Disability Advocates of Kent County works alongside people with disabilities as they seek to lead self-directed lives and to advocate for accessible and welcoming communities.
The parent-directed section of CSHCS is named the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. We help shape CSHCS policies and procedures and help families navigate CSHCS. We also offer health resource information and emotional support to all Michigan families of children with special needs. To call on us, enrollment in CSHCS is not required. How to reach us: 1) Call the CSHCS Family Center Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722, or 2) Send an email to: cshcsfc@michigan.gov
The Arc Kent County ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are valued in order that they and their families participate fully in and contribute to their community. The Arc provides numerous resources so that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of having employment, education, meaningful relationships, and living independently within their community.
Homes for Autism provides and maintains houses for adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Homes for Autism exists to help people with autism achieve their best and to live and grow towards a better quality of life. We specialize in creative solutions to meet the needs of the people we serve and their families.
DeafBlind Central (DB Central) maintains the belief that individuals who are DeafBlind share equally in the respect, opportunity, and life enjoyment afforded to all individuals. DB Central are committed to advancing the recognition of the unique needs presented by DeafBlindness by promoting individualized, systematic instruction and family-centered planning processes. DB Central serves children and young adults age birth through twenty-one who are suspected of having both a hearing AND a vision loss or difficulty in processing auditory and visual information. Young adults ages twenty-two to twenty-six who are DeafBlind will receive referral services to adult service agencies.
OCTE oversees high school instructional programs that teach students skills in a specific career cluster. Most programs offer early college credit opportunities to provide a seamless transition to postsecondary education. The mission of the office is to prepare students so they have the necessary academic, technical, and work behavior skills to enter, compete, and advance in education and their careers.
Adaptive Social Program Providing Instruction, Recreation, and Enrichment (ASPPIRE) provides support services and programs to adults with disabilities. Many of the participants in ASPPIRE are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); however, they also work with individuals with other disabilities such as mental illness, learning disabilities, or developmental disabilities. Through social coaching programs, Person Centered Planning, and connections to community resources, ASPPIRE aims to help participants lead functional and productive lives.
A statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children's education. Can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child's needs, and advising how to help them develop and learn. Their Parent Mentors can assist you in navigating the educational system and are knowledgeable about state and local resources.
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Es un recurso estatal para conectar a las familias de los niños con discapacidad a los recursos para ayudar a mejorar la educación de sus hijos. Le puede ayudar en el conocimiento de sus derechos, efectivamente comunicar las necesidades de su hijo, y aconsejar cómo ayudar a desarrollar y aprender. Los Padres Mentores le puede ayudar en la navegación por el sistema educativo y están bien informados acerca de los recursos estatales y locales.