In a recent ceremony that spotlighted the contribution of disabled individuals and supportive businesses to the Michigan workforce, the Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) celebrated its 17th annual Champion Awards. Fourteen Michiganders alongside four businesses received accolades for their commitments and achievements within the state's public vocational rehabilitation program. As part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, this event held at the Michigan State Capitol's Heritage Hall aimed to inspire the inclusion of qualified individuals with disabilities in the employment sector.
According to a report from Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity, Stephanie Beckhorn, who heads the Office of Employment and Training at the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), expressed pride in recognizing individuals and businesses honored with Champion Awards. Beckhorn emphasized their role in fostering equal access to quality jobs and opportunities for participation in Michigan's prosperity. Sigrid Adams, the Director of MRS, highlighted vocational rehabilitation's crucial function in enabling people with disabilities to achieve their full potential and find competitive employment.
The accolades were a result of nominations from MRS staff throughout Michigan. Criteria for individuals included success post-completion of the MRS program, academic excellence, work skills development, and leadership. The honors also focused on community involvement and serving as sources of inspiration for others. Among those celebrated were Kathleen McLogan of Spring Arbor and Donald Hall of Detroit, along with 12 other remarkable persons who have demonstrated exceptional vocational rehabilitation journeys.
Businesses also had their moment in the spotlight. To be considered for an MRS Champion Award, they must have not only offered employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities but also must have made reasonable accommodations and served as exemplary models in the employment of such individuals. Two small businesses, Family Farm and Home in Big Rapids, and Grand Rapids Building Services in Grand Rapids, along with two larger entities, Milestone Senior Services and Over the Rainbow Zootopia, were distinguished for their contributions. "We want to make sure that we are impacting not just the people that we serve, but the communities in which we operate," Ben Hall, VP of Human Resources at Grand Rapids Building Services, told Michigan Labor and Economic Opportunity in response to the recognition.
