Understanding Disabilities
We can help.

Bergmann Program Services are designed to help adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) reach their personal life goals through Education, Employment, Engagement, and Integration into the community.

Our programs are delivered with compassion and are always based on each individual’s Person Centered Plan of Service. With Bergmann’s deep understanding of the challenges faced by differently-abled adults, we assist individuals and their families in identifying the services that best meet their needs.

Disability Resources

Understanding Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) are lifelong conditions that may affect an individual’s physical, intellectual, and/or emotional development. These disabilities can impact multiple areas of daily life, including communication, mobility, and adaptive functioning. Examples include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome.

An Intellectual Disability refers specifically to challenges with cognitive functioning and adaptive skills such as managing money, following routines, or navigating social interactions. These conditions originate before age 18 and may result from genetic factors, complications during pregnancy or birth, or illness or injury.

With ongoing supports and interventions, adults with IDD can achieve meaningful independence, participate fully in their communities, and pursue personal goals. At Bergmann Center, we focus on building skills, confidence, and opportunities that empower individuals to thrive.

Living with a Disability

Living with a disability impacts not only the individual but also their family and support network. Meeting complex needs can bring emotional, financial, and physical challenges. Supports such as respite care, skills training, and employment opportunities help maintain family well‑being and provide individuals with pathways to independence.

Transition to Independence

For adults with IDD, transitioning from family‑directed care to a more independent life can be complex. This process often involves:

Developing vocational and daily living skills
Exploring education, training, or employment opportunities
Building social connections and community participation
Planning for ongoing healthcare needs with adult providers

Bergmann Center programs are designed to support this transition by offering structured opportunities for skill development, employment, and community engagement. Our goal is to ensure that every adult we serve has the tools, supports, and confidence to live as independently and inclusively as possible.

Available Bergmann Program Services

Community Living Supports both in facility and in the community
Vocational and Pre-Vocational Training
Skill Building
Transportation to services
Assistance with understanding Medicaid benefits

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH IN MICHIGAN ...

Michigan’s mental health system has evolved from institutionalization to community-based, person-centered care—mirroring national trends while carving out its own legacy of reform and innovation. Early 20th Century: Institutionalization and Eugenics •Like much of the U.S., Michigan’s early mental health system was rooted in large state-run institutions. •The eugenics movement influenced public policy, often leading to the segregation and mistreatment of individuals with disabilities. Mid-20th Century: Reform and the Birth of Community Mental Health •In 1963, Michigan passed Public Act 54, enabling counties to establish Community Mental Health (CMH) boards—a major step toward deinstitutionalization. •In 1965, the Bergmann Center was founded as part of this shift, offering community-based services in Charlevoix County. 1970s–1990s: Rights, Inclusion, and Federal Legislation •The Michigan Mental Health Code (1974) established recipient rights, guardianship procedures, and the structure of CMHSPs. •Federal laws like the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (1975) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) reinforced access, inclusion, and individualized planning. •Person-Centered Planning emerged as a guiding philosophy, emphasizing individual choice and dignity. 2000s–Present: Integration, Innovation, and Self-Determination •Michigan expanded Medicaid waivers and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to support individuals in integrated settings. •The state adopted managed care models and carved out behavioral health services under federal waivers. •Today, the system emphasizes inclusive education, self-determination, and technological innovation—themes reflected in Bergmann Center’s Master Class Series. ________________________________________ Sources: Community Mental Health Association of Michigan – System History CHRT – Community Mental Health Landscape Analysis

Understanding Disabilities We can help.

Understanding Disabilities
We can help.