Michigan Rehabilitation Services targets employment for 1300000 individuals with disabilities

The Appropriations - Labor and Economic Opportunity meeting held on April 30, 2025, focused on the critical role of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) in supporting individuals with disabilities and enhancing workforce participation. The meeting highlighted the significant statistics regarding individuals with disabilities in Michigan, noting that approximately 1.3 million residents, or one in five, are affected. This demographic faces an unemployment rate of 15%, nearly three times higher than the state average of 5.5%.

The discussion emphasized the importance of tailored services provided by MRS, which include career assessments, job search assistance, and training programs aimed at overcoming barriers to employment. The services are designed for both adults and students aged 14 to 26, with a particular focus on pre-employment transition services (Pre ETS) for students. These services aim to foster self-advocacy, job exploration, and readiness for post-secondary education.

MRS reported that last year, they served nearly 33,000 individuals with disabilities, helping them earn industry-recognized credentials and connect with employment opportunities. The agency has collaborated with approximately 6,800 businesses to promote the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, addressing misconceptions and providing guidance on reasonable accommodations.

Looking ahead, the meeting addressed the governor's executive recommendations for fiscal year 2026, which include increased funding for pre-employment transition services. This funding is expected to expand MRS's reach by 25%, allowing them to serve an additional 8,000 individuals and improve credential attainment and full-time employment rates by 10%.

A success story shared during the meeting illustrated the impact of MRS services. Riley Strouch, a young man from Clinton Township, benefited from pre-employment services that helped him secure a full-time job, enhancing his financial independence and mobility.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued investment in MRS programs, emphasizing the potential to draw down significant federal matching funds, thereby maximizing the impact of state resources on improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities in Michigan.