Community engagement

  • A group of consumers delivering meals on wheels

    Community Engagement

    Providing high quality supports and services to help participants volunteer in their community through our skill building program.

  • Student staff bakes a cake with an elderly male

    Peace of Mind

    Our adult day program provides a safe and friendly environment with stimulating cognitive and social activities for older adults living with memory loss and/or physical challenges.

Our Programs

Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Our programs for individuals with disabilities include Community Connections Skill Building, Case Management and Community Living Services

Programs for Seniors

We are committed to offering programs that enrich lives as people age. Our programs for the aging population include In-home Care Services and Senior Day Services

Commitment to Community

For over 40 years, the Center for Disability Services and Adult Wellness Programs have been providing programs and services for people with disabilities and elders in our community. Today, the center is a multi-service agency that helps over 250 individuals annually in Kalamazoo County. The center operates as a community service under the College of Health and Human Services and provides WMU students with an opportunity for innovative learning and discovery in the field of disabilities/the aging population through internships, field experiences, volunteering and employment.

Student Staff Spotlight

  • Photo of Abby, CDS Staff

    Abby Cassatta

    "I never expected CDS to become my second family. When I first accepted this position, I had no idea that CDS would become such an impactful part of my life. I wake up every morning with pure excitement and gratitude that I get to go to work that day. CDS has exceeded my expectations beyond words."

  • Photo of Frederick, student staff

    Frederick Mensah

    "My experience at CDS has been instrumental in my professional growth, despite initially seeming unrelated to my data science studies. It has taught me empathy, patience, and the ability to adapt to diverse needs and challenges. These skills are not only crucial in my current role but also transferable to any future career path I choose. I've used my analytical skills to identify patterns in behavior, track progress over time, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the quality of care."

Article Grid

News

  • wheelchair with Wild Wheels

    CDS consumers selling "Wild Wheels" at upcoming Art Hop

    Consumers from the Skill Building program will be at the March 1st through the 3rd Art Hop selling "Wild Wheels," enhancement covers for wheelchair users.

    Watch Fox 17 news story

  • Photo of outdoor space and pergola

    Senior Day Services granted funds for new outdoor space

    Thanks to the financial support of Kalamazoo County, Senior Day Services was granted funds for an enriched outdoor space.

    Read more

  • image of annual report

    2022-23 Annual Report and Performance Report

    The 2022-23 Annual Report and Performance Report is ready to view.

    Read Report

  • A volunteer puts carrots in a bag

    Participants volunteer at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes

    One of the many volunteer placements that CDS Skill Building participants provide community service is Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.

    Read article

  • Speech student assists a participant

    Speech students work with Senior Day Services guests

    Each semester, Allison Mezo, Aphasia Communication Enhancement Speech Clinician at the Western Michigan University Unified Clinics assigns four speech-language pathology students to provide communication support at WMU's Senior Day Services.

    Learn more

  • Beautiful lives project

    Skill Building participates in Beautiful Lives Project

    Community Connections Skill Building program consumers participated in two events with the Beautiful Lives Project, which allows individuals with disabilities to engage in a number of activities.

    Read more

  • Painting project at SDS

    Pinspiration Visits Senior Day Services

    Senior Day Services invited a Kalamazoo crafting studio to come lead participants through a painting project. This was a fun activity that was enjoyed by SDS participants.

    Learn about Pinsperation

  • Consumers participate in United Sound

    Western students break down barriers through music with United Sound

    United Sound, a WMU student organization, partners with the WMU Center for Disability Services to offer peer mentorship for young adults with disabilities who want to play an instrument.

    Discover United Sound

Commitment to Diversity

The Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services is committed to the idea of a diverse college as an important educational value. The College fosters an environment which reflects and celebrates diversity, encourages inclusion, embraces healthy interdependence and pledges a learning community free of discrimination and harassment.  

The Center for Disability Services and Adult Wellness Programs, as a member of the College of Health and Human Services at Western Michigan University, shares a commitment to enhance and maintain cultural competency and diversity in our programs, the community and university settings.

Consumer Handbook