DSAWM

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Teen & Adult (14+) Resources

Resources

  • Understanding Down Syndrome
  • New Parent
  • Early Stages Resources
  • School Age Resources
  • Teen & Adult Resources
  • Aging Resources
  • Sibling Resources
  • Dual Diagnosis Resources
  • Diversity Resources
    • Información en español
  • Additional Local & National Down Syndrome Resources
  • Resources for Educators
  • Resources for Medical Professionals

DSAWM Teen & Adult programs are designed to support the transition to adulthood and beyond. Areas of focus include developing skills to create independence, leading a healthy lifestyle, and community integration. Resources relevant to this stage of development include transitions coordination, therapies, social engagement, medical support, and financial assistance.

DSAWM Programs and Services for Teens & Adults

Book Club

Book Club

Teens and adults aged 16 and older with Down syndrome meet to discuss books selected by Next Chapter Book Club. Book Club meets twice a month and is open to all reading levels, including non-readers. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming meetings.
Buddy Up Tennis

Buddy Up Tennis

Buddy Up is a weekly tennis program that teaches children and teens with Down syndrome the game of tennis while supporting healthy activity and motor function. Athletes aged 5 and older work with professional coaches and one-on-one Buddies. To learn more about Buddy Up Tennis, visit the Buddy Up website. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming sessions.
Cooking Capers

Cooking Capers

Teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 16 and older learn culinary terminology, cooking methods, measurement, and kitchen safety while crafting a delicious, healthy, gluten-free meal. Cooking Capers meets twice a month during the school year. Visit the DSAWM calendar for upcoming classes.
iCan Bike Camp

iCan Bike Camp

Every other summer, DSAWM hosts a week-long iCan Bike Camp where children with disabilities ages 8 and older can learn to ride a typical two-wheeled bicycle using proven, research-based methods. The next iCan Bike Camp will be held in 2022.
Member Financial Assistance

Member Financial Assistance

DSAWM’s Member Financial Assistance Fund is designed to provide financial support to families raising individuals with Down syndrome who need help with certain Down syndrome-related expenses including adoption, education, therapy, adaptive devices, respite, and hospital stays.
Rapid Runners

Rapid Runners

In this summer running program, teens and adults with Down syndrome aged 14 and older train for a 5K race by following individualized training plans based on the Couch to 5K program. Visit the DSAWM calendar for more details.
Shape Up

Shape Up

Shape Up is a health and fitness program for people with Down syndrome aged 14 and older. The weekly class consists of 45 minutes of nutrition instruction and 45 minutes of aerobic exercise. Visit the DSAWM calendar to view scheduled classes.
Skill Building Series

Skill Building Series

The Skill Building Series teaches life skills such as grocery shopping, resume preparation, public speaking, and navigating the city to foster independence for teens and adults with Down syndrome. Visit the DSAWM calendar for current offerings.
Water Ski Clinic

Water Ski Clinic

DSAWM hosts an Adaptive Water Ski Clinic in partnership with Kentwood Parks and Recreation every summer that focuses on sitting and standing skiing. The clinic is held on Reeds Lake every July.
Weekly Update Newsletter

Weekly Update Newsletter

The Weekly Update newsletter is emailed every Thursday and shares upcoming programs and services from DSAWM and our community partners. For new parents, it is an easy way to get connected and learn about the opportunities available to you and your family.
Access GR!

Access GR!

Through a partnership with ACCESS GR, DSAWM can connect members with the rich arts & cultural scene in West Michigan. Free tickets are available in a limited supply for both ongoing venues and special event venues. Accommodations can be made to make sure the arts are accessible to everyone.
Holiday Party

Holiday Party

Every December, DSAWM families gather in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo to visit with Santa and reconnect with friends. The Grand Rapids Holiday Party is a member-only event and is held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
Member Picnic

Member Picnic

Each summer, DSAWM families gather at Tunnel Park in Holland for a day of friends, food, and fun in the sun. The Member Picnic is a member only event and is held in July.
Rock Your Socks Dance

Rock Your Socks Dance

Rock your socks off at our annual Rock Your Socks Dance in honor of World Down Syndrome Day (3/21). The event is open to anyone interested in celebrating Down syndrome.
Step Up for Down Syndrome

Step Up for Down Syndrome

Step Up For Down Syndrome is the largest Down syndrome awareness event in Michigan and DSAWM’s biggest fundraiser. Families, friends, and the public are invited to this annual celebration and walk held each September where we come together to support our loved ones with Down syndrome.

