Disability Rights, Discrimination and the Law in Grand Rapids, Michigan

People with disabilities in Grand Rapids, MI are protected by state and federal law. You have fundamental human rights, including:

  • Freedom and autonomy
  • Respect and dignity
  • Equality and non-discrimination
  • The right to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation

You also have the right to live to your full potential, make your own choices, and participate fully in community life in Grand Rapids.

This guide explains disability rights, discrimination, and legal protections in Michigan, with a focus on resources available in Grand Rapids and Kent County.

In Grand Rapids, people with disabilities are protected by several key laws:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (federal law)
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
  • Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA)
  • Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
  • Fair Housing Act (federal housing protections)

These laws apply in places like:

  • Healthcare settings (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Schools and colleges (Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Valley State University, local community colleges)
  • Workplaces and job training programs
  • Housing (apartments, rental homes, group homes, assisted living)
  • Public spaces and services (buses, sidewalks, government buildings, parks, shops, restaurants)

If you believe your rights have been violated or you have experienced discrimination, you have the right to ask questions, seek help, and make a formal complaint.

Your Rights When Using Disability or Health Services in Grand Rapids

When you start using a disability service or healthcare service in Grand Rapids, you have the right to:

  • Clear information about your rights

    • Your rights should be explained to you in person and in writing.
    • Information should be in a format you can understand (plain language, large print, interpreter, etc.).

  • Request services and supports

    • You can request services from disability service providers, health systems, and community agencies.
    • If a provider does not believe you have a disability or denies services, you can seek a second opinion and legal advice.

  • Direct your own care and support plan

    • Your care plan should be tailored to your needs, goals, culture, and preferences.
    • Your family members or caregivers may be involved if you choose.
    • Your plan should be reviewed regularly, especially if your health changes (for example, during Michigan’s cold winters when mobility or respiratory symptoms may worsen).

Local providers in Grand Rapids that commonly work with people with disabilities include:

  • Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health physician practices and clinics
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health programs

You can ask these providers about disability accommodations, communication aids, and accessible facilities.

Your Rights in Residential and Group Home Settings

If you live in a residential facility, group home, assisted living, or supported housing in the Grand Rapids area, you have specific rights and responsibilities.

Your Rights in Residential Services

You have the right to:

  • Safety and protection from abuse or neglect
  • Respect and privacy in your room and personal care
  • Access to your home and common areas without unreasonable restrictions
  • See visitors, including friends, family, advocates, and legal representatives
  • Make a complaint about your care or living situation without punishment or retaliation
  • Manage your own money, unless there is a legal arrangement saying otherwise

If a provider or landlord is restricting your rights, you can seek help from:

  • Kent County Adult Protective Services
  • Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS)
  • Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Your Responsibilities in Residential Services

Along with your rights, you also have responsibilities, such as:

  • Paying your rent and agreed fees on time
  • Not doing anything illegal in your home
  • Not behaving in a way that puts you or others in danger
  • Following reasonable house rules that apply to all residents

Money Management in Residential Settings

Generally, disability service providers in Grand Rapids should not manage your money unless:

  • You have agreed to it, or
  • A court order, guardianship, or representative payee arrangement authorizes it.

If they do manage small amounts of money for you, they must:

  • Follow strict rules about how your money is held and used
  • Keep accurate records
  • Provide regular account statements
  • Return your money if you ask, unless restricted by a court order

If you think your money is being misused, contact:

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Adult Protective Services
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Disability Discrimination in Grand Rapids, MI

It is against the law in Michigan for someone to discriminate against you because of your disability.

Discrimination means you are treated unfairly or disadvantaged because of a personal characteristic such as:

  • Physical disability
  • Intellectual or developmental disability
  • Mental health condition
  • Chronic illness (for example, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, which are common in Michigan)
  • Sensory impairments (vision or hearing loss)

Discrimination is unlawful when it happens in areas such as:

  • Employment – hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments
  • Education – schools, colleges, training programs
  • Housing – renting, buying, evictions, rules that target disabilities
  • Health care – hospitals, clinics, mental health services, rehabilitation
  • Public accommodations – stores, restaurants, hotels, theaters, gyms
  • Government services – city, county, and state agencies

Reasonable Accommodations and Adjustments

Employers, schools, landlords, and service providers in Grand Rapids may be required to make “reasonable accommodations” (or adjustments) so that people with disabilities can:

  • Do their job
  • Attend school or training
  • Access health care
  • Use public services and housing

Examples of reasonable accommodations:

  • Workplace

    • Flexible hours or remote work (helpful in winter when travel is difficult in West Michigan)
    • Modified duties or equipment (ergonomic chairs, screen readers, speech-to-text software)
    • Extra breaks for medical needs

  • School

    • Extra time on tests or assignments
    • Note-taking assistance or interpreters
    • Accessible classrooms and transportation

  • Health care

    • Sign language interpreters at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Longer appointment times for complex needs
    • Accessible exam tables and medical equipment

  • Housing

    • Allowing a service animal or emotional support animal
    • Installing grab bars, ramps, or visual doorbells
    • Assigning an accessible parking spot

If a requested change is reasonable and does not cause “undue hardship” to the organization, they are usually required by law to provide it.

