According to U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living will receive a $140,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education to promote recreational activities for people with disabilities.

The project coordinator of the center, Glen Ashlock, said the grant will help in the recreation programs to include people who currently have less opportunities.

“It provides us the chance to work with other recreation providers to help them redesign their programs to be more inclusive,” according to Ashlock in a press release. “Improving access for people with disabilities to participate in their community will help them create social connections that will benefit them and the community.”

The program is said to begin on Oct. 1, and they are expecting to reach more than 500 people with disabilities in Ann Arbor. The program is intended to run for three years, and the grant will be for the first year of the program.

“The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living deserves this federal investment for the important work that they do,” Dingell said. “I have long believed that those with disabilities should have equal opportunities to live and work in their communities and this program helps accomplish that goal.”

Through this grant, Dingell hopes that people with disabilities will discover new opportunities and gain back their confidence in what they can do and at the same time, they will develop the skills that are necessary to become part of the community.

Find Ann Arbor Community in the Directory of Ann Arbor, MI.