Lansing, Michigan – October 14, 2015 – Michiganders who work to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and individuals with disabilities were honored today with Michigan Rehabilitation Services Champion Awards.
MRS, a division of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, has collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize these individuals, employers and partner agencies with the seventh annual awards.
Every year, MRS assists more than 7,000 people with disabilities in obtaining competitive jobs and becoming self-sufficient. This is the program’s 95th anniversary in Michigan. The awards recognize employers and individuals who show a commitment to hiring people with disabilities in the state, as well as Michiganders who have used MRS’ resources to be hired.
Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed October as Investing in Abilities Month, encouraging 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.
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley was one of the honorees at today’s ceremony in Lansing for his work to set in place the state’s executive directive on employee hiring to make it easier for people with disabilities to be hired by state government.
Staff from MRS around the state nominated champion candidates. The consistent theme among those nominated is a demonstrated value of hiring and retaining Michiganders with disabilities. For every dollar spent in fiscal year 2014 on public vocational rehabilitation services, $9.32 returns to Michigan’s economy, MRS said.
The 2015 MRS Champion Award recipients are:
Partnership Statewide Award:
- Gov. Brian Calley, Portland
Customers (including youth) who are motivated and committed to find jobs:
- Christopher Blaxton, Lansing
- Ty Cotey, Virginia, a student at MRS’ Michigan Career and Technical Institute in Plainwell, Mich.
Employers that have consistently hired or championed individuals with disabilities based on their abilities:
- E-Fulfillment Services, Traverse City, Merry Hawley, director of human resources
- Jet’s Pizza, Saginaw, John Zachow, regional manager
Employers working in innovative ways with MRS and its customers:
- Division 6 Fabrication and Installation, Warren, Dave Kurtz and Mike Short, co-owners
- Meijer, Inc., Grand Rapids, Rick Keyes, president
Partners demonstrating a strong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures:
- Disability Network Lakeshore, Holland, Todd Whiteman, executive director, and Rick Diamond, director of employment services
- Larry Stemple, special education consultant, Wayne County.
Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services Beacon Award for outstanding leadership contributing to the success of vocational rehabilitation services:
- MRS Marquette District Office staff members
MRS employees who consistently meet or exceed all goals and expectations in providing outstanding service:
- Maureen Webster, MRS Lansing District Office
- Alvin Brewer and Pat Little, MRS Detroit Grand River Office and Detroit Porter Office
Champion awards were engraved by students in the cabinetmaking/millwork program at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute within MDHHS.
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