Disability Network Lakeshore

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. 💙♿

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. 💙

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

02/12/2026

Low Vision Awareness Month: Technology Spotlight

Today’s technology is opening doors like never before for people who are blind or have low vision. From reading and learning to navigating daily life, accessible tools support independence and confidence.

These are just a few of the tools that are revolutionizing life for people with visual impairments:

📱 Screen readers and magnification tools

Screen readers convert text and on-screen elements into speech or braille, allowing users to hear what’s displayed on a device. Magnification tools enlarge text, images, and icons and can adjust contrast and colors to make content easier to see for people with low vision.

🗣️ Voice assistants (Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant)

Voice assistants allow users to control devices using spoken commands. They can set reminders, send messages, play audiobooks, control smart home devices, and answer questions — reducing the need to interact with a screen.

🧭 GPS and navigation apps for blind and low vision users

These apps provide audio-based directions and real-time information about surroundings, such as intersections, nearby businesses, and landmarks. Many are designed to support safe, independent travel both indoors and outdoors.

📖 Audiobooks and refreshable braille displays

Audiobooks provide access to reading through high-quality narration, while refreshable braille displays convert digital text into tactile braille characters that update as the user reads. Both options offer flexible, accessible ways to enjoy books, news, and documents.

Technology isn’t just about convenience — it’s about access. This February, we celebrate tools that help remove barriers and create opportunity for everyone.

02/11/2026

Living with chronic pain isn’t only a physical experience — it can carry a heavy emotional impact too. In our latest blog post, we explore the important connection between anger and pain, and how emotional stress can influence physical well-being.

Understanding this relationship is a powerful step toward developing healthier coping strategies, improving self-awareness, and supporting overall wellness. Whether you live with chronic pain yourself or support someone who does, this article offers helpful insights and practical takeaways.

Read the full blog post here:

Living with chronic pain often brings anger and frustration. Learn how managing anger can reduce pain, improve sleep, and support better emotional health.

02/10/2026

We love highlighting opportunities that support families and build strong, connected communities. 💙

Our friends at Ohio Deaf and Blind Education Services are hosting Family University: Family Journeys — a virtual space for families of children who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind to connect, learn, and share real-life experiences. Through powerful stories from family panelists and open discussion, participants will explore tools, strategies, and connections that help promote success for life.

🗓️ February 17, 2026
⏰ 6:30 – 7:30 PM
💻 Virtual event via Zoom

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from others’ journeys, ask questions, and build supportive community connections.

Register here: https://ow.ly/YpVM50YbKjo

Questions? Reach out to dkelley@ossb.oh.gov

02/09/2026

Accessibility Made Simple: Introducing ADA Concierge Services

Making your business or nonprofit fully accessible doesn’t have to be complicated — that’s where we come in! Our ADA Concierge Services bring certified ADA expertise directly to your organization, helping you create an inclusive environment that works for everyone.

With two certified ADA Coordinators on our team, we guide you through compliance, accessibility, and practical solutions that protect your organization and empower your employees and customers.

Here’s how we help:

1️⃣ On-Site Assessments
Evaluate your space, policies, and practices to identify cost-effective accommodations.

2️⃣ Customized Solutions
Receive actionable recommendations tailored to your unique needs.

3️⃣ Ongoing Support
From staff training to step-by-step guidance, we make sure accessibility isn’t a one-time project.

Bonus: Your organization may qualify for tax incentives while making your workplace more inclusive. 💰

Take the stress out of compliance and make accessibility a seamless part of your operations. Reach out to Stacey Trowbridge at 616.396.5326 or stacey@dnlakeshore.org to learn more.

02/06/2026

We’re thrilled to announce Michelle Rottschafer’s promotion to Integrated Communications & Database Manager!

Michelle joined the DNL team just over one year ago as our Communications & Engagement Coordinator. Since then, she has played a key role in strengthening our communication channels and elevating our brand throughout the Lakeshore community.

In her new role, Michelle will continue to share DNL’s story across multiple platforms — including social media, newsletters, press releases, our website, and at community events. She will also oversee the day-to-day management of our database and ensure the accurate completion of all required state and federal grant reports. If you see Michelle out in the community, be sure to say hello — she’d love to meet you!

When asked what excites her most about this new role, Michelle shared:

“I’m excited to fully leverage our database to ensure high-quality data and strong, accurate reporting. I’m also looking forward to using that data to better tell the story of our impact across the Lakeshore. Our reach is broad, and the work we do truly matters. Sharing that story helps our community understand who we are, what we do, and how they can support our mission.”

We are so excited to see Michelle step into this role. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved promotion!