Disability Network Northern Michigan

What Disability Network Northern Michigan does

Disability Network Northern Michigan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living founded in 2002 and headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, that delivers disability services to individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and the broader community across 17 Northern Michigan counties (Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Wexford). The organization is led by Executive Director Alanna Lahey, governed by a board of up to 15 members with at least 51% persons with disabilities, and operates with a small 1–10 person staff and an annual operational budget of over $800,000. Its mission is to promote personal empowerment and positive social change for persons with disabilities.

The organization's service portfolio is organized around five core services — Information and Assistance, Individual and Systems Advocacy, Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, and Transition services — supplemented by specialized programs including Employment Services (accredited Ticket to Work Employment Network through American Dream Employment Network), Family Supports and Parent Network, LIFE youth programs delivered via five intermediate school district partnerships, Options Counseling, Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (affiliated with the Area Agency on Aging), Disability Decorum awareness training, Michigan for Everyone (built environment, workforce, and tourism accessibility consulting), Recreation Pulse accessible recreation, Emergency Preparedness using the Smart911 platform, and the Local Interpreter Services Network (LIS'N). Core technology is standard nonprofit service-delivery infrastructure (phone, email, online portals, Zoom-based peer groups) with a Section 508-compliant website built and maintained by Vivero Industries; the organization holds no patents, proprietary software, or AI/ML capabilities.

Revenue is generated through individual donations processed via the Network for Good donation portal, government and foundation grants supporting its 501(c)(3) programs, volunteer labor, and board member contributions. All core beneficiary services are provided free of charge; only Disability Decorum training is offered under custom pricing to agencies and businesses. The go-to-market model is community-led, relying on direct outreach, partnerships with school districts, Northwest Michigan Works, state agencies (MEDC, Michigan DNR), healthcare providers, and a Facebook/email newsletter presence to reach its regional audience.

Name

Disability Network Northern Michigan

Legal name

Disability Network Northern Michigan

Website

https://disabilitynetwork.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Disability Network Northern Michigan is a 501(c)(3) Center for Independent Living in Traverse City, MI, providing free advocacy, independent living, peer support, employment, youth transition, and family support services to individuals with disabilities across 17 Northern Michigan counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services & Independent Living Support

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), College Readiness & Disability Services Transition Support (EDAKANAB), Benefits Counseling & Financial Literacy for Transition-Age Youth (EDAKANAJ)

Keywords

• Disability advocacy services
• Independent living support
• Peer mentoring programs
• Employment support services
• Community disability resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Traverse City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization relies on donations from individuals who are inspired to support the mission. The website includes a donation portal through Network for Good. Donations are described as investments in youth, families, veterans, and seniors facing challenges.
2. Volunteer Services: Volunteers provide community assistance including moving assistance, lawn care, snow removal, and office support. Board members are expected to make annual financial contributions.
3. Government/Foundation Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operational budget of over $800,000, the organization likely receives funding through government grants and foundation support for its various programs including employment services, youth programs, and independent living services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Disability Network Northern Michigan is a Center for Independent Living that provides free core services (information and assistance, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, and youth transition services) to individuals with disabilities across 17 Northern Michigan counties. The organization complements these core services with specialized programs including Employment Services (Ticket to Work), Family Supports, Options Counseling, Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance, Recreation Pulse, Emergency Preparedness, Disability Decorum training, and the LIFE youth program.

