Disability Network Lakeshore
Three friends, one in a wheelchair and one with a cane, laughing at a community fair.

Community Events

Join us for upcoming workshops, gatherings, and activities.

Featured Event

Inclusive Social Club

The Inclusive Social Club intentionally brings together people with and without disabilities who share common interests or want to learn a new skill. All abilities and skill levels are welcome — every session is designed so everyone can participate and connect.

Sessions run every other Wednesday, 2:30–4:00 PM, at the Disability Network Lakeshore office (442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423). No registration is needed — just show up. Calling ahead helps us prepare the right amount of supplies: (616) 396-5326.

Wine & Cheese Tasting

Non-alcoholic beverages also provided. ID required at the door to partake in wine.

Art Project: Drip Painting

All supplies provided. No art experience needed.

Games: Word Games

All skill levels welcome.

Movie Afternoon

Movie title to be announced.

Art Project: Knitting

Materials available for all levels. Beginners welcome.

Tasting: Halloween Treats

Enjoy festive Halloween-themed treats.

Games: Box Games

All skill levels welcome.

Book Club

Book title to be announced.

Art Project: ZenTangling

All supplies provided. No experience needed.

Tasting: Holiday Flavors

Celebrate the season together.

Events Calendar

Browse this month at a glance, or use the Previous and Next buttons to look ahead at future months. Call us at (616) 396-5326 to ask about events and accommodations.

Scheduled Events

Sign up early — space can fill fast. Call (616) 396-5326 or use the contact form to reserve your spot and request accommodations.

Spring 2027

Ability Award Nominations Open

Coming spring of 2027. Nominate a Lakeshore neighbor whose leadership helps people with disabilities participate, contribute, and belong.

Annual Celebration

A smiling woman in a wheelchair holds an award on stage while the audience claps.
  • Held every year
  • Nominations open each spring
  • Ottawa & Allegan counties

Honoring Lakeshore neighbors who build communities without barriers

Every year since 2011, we have gathered to present the Ability Award — our biggest celebration of the people who make the Lakeshore more accessible and inclusive. Do you know someone whose leadership and advocacy help people with disabilities participate, contribute, and belong? Nominate them next spring.

Ask About the Ability Award

Event Questions, Answered

How much do Disability Network Lakeshore events cost?

Most of our events are free, and the rest are low cost. Our individual services are always free. Any cost is listed when we announce an event, so there are never surprises.

How do I sign up for an event?

Call us at (616) 396-5326, email Info@dnlakeshore.org, or send us a message through the contact form on our home page. Tell us which event you want to attend and how many people are coming.

Can I get accommodations at an event?

Yes. Every event is held in a wheelchair-accessible space. We can arrange sign language interpreters, large-print or braille materials, quiet spaces, and other accommodations. Just let us know what you need when you sign up.

Where are events held?

Event locations vary. Many take place at our office at 442 Century Lane in Holland, and others are held at accessible partner locations across Ottawa and Allegan counties. Some events are online.

Can I bring a family member, friend, or caregiver?

Yes. Guests are always welcome at our events. If your guest needs accommodations too, let us know when you sign up.

The Story of the Ability Award

The Ability Award began in 2011 to honor Disability Network Lakeshore's Founding Director, Ruth Stegeman, who led the organization for two decades. Ruth had a strong passion for building inclusive communities for people with disabilities, and the award keeps that spirit alive.

Each year, the award recognizes a leader in Allegan or Ottawa County who promotes independence and advocates for fully inclusive communities where people with disabilities can participate, contribute, and belong. Nominees may be someone who lives with a disability, has a family member with a disability, or is a friend or ally to the disability community.

Since 2011, the Ability Award has recognized more than 100 nominees from our Lakeshore communities. Their contributions include accessible transit systems, inclusive housing, systems-change advocacy, and much more.

Past Ability Award Recipients

  • 2026: Rachel Raak
  • 2025: Barbara Lee VanHorssen
  • 2023: Lucia Rios
  • 2021: Jane Eppard
  • 2020: Jeff Elhart & Christy Buck
  • 2019: Lori Hastings
  • 2018: Mark Stephenson
  • 2017: Barb Newman
  • 2016: Sandy Baker
  • 2015: Deb Stanley
  • 2014: Helen Brownson
  • 2013: Donna Bunce
  • 2012: Louise Shumaker
  • 2011: Dan Wedge

Past Events

2026

Ability Award Celebration

Nearly 150 community members filled Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant in Holland on May 21 to honor Rachel Raak, a hearing loss advocate and entrepreneur whose invention helps hearing aid users stay active outdoors in winter.

2025

Ability Award Celebration

Nearly 130 guests gathered at the Ivy House in Saugatuck on April 10 to honor Barbara Lee VanHorssen, Founder and CEO of the Momentum Center for Social Engagement in Grand Haven.

2020

10th Annual Ability Award

Our tenth celebration went virtual for the first time, honoring Jeff Elhart and Christy Buck for their mental health advocacy while keeping nominees, members, staff, and families safe.

2019

Ability Award Celebration

We honored Lori Hastings of Coopersville, founder of Lori's Voice, which funds equipment, education, and medical expenses for young people with neurological and muscular conditions.

Accessible Community Events in Ottawa and Allegan Counties

Disability Network Lakeshore hosts free and low-cost events for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers across the Lakeshore area — including Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Allendale, Hudsonville, Saugatuck, and Allegan, Michigan. Our workshops, peer support groups, skill-building classes, and social gatherings are planned with accessibility first.

Every event is held in a wheelchair-accessible space. We can arrange sign language interpreters, large-print or braille materials, and other accommodations when you RSVP. Individual services and most events are free.

What kinds of events do we offer?

Want to know what is coming up? Call (616) 396-5326, email Info@dnlakeshore.org, or stop by 442 Century Lane, Holland, MI 49423. We would love to see you at our next event.