Michigan Disability Resources and Advocacy Organizations
Scroll down for links to government agencies and disability rights organizations in Michigan. They may be able assist you with:
- disability advocacy
- home health services
- home care
- nursing aide services
- Medicaid
- accessing other community resources to help people with disabilities.
Many of these organizations work to address the unique needs associated with different disabilities, including but not limited to physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities, and mental illness. Others focus on issues such as access to housing and legal assistance based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
If you live in Michigan and are a person with a disability, learning about state-specific resources to support people with disabilities can help you advocate for yourself. If you are a friend, family member, or caregiver of a person with disabilities in Michigan, these resources can help you in supporting your loved one.
Note: this website attempts to use people first language and thus uses the term "person with a disability" rather than disabled or handicapped.
We hope you will check out the rest of OlmsteadRights.org to learn about critical rights of people with disabilities.
Protection & Advocacy Organization
The Michigan state disability protection and advocacy (P&A) agency is the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS). The MPAS is part of the nation's federally-funded P&A system. It provides help to people with disabilities in Michigan to expand and defend their rights, including supporting self-advocacy groups and legal assistance. The MPAS is part of the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).
Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC)
ADRCs are the main points of access for long-term supports and services for older adults and people with disabilities, including home health care and assistive technology.
Legal Services Organizations
These organizations provide free legal assistance for low-income individuals, including help with accessing Social Security and Medicaid benefits.
- Michigan PLP, LLC
- Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc.
- Legal Aid of Western Michigan
- Michigan Legal Help
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
- Legal Services of Northern Michigan
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan
- Michigan Indian Legal Services
- Michigan Advocacy Program (MAP)
- Farmworker Legal Services of Michigan
Other Disability Advocacy Organizations
These organizations protect and advocate for the civil and human rights of people with disabilities.
- Disability Network Michigan
- Michigan Disability Rights Coalition
- The Arc Michigan
- Michigan Department of Civil Rights
State Medicaid Agency
Learn about and apply for Medicaid services in Michigan.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- MI Bridges (apply for Medicaid)
- Medicaid.gov Michigan page
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)
The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) helps remove barriers to independent living for people with disabilities and works to increase necessary supports and services. It is part of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).
Other State and Non-Profit Agencies
These agencies provide help for people with disabilities and their families and caregivers. Disability services are often free or low-cost.
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
- Healthy Michigan Plan
- Michigan Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Michigan Disability Resources
- Michigan Rehabilitation Services
- Assistive Technology of Michigan
- Alternative Services Inc. of Michigan
- Third Level
- Michigan Career and Technical Institute
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Free assistance with transitioning from a nursing facility or institutional care to the community.
Crisis Services
Crisis intervention and counseling for people who are in need of immediate help or need someone to talk to. If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional distress, these agencies are ready to offer free and confidential help. Common concerns include but are not limited to mental illness, suicide, intellectual or developmental disability, physical disability, substance abuse, grief, sexual assault, and family violence.
- Common Ground
- CMHA-CEI Crisis Services Department
- Third Level Crisis Services
- The Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center
- Michigan Suicide Hotlines
- University of Michigan-Dearborn Crisis Centers & Hotlines
- Crisis Center - Covenant House Michigan
- Michigan Domestic Violence Resources
Services for Senior Citizens
Free or low-cost resources and disability services for senior citizens and their loved ones to promote successful community living.
- Aging & Adult Services Agency - Department of Health and Human Services
- Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan
- Michigan Association of Senior Centers
- MI Choice Waiver Program
- HUD Housing Resources for Seniors
Regional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center
Provides information, training, and guidance on disability access and Michigan disability services. One of 10 regional centers in the ADA National Network.
Developmental Disabilities Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with developmental disabilities. They advocate for community inclusion and access to Michigan disability services.
- Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
- Habilitation Supports Waiver
- Developmental Disabilities Institute - Wayne State University
- The Arc Michigan
- Michigan Disability Resources
Mental Health Services
These agencies address the specific needs of people with mental illness and promote mental health. Some agencies offer free or low-cost group counseling and education programs.
- Michigan Community Mental Health Services Programs
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan
- Mental Health Association in Michigan (MHAM)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham (CMHA-CEI)
- Macomb County Community Mental Health
Physical Disabilities Services
Free or low-cost Michigan disability services for people of all ages, including physical therapy, access to employment and education, support for independent living, and assistive technology.
- Michigan Rehabilitation Services
- Assistive Technology of Michigan
- Michigan Disability Resources
- Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
- Michigan Career and Technical Institute
Traumatic Brain Injury Services
Information and resources for individuals with traumatic brain injuries and their loved ones.
- Brain Injury Association of Michigan
- Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury Online Training
- Michigan Disability Resources
- Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan
Addiction and Substance Abuse Services
Information and resources for people with substance abuse and their loved ones.
- Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care
- Substance Use, Problem Gambling, or Mental Health Treatment by County
- Michigan Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Low-Income Housing Services
Information and tools for locating affordable housing and access to public housing.
- Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)
- Michigan Housing Locator
- Community Housing Network (CHN)
- Michigan Low Income Housing
- Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Rental Help
- Rental Housing in Michigan - Affordable Housing Online
- Michigan Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
- Michigan Housing Council