Abilities Alliance
Abilities Alliance is a coalition of disability service organizations that strive to provide the most effective services for people of all abilities in the Livingston County community.
People with disabilities have abilities and talents like everyone else. The Abilities Alliance aims to increase understanding, reduce stigma, and provide opportunities for people of all abilities. We provide collaborative opportunities for youth and adults and address the many challenges that may exist in our community.
Our primary goal is to ensure individuals are first seen with abilities and are given similar opportunities to be active in Livingston County. There are many great things happening in our community already, but this workgroup seeks to organize more opportunities in areas like housing, transportation, employment, recreational, family support, and fun.
Goal
To ensure individuals are first seen with abilities and are given similar opportunities to be active in our community.
Abilities Alliance Objectives
Identify gaps and needs that interfere with people with disabilities accessing and being included in our community and increasing community recognition of gaps and needs.
Educate the community, through providing/sharing information about opportunities/events that mindfully include all.
Recognize community partners who demonstrate the value of people of all abilities.
Maintain a robust membership that represents the diversity of our community.
Abilities Alliance Seeks Community Input
The Livingston County Abilities Alliance Workgroup of the Human Services Collaborative Body is asking Livingston County residents with disabilities to complete a short Needs Survey to help identify gaps and better understand the needs of community members. Input from community members who have disabilities provides critical information to help develop an action plan and to create new opportunities for people of all abilities.
This bi-annual survey is confidential and anonymous. Sharing the Abilities Alliance Needs Survey helps ensure that data is accurate, representative, and useful for guiding the Abilities Alliance Workgroup in setting goals and objectives to support individuals of all abilities.
Who Should Take the Needs Survey?
The survey is open to any Livingston County community member with a disability, aged 0-100, is encouraged to participate! Caregivers, support persons, parents and providers of individuals with disabilities are welcome to assist in completing the survey to represent their perspectives.
How Can the Survey be Accessed?
- Online, by scanning a QR code or visiting https://milivcounty.gov/hscb/abilities-alliance/
- Over the phone, by calling 517-586-2039
- Email Grace Dennis at gdennis@cmhliv.org for a paper copy
The Needs Survey will be open until Friday, October 30, 2026.
Abilities Alliance Announces Presents Annual Community Partner Award
The Abilities Alliance is proud to recognize Chem Trend and Howell Recreation for their outstanding commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for people of all abilities. Their dedication to accessibility, respect, and opportunity sets a powerful example for the business community.
The Abilities Alliance Recognizing Community Partner Awards were established to recognize community partners whose primary mission is not disability services, yet who made intentional choices to learn, grow, and take action to create more inclusive and accessible environments. These awards are intended to encourage and inspire broader community participation in advancing accessibility and belonging.
2025 – 2026 Nominees: American Legion 141, Chem Trend, Great Start Livingston, Howell Elks Lodge, Howell Recreation, LACASA, Noble Dog Shoppe & Spa, North Star, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Torch 180.
About the Award Recipients
Both businesses have gone above and beyond to ensure that individuals of all abilities feel valued and supported. Chem Trend has received the Training/Awareness Award and Howell Parks and Recreation has received the Environmental Accessibility Award.
Chem Trend has been recognized for its proactive investment in disability inclusion training for employees across its Howell locations. By seeking external education and expertise, Chem Trend demonstrated a commitment to building awareness, understanding workplace accommodations, and fostering a culture where employees feel supported, respected, and valued.
Howell Recreation has been recognized for its efforts to expand inclusive access to public recreational environments. Through community partnerships, inclusive programming, and staff training, the department has created meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in shared recreational experiences, reinforcing that community spaces are strongest when everyone is welcome.
