Michigan Rehabilitation Services Recognizes Work of Clinton Twp. Woman

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) in the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has collaborated with the Michigan Rehabilitation Council to recognize employers, partners, customers and MRS employees who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to Michigan’s public vocational rehabilitation programs.   

“All of this year’s champions are to be commended for their efforts toward opening up workplaces across the state to Michiganders with disabilities -- where they are no longer considered disabled, but are considered valued members of the workforce,” said LARA Director Steven H. Hilfinger.  “It’s just good business to put these qualified, able, and productive workers to work to gain independence and contribute to Michigan’s economy.”

This is the fourth annual Champion Awards and the third consecutive year that MRS has expanded its highly successful award program to recognize not only employers but also partner programs, customers, and employees.  MRS offices around the state nominated champion candidates. The consistent theme from those nominated was demonstration of the “value” of hiring and retaining vocational rehabilitation customers. Michigan Rehabilitation Services reports that for every dollar spent in FY 2011 on public vocational rehabilitation services, $9.99 returns to Michigan’s economy. 

One of the 2012 MRS champions included Clinton Township resident Kellie Boyd, the director of Disability Network Oakland & Macomb. She was awarded as a partner who demonstrated a strong commitment to empower individuals with disabilities to take charge of their futures.

The MRS awards were presented to the champions by the MRS counselors who nominated them.  The awards were engraved by students in the Cabinetmaking/Millwork program at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, a vocational and technical training school operated by Michigan Rehabilitation Services and located in Southwest Michigan. The award presentation and luncheon was held in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.