Product overview

Disability Network Northern Michigan is a nonprofit service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of disability services and programs across 17 counties in Northern Michigan. The organization operates as a unified service provider rather than a software platform, combining Core Services (information and assistance, advocacy, independent living skills, peer support, and transition) with multiple specialized Programs including Opportunities for All (ADA/universal design), Michigan for Everyone (built environment, workforce, tourism), Employment Services (Social Security benefits counseling, Ticket to Work), Family Supports (Parent Network), LIFE (youth programs), Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance, Options Counseling, Disability Decorum (training), Recreation Pulse (recreation resources), Emergency Preparedness, Peer Support Services (SPIRIT Club, various groups), and Local Interpreter Services Network (LIS'N). These programs work together to promote personal empowerment and positive social change for persons with disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Core Services (Information & Assistance, Advocacy, Independent Living Skills, Peer Support, Transition) Foundational services delivered via phone, email, and online channels, including information and assistance, individual and systems advocacy, independent living skills training, peer support, and transition services for youth with disabilities. Available free of charge to community members across 17 Northern Michigan counties.
• Community Resources First-stop resource hub providing information, support for independent living plans, advocacy, goal setting, and connections to resources for housing, life planning, transportation, education, employment, health care, rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities.
• Employment Services (Ticket to Work) Accredited Employment Network providing Social Security Benefits Counseling, Information and Referral, and Ticket to Work program services to help SSDI/SSI recipients ages 18-64 return to work while maintaining benefits, including career counseling, job search support, long-term employment support, and benefits counseling.
• Family Supports Program guiding families of youth and adults with disabilities to available supports, including resources for independent living skills, self-determination, financial wellness planning, community living, and guardianship alternatives, with a Parent Network workshop series for peer support and skill-building.
• LIFE (Learning Independence From Experience) Youth and school-based program teaching independent living skills, employment skills, post-secondary options exploration, and self-advocacy through partnerships with multiple intermediate school districts, including 4- or 8-week community-based intensives in Traverse City, Cadillac, Kalkaska, Petoskey, East Jordan, Manistee, and Alpena.
• Peer Support Services Service connecting individuals with disabilities through peer mentors who provide role modeling and shared experiences. Includes SPIRIT Club, Men's Group, Women's Group, Book and Movie Clubs, Empowered Gaming Group, Independent Living Skills Group, and specialized activities, available in-person and virtually via Zoom.
• Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) Complimentary health and benefit counseling affiliated with the Area Agency on Aging, assisting with Medicare Part D Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, plan reviews, and application assistance for Medicare/Medicaid recipients.
• Options Counseling Complimentary Long-Term Support Service options counseling helping individuals and families examine care plans based on medical requirements, personal values, budget considerations, and housing needs, with assistance in care planning and service provider connections.
• Disability Decorum Training Awareness training program helping agencies and businesses create welcoming environments for employees and consumers with disabilities, ensuring equitable experiences. Includes Disability Decorum for Youth, a live interactive presentation for early exposure to disability and inclusion. Custom pricing available.
• Recreation Pulse Recreational resource hub connecting individuals with disabilities to free community events and accessible recreation opportunities across Northern Michigan, including parks, trails, adaptive sports, art activities, peer support groups, and track chair reservations at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
• Emergency Preparedness Service helping individuals with disabilities prepare for emergencies through personal emergency preparedness plans and Smart911 profile creation, ensuring first responders have access to critical information during disasters.
• Opportunities for All (ADA Compliance & Universal Design) Community-driven initiative providing technical assistance for ADA compliance and universal design principles, with an Action Team working to create welcoming public spaces including parks, beaches, and trails.
• Michigan for Everyone (Built Environment, Workforce Integration & Tourism Consultation) Consultation and support service covering the Built Environment (site reviews, design consultation, letters of support), Workforce Integration (service animals, accommodations, inclusive hiring), and Michigan Tourism & Travel (community building, marketing, placemaking).
• Local Interpreter Services Network (LIS'N) Interpreter services network providing state and nationally certified interpreters with medical, mental health, and educational endorsements for Deaf community members, coordinated through Grand Traverse Industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successfully offered community-based LIFE programs in multiple communities including Traverse City, Cadillac, Kalkaska, Petoskey, East Jordan, Manistee, and Alpena
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Pure MI-MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to increase Michigan tourism by making the state a leader in creating opportunities for all. Collaboration includes community building, marketing to broader audiences, and placemaking with inclusive practices.
• Michigan DNR (Department of Natural Resources)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership focused on Michigan tourism and recreation accessibility, working to create inclusive outdoor experiences and opportunities in state parks and natural areas.
• Michigan's Visitor BureausminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with regional visitor bureaus to market Michigan tourism to a broader audience with a focus on inclusive practices.
