Michigan Community Resources
Serving People with Disabilities

Michigan's Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are non-profit organizations that are dedicated to serving the needs of older adults and their caregivers. There are 16 AAAs in Michigan, each serving a specific geographic area of the state. The main goal of AAAs is to help older adults live independently and with dignity in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Some of the services provided by Michigan's AAAs include:

1. Information and Assistance: AAAs provide information and assistance to older adults and their caregivers, connecting them with services and resources in their communities. They can help with issues such as housing, transportation, and health care.
2. Caregiver Support: AAAs offer support to caregivers of older adults, providing information, training, and respite care.
3. Nutrition Services: AAAs provide nutrition services, including meals and nutrition education, to older adults who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.
4. Health and Wellness Programs: AAAs offer health and wellness programs, including exercise classes and chronic disease self-management workshops, to help older adults stay healthy and active.
5. Elder Abuse Prevention: AAAs provide education and training on elder abuse prevention and support for victims of elder abuse.

Michigan's network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) is a group of non-profit organizations that are dedicated to helping people with disabilities to live independently and fully participate in their communities. CILs are located throughout the state of Michigan and provide a range of services to individuals with disabilities. The main goal of Michigan's CILs is to empower people with disabilities to achieve greater independence, self-sufficiency, and control over their lives. Some of the services provided by CILs include:

1. Advocacy: CILs advocate for policies and legislation that benefit people with disabilities, such as increased access to education, employment, housing, and transportation.
2. Information and Referral: CILs provide information and referrals to people with disabilities, connecting them with services and resources in their communities.
3. Independent Living Skills Training: CILs offer training programs to help people with disabilities develop the skills they need to live independently, such as money management, self-advocacy, and communication skills.
4. Peer Support: CILs facilitate peer support groups and activities, allowing people with disabilities to connect with others who share similar experiences.
5. Assistive Technology: CILs provide access to assistive technology and devices that can help people with disabilities to live more independently, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and communication devices.

The Arc of Michigan
The Arc of Michigan is the state chapter of The Arc, a national organization that advocates for the rights and needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The Arc of Michigan works to promote and protect the human rights of individuals with I/DD and their families by providing a variety of services and resources.

Friendship Circle
Friendship Circle is a non-profit organization that provides support and friendship to individuals with special needs and their families. Their programs are designed to foster friendship, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for individuals with special needs.

Michigan's Community Mental Health Service Programs (CMHSPs) are designed to provide comprehensive, community-based mental health services to individuals living in Michigan. These services are offered to people of all ages who are experiencing mental health challenges, intellectual or developmental disabilities, and/or substance abuse disorders.

The CMHSPs are a network of local service providers, each of which covers a specific geographic area of the state. These providers work in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to deliver a range of mental health services to residents.

The services offered by CMHSPs may include:

1. Assessment and Evaluation: CMHSPs conduct assessments and evaluations to determine an individual's mental health needs and develop a treatment plan.
2. Counseling and Therapy: CMHSPs provide counseling and therapy to individuals and families to address a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and trauma.
3. Medication Management: CMHSPs offer medication management services to individuals who require psychiatric medication as part of their treatment plan.
4. Case Management: CMHSPs provide case management services to coordinate care and support individuals as they navigate the mental health system.
5. Crisis Intervention: CMHSPs provide crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
6. Peer Support: CMHSPs may offer peer support programs, where individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges provide support to others.

An equipment loan closet is a program or service that provides short-term loans of medical equipment, assistive devices, or other durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals who need them. These loan closets are typically run by community organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies, and the equipment is often donated by individuals or medical supply companies.

Examples of equipment that might be available through a loan closet include mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, as well as medical devices such as oxygen concentrators, nebulizers, and hospital beds. The loan period for equipment may vary depending on the organization, but generally ranges from several weeks to a few months or as long as the equipment is needed.

Children's Special Health Care Services
Michigan's Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is a program that provides specialized medical care to children and some adults with chronic health problems. The program aims to improve the health outcomes of children and adults with special health care needs, as well as support their families. To be eligible for CSHCS, individuals must meet certain medical and financial criteria. The program is open to Michigan residents who are under the age of 21 and have a qualifying medical condition. Some individuals with certain medical conditions may also be eligible for CSHCS beyond the age of 21.

Easterseals MORC
Easterseals MORC provides a variety of services to individuals with disabilities, including the provision of Medicaid-funded services. The organization also offers comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities or mental illness, helping them to live as independently as possible in their communities.

