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This Month's Spotlight: Vocational Rehabilitation
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Did you know 2020 is the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act? The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H. W. Bush. It is one of America’s most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation which prohibits discrimination and ensures individuals with disabilities have the same rights as others.
The ADA has played a significant role in the development of vocational rehabilitation programs that provide employment and training opportunities to persons with disabilities. In Michigan, this connection is especially apparent through the work of Bureau of Services for Blind Persons and Michigan Rehabilitation Services as they ensure barriers are removed to make accommodations to promote an equitable workplace for both individuals and businesses.
To commemorate this important milestone, several state agencies are uniting to highlight services, equipment, events and other offerings available throughout Michigan.
To learn more about the ADA’s 30th Anniversary and upcoming celebratory events, please visit Michigan.gov/ADA30.
There are currently more than 54,000 jobs available in Michigan – find them on Pure Michigan Talent Connect. To create your job seeker profile (it’s free) and search for available jobs, visit MiTalent.org.
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 Celebrating a Century of Success: 100 Years of Vocational Rehabilitation
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Smith-Fess Act by President Woodrow Wilson, creating public vocational rehabilitation services. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is instrumental in helping persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain/advance in their careers.
Michigan’s public VR consists of two agencies: Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) and Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). Both are part of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training. During fiscal year 2019, Michigan VR served more than 49,000 residents with disabilities and nearly 6,000 businesses.
“As VR continues to move into the next 100 years of serving people with disabilities, MRS continues to lead nationally in embracing and operationalizing the ‘dual customer’ concept of serving both the VR participant and businesses using a model of demand-driven employment,” said MRS Director Tina Fullerton.
“BSBP has led the nation in utilizing tools such as The Career Index Plus to align VR participant career goals with in-demand careers,” said BSBP Director Bill Robinson.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, a special video, VR100 Anniversary: A Century of Success, was created. Also, the Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation Services has published an historical timeline that highlights the impact and significance of vocational rehabilitation services.
Please join us in supporting VR’s vital mission and ongoing success – as we look to the next 100 years and beyond!
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Virtual job fairs have become increasingly popular, allowing companies and job seekers to connect in a virtual environment. Are you prepared to take full advantage of these new opportunities?
Michigan Rehabilitation Services has created a video, Virtual Job Fair Overview for Job Seekers, to help explain the benefits these events offer. Lisa Bartley and Lisa Stanley, Business Relations Consultants with MRS' Business Network Division, explain effective approaches for job seekers, including helpful strategies for success at virtual job fairs.
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From its campus in Plainwell, the Michigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI) has provided vocational training for students with disabilities for more than five decades. But in recent years, MCTI has used its vocational training expertise to develop a community-based program to benefit Michiganders wherever they may live.
Held at educational and training sites throughout the state, MCTI’s Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) training program benefits individuals who do not typically meet traditional testing criteria.
By bringing its robust curriculum into communities throughout Michigan, MCTI addresses an acute healthcare talent shortage while also supporting participants in Michigan’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope (PATH) programs. Since 2014, MCTI has delivered a total of 38 C.N.A. sessions across the state, graduating 376 individuals with a job placement rate of 76%.
For more information about MCTI and its programs, please visit Michigan.gov/MCTI.
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The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) provides specialized services for those who are blind or visually impaired. Their mission is to empower you to achieve employment and independence, and they accomplish this, in part, by working with you to define your goals and identifying appropriate training and other services.
To learn more about their services, contact BSBP at 800-292-4200 (TTY 888-864-1212) or find a local office by visiting Michigan.gov/BSBP.
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 Looking for a job and a way to help your community?
Election workers are needed to ensure free and fair elections for all, while helping to assist clerks and count ballots. Note: those currently collecting unemployment benefits will be required to report gross earnings when certifying.
Sign up to be an election worker.
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Mask up, Michigan!
Research shows masks can greatly reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19, especially when approximately 40% of those who have it may be asymptomatic.
We can only contain the virus and keep Michigan open if everyone stays careful and masks up when they leave home, whether they feel sick or not.
Learn more about protecting the public and protecting workers at Michigan.gov/MaskUpMichigan.
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Did you know more than 75% of all Michigan jobs will soon require at least some education beyond high school?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional who’s looking for a better job or you’re just starting out in the workforce, now is the right time to explore new possibilities. And a great place to start is the new digital hub, Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork, which features a range of online learning and career exploration options. The virtual resource helps Michiganders explore online degree and certificate programs that will lead to expanded employment opportunities and bigger paychecks.
The digital hub includes the Return to Work Playbook, a free online tool with information and links to videos, brochures and other sites to help those preparing to return to the workforce. The playbook features job readiness resources such as step-by-step instructions for developing a resume, job search advice, and tips to help prepare for interviews.
The playbook also allows visitors to explore specific industries and jobs within them – including what the future holds for those industries. There are also individual-specific resources to support veterans, persons with disabilities, those needing to earn their high school equivalency, and others.
Explore your options at Michigan.gov/SkillsToWork.
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Ready to return to work safely?
Here’s a new video that reviews best practices that employees should follow to proactively protect themselves from exposure to COVID-19. Those best practices include:
- Wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water,
- Limit contact with others by remaining six feet apart,
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and tools routinely,
- Stay home if you or someone in your household is sick,
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and
- Practice self-screenings to check for any abnormal/new symptoms.
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If you have questions regarding workplace safety and health, contact the Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA) using its new hotline at 855-SAFEC19 (855-723-3219).
Learn more about MIOSHA’s efforts to protect Michigan’s workforce during the pandemic and for information on the latest workplace safety guidance at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety.
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