• Northwest Education ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-based partnership providing youth programs focused on independent living skills, employment skills, post-secondary options, and self-advocacy for students with disabilities.
• Wexford-Missaukee Intermediate School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing school-based LIFE programs for youth with disabilities including soft skills training, self-advocacy, banking and budgeting, and employment preparation.
• Crawford Oscoda Ogemaw Roscommon Intermediate School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-based partnership delivering programs for students with disabilities including vocational options, social intelligence training, and independent living skill development.
• Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing educational programs focused on transition services, employment readiness, and community living skills for students with disabilities.
• Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool-based partnership delivering youth programs including self-advocacy training, job exploration, and mobility/transportation training for students with disabilities.
• American Dream Employment Network (ADEN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in ADEN enables Disability Network to offer full employment network services under the Social Security Ticket to Work program, providing career counseling, job search support, benefits counseling, and financial services to SSDI and SSI recipients.
• Northwest Michigan WorkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral and collaboration partner for employment services, connecting individuals with disabilities to workforce development resources and job placement assistance.
• Friends of Sleeping Bear DunescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Recreation Pulse accessibility resources, including track chair reservations for visitors with limited mobility to hike select trails from Memorial Weekend to mid-October.
• Grand Traverse County Parks and RecreationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner in Recreation Pulse program providing accessible recreational resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Grand Traverse County.
• Local Interpreter Services Network (LIS'N)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram coordinated through Grand Traverse Industries providing state and nationally certified interpreters with medical, mental health, and educational endorsements for Deaf community members.
• Area Agency on AgingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliation with Area Agency on Aging enabling the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program to provide complimentary health and benefit counseling services.
• Northwest Michigan Community Action AgencyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner organization providing community support services that may assist individuals with disabilities in accessing resources and programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Michigan Disability Rights Coalition: Michigan statewide cross-disability advocacy coalition. Overlaps with DNNM's individual and systems advocacy, peer support, and policy work, with broader statewide advocacy reach versus DNNM's 17-county service delivery focus.
• Disability Rights Michigan: Michigan's federally designated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) organization. Overlaps with DNNM's individual and systems advocacy work, though P&As focus on legal advocacy and abuse/neglect investigation versus CIL's broader service portfolio.
• Disability Advocates of Kent County: Michigan-based Center for Independent Living serving Kent County. Direct peer — DNNM staff member Lorna Teng previously worked there as an Independent Living Guide and Employment Specialist, confirming same CIL operating model, ADA advocacy, employment services, and independent living skills training.
• Grand Traverse Industries: Northern Michigan-based disability services organization operating employment, custodial, and interpreter programs. DNNM partners with Grand Traverse Industries to coordinate the LIS'N interpreter network and Board Secretary Coco Stephenson is Grand Traverse Resource Center CEO. Strong functional overlap in employment and community-based services.
• Disability Network of Michigan: Statewide umbrella network of Centers for Independent Living in Michigan. Direct peer — DNNM is one of the CILs in this network, and the homepage explicitly links to dnmichigan.org/cils to find a Disability Network location. Same service model, same funding pathways, same CIL designation.

Broad incumbents

• The Arc: National disability advocacy and services organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable in mission scope (advocacy, employment, family supports, transition services) but operates nationally versus DNNM's 17-county regional scope.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit providing disability and autism services including employment, adult and senior services, and recreation. Board member Sarah Hansen previously led Easterseals Colorado. Overlaps with DNNM's employment, recreation, and family support programs at national scale.
• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit operating employment and vocational rehabilitation programs for people with disabilities and barriers. Direct overlap with DNNM's Ticket to Work employment services and benefits counseling, but Goodwill operates nationally and includes retail-funded training programs.
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services: State agency providing vocational rehabilitation for Michiganders with disabilities. DNNM staff member David Kaggwa previously worked as a Job Coach at Michigan Rehabilitation Services. Overlaps on employment services, transition support, and benefits counseling but functions as the state VR entity rather than a community-based CIL.

Regional players

• Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency: Community action agency serving a 10-county region in Northwest Michigan with overlapping geographic territory. Partner organization with overlapping anti-poverty and community support services for individuals with disabilities, though broader in scope (housing, energy assistance, Head Start).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/disabilitynetworknorthernmichigan
• Xx.com/disnetnm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/disability-network-northern-michigan

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Disability Network Northern Michigan