communities. Our commitment is to continue connecting with agencies, faith leaders, and advocates to strengthen support for these communities.?
Make a Difference Today!
Your support has a powerful impact on people with disabilities and their families in our community. By donating to Disability Advocates of Kent County, you help provide critical services like home accessibility reviews, home modifications, and resource navigation to help empower everyone to live safely and independently.
Your gift directly supports people in need.
Share Our Story: Do you know someone who could benefit from our services? Please forward this email or share our contact information.
Spread the Word: You can follow us on social media and share our posts?to raise awareness about available support in our community.
Together, we can ensure everyone receives the care and respect they deserve. Thank you for standing with us and making a difference in the lives of those who have served.
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