Disability Advocates

04/03/2026

Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT for the 29th Annual Wege Speaker Series featuring a virtual presentation with author and celebrated environmental advocate Audrey Peterman.

Please register at: wegespeaker2026.eventbrite.com

04/02/2026

From Dave’s Desk: On the Road Edition

Dave is coming to you live from the Healthcare Summit Conference hosted by HealthBar—where big conversations about the future of care are happening. Check them out here: https://www.healthbar.com/

But to switch gears… let’s talk transportation 🚐
We’re joined by special guest Tom Sikkema, Founder & CEO of Ride YourWay, who’s helping reimagine how people get where they need to go—safely, reliably, and accessibly. Check them out here: https://www.rideyourwaymi.com/

Let’s keep working together to make West Michigan accessible for all. 💙

04/01/2026

Do you have gently used equipment you’re no longer using?

We’re currently seeking donations for our Equipment Loan Closet, including knee scooters/knee walkers. These devices are helpful for individuals who need to remain non-weightbearing on one leg for a period of time, such as after ankle surgery or an injury.

If you have equipment you’d like to donate, please contact our Home Accessibility Team at otintake@dakc.us or call (616) 323-2222.

Prefer to donate another way? You can also support us through our Amazon Wishlist! https://buff.ly/lMaVivN

03/31/2026

Barrier Free Bites | Episode 6: Kitchen Sinks
This week, our Home Accessibility team is highlighting kitchen sinks 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

03/29/2026

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance it’s about opportunity

Join us at Building Beyond Compliance as we explore how universal design is influencing housing development, construction practices, and future demand across West Michigan.

For more information and to register visit: https://buff.ly/KvJ79x0

03/28/2026

Join the Wege Foundation on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT for the 29th Annual Wege Speaker Series (buff.ly/EoOEFsH) featuring a virtual presentation with environmental diversity expert Audrey Peterman.

Presenting is Audrey Peterman, celebrated environmental advocate, President and Co-founder of Earthwise Productions and author of several books including From My Jamaican Gully to the World and Back: The Environmental Journey of Audrey Wright Peterman. She will speak about her work across the National Park System and advocacy in helping national parks to actively engage with diverse and underserved communities. Peterman has served on the boards of numerous national conservation organizations and co-founded the Diverse Environmental Leaders Speakers Bureau.

Please register at: wegespeaker2026.eventbrite.com

03/27/2026

🌿🦋 Accessible Experiences for Everyone at Meijer Gardens

We’re excited to share that Sensory-Friendly Hours with the Butterflies are returning at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park! These special hours create a welcoming, lower-sensory environment so more community members can experience the magic of the butterfly exhibition.

📅 Upcoming Sensory-Friendly Hours:
• April 6
• April 8
• April 9

Spots are limited, so be sure to register in advance.
Accessibility helps make our community stronger—and experiences like this help ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of Meijer Gardens. 🌷

Learn more and register:
🦋 April 6: https://buff.ly/f9Otp4v
🦋 April 8: https://buff.ly/TWdJiUb
🦋 April 9: https://buff.ly/UyVboSu

Visit the accessibility page for more information: https://buff.ly/UOOAmBO

03/26/2026

📝 From Dave’s Desk

Construction is nearing completion at the new Kentwood Community Center, and Dave recently had the chance to stop by and see the progress firsthand. While there, he was joined by John Whitten of Spark 43 Architecture to talk about how this new space is being designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core.
The building goes beyond ADA standards, incorporating inclusive design and a zero-step entrance so that everyone can move through the space with ease. It’s exciting to see a community space being built to truly welcome people of all abilities, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact it will have once the doors open.

03/25/2026

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

03/24/2026

Barrier Free Bites | Episode 5: Living Room Furniture
This week, our Home Accessibility team is highlighting living room furniture 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

03/23/2026