Newswise — ANN ARBOR, MI – The University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are calling for applications from safety net organizations within Michigan.
Organizations interested in enhancing healthcare access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities from low-income and traditionally underserved communities are encouraged to apply to receive a grant of up to $5,000.
Projects that are eligible for funding may include but are not limited to:
- Improving access to healthcare for people with physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental disabilities.
- Creating inclusive wayfinding and accessible route planning to healthcare settings at the community level.
- Training for healthcare providers and staff to improve the quality of care available for people with physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental disabilities.
The grants, supported by the U-M Center for Disability Health and Wellness in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, will support the one-time purchase of equipment, the development of material or educational programming, or support training activities associated with improving accessibility and quality of healthcare to individuals with disabilities.
All projects should demonstrate involvement of local disability representatives and show how the project will have a broad impact on people with disabilities in the identified communities.
“We, in the department of PM&R, are committed to the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities,” said Nitin Jain, M.D., M.S.P.H, the Chair of the University of Michigan Health PM&R department. “We recognize that these types of projects are crucial to making communities inclusive for those with disabilities. That is why we have teamed up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to ensure that these projects are implemented in our communities.”
Tiffany Albert, senior vice president of Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan added, “At Blue Cross, we understand access to high-quality health care improves the lives of people with disabilities, their families and our communities. We are thrilled to partner with the University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness to continually expand access and improve quality.”
This grant program is supported and funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and through a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research through the Advancing Health Equity among Adults with Disabilities from Diverse Communities Rehabilitation Research and Training Center NIDILRR (#90RTHF0005).
To apply for the grant, visit the. Applications are due on March 1, 2025. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
About University of Michigan Center for Disability Health & Wellness
The University of Michigan Center for Disability Health and Wellness was developed in response to the passion and commitment of faculty and staff in numerous interdisciplinary collaborations across the University of Michigan, who are working to enhance health care access and quality for individuals with disabilities throughout their lifespan. In partnership with the disability community, in Michigan and the US, we develop and apply innovative research, clinical, and educational strategies to address inequities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes experienced by individuals with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. For more information, visit .
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit mutual insurance company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSM provides health benefits to more than 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to employees of Michigan-headquartered companies residing outside the state. The company has been committed to delivering affordable health care products through a broad variety of plans for businesses, individuals and seniors for over 80 years. Beyond health care coverage, BCBSM supports impactful community initiatives and provides leadership in improving health care. For more information, visit and .
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