Carrie Gerdeman

Disability Network Eastern Michigan

MISSION: Disability Network Eastern Michigan is committed to promoting inclusion for all by breaking down barriers and opening paths towards independence and personal choice through resources, advocacy, information, support and education.  VISION: Together, the work that each one of us does helps towards our vision of being a community where those living with disabilities are empowered to pursue personal growth and choice through access to community resources and supportive services. Independent Living Philosophy: People with disabilities should have the same human rights, options, and control over choices in their own lives as do people without disabilities. Independent Living changes attitudes, expands community options, removes barriers, and increases choice.  We provide five core services: (1) Advocacy (2) Independent Living Skills Training (3) Information & Referral (4) Peer Support and (5) Transition We provide additional services: (1) Assistive Technology (2) Nursing Facility Transition Services (3) Veterans Services (4) Vocational Readiness Trainings and (5) Disability Awareness Trainings to businesses. Approximately 60% of our employees identify as people with disabilities. We provide services to people of all ages and all disabilities as well as the business community.