Disability Services

Center for Disability Services and Adult Wellness Programs
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5321 USA
(269) 387-7200

Our Programs

Programs for Individuals with Disabilities

Our programs for individuals with disabilities include Community Connections Skill Building and Community Living Services
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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
Learn more
Senior Day Services activity calendar
Commitment to Community
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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.

Caring Staff
OT student, Lexey Ambrosia, talks about her experiences working at CDS.

At CDS, we hire students studying in health and human service fields to enhance their education while pursuing their degrees. Students say that working with individuals with disabilities and the aging population has improved their communication skills, cultural competence, problem solving abilities and professional growth.  
Apply today

$560K+

paid out in one year for student wages

267

individuals served in 2024

20+

year history of serving seniors through community-based adult day programming

96

WMU students participated in an experience-driven learning experience with us in 2024

News

Three marching band students teach young man to play a beat on the drums

WMU marching band members teach music to CDS consumers

Over the fall semester, five WMU marching band students volunteered with United Sound to inspire and teach CDS consumers how to play an instrument.
Learn more
image of annual report

2023-24 Annual Report and Performance Report

The 2023-24 Annual and Performance Reports are ready to view.
Read Report
Ribbon cutting

Grand opening of the Community Health and Wellness Garden

WMU Adult Wellness Programs celebrated the grand opening of the Community Health and Wellness Garden in October. Thank you to our wonderful donors!
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
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
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

Meet our Student Staff

Photo of Frederick, student staff

Frederick

"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."
Apply today
Photo of Abby, CDS Staff

Abby

"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."
More about Skill Building
Lauren Layman - student staff

Lauren

“It is such an amazing place to work, from the environment of the building, the dynamic of the staff and most importantly the amazing energy the consumers offer.”
Learn more about employment

Our Commitment to Diversity

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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.

Apply today

The Center for Disability Services is hiring students and community members to work as Direct Support Professionals to assist individuals with disabilities and the aging population. If you are a student studying in a health-related field, employment at the Center for Disability Services and WMU Adult Wellness Programs could count as valuable contact hours in certain disciplines. Starting pay is $16.30 per hour.

 Apply today