Local Context: Disability, Health, and Seasons in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, comes with specific health and accessibility considerations:

  • Cold, snowy winters can affect mobility, increase fall risk, and worsen conditions like arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
  • Icy sidewalks and roads can make it harder for people using wheelchairs, walkers, or canes to get around safely.
  • Poor air quality days and seasonal allergens can impact people with respiratory or cardiac disabilities.

You have the right to ask for accommodations related to these local conditions, such as:

  • Work-from-home options during severe winter storms
  • Accessible transportation to medical appointments
  • Snow and ice removal in housing complexes and public walkways

Local resources that can help include:

  • The Rapid (Grand Rapids public transit) – paratransit and accessible buses
  • Kent County Health Department – community health and disability-related programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Schools – special education and 504 plans for students with disabilities

What to Do If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated

If you feel your disability rights or human rights have been violated, you can:

  1. Raise the issue directly

    • Talk to the person, manager, HR department, school administrator, or service provider.
    • Ask to see their complaint or grievance policy.

  2. Make a formal complaint
    Depending on the situation, you may contact:

    • Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)

      • Handles disability discrimination in employment, housing, education, public services, and public accommodations.

    • U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

      • For workplace disability discrimination under the ADA.

    • U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

      • For disability discrimination in schools and colleges.

    • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

      • For housing discrimination complaints.

  3. Seek legal advice or advocacy

    • Legal Aid of Western Michigan (Grand Rapids office) – free or low-cost legal help for eligible residents.
    • Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS) – statewide advocacy for people with disabilities.
    • Disability Rights organizations – can provide information, referrals, and sometimes representation.

  4. Keep records

    • Save emails, letters, texts, and notes from conversations.
    • Write down dates, times, names, and what happened.
    • This can help if you file a formal complaint or legal case.

Local and Statewide Resources for Disability Rights in Grand Rapids

Below are key types of resources that serve people with disabilities in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. (Phone numbers and websites may change; check current contact details online.)

  • Legal Aid of Western Michigan – Grand Rapids

    • Free or low-cost legal help for eligible low-income residents.
    • Handles issues such as housing, benefits, discrimination, and family law.

  • Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service (MPAS)

    • Independent nonprofit focused on disability rights.
    • Helps with special education, abuse and neglect, access to services, and discrimination.

  • Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)

    • Investigates complaints of disability discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.

  • Private disability lawyers and legal clinics

    • Some specialize in Social Security Disability (SSD/SSI), employment discrimination, and housing rights.

Health and Disability Support Services in Grand Rapids

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids

    • Hospitals, rehabilitation services, behavioral health, and specialty clinics.
    • Ask about disability accommodations, communication aids, and accessible facilities.

  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids

    • Hospital and outpatient services with patient rights and disability accommodation policies.

  • University of Michigan Health-West (Metro Health)

    • Offers primary and specialty care with ADA-compliant services.

  • Mercy Health-affiliated clinics and practices

    • Provide primary care, specialty care, and rehabilitation.

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • Vaccinations, chronic disease management, maternal and child health programs, and resources for people with disabilities.

Steps to Protect Your Rights in Grand Rapids

If you think you are being discriminated against or your disability rights are not respected:

  1. Ask for an explanation

    • Calmly ask why a decision was made or why a service was denied.
    • Request the reason in writing if possible.

  2. Request a reasonable accommodation in writing

    • Clearly describe what you need and how it will help you do your job, attend school, or access services.

  3. Use internal complaint processes

    • Most hospitals, clinics, schools, and employers in Grand Rapids (including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, and large local employers) must have clear complaint procedures.
    • Ask for the patient advocate, human resources, or compliance office.

  4. Contact an external agency

    • If the issue is not resolved, consider contacting MDCR, EEOC, HUD, OCR, or a legal aid organization.

  5. Get support

    • You do not have to do this alone. An advocate, family member, or friend can help you make calls, attend meetings, or write letters.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you or someone you know with a disability in Grand Rapids is in immediate danger or experiencing abuse, neglect, or serious harm:

  • Call 911 for urgent police, fire, or medical assistance.
  • For non-emergency concerns about abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult, contact Adult Protective Services through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Living With a Disability in Grand Rapids: You Have Rights

Whether you are dealing with mobility challenges in winter, managing a chronic health condition common in Michigan, or navigating school, work, or housing with a disability, you are protected by strong state and federal laws.

In Grand Rapids, MI, you have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect and dignity
  • Access quality health care and disability services
  • Request reasonable accommodations at work, school, and in public places
  • Live safely in your home or residential setting
  • Make complaints and have them taken seriously

If you believe your rights have been violated, reach out to local resources, legal services, and advocacy organizations. Help is available, and you do not have to face discrimination or rights violations alone.