For 25 years, Disability Network/Lakeshore (DNL) has connected people with disabilities to resources and opportunities while building communities where everyone can participate, contribute and belong. And it has a series of events lined up to celebrate!
Cheers & Beers Picnic
Relish traditional picnic fare and New Holland brews at Windmill Island Gardens, while enjoying the handcrafted American music stylings of Delilah DeWylde, a band whose music "stands at the crossroads of creativity and craftsmanship, liberally drawing from honky tonk country, rockability and surf music." The picnic will honor several advocates who have made lasting advances benefiting those with disabilities within the Lakeshore community. With face painting, balloon animals, carousel rides and more, it's great for the kids, too! Block out Thursday, June 1, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. on your calendars, and register for the free community event.
Access & Accommodation Tour
Business leaders and policy makers, this one is for you! Tour locations within the Lakeshore community that have improved facilities for those living with disabilities, while having the opportunity to discuss potential accessibility improvements for the future. The date is yet to be determined, so follow DNL's Facebook page for more information.
Ability Award
Time to gear up for the 7th Annual Ability Award dinner at the Midtown Center in Holland on October 24, 2017. The DNL Ability Award recognizes an individual within Ottawa and Allegan counties who promotes a spirit of inclusion and a community without barriers.
"Each year, as Ability Award recipients are awarded, we hope that the recognition of their efforts will inspire others to take action," said Todd Whiteman, Executive Director of Disability Network Lakeshore.
Nominations open in early June! Forms and more details about the dinner will be available at www.dnlakeshore.org and www.abilityaward.net.
This year, keynote speaker Randy Lewish will share his story on pioneering a disability employment model within Walgreens' distribution centers that resulted in 10 percent of its workforce consisting of people with disabilities.
Lakeshore Talent Forum
Start the next 25 years off right, and join DNL's mission. In a combined effort with West Coast Chamber of Commerce and the Lakeshore Human Resource Management Association, DNL is offering an opportunity for Lakeshore businesses to dip into the disability talent pool for their workplace. Business leaders will also share the successes and challenges. Follow DNL on Facebook for more information.
Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for West Michigan Woman magazine.
Photo courtesy of Disability Network/Lakeshore.