Community Supports

Resources listed are not necessarily endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at info@dsawm.org.

Transitions (18-26)

  • Getting Services

    Once your child turns 18, a number of resources are available to assist in the process of transitioning to adulthood. Begin by connecting with your county’s Community Mental Health organization. The organization will assign a Supports Coordinator to assist with everything from understanding benefits to identifying housing options to CLS (community living supports) coordination.

    • Network 180 Kent county
    • Ottawa County Community Mental Health Ottawa county
    • Integrated Services of Kalamazoo Kalamazoo county

    Find your county’s CMH provider by visiting michigan.gov/mdhhs.

    If you need assistance getting started, Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Family Support team is available to answer your questions and offer guidance.

  • Benefits & Guardianship

    Understanding what government and financial benefits your child qualifies for upon turning 18 is critical to navigating the transitions process, especially as you consider what guardianship options are the best fit for your child and family. While your Community Mental Health Supports Coordinator should provide you with this information, the organizations below are also knowledgeable and prepared to answer your questions about benefits and guardianship.

    • The Arc provides information and guidance on a number of topics including Social Security benefits, Medicaid, and community mental health services. Use the Find a Chapter button to search for your local Arc office.
    • Disability Advocates of Kent County has two departments that may be utilized for questions related to benefits and guardianship. Their Benefits Planning team can assist with SSI/SSDI and DHHS applications, explain benefit interactions, and help you plan for the future. Their Family Support team can answer questions about Independent Living Skills, Self Determination, Financial Transition Planning and Supplemental Income Resources, Accessing Community Living and Home Help Supports, and Guardianship and Power of Attorney.
      • Parent/Caregiver Packet: Guardianship, Power of Attorney, and Social Security was compiled in 2019 by a DAKC’s Family Support staff member. Please note that some information may now be out-of-date, but the packet should provide a good overview of the topics presented. 
    • Michigan Alliance for Families offers extensive online resources, including pre-recorded and live webinars, about guardianship and alternative options, as well as supported decision making.

    Something you may want to consider when reviewing benefits is a MiABLE Account. MiABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for current and future expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for government benefits.

    The National Down Syndrome Society recently published Financial Wellness: A Guide for Individuals with Disabilities, their Families and Caregivers in partnership with the Voya Cares® program at Voya Financial to provide comprehensive information and solutions to address the unique, and oftentimes fluctuating, financial needs of the disability community.

  • Education

    In the state of Michigan, students receiving special education services are eligible to continue receiving those services to age 26. As your child approaches 18 years old, consider contacting special education agencies or your school district’s ISD to discuss options available to your child.

    • Michigan Alliance for Families is the leading statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education. Their website has a section dedicated solely to Transition To Adulthood. Topics covered include Adult Service Agencies, Alternatives to Guardianship, Career/ Employment, Postsecondary Education and Training, Rights and Responsibilities, Self-Advocacy, Self-Determination, Transition Law, and Transition IEP.
    • Transitions in the School System was compiled by Lizabeth Ensing of Forest Hills Transition Center to help parents understand the transitions process and view the postsecondary options available to their children in West Michigan.

    Collegiate Opportunities

    • Noorthoek Academy is a non-profit organization that provides an affordable college experience, offering continuing education in the arts and sciences for adults with learning challenges and other intellectual disabilities in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College.
    • Ready For Life provides post-secondary educational experiences at Hope College and Calvin College for college-aged individuals diagnosed with cognitive, learning, or social disabilities.
    • University of Cincinnati Transition and Access Program provides a four-year college experience for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities.

    If your child plans to attend a university, community college or post-secondary institution, Ruby’s Rainbow is an awesome nonprofit that grants scholarships to students with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, including enrichment or vocational classes.

