Community Resource Fair Brings Together Organizations Serving Children and Adults with Disabilities

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Grand Rapids will host a free community event focused on disability advocacy and awareness on March 26, 2026, giving residents an opportunity to connect with local organizations and learn about services for people with disabilities.

The Disability Advocacy Awareness Event, presented in partnership with the Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan, will run from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Alksnis Recreation Building, 1580 E. Fulton in Grand Rapids.

The event will function as a resource fair where attendees can meet with representatives from community agencies and campus resources. Participants will learn about services available for both children and adults, as well as local volunteer opportunities.

"This was designed to be a one-stop shop for families looking to understand what support exists in our community," said an organizer.

Aquinas education students will present their recent research on disability and inclusive learning communities during the fair. The event aims to foster a more inclusive community through education and direct advocacy.

The fair will feature representatives from multiple organizations, including Special Olympics West Michigan, Camp Sunshine, Renew Mobility, Disability Arts and Olivia's Gift.

Campus resources such as AQ Accessibility, Counseling, Health and Wellness, and CORE and TRIO SSS will also be available at the event.

The event is free and open to the public, and organizers hope it will serve as a catalyst for increased awareness and engagement around disability issues in West Michigan.

Mayor LaGrand's State of the City Address Highlights Regional Priorities

In related local government news, Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand is set to give his second State of the City address on Wednesday, March 25.

The address begins at 6:30 p.m. and is an invite-only event. It will be streamed on the mayor's Facebook page, and 13OYS will also stream the address on their website, YouTube page and free streaming app.

Last year's address came just months after LaGrand first took office, making this an important opportunity to outline his priorities for the city as he moves into his second year.

Grand Rapids Policy Conference Addresses Critical Regional Issues

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Grand Rapids Policy Conference 2026, addressing some of the most pressing questions facing West Michigan's future.

The conference covers topics ranging from transit and regional transportation options to development regulations and placemaking strategies.

"Regional collaboration on transportation isn't a nice-to-have anymore. It's essential to make West Michigan a more equitable and competitive place to live and work," said Christine Simon, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Grand Rapids Chamber.

Other panels will discuss the impacts of data centers on local infrastructure, including water use and land use concerns.

The conference also explores lessons Grand Rapids can learn from cities like Detroit about public space activation and downtown investment strategies.

Key Takeaways from the Policy Conference

City Builder Panel Discussion

The panel addressed several critical issues facing Grand Rapids:

• Transit and Regional Transportation: The need to connect people to jobs, housing, and destinations through improved transit options
• Development Barriers: Unpredictability in permitting timelines and zoning rules that feel stuck in an older vision of what cities should look like
• Placemaking Lessons: How Detroit has created reasons for people to show up downtown year-round through seasonal events, local vendors, art installations, and community gatherings

Talent Competition

West Michigan is competing with cities like Columbus, Indianapolis, and Madison for the same pool of talented young people.

"We have a robust higher education community in West Michigan that bring thousands of students into our community every year. The question is whether those students leave feeling connected to Grand Rapids or just passing through," said a Chamber representative.

Future Growth Outlook

The next decade promises continued growth in sectors like healthcare and life sciences, with increasing demand for urban core living and creative housing solutions.

About the Disability Advocacy Awareness Event

The event represents a growing recognition of the importance of supporting people with disabilities and their families throughout West Michigan. By bringing together multiple organizations in one location, the event provides efficient access to information and resources that might otherwise require multiple visits.

The presence of Aquinas education students presenting research adds an important academic dimension to the event, connecting local learning institutions with community needs.

Volunteer opportunities will be highlighted, encouraging community members to get involved in supporting disability services throughout the region.