U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Michigan PYs 2020-2023

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Combined or General)

Located in:
  • Program-Specific Requirements for Vocational Rehabilitation (Combined or General)

    The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services Portion of the Unified or Combined State Plan [13] must include the following descriptions and estimates, as required by section 101(a) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by title IV of WIOA:

    __________

    [13] Sec. 102(b)(2)(D)(iii) of WIOA

    • g. Coordination with Employers

      Describe how the designated State unit will work with employers to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities in order to facilitate the provision of:

g. 1. VR Services; and

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2018-2019

Current Narrative:

The mission of MRS intentionally reflects business as a customer, noting “developing workforce solutions for individuals with disabilities and businesses.” Michigan Rehabilitation Services promotes all bureau divisions to be inclusive of the business customer for programming and service delivery purposes. The bureau understands vocational rehabilitation (VR) customers receive better career planning and employment supports when VR collaborates with business customers to better understand their needs and expectations.

A dedicated business-customer division, the Business Network Division (BND) applies a coordinated approach to serving business customers through a team of 13 consultants who specialize in employer development, business consulting and corporate relations. BND supports a dual customer base, meeting the employment needs of business through the qualified applicants and support services provided by the public VR system.

The following foundational pillars within the division were established to enhance service delivery to the business community:

  • Distribution of Labor Market Information (LMI) and promotion of state dedicated resources and tools - career/vocational counseling and facilitating informed choice for Michigan Rehabilitation Services customers, resulting in well-conceived and meaningful career planning. BND is (1.) developing and utilizing customer relationship management software to better serve both customers and provide continuity of employer information agency-wide; (2.) the division is collaborating with the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives and Career Planning Specialists (Open Options Software vendor/ReferenceUSA) to market and encourage use of available LMI tools to counselors and managers;
  • Business Outreach and Education - intended to support both external (business) and internal customers (VR counselors/managers) related to increased knowledge and understanding of disability employment; and provide education related to identification of business needs and business partnerships respectively;
  • WIOA Core Partners - Build partnerships and specifically offer support to the adult education, youth and students with disabilities, and the local One-Stop center business managers and staff. Goals include coordinating with partners and enhancing workforce and training programs for VR customers while increasing co-enrollment and industry driven talent pipelines;
  • Talent Acquisition Portal (TAP) – Both bureau and division goals established to expand the talent-side of the VR system and recruit Michigan businesses of all sizes to post job/career opportunities on TAP. Division is working collaboratively with state workforce partner to compliment the state’s labor exchange system; and
  • Small Business Ownership for Michigan Rehabilitation Services customers while establishing goals related to small business outcomes. To support the goals, the agency has a dedicated small business consultant to promote and guide consumers and counselors with business development and expansion opportunities. This is done in partnership with resources such as the local and state economic developers, local private consulting firms, the United States Small Business Administration, Small Business and Technology Development Centers, and the SCORE Association.

In FY 2018-19, BND developed and implemented a training curriculum for all vocational counseling staff and managers including central office staff. The purpose is to provide further understanding of workforce demands that will influence program planning and guide Michigan Rehabilitation Services customers to successful employment and career opportunities. Additional objectives include the ability to relate and market the scope of services offered by the BND and the bureau to the business customer, as well as articulate the role/responsibility of the vocational counselor related to WIOA-Indicator 6 (Effectiveness in Serving Employers).

Michigan Rehabilitation Services is also aligned with bureau and community partners as part of the Employment First initiative in Michigan. This initiative’s purpose is to promote diversity and inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This is achieved by engaging businesses regarding the value employees with disabilities bring to their organizations.