Disability Advocates of Kent County

Disability Advocates of Kent County is a non-profit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan with 68 employees. Founded in 1981, they were originally known as the Grand Rapids "Center for Independent Living," a designation reflecting their commitment to providing independent living services to individuals with disabilities. The organization's mission is to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives and advocate for accessible and welcoming communities. They achieve this through a variety of services, including providing information about community resources, housing, employment, transportation, and veteran's assistance. Disability Advocates of Kent County also works to increase accessibility and influence public policy change at the local, state, and federal levels. Disability Advocates of Kent County prioritizes serving their community by ensuring that over 50% of their board, staff, and volunteers are individuals living with disabilities. This commitment to lived experience ensures their services are directly informed by the needs and challenges faced by the individuals they serve. To learn more about Disability Advocates of Kent County and their services, visit their website at dakc.us.