Opening Doors to Inclusion

Our mission is to to empower people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life.

Become a Member

We are Seeking New Board Directors

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)?

We are in the process of expanding our board, and seeking dedicated individuals with experience or professional skill on one or more of a variety of specialty niches, to help support our mission.

Learn More & Apply

Shop to Support ACA

Wear our mission on your sleeve, literally. Choose from a selection of high quality ACA-branded items available for purchase, with 10-20% of purchase going to directly to support ACA’s mission!

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Providing Guidance and Advocacy Services

Our mission is to to empower people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life.

About ACA

Disability Rights are Human Rights

Our mission is to to empower people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life.

Our Advocacy

Empowering People with Intellectual Disability

Our mission is to to empower people with intellectual & developmental disabilities to participate fully in community life.

Support the ACA

Resources

View Education Content Video Library (ACA Members Only)

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Education

Contact and resource information.

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Government

Numerous resources and institutions to help adults navigate daily life.

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Advocacy

Organizations fighting for equality and access for persons with disability.

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Transportation

Local transportation authorities and service organizations.

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Savings, Income & Finance

Professional services and low-income solutions dedicated to helping persons with diability.

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Community Resources

Local institutions dedicated to offering help.

Upcoming Events

WACA Dinner & Learn in Partnership with Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston

October 6, 2026 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at Washtenaw DNWML by Anna Dusbiber | Community Building, Educational

Disability Network Washtenaw-Monroe-Livingston is partnering with Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA) and Maple Law Group ...

View & Register

3rd Annual Lions Watch Party!

November 1, 2026 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Zal Gaz Grotto by ACA Development Committee | Community Building, Fundraising

Back by popular demand! Join us for the 3rd annual ACA Lion’s watch party! All supporters, members, and friends of ACA are welcome. Please...

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Annual Member’s Meeting

November 18, 2026 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Retirement Income Solutions by ACA Board of Directors | Member Meetings

Save the date! ACA’s annual membership meeting will be happening on Wednesday, November 18, from 6:30-8pm, at Retirement Income Soluti...

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Cards, Community, and a Cause: Recapping Our February Euchre Tournament

Nearly a month has passed since our February 15th Euchre Tournament at Zal Gaz Grotto, and we're still smiling. For many, that afternoon was a first introduction to Washtenaw ACA — and what a way to meet us. As a nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with...

Upcoming Webinar: 2026 Waskul Case Update & Budgeting for Self-Directed Supports

Understanding how disability services are funded — and how to make those funds work in real life — can feel overwhelming. That’s why Washtenaw ACA is pleased to invite our members and community partners to an important upcoming educational webinar focused on the...

Join ACA for a Community Euchre Tournament on February 15! RSVP Requested

Join us for an afternoon of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit at our Fundraising for Inclusion Euchre Tournament! Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or just in it for the fun, every hand you play helps support Washtenaw ACA’s mission of...

Family Support Subsidy: What It Means for Michigan Families in 2026

The Family Support Subsidy (FSS) remains one of the most practical and impactful supports available to families caring for a child with significant developmental disabilities. The purpose of the Family Support Subsidy is simple but powerful: to help families keep...

Connecting Mission and Mentorship: Welcoming Our 2025–26 Board Fellows

On October 3, members of Washtenaw ACA joined dozens of local nonprofits and University of Michigan graduate students at the Ross School of Business for the Golub Capital Nonprofit Board Fellows Orientation—a kickoff for this year’s fellowship program hosted by...

Washtenaw ACA Featured on WEMU’s Washtenaw United

Washtenaw ACA President & CEO Kristen Columbus was recently featured on WEMU’s Washtenaw United program, where she spoke about both the opportunities and the threats facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Washtenaw County. In the...