    The National Down Syndrome Society also offers several scholarship opportunities to individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy.

  • Employment

    Preparing for Employment

    • Disability Advocate of Kent County’s Youth Transition Services provides youth aged 14+ with tools to ensure a successful transition into adulthood and independence.
    • IKUS, in Ottawa county, offers a skill-building program for adults 18+ designed to assist individuals with disabilities with vocational, safety, and community living training, all in a community workforce or volunteer setting.

    Finding Employment

    • Beyond26 helps adults with disabilities over 18 find job and volunteer opportunities in West Michigan.
    • ASK Family Services in Kalamazoo has a Family Care Coordination program that, among other services, helps with planning, linking, and coordinating of community resources and services for individuals with disabilities and their families.
    • Michigan Alliance for Families offers an extensive employment guide on their website for those with disabilities who are preparing for their first job.

    As individuals with disabilities secure employment, they may find NDSS’ Financial Wellness: A Guide for Individuals with Disabilities, their Families and Caregivers helpful in their personal financial planning. The guide was created in partnership with the Voya Cares® program at Voya Financial to provide comprehensive information and solutions to address the unique, and oftentimes fluctuating, financial needs of the disability community.

  • Housing

    Considering where to live is a big step for every young person transitioning to adulthood. Some individuals may prefer to live at home. Others may seek a group home environment or be eager to pursue independent living. Maybe a combination of independence and support is ideal. Fortunately, West Michigan has housing options to fit each of these preferences.

    AFC (Adult Foster Care)/Group Home

    • Cameo Homes Coopersville
    • David’s House Grand Rapids
    • Hope Network Adult Foster Care Grand Rapids
    • MOKA Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, and Allegan counties
    • Pine Rest Grand Rapids
    • Samaritas Grand Rapids, Muskegon

    Network 180 maintains a directory of West Michigan AFC homes on their website.

    Independent Living

    • Heritage Hill Association Grand Rapids
    • Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF) Grand Rapids
    • Michigan State Housing Development Authority locations vary

    Independent Living with Onsite Support

    • David’s House Grand Rapids
    • Dwelling Place Grand Rapids
    • Gracious Grounds Grand Haven
    • Grand Rapids Housing Commission Grand Rapids 
    • MOKA Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, and Allegan counties
    • Pine Rest Grand Rapids
    • Samaritas Grand Rapids, Muskegon
    • Thresholds Grand Rapids

    Questions about housing options in West Michigan? Contact OASIS Community of West Michigan. Oasis works to discover housing alternatives that will provide adults with disabilities a safe place to live with greater independence, social connectivity, and lead purpose-filled enjoyable lives.

  • Transportation

    The transportation providers listed below provide services to West Michigan residents with disabilities.

    • GO!Bus is a shared ride, advanced reservation, ADA paratransit service intended to provide a comparable level of transportation to that which is provided by a The Rapid fixed-route bus in Kent county.
    • Hope Network owns and operates a fleet of 63 vehicles, and offers more than 60 professionally trained staff to provide door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities in Kent and Ottawa counties.
    • Lakeshore Ride Link connects individuals with disabilities with transportation services in Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, and Muskegon counties.

    Disability Network Southwest Michigan maintains a directory of transportation providers in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas.

Providers listed below have indicated that they serve patients over 18 years of age. Please visit the School Age Resources page for a listing of providers who serve patients younger than 18.

Therapy

  • Behavior Therapy & Psychology

    Defined

    “Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) is a type of therapy that can improve social, communication, and learning skills through positive reinforcement.” – Healthline

    West Michigan Providers

    • BRAINS Grand Rapids
    • Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
    • Hope Network Behavioral Health Grand Rapids
    • Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
    • Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services Grand Rapids
    • The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
  • Feeding Therapy

    Defined

    “Feeding therapy, in its simplest form, is when a trained occupational or speech therapist helps teach a child how to eat or eat better.” – NAPA Center

    Learn more about Feeding Therapy from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

    West Michigan Providers

    • Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
  • Music Therapy

    Defined

    “Music Therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” – American Music Therapy Association

