Center for Disability Services recognized for its work
Dec. 5, 2002
KALAMAZOO--Two organizations have given awards to Western Michigan University's Center of Disability Services, recognizing the center for its efforts to help people with handicaps.
CDS and its partners, MRC Industries Inc. and Residential Opportunities Inc., recently received the 2002 Special Contribution Award from the Kalamazoo-based Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. The award was for the creation of the Alliance for Community Supports, a limited liability corporation that joins the three agencies in a partnership to meet community needs. The Alliance has begun Alliance Senior Day services for adults with Alzheimer's and other dementias and aging adults with disabilities. The Alliance also began Intermission, an evening and weekend respite program for children 10 and under with special needs.
In addition to that award, the center received the 2002 Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council Springboard Award for Project Include, a three-year, grant-funded initiative to close segregated programs and find meaningful community-based alternatives. CDS has closed four segregated day programs over the past four years.
The center is part of the College of Health and Human Services at WMU and is located in the WMU Unified Clinics at 1000 Oakland Drive and at 6857 W. Main St., where it manages its community services.
CDS has served the Kalamazoo and surrounding area since 1981, providing person-centered care, education and support services to its consumers. CDS works to assist people with significant disabilities to become more integrated in the life of the community.
For further information about CDS, call (269) 387-7175.
Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu