December third is International Day of Persons with Disabilities; this holiday, created by the United Nations, focuses on promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. The theme for 2025 is “fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” This mouthful boils down to focusing on making sure that those with disabilities are included and able to participate in every aspect of society. Today’s blog will explore different community resources that help those with disabilities to lead independent, dignified, and full lives.  

 

Assistive Technology & Assistance Dogs 

• Affordable Hearing Aid Program (Lions of Michigan)- offers low-cost hearing aids to low-income individuals who qualify. Visit the website for more information.  

• Be My Eyes– this smartphone app connects blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers for visual assistance.  

• Canine Companions– pair individuals with disabilities with service dogs who can assist with daily tasks or alert to important sounds. For more information, call 1-800-572-BARK (2275). Application required.  

• Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston– DNWML staff will walk through accessibility tools in technology you already own (e.g., your phone or computer). Adaptive technology lab includes computers and tablets for community use. For more information, call (734) 971-0277.  

• Free White Cane Program– the National Federation of the Blind offers white canes to blind individuals free of cost. For more information, call (410) 659-9314. Must complete application. 

• Leader Dogs for the Blind– connects individuals with disabilities to leader dogs. Must be able to care for a dog and be efficient with orientation and mobility skills (also offer a class on orientation). For more information, call (248) 651-9011 or (888) 777-5332.  

• Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund– provides low interest loans of up to $30,000 for the purchase of assistive technology. Visit website for more information or call (248) 557-5070. 

• New Eyes– provides low-income individuals with a discounted basic pair of eyeglasses (includes single vision, bifocals, progressives, tinted, and blue light filter). See website for eligibility requirements.  

• Operation Sight– provides affordable vision care and cataract surgery to financially vulnerable or uninsured/underinsured individuals. Submit a patient inquiry online. For more information, call (703) 591-2220. 

• Paws With a Cause– matches individuals with disabilities with service dogs to assist with physical mobility, hearing, and epileptic seizures, as well as medic alert dogs. For more information, call (616) 877-7297. Application required.  

• ReSpectacle– offers used eyeglasses at a deep discount.  

 

 

Entertainment 

• Accessible Recreation (Department of Natural Resources)– website lists accessible beaches, camp sites, scenic sites, and more. Visit the website or call specific sites for more information. Also includes virtual tours.  

• Dementia Friendly Films– this program provides monthly screenings of classic movies in a safe and friendly environment for persons with brain changes, their care partners, and anyone else who wants to join in the fun. Movies are held at Emagine Theater in Saline. Tickets cost $5 and include popcorn, soda, and a light buffet. For more information, call (517) 448-0678.  

• Detroit Radio Information Service– southeast Michigan’s Radio Reading/Audio Information Service for people with disabilities. It is a special audience service of WDET 101.9 FM (NPR Detroit and Wayne State University). Must apply online. See the website for full eligibility requirements. For more information, call (313) 577-4146. 

• Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled– This free service administered by the Ann Arbor District Library, loans books, magazines, and videos in alternative formats (audio books on cartridge or for download, large print, braille books and magazines, and descriptive video) to individuals of all ages who are unable to read or use standard printed materials as a result of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations. These materials and a talking book machine are shipped free to the home. See the website for eligibility requirements and application. For more information, call (734) 327-4200. Note: Although this program is administered by the Ann Arbor District Library, it is open to all Washtenaw County residents that qualify.  

 

 

Health 

• Deaf Health Program (Dexter Health Center/Michigan Medicine) – provides in-person primary care and mental health services by ASL-signing physicians or social workers. For more information, call (734) 539-5000. 

• EMU Speech & Hearing Clinic– offers a range of diagnostic and therapeutic services. For more information, call (734) 487-4410. Note: follows the EMU academic calendar.   

• Integrated Special Care Clinic– this program from the Michigan School of Dentistry provides special care for patients age 16+ with unique healthcare needs (e.g., developmental or intellectual disabilities, dementia, limited mobility, vision, or heading). Must be referred by a dentist. Office can be reached at (734) 763-9544. 

• Low Vision & Visual Rehabilitation Clinic– a program of Kellogg Eye Center, this clinic provides vision care for those with low vision. For more information, call (734) 764-5106. 

• MICare Clinic– provides primary care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

• Michigan Integrated Health Services for Deaf Patients– offers a variety of services, including translating medical records, face-to-face and telephone interpreting, and communication assistance. For more information, call (734) 936-7021. 

 

 

Home Modifications 

• Catholic Charities Washtenaw County– the Home Maintenance and Safety Services programs provide basic maintenance to help older adults maintain their independence and keep them safe at home. Services include, but are not limited to, installing smoke detectors, grab bars, shower chairs, and hand-held showers. For more information, call (734) 971-9781, ext. 352.  

• Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED)– the Accessibility Ramp Program provides the installation of exterior wheelchair ramps in order to improve the accessibility of a home. Due to increased demand, the program maintains a waitlist, which is open once per year and acts as a lottery. The 2025 date for the wish list opening is Tuesday, March 18th from noon-4:00pm. For more information, call (734) 544-3008.  

 

 

Housing 

• AffordableHousing.com (formerly MI Housing Locator)- website shows users apartments and houses to rent or own in their area. After submitting your zip code, you can click on “more filters” and select housing with physical or visual/hearing accessibility.  

• Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan– assists with housing discrimination. Call 1-877-979-FAIR to discuss your information.  

 

 

Information and Referral 

• Catholic Charities Washtenaw County– resource advocates provide information and referrals that best meet the needs of seniors and caregivers to maintain independence at home. For more information, call (734) 971-9781, ext. 7. Must be age 60+ and live in Washtenaw County.  

• Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston-  the Community Support Services team assists consumers in getting access to community resources. Call (734) 971-0277 for more information.  

• Senior Blind or Independent Living Program– this program of the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, assists residents age 55+ who are visually impaired. Services include but are not limited to information and referral, orientation and mobility, adapted aids, peer support groups, and communication via Braille. For more information, call (800) 292-4200. 

 

 

Meals on Wheels 

• Aid in Milan Pantry on Wheels (734)439-8420. Delivery limited to the Milan area.  

• Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels (734) 998-6686. Delivers M-Sa. Must have verified homebound status. 

• Chelsea Senior Center (734) 475-9242. Open to those age 60+ who are homebound and live in Washtenaw County.   

• Dexter Senior Center (734) 253-2370. Delivery limited to Dexter School District & Scio Farms.   

• Hope Clinic (734) 484-2989. Address must be within 10 miles of 518 Harriet Street. Deliveries are made on Wednesdays (noon-2:00pm) and Fridays (2:00-4:00pm).   

• Jewish Family Services (734) 769-0209- Offer up to 10 Kosher or Halal meals. Must be age 60+, have medication documentation of homebound status, and live within JFS service area.   

• Milan Seniors for Healthy Living (734) 508-6229. Must be homebound and age 60+.   

• Peace House Ypsilanti (734) 754-0648- offers free grocery delivery to an average of 50 households per week. Call for more information.   

• Saline Area Senior Center (734) 429-9274 ($3/meal). Limited to the Saline area.   

• Whitmore Lake Area Human Services (734)-492-1717. Limited to Whitmore Lake. No custom grocery orders available. 

• Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (734) 487-9669. Available in Ypsilanti and surrounding area. Must have verified homebound status. 

 

 

Mental Health 

• Deaf Mental Health Program (Dexter Health/Michigan Medicine) – offers in-person and videophone appointments with therapists. Call (810) 355-2743 (video phone) or (734) 426-2796 (voice phone) for more information. 

• Senior Counseling Services LLC– offers in-home therapy for older adults, as well as therapy via phone and telehealth. For more information, call (248) 476-2229. Serves southeast Michigan.  

 

 

Phone & Internet 

• AT&T– offers alternate billing formats (Braille or large print), Real-Time Text, and can assist with choosing a hearing aid-friendly device. Also offers the reduced cost Wireless Accessibility Plan for people with a hearing or speech disability. For more information, call (800) 288-2020.  

• CapTel– this government program offers a free phone that turns speech to text on a large screen display. Braille display reader also available. Phones are also available for purchase at $75 each.  

• ClearCaptions– this government program offers a free phone that turns speech to text on a large screen display. Other features include a built-in speakerphone, adjustable screen, and contact list. Must meet eligibility requirements. For more information, call 1-866-996-1498.  

• Comcast– offers a variety of accessibility supports, such as closed captioning, audio description, Braille and large-print bills, voice guidance, and the option to order a voice remote or remote with larger buttons. For more information, call 1-855-270-0379.  

• T-Mobile– offers general accessibility support; Accessibility Customer Care can be reached at 1-833-428-1785. Offers alternate printed billing options for those with low vision. Also offers Real-Time Text (RTT). Website breaks down each phone’s accessibility settings.  

• Verizon– offers alternate billing formats, including Braille, large-print, audio CD, and mp3. Website breaks down accessibility settings for Apple and Android products. For more information, visit the website or call (888) 262-1999.  

 

 

Social 

• Connected Companions– this program from the Turner Senior Wellness Program connects older adults with volunteers for conversation and companionship. For more information, call (734) 998-9353.  

• Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston– offers a variety of social and recreational activities, both in-person and online. View upcoming events on the website calendar. Also offer support groups and peer-to-peer mentoring. Call (734) 971-0277 for more information. 

• Friendship Line (Institute on Aging)– a 24/7 lifeline for older adults and caregivers feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or alone. Call (888) 670-1360 to be connected. 

• Liberty Club– Liberty Club is a day program meeting the needs of adults with disabilities aged 26+ as they work and live in their community. For more information, call (734) 401-4026.   

 

 

Transportation 

• Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (AAATA/The Ride)– offers a variety of reduced fare programs. The A-Ride program is a shared, reservation-based service and features accessible lift-equipped buses. A-Ride runs during fixed-route service hours. For more information, call (734) 973-6500. Must complete application.  

• Feonix Mobility Rising/Catch a Ride Network– transportation hub that connects users with the cheapest ride available to them. To schedule a ride, call (833) 653-6544.  

• JFSGo– provides free door-through-door transportation for individuals age 60+ or people with a disability. Minivans and vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts. See website for eligibility requirements. For more information, call (734) 769-0209. 

• Myride2– helps seniors and adults with disabilities in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties in Michigan find transportation. Enter your zip code and special needs, the website will show ride providers in your area. For more information, contact 1-855-697-4332.  

• People’s Express– provides free rides for those 60 and older, focusing on Saline and Northfield Township. Vehicles have wheelchair lifts and securement systems. Service animals are allowed. To book a ride, call (877) 214-6073. 

• Rural Older Adults in Motion (ROAM)/WAVE– provides free transportation for individuals age 60+ and reduced rates for individuals with disabilities. All WAVE vehicles have a lift or ramp, handrails, and lighting. Service animals are allowed. To schedule, call the WAVE at (734) 475-9494.  

 

 

MISC 

• Washtenaw ID Project– county-wide photo identification card created with the purpose of proving residency in the county for the purpose of accessing county programs, services and activities, and providing identification to law enforcement. Visit the website for eligibility criteria and application. For more information, call (734) 222-6730. 

• Want to learn more about Disability Network Washtenaw Monroe Livingston? Click here to read our interview with Executive Director Alex Gossage!