    West Michigan Providers

    • Edge Water Music Therapy Kalamazoo
    • Franciscan Life Process Center Lowell
    • Lakeshore Music Therapy Services Holland
    • West Michigan Music Therapy, LLC Grand Rapids
    • Western Michigan University Music Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
  • Occupational Therapy/Sensory Integration

    Defined

    “Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations).” – American Occupational Therapy Association,

    “Sensory integration involves perceiving, modulating, organizing, and interpreting these sensations to optimize occupational performance and participation.” – American Occupational Therapy Association

    Learn more about the relationship between Occupational Therapy, Sensory Integration, and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

    West Michigan Providers

    • BRAINS Grand Rapids
    • Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
    • Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
    • Sensory Systems Clinic West Wayland
    • The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
    • WMU Marion R. Spear Occupational Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
  • Physical Therapy

    Defined

    “Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care, and patient education.” – American Physical Therapy Association

    Learn more about the relationship between Physical Therapy and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

    West Michigan Providers

    • Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
    • Conductive Learning Center Grand Rapids
    • Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
    • Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
  • Recreational Therapy

    Defined

    “Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.” – American Therapeutic Recreation Association

    Examples of Recreational Therapy: Animal Therapy, Athletics/Outdoor Recreation, Hippotherapy (horseback riding), Horticultural Therapy, Visual and Performing Arts. For a listing of day programs and camps that incorporate recreational therapy, visit the Social Programming / Activities tab below.

    West Michigan Providers

    • Life Therapeutic Solutions Wyoming
    • Hippotherapy
      • Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center Augusta
      • Legacy Stables & Karin’s Horse Connection Caledonia
      • Renew Therapeutic Riding Center Holland
  • Speech Therapy

    Defined

    “Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders.” – Healthline

    Learn more about the relationship between Speech Therapy and Down syndrome at NDSS.org.

    West Michigan Providers

    • BRAINS Grand Rapids
    • Calvin University Speech and Hearing Clinic Grand Rapids
    • Duncan Lake Speech Therapy, LLC Caledonia
    • Generation Carev Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
    • Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
    • The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven
    • Western Michigan University Speech Therapy Clinic Kalamazoo
  • Multidisciplinary Therapy

    Multidisciplinary providers have experience and professional training to practice a variety of therapies. 

    West Michigan Providers

    • BRAINS Grand Rapids
    • Comprehensive Therapy Center Grand Rapids
    • Generation Care Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Muskegon
    • Horizons Developmental Resource Center Caledonia
    • The Shoreline Center, LLC Grand Haven

Social Programming / Activities

  • Arts
    • Artists Creating Together Grand Rapids
    • Arts in Motion Grand Rapids
    • Grand Rapids Ballet Explorer Dance Grand Rapids (ages 10-19)
    • The Habitat Performing Arts Center Adaptive Dance Kalamazoo

     

  • Athletics
    • All Starz Bowling League Grand Rapids, hosted at Eastbrook Lanes, contact: League Coordinator Betty Goldman 616-644-4567 /sgbowl2000@yahoo.com
    • American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) VIP Program multiple locations
    • Kentwood Parks and Recreation Adaptive Recreation Kentwood
    • Special Olympics Michigan multiple locations
    • Southwest Michigan Miracle League Schoolcraft
    • TOPSoccer Kalamazoo
    • West Michigan Miracle League Rockford
  • Animals/Nature
    • Fellinlove Farm Holland
    • Growing Roots Comstock Park (ages 16+)
  • Social Recreation
    • Compassionate Heart Ministries Club 404 Zeeland
    • Heritage Homes Social Rec Program Ottawa county
    • IKUS R.E.C. Connect Ottawa county
    • Just Like Home Ionia
    • Sarah Care Grand Rapids
    • Sheldon House Grand Rapids
    • Sidekicks West Michigan locations vary
  • Camps
    • Camp Sunshine Holland (ages 18+)
    • IKUS (Indian Trails Camp) Grand Rapids
    • Skyline Camp and Retreat Center Birmingham (ages 13+)
    • CranHill Ranch Friendship Camp Rodney (ages 15+)
    • Pioneer Trails Day Camp Muskegon (ages 6-26)
    • Pine Ridge Bible Camp – Freddy’s Friends Cedar Springs (ages 14+)
    • Bloomfield SCAMP West Bloomfield (ages 3-26)
    • Clarkston SCAMP Clarkston (ages 3-40)
    • St. Francis Camp Jerome (ages 8+)
    • Camp Grace Bentley Burtchville (ages 6-17)
    • Christian Reformed Conference Grounds Grand Haven (ages 5+)
    • Spring Hill Camp Ada, Evar

