State recognizes champions in hiring people with disabilities -

Employers among those honored at Investing in Abilities event

Contact: Bob Wheaton 517-373-7394

Lansing, Mich. Oct. 2, 2014 Michiganders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the
states public vocational rehabilitation programs were recognized today.
The ceremony marked Investing in Abilities Month, which was proclaimed by Gov. Rick Snyder to
encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities by focusing on their abilities and to increase
the publics awareness of the contributions and skills of Michigan workers with disabilities
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) in the Michigan Department of Human Services
(DHS) collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize employers,
partners, customers, and MRS employees.
DHS Director Maura Corrigan addressed the Champion Award winners and other attendees at an award
presentation and luncheon in the Mackinac Room of the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing.
This is the sixth annual Champion Awards. 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 fiscal year 2013 on public vocational rehabilitation services, $10.62 returns to Michigans
economy.
The 2014 MRS Champion Award recipients are:
Employers who have consistently employed or championed individuals with disabilities based on
their abilities:
Maple Grille Restaurant, Josh Schaeding/Len Schaeding, owners, Hemlock.
ISS Facility Services at Detroit Metro Airport, Cara Clifford, office manager, Detroit.
Two business partners working in innovative ways with MRS and its customers:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Sheila Montgomery, affirmative action-equal employment opportunity
administrator, Detroit
ALDI, Inc., J.T. Branneman, director of operations, Webberville.
Partners who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empower individuals with disabilities to
take charge of their futures:
Holly Smith, independent living specialist, Centers for Independent Living, Kalamazoo.
Jewish Vocational Services, Andrea Tolle, vice president of Rehabilitation & Workforce Development;
Lydia Gray, director of rehabilitation services; and Danita Love-Carter, supervisor of rehabilitation
services, Detroit.
Customers (including youths) who are motivated and committed to get jobs:
Matthew Feighner, Grand Rapids.
Elaine B. Demps, Lansing.
Employees who consistently meet or exceed all goals and expectations in providing outstanding
service to customers, staff and community partners:
Joann DePew, vocational rehabilitation counselor, Big Rapids.
Maria VandenBoom, vocational rehabilitation counselor, Lansing.
The MRS awards presented to the champions were engraved by students in the cabinetmaking/millwork
program at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute, a vocational and technical training school in
southwest Michigan operated by MRS.
MRS assists more than 7,000 individuals with disabilities to achieve competitive employment and self-
sufficiency annually. This is the 94
th
anniversary of the vocational rehabilitation program in Michigan.