West Michigan is filled with community agencies and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families, but they can be hard to locate. This website is meant to work as a guide for you to understand what help is available, and what agencies would work best for you. This is not an exhaustive list - agencies and resources are constantly changing and more are being created. If you have a Black River student in special education, please feel free to reach out to your case manager with any questions!
Click the name of each category to go to the related services page with details on all of our community resources that provide services in each area. Some community resources may be in more than one page.
This page provides an overview of community resources dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through adaptive services and tools. Each organization listed here offers unique resources ranging from assistive devices and technology support to tailored programs and accessibility services that empower people of all abilities.Â
This page provides an overview of local and state wide advocacy agencies that can provide education, services, and advocacy for families involved in the special education process. These agencies empower parents to make a difference in their student's special education journey.
This page provides an overview of local day programs. Day programs are care services for individuals that will not be able to gain supported or independent employment, and allows these individuals to participate in the community, build relationships, and receive quality care when guardians may be at work or have other responsibilities.
This page provides an overview of local and statewide resources for specific disability categories. Most provide support, advocacy, and community for individuals and family members with the disability type.
This page provides an overview of local and statewide resources for helping individuals with disabilities gain employment. Some of these resources such as supported employment, job skills workshops, assistance finding jobs, and career exploration help. These agencies will help people get jobs no matter what challenges they have.
This page provides an overview of local and statewide resources for helping individuals with disabilities gain further education after finishing high school. There are post-secondary education opportunities for everyone, no matter the challenges they face and what their goals are. Some of these resources focus on training and education for the workforce, while others focus on building independence and life skills.
This page provides an overview of local and statewide resources for helping find housing and independent living support for individuals with disabilities. Housing resources vary from training people on independent living skills, to supported community living situations where individuals are able to live mostly independently with a little support, to specialized homes for people with complex needs.
This page provides an overview of local and statewide recreation programs specifically for people with disabilities. It includes summer camps, social clubs, athletics, and more.
This page provides an overview of resources that benefit anyone, with or without a disability. It includes community resources that address food insecurity, mental health, homelessness, and many other difficult life situations. It also includes programs for non-English speakers and English learners.