Our Programs
Programs for Individuals with Disabilities
Programs for Seniors
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.
Caring Staff
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.
$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
Bella Leon Flann's Path to Leadership: From Student to Supervisor
Bella Flan transitioned from a student at Western Michigan University to a full-time staff member, driven by her passion for healthcare and the relationships she built. Her academic background in Healthcare Services and Sciences informed her approach to caregiving.
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.
2023-24 Annual Report and Performance Report
The 2023-24 Annual and Performance Reports are ready to view.
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!
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.
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.
Participants volunteer at Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes
One of the many volunteer placements that CDS Skill Building participants provide community service is Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes.
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.
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.
Meet our Student Staff
Frederick
Abby
Lauren
Our 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.
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.
