Disability Network/Wayne County - Detroit, MI

Location: Detroit, MI.

We are a non-profit organization committed to Independent Living.

Independent living is the right of ALL people to make informed choices, to have personal control over their own lives and to participate to the fullest extent possible in the everyday activities of work, school, home, family and community.

Our Mission

The Disability Network/Wayne County-Detroit is a consumer-driven organization dedicated to maximizing the ability of persons with disabilities to live as independently as they choose.  We encourage full participation in the everyday activities of living by:

• Providing a nurturing and supportive environment

• Advocating for an inclusive community

• Serving as a community resource

• Providing a unified voice in the community.

We do these things because we believe all people are created equal.  As human beings we have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.  Each person has the right to have equal access to the communities in which they live. As a result, we, the people of the Disability Network/Wayne County-Detroit will organize, advocate for and protect the rights of all persons in the communities we serve.

Our History

The current incarnation of Disability Network began in 2003.  After its predecessor went out of business, Rick Sides was hired by the Bluewater Center for Independent Living to develop a CIL presence in Wayne County.  It was in development until 2007 and became fully independent in 2008.

DNWCD is one of 25 CILs (Centers for Independent Living) in Michigan and is the only one serving Wayne County.  In addition, it is part of the 690 CILs  that span the entire United States.

With an administration office in Detroit and Staff assisting areas in Wayne County we are able to assist over 4,200 people with disabilities yearly.