Medical

  • Communicating with Your Physician

    Boston’s MassGeneral Hospital For Children created a Talking to the Doctor Workbook for individuals with Down syndrome that focuses on sharing feelings and asking questions. They also offer remote second opinions to patients and health care providers in the United States. Similarly, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers a Toolkit for Transitioning to Adult Medical Care for individuals with Down syndrome.

    LuMind IDSC has also launched the first-of-its-kind DSC2U, an “online toolkit that provides customized, expert-driven information for people with Down syndrome from age 1 through adulthood. Immediately upon completion of the form, caregivers receive two personalized documents: one for themselves and one to share with their primary healthcare provider. Both documents contain detailed, customized suggestions, follow-up questions, and conversation prompts that are designed to optimize time with a primary care provider and offer caregivers the vocabulary and tools they need to advocate for their loved one.”

    For support when speaking with dental providers, take a look at the Dental Care Guidance for Caregivers of Patients with Down syndrome.

  • Finding a Provider

    Looking for a medical provider? The Preferred Medical Provider List is maintained by Down Syndrome Head Start and lists doctors, dentists, and other providers recommended by Michigan families experiencing Down syndrome. **Please note that Down Syndrome Head Start’s website has been down as of November 2018. This list has not been updated since 2017. If you are looking for more up-to-date information, we recommend reaching out on the Michigan Parents of Children with Down Syndrome Facebook group.

    Looking for a dentist? The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is a unique international organization of oral health professionals and other individuals who are dedicated to promoting oral health and well-being for people with special needs. A list of Michigan dentists belonging to SCDA can be found on their site. The Michigan Parents group on Facebook is also a good resource for finding dental recommendations.

  • Paying for Healthcare Expenses
    • Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) of Michigan provides low or no cost supplemental health insurance for a variety of covered medical diagnoses for individuals under 21 years old. While Down syndrome alone is not a qualifying diagnosis, CSHCS covers over 2,700 physical conditions of which many individuals with Down syndrome may experience at least one. A complete list of covered conditions can be viewed here. Find your county’s CSHCS branch
    • The Children with Special Needs Fund provides support for children ages 0-21 in Michigan with special health care needs not available through any other funding source. The Fund helps with the purchase of equipment and services that promote optimal health, mobility, and development, enhancing the lives of children and their families.
    • Individuals with disabilities are eligible for Social Security and Medicaid upon turning 18. For more information about applying for or utilizing benefits, contact the Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Family Support department or your local Arc office.
  • Sexual Health & Well-being

    Questions or looking to learn more about relationships or your sexual health and well-being? The YWCA of West Central Michigan offers a Healthy Relationships class every spring and fall for adults with disabilities. Healthy Relationships is a free 8 week class about relationships and sexual health for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Healthy Relationships group will give you tools and skills to be safe and happy in your relationships.

    Have you or a loved one with a disability experienced sexual abuse? WEAVE, or Working to End Abuse and Violence for Everyone, is a local collaboration between the YWCA West Central Michigan, MOKA, Spectrum Community Services, Thresholds, and Hope Network Developmental and Community Services. Committed to serving individuals through a culture of gentleness, these organizations came together with the vision that all individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have experienced sexual abuse will have access to compassionate and highly skilled professionals. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault, WEAVE is available to provide support and resources.

  • Women's Health

    The National Down Syndrome Society’s (NDSS) Primary Care Provider’s Guide to Women’s Health and Down Syndrome is a comprehensive resource designed to educate PCPs about the nuanced healthcare needs of women with Down syndrome and provide strategies to care for this patient population. Topics discussed in the guide include gynecological care, period hygiene, reproductive health, menstruation management, menopause, osteoporosis, and more. While the guide is designed for PCPs, families and caregivers may find the information useful and are encouraged to share it with their loved one’s provider.

Financial

  • Local Assistance Programs

    DSAWM Financial Assistance is available to members for expenses related to the following when relating to support, care, or treatment of person with Down syndrome: adoption, respite care, and educational, medical, therapeutic, and adaptive services or devices. DSAWM members are also eligible for our Meal Voucher Program which offsets meal expenses for families whose child with Down syndrome is experiencing an overnight stay in the hospital.

    • Family Hope Foundation offers scholarships of up to $1,000 twice a year to West Michigan families for therapies that have little or no insurance coverage
    • Lori’s Voice provides funding for equipment, educational resources, or expenses related to medical treatment for individuals up to 21 years old who have neurological, muscular, or other degenerative conditions resulting in permanent impairment or mobility issues

    In need of immediate assistance? Contact 2-1-1. Michigan 2-1-1 is available 24/7 via phone, text, or online search to connect callers with local community-based organizations across the state that provide support and assistance to those in need.

  • National Assistance Programs
    • AMBUCS provides AmTrykes, therapeutic tricycles for children and adults with disabilities, including children with low muscle tone
    • Apraxia Kids provides speech tablets and protective cases to children with a diagnosis of apraxia of speech to aid in communication
    • Cerner Charitable Foundation provides financial assistance for medical care, medical devices, vehicle modification, and travel for those 18 and younger with a disability
    • Different Needz Foundation provides grants for medical equipment and/or services, including developmental therapies
    • Friendship Circle’s Great Bike Giveaway provides an opportunity for children and teens to win an adaptive bike as well as provides a fundraising platform to purchase a bike at a discounted price
    • LifeLine Pilots provides free medical and compassion flights to patients in the Midwest with financial need
    • Maggie Welby Foundation provides scholarships to children in kindergarten thru 12th grade whose families demonstrate financial need
    • McLindon Family Foundation provides adaptive bicycles for children with special needs
    • Microsoft provides scholarships to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry
    • Modest Needs provides short-term financial help for families in crisis situations
    • Montana Melin Foundation provides financial assistance to the families of children with Down Syndrome that are facing medical hardships
    • My Gym Foundation provides grants for the purchase of medical and therapy equipment for children with special needs under 18 years old
    • NDSS provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome in the areas of post-secondary education, entrepreneurship, and self-advocacy
    • Needy Meds provides discounted and free medication programs and other services for low income families
    • Parker Lee Project provides medical supplies and equipment to children at no cost, including enteral supplies, formula, and incontinence supplies
    • Project Angel Fares grants all-expenses-paid trips to children with special needs to visit Morgan’s Wonderland – an ultra-accessible theme park in Texas
    • Ruby’s Rainbow provides scholarships to individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education, enrichment, or vocational classes
    • Small Steps in Speech grants funds for speech and language disorder therapies for people aged 3-22 years old
    • Special Kids Photography of America provides grants for family pictures
    • Stepping Stones for Stella provides buggies for children with special needs to enjoy outdoors to its fullest
    • UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation offers grants for kids 16 years old or younger for services health insurance does not cover
    • Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, as well as other assistive and therapeutic devices for children that have limited mobility
    • Wings of Mercy provides free medical flights to patients in eastern Michigan with financial need

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Address

160 68th St. SW, Ste. 110
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Located inside the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center

Phone

616-956-3488

Hours

Monday – Thursday | 9:00am – 5:00pm

DSAWM is a proud member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy.
DSAWM is a proud member of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, an organization dedicated to significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through Research, Medical Care, Education, and Advocacy.
DSAWM is a member of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, an association of local, state, and regional Down syndrome organizations who share experiences, exchange program materials, and find ways to learn from each other.
DSAWM is a member of Down Syndrome Affiliates in Action, an association of local, state, and regional Down syndrome organizations who share experiences, exchange program materials, and find ways to learn from each other.

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