April, 2025
Celebrating a Community Without Barriers Regardless of Ability.
The Ability Award is one of many ways we advance our mission and these priorities by honoring those on the Lakeshore who persist in the vision of communities without barriers.
Since its inception in 2011, the Ability Award has recognized over 100 nominees from our Lakeshore communities. Their work and impact stretches back more than 50 years. Their contributions include development of key supports such as transit systems, world-class housing options, deep systems-change advocacy, and much more. Ability Award nominees are indeed the “village” of the truism that “it takes a village.” Our communities are richer because of these continuing contributions.
Nominate
Nominations are closed. Please check back in March for your opportunity to nominate.
History
The Ability Award began in 2011 as a way to honor Disability Network Lakeshore’s Founding Director, Ruth Stegeman, who served in the organization’s leadership for two decades. During her career with Disability Network Lakeshore, Ruth had a strong passion to advocate for inclusive communities for people with disabilities.
The Ability Award was created to honor and perpetuate that spirit by recognizing people in our community who share the same passion and are making progress in the advancement of creating inclusive communities. The Ability Award recognizes leaders in Allegan and Ottawa counties who promote a philosophy of independence and advocate for fully inclusive communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong. We hope that recognizing the efforts of all nominees will inspire others to take action.
Supporters
If you’re interested in supporting Disability Network Lakeshore’s Ability Award, please contact us!
Past Award Recipients
2011: Dan Wedge
2012: Louise Shumaker
2013: Donna Bunce
2014: Helen Brownson
2015: Deb Stanley
2016: Sandy Baker
2017: Barb Newman
2018: Mark Stephenson
2019: Lori Hastings
2020: Jeff Elhart & Christy Buck
2021: Jane Eppard
2023: Lucia Rios