A Center for Independent Living
We're a Center for Independent Living serving Allegan and Ottawa counties, grounded in the lived experiences of people with disabilities. With a majority of our board and staff identifying as living with disabilities, our work is centered on real-world perspectives and practical solutions.
We provide tools and support for community inclusion and living independently.
We also partner with local organizations, businesses and leaders to create access, meaningful inclusion and a true sense of belonging for everyone in our community.
Meet Our Team
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect people with disabilities to resources and opportunities while building communities where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong.
Who We Are
Disability Network Lakeshore started in 1992. We help more than 1,500 people every year in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Our services for individuals are always free.
Many of our staff and board members live with disabilities themselves. We understand what it means to navigate the world with a disability, because many of us do it every day. That includes disabilities you can see and disabilities you cannot see, like chronic pain, hearing loss, or mental health conditions.
For more than 30 years, we have grown alongside the communities we serve. What has not changed is who we work for: the people of Ottawa and Allegan counties. We are a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, which means we exist to serve our community rather than to make a profit, and it is why our services for individuals are always free.
If you need help finding resources or learning new skills, we are here to walk beside you.
Contact Us TodayThe Independent Living Philosophy
Everything we do grows from the independent living philosophy — the idea that people with disabilities have the right to make their own choices, take their own risks, and direct their own lives. Independence does not mean doing everything alone. It means having the information, skills, and support you need to live the life you choose, in the community, on your own terms.
As a Center for Independent Living, we are peer-led by design. Because a majority of our board and staff live with disabilities, the people offering support often understand the barriers firsthand. We do not decide what is best for you. We listen, share what we know, and help you reach the goals you set for yourself. This approach — sometimes called "nothing about us without us" — keeps the people we serve at the center of every decision.
Who We Serve and What We Value
We welcome people of all ages living with any kind of disability, along with their families, friends, and caregivers. Disability is a natural part of life, and it can look many different ways — physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health disabilities all belong here. You do not need a specific diagnosis, a referral, or paperwork to reach out to us.
Our values are simple and run through every service we offer. We believe in dignity, choice, and self-direction. We believe communities are stronger when everyone can participate, contribute, and belong. And we believe access should be built in from the start — not added as an afterthought — so that the whole community becomes more welcoming over time.
Our Role in the Community
Our work reaches beyond one-on-one support. As a nonprofit Center for Independent Living, we partner with local organizations, businesses, schools, and community leaders to remove barriers and open doors. We share what we learn from the people we serve, so that access and inclusion improve for everyone — not just the individuals who walk through our doors.
Because individual services are free, our work depends on the support of our community and the partners who share our commitment to inclusion. When you connect with us, get involved, or help spread the word, you are part of building a Lakeshore where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong. If you would like to learn more or get involved, we would love to hear from you.
What We Do
Our work falls under five main areas. Each one links to a page with more details.
Information & Referral
Not sure where to start? We answer questions and connect you with the right resources in your community.
Learn about Information & ReferralTransition
We support people through big life changes — like moving out of a nursing home or from school to adult life.
Learn about TransitionsPeer Support
Talk with people who have been there. Our peer groups share experiences, ideas and encouragement.
Learn about Peer SupportAdvocacy
We help you speak up for your rights, and we work for changes that make our whole community more accessible.
Learn about AdvocacySkills Development
Learn skills for everyday life — like cooking, budgeting and using transportation — so you can live the life you choose.
Learn about Independent Living SkillsThe People Behind the Work
Our staff and Board of Directors bring lived experience, skill and heart to everything we do.
Meet Our Team