[Passed] Join Us for ACA’s Second Annual Detroit Lions Community Watch Party & Fundraiser

We're at it again! ACA is throwing our second annual Detroit Lion's community watch party! Join us at Zal Gaz Grotto on September 28 when the Lions take on the Cleveland Browns at 1pm on Fox. Our party starts at 12:30pm and you can join us FREE, as long as you...

Self-Determination Services Helped Make My College Dream Possible

Hello, my name is Autumn Persinger and I am a disabled student at Eastern Michigan University studying Social Work. As someone who is extremely passionate about social justice and disability advocacy, I am a volunteer with the Washtenaw Association for Community...

[Closed] JOB POST for Education Advocate, Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA)

UPDATE - this position has been filled and is no longer available. TITLE: Education Advocate, Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA) REPORTS TO: President/CEO EMPLOYMENT STATUS CLASSIFICATION: Part-time, 20 hours/week COMPENSATION: $20-25/hour Position...

ACA is Seeking New Board Directors

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD)? The Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA) is seeking dedicated individuals to join our board of directors and support our mission...

About WACA

The Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (ACA) was one of the first organizations in Michigan to advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families.

In 1949, a group of parents organized to seek equal education rights for their children with disabilities. They believed, as we do today, that each person, regardless of their disability, deserves access to authentic power and control over their life.

Learn More

hours

M-Th: 9am – 4:30pm
Fri by Appointment

address

1100 North Main Street
Suite 205
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Email

info@washtenawaca.org

Phone

(734) 662-1256

Updates

ADVOCACY FLASHBACK: July 2015

Jul 1, 2025 | News & Advocacy

In cleaning up the site for updates, we found an one describing some of our work from 10 years ago, where former ACA President/CEO Kathy Homan shared public comment to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners. Rather than bury it, we decided to re-post it here. ACA...

A Message From Washtenaw ACA’s Incoming Chair

Jan 9, 2025 | News & Advocacy

Washtenaw Community Leaders, Neighbors, Staff and Friends of ACA: It’s with deep gratitude that I embrace the honor of serving Washtenaw ACA as Chair of the Board of Directors for this coming term. My charge in this role is to support all ACA staff and volunteer...

[EVENT PASSED – 2024] Join ACA for a 75th Anniversary Detroit Lions Watch Party Fundraiser on November 17

Oct 30, 2024 | Event Happenings

Please join us Sunday, November 17 in support of local disability advocacy and of the Detroit Lions - and to celebrate 75 years of ACA!!! DETROIT LIONS WATCH PARTY FUNDRAISER FOR ACA'S 75TH ANNIVERSARY Sunday, November 17 - 1-4pm Includes a Cash Bar, Food, Games, and...

Washtenaw ACA Board of Directors Interest Form

Aug 1, 2024 | News & Advocacy

How ACA Helped Open Doors for Erin and John

Jun 20, 2024 | News & Advocacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksZ4RGOxraY ACA Member-Advocates Erin McMahon and John Burnett have managed to pull off something rarer than getting struck by lightning, twice: They've managed to get married as adults living with developmental disability. In this...

Celebrating a Year of Impact with UM Ross School of Business Board Fellows

Apr 27, 2024 | Event Happenings

Since Fall of 2023, Washtenaw ACA has proudly participated in the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business Board Fellows Program. The program came to a close this month with an End-of-Year Celebration event, and two of our Members, Board Chair Sandee Koski and...

Community Stakeholder Meetings – Your Chance to Communicate Your Community’s Disability Needs

Jun 15, 2023 | Event Happenings, News & Advocacy

Washtenaw ACA is thrilled to invite you to our upcoming series of community stakeholder meetings focused on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Washtenaw County to participate fully in community life. These meetings aim to...

Check Out ACA’s New Website!

May 19, 2022 | News & Advocacy

UPDATE: As of 7/1/2022 - we are LIVE. Please browse around to learn more about us, find community resources, follow our timely updates, and consider making a donation. (from May 19, 2022) We've got some ways to go still, but are excited for how this look will help us...