Agency pairing with new disability network will benefit both

by Lynn Kellogg

In 1976, my final project to complete an undergraduate degree in social work at Western Michigan University was helping to establish an office of information and support for students with disabilities. The primary paper for my second major in environmental studies focused on recreational planning for people with disabilities. While searching for a job, I served as a volunteer staff member for a state event associated with a White House conference on issues surrounding disabilities.

I had it in my head that work in the field of disability was in the cards. It didn't exactly work out that way - but in some ways it did.

As we age, it's only when barriers to daily activities get in the way that any issues appear. Sometimes people need help with daily chores, or transportation, or housing, or coping with and managing a health condition. Changes in how we do things trigger lifestyle changes, sometime minor, sometimes substantial. We change, we go on. Sometimes we're judged as "different" or feel a difference in people's perception of us.

At a recent Rotary Club meeting, Miss Southwest Michigan presented her platform as a disability rights advocate. Growing up with a brother with Down syndrome had taught her that he was normal. He was happy and functioned well in society. Contending with the judgment of others was what was difficult.

"Disability is a natural part of the human condition. Disability is simply a characteristic of a person. A disability doesn't exist until someone encounters a barrier. It is the environment or culture that needs to be fixed, not the individual with the disability." This is the philosophy of a new organization in town - Disability Network Southwest Michigan.

Sometime in the next few months, new Disability Network Southwest Michigan signage will be added to the Area Agency on Aging's sign at its base of operations at 2900 Lakeview Ave. in St. Joseph. The organization is based at a central office in Kalamazoo and has recently expanded to cover an eight-county area. It now serves Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties and has co-located its local offices with the Area Agency on Aging.

The new partnership holds great potential. Both organizations have missions of empowerment of the person and advocacy for social change. There are many areas of common interest and expertise. Both organizations strive to have communities that accept and embrace older and disabled citizens by having services and supports in place that make possible staying engaged throughout a lifetime. Both are committed to providing quality information when people seek solutions to barriers they've run up against.

Therein lies the strength of the partnership. Shared information on available resources and common messaging on needed social change strengthens both organizations.

Individuals seeking information on topics such as available resources, assistive technology information, or personal advocacy and support should give Disability Network Southwest Michigan a call. Businesses and community organizations seeking information on Americans with Disabilities Act compliance or home and workplace modification consultations will also find them helpful. The local office can be reached at 985-0111, with a toll-free line - (877) 674-5209 - ringing to the Kalamazoo office and serving outlining areas.

Lynn Kellogg is chief executive officer of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Long-Term Care at (800) 654-2810 or check the website at www.areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each Sunday in The Herald-Palladium.