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Community Involvement Resources


 

The STRIDE Community Involvement Resource provides information about organizations and resources that can assist individuals living independently and getting involved in their communities. Visitors to the page can find details about accessible housing, transportation options, recreational programs, and social activities. These resources aim to help people build connections, take part in community events, and improve their overall quality of life.

 


 

Housing and Community Living

The Arc Michigan is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They work to ensure these individuals can live fulfilling and active lives in their communities. The organization provides a variety of resources and assistance to help people with disabilities and their families access education, job opportunities, housing, and community programs, making it easier for them to take part in everyday life.

Through its local chapters, The Arc Michigan creates connections within the community and encourages inclusive practices. 

The Community Housing Network (CHN) helps people with disabilities, primarily in southwest Michigan, find safe and affordable places to live. They provide important resources and support to ensure that these individuals can live independently and feel included in their communities. CHN helps people find homes that suit their needs, offers services to help them live on their own, and connects them with local resources that encourage social interaction and involvement.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers affordable housing options and support to help people with disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities. They provide programs such as rental assistance, housing vouchers, and grants for home modifications to help individuals with disabilities and their families find stable places to live that meet their needs. 

Independent Living and Accessibility

Local CMHSPs provide independent living supports for individuals with mental health needs and developmental disabilities. Services may include personal assistance, skill-building, and housing support.

Disability Network Michigan is a group made up of various Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across the state. Their mission is to help people with disabilities live independently and fully participate in their communities. They provide services like support from peers, skill development, advocacy, and resources to improve accessibility. By encouraging inclusion and personal independence, Disability Network Michigan helps individuals with disabilities and their families connect with their communities. 

The MI Choice Waiver Program allows eligible individuals with disabilities to receive services that support independent living, such as personal care, home modifications, and transportation, enabling them to live in their homes or community rather than institutional settings.

The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) is dedicated to building communities where everyone, including people with disabilities, is valued and treated fairly. They offer resources, training, and support to help individuals with disabilities and their families understand their rights, find community services, and develop skills to advocate for themselves. By working on policy issues and educating the community, MDRC helps ensure that people with disabilities can participate fully and feel included in their communities throughout Michigan. Their mission is to empower individuals so that they can take an active role and be recognized as important members of society.

United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan (UCP Michigan) is committed to helping people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. They provide support, resources, and advocacy to assist individuals and their families in areas like finding jobs, living independently, and accessing transportation. By promoting equal opportunities and making communities more accessible, UCP Michigan empowers individuals to be active members of society, helping them connect with others and improve their overall quality of life throughout Michigan.

Recreation and Social Opportunities

Arts in Motion offers fun art and dance programs for people with disabilities. Their goal is to create a friendly and welcoming space where everyone can express themselves creatively and make new friends. Through special classes and community performances, Arts in Motion helps individuals explore their artistic skills, gain confidence, and connect with others. 

The Michigan Down Syndrome Association helps individuals with Down syndrome and their families by providing support and resources. They offer workshops to educate, fun social activities, and support for families. Their goal is to empower people with Down syndrome to achieve their fullest potential. The organization also helps families navigate healthcare, education, and job opportunities, encouraging inclusion and independence at every stage of life.

Michigan Adaptive Sports provides fun year-round activities such as skiing, kayaking, and cycling for people with physical and cognitive disabilities. Their goal is to make outdoor experiences enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.

To locate your area adaptive sports organization in Michigan, try searching online for "Michigan Adaptive Sports." 

The Michigan Victory Games is a yearly sports event designed for athletes with physical disabilities. It provides a chance for people of all ages to take part in various sports, whether they want to compete or just have fun. The event focuses on promoting fitness and building friendships among participants.

The Miracle League of Michigan gives children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy playing baseball and other sports in a welcoming and accessible space. They have a special field and a team of volunteers to help make the games possible. The Miracle League hosts baseball games that are designed to include everyone, regardless of their abilities, helping to build friendships, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Special Olympics Michigan offers sports training and competitions throughout the year for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. This program helps participants improve their physical fitness, boost their self-confidence, and make lasting friendships.

Many YMCA locations across Michigan provide special programs for people with disabilities. These programs include activities like swimming, fitness classes, and sports. The goal is to create an inclusive environment and support everyone’s physical health and well-being.

Transportation and Mobility

Provides mobility and orientation training for people with vision loss, including cane skills and techniques for navigating public spaces and transportation.

Some Centers for Independent Living in Michigan offer travel training, teaching individuals with disabilities how to safely use public transportation and navigate their communities independently.

Provides orientation and mobility training, including guide dog services and white cane training, to increase independent travel skills for people with vision impairments.

Offers orientation and mobility training for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, teaching skills for navigating public spaces and using assistive tools like canes.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) – Accessible Transportation Program collaborates with local transit agencies to provide accessible public transit options, including wheelchair-accessible buses and ADA-compliant features, as well as paratransit services that offer door-to-door or curb-to-curb transportation for individuals with disabilities who cannot use traditional public transit.

Some chapters offer travel training to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on building skills to use public transportation and navigate community settings independently.