United Way
United Way is a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving the health, education, and economic well-being of the community. The organization partners with community organizations and businesses to address community challenges and support programs that aim to create lasting change. This includes programs that address basic needs such as food, shelter, and utilities, as well as education, financial stability, and health services. The organization also runs the 2-1-1 helpline, which connects people in need with local resources. There are several United Way chapters located in Michigan, each serving a specific region of the state.

Hebrew Free Loan
Hebrew Free Loan is a non-profit organization that provides interest-free loans to individuals and families in need, regardless of their religion or background. The organization was founded on the principle of tzedakah, or the Jewish tradition of providing assistance to those in need through charitable giving and acts of kindness. They offer Special Needs Loans to help families care for a loved one who has a disability.  With 1 qualifying Michigan co-signer, families can borrow up to $10,000 interest free to pay for equipment, home & vehicle modifications, treatment programs and other services for individuals who have a developmental, cognitive, mental or physical disability.

Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund
The Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund (MATLF) is a program that provides low-interest loans to Michigan residents with disabilities or health conditions to help them purchase assistive technology devices and services including mobility aids, communication devices, as well as to home and vehicle modifications, such as ramps and lifts. To be eligible for a loan from the MATLF, applicants must be Michigan residents with a documented disability or health condition that affects their ability to perform daily activities. They must also be able to demonstrate their ability to repay the loan. Loan applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are based on factors such as credit history, income, and other debts.

ALS of Michigan
ALS of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The organization serves the state of Michigan and operates independently of the national ALS Association. The mission of ALS of Michigan is to provide care services and support to people with ALS, their families, and caregivers.

ALS Association - Michigan Chapter
The Michigan Chapter of the ALS Association is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The Michigan Chapter is one of the many chapters that operate in different regions of the United States. The Michigan Chapter of the ALS Association provides a range of services to individuals and families affected by ALS.

Michigan United Cerebral Palsy (MI-UCP)
MI-UCP is a state affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy, a non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. They focus on providing support and services to people with disabilities in the state of Michigan by offering a range of services, including early intervention and education services for children, assistive technology, employment and job training programs, and independent living support. They also provide support and resources to families of people with disabilities, including counseling, education, and advocacy services.

Muscular Dystrophy Association - Greater Michigan
The Greater Michigan Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The Greater Michigan MDA is one of the many chapters that operate in different regions of the United States. The Greater Michigan MDA provides a range of services to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

National MS Society - Michigan Chapter
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is a non-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by funding research, providing education and support, and advocating for policies that benefit the MS community. The Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society serves people with MS, their families, and caregivers throughout the state by providing a range of services.

United Spinal Association - Southern Michigan Chapter
The mission of United Spinal Association Southern Michigan Chapter is to provide advocacy and empowerment to those affected by spinal cord injury and disease to access resources and knowledge available in the community to improve quality of life. They work to achieve this mission through a range of services and programs. Through a generous donation from the Rally Sport Region Porsche Club, the United Spinal Association - Southern Michigan Chapter is also able to assist its members with obtaining, installing, and funding vehicle modifications or driver's training. For more information on this program, you can email unitedspinal.sm@gmail.com.  

Service organizations are non-profit groups of individuals who come together to volunteer their time and resources to make a positive difference in their communities or in the world. Service organizations can focus on a wide range of causes and issues, such as education, healthcare, social services, environmental protection, disaster relief, and more. The following organizations with chapters in Michigan may be able to provide you with assistance or resources depending on your situation and the mission of the organization.

Kiwanis
Kiwanis is an organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Now a global organization, Kiwanis was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1915. Kiwanis clubs around the world undertake a range of projects and activities, including youth leadership development, childhood immunizations, disaster relief, and community service projects.

Lions Club
The Lions Club is best known for its work in fighting blindness, providing vision screenings, eyeglasses, and other eye-related services to people in need. In addition to this, the Lions Club also supports various other causes, such as youth programs, disaster relief, diabetes awareness, and environmental initiatives.

Optimist International
Optimist International is a non-profit service organization with a mission is to provide hope and positive vision to young people through community service, mentorship, and education. The Optimist Club is best known for its programs that support youth development, including sports teams, academic scholarships, mentoring programs, and community service projects. The organization also works to promote patriotism, respect for law and order, and a sense of individual responsibility.

Rotary International
Rotary International is a global service organization whose mission is to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and advance goodwill and peace around the world. Rotary sponsors a number of programs and initiatives, including youth leadership programs, scholarships, vocational training teams, and exchange programs.