Lansing, Michigan — At the 14th Annual Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) Champions Awards, six Michigan people with disabilities and seven partner organizations were recognized for demonstrating resilience and enabling employability skills and talents. Each of them brings out the best when it comes to championing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
This virtual event is part of October Disability Employment Awareness Month and is designed to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities.
Located within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), MRS works with the Michigan Commission of Rehabilitation Services to recognize employers, partners and customers.
“We are proud to celebrate and congratulate the tremendously disabled individuals whose determined efforts have led to workforce success, and those who have strengthened and supported Michigan’s public vocational rehabilitation programs,” said LEO Director Susan Corbyn“Vocational rehabilitation plays an important role in helping us close equity gaps and helping people, businesses and communities reach their full potential. The work of Michigan Rehabilitation Services helps ensure that all Michiganders have an equal chance of getting a good job A job, a living wage, and the opportunity to contribute to the future of our state.”
MRS staff from across the state nominated champion candidates in several categories. Awards go to the following winners.
Clients who are active and committed to finding and keeping jobs:
- Ethan Idzior – Auburn
- Mancell Lyttle – Detroit
- Breyana Howell – Detroit
- Earl Dube – Shelby Township
Student clients who are motivated and committed to finding and keeping a job:
- Alex Cortas – Stirling Heights
- Leiah Johncock – Shelbyville
Business partners of large corporations working with MRS and its clients in innovative ways:
- Amphenol Borisch Technologies – Grand Rapids
- DTE Energy – Detroit
Business partners for small businesses working with MRS and its clients in innovative ways:
- A & F Wood – Howell
- Macro Connections – Detroit
Community partners who demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering people with disabilities to take control of their futures:
- Simmons Advantage – West Bloomfield
- Michigan Jobs!Northeast Consortium – Cheboygan
Community partners across the state who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering people with disabilities to take control of their futures:
- MDHHS / Erin Wallace – Oakland County
“What these customers, businesses and partners have achieved over the past year is no small feat,” said the MRS Director Tina Fullerton“Our path to greater diversity in the workplace begins with businesses that are willing to see the benefits of working with individuals of varying abilities. We are proud to partner with each of this year’s winners.”
“Building an inclusive and diverse workforce is a top priority for DTE, and our partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services has made our journey easier,” said Alicia Harris, Manager of Employment Strategy at DTE Energy, one of the winners of the Champion Award. “MRS are not only our ‘go-to’ resource for advice and advice, but they have helped broaden our horizons and provide us with qualified applicants for skilled industry positions we employ for these positions, and we may be interested in individuals who have our own Blind spot disability.”
“Our partnership with Michigan Rehabilitation Services is very special,” he said. Jillian Black, HR Business Partner of Amphenol Borisch Technologies, Champion Award Winner. “Their dedicated team has provided us with the tools, resources and support to give us the confidence to provide an environment for people with disabilities to thrive. As a business, we have always been committed to providing a more inclusive environment, partnering with MRS to help We look at our own practices to continue moving towards the goal of inclusion.”
MRS helps people with disabilities find competitive jobs and become self-sufficient.For more information on Michigan Rehabilitation Services, visit Michigan.gov/MRS.