Last week the 2018 Michigan Rehabilitation Services Champions Award ceremony recognized champions of disability employment. Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed October to be Investing in Abilities Month in an effort to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities while focusing on their abilities and increasing the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of Michigan workers with disabilities.
Those honored are Michiganders with disabilities who have utilized Michigan's vocational rehabilitation programs to obtain work, and employers and other partners who are committed to employing and empowering people with disabilities. A former Michigan Career and Technical Institute student from Allegan County who works as a welder and an Adrian man who earned a cyber security degree were among the honorees. The Michigan Rehabilitation Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the governor-appointed Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services are hosted the 10th annual event.
Customers (including youth) who are motivated and committed to finding and keeping jobs:
– Keegan Linton, Plainwell, who is a welder at Schupan & Sons in Kalamazoo. Linton studied machine technology at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, an MRS school in Barry County for adults with disabilities to explore job training in specialized fields.
– David Mayne, Adrian, a single father of four who became disabled in 2013 and later attended Jackson College, receiving associate degrees in cyber security and general studies and a networking specialist certificate.
Business partners from large businesses that are working in innovative ways with MRS and its customers:
– Walgreens – Southfield and Flint.
S. Forest Service Ottawa National Forest – Ironwood.
Business partners from small businesses that are working in innovative ways with MRS and its customers:
– Right Brain Brewery – Traverse City.
Morley – Saginaw.
Community partners who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures:
– Lakestate Industries – Escanaba.
– Sickle Cell Disease Association – Detroit.
Statewide Community Partners who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures:
– Joe Quick – Michigan Works!, Lansing.
To find more information about MRS or the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, visit michigan.gov/MRS or michigan.gov/MCTI.
