The Michigan Rehabilitation Council (MRC) is a consumer driven, Governor appointed, statewide organization as mandated in the federal legislation, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. The Congress created the Council to ensure that citizens have a mechanism to utilize as they advocate and advise the agency in their respective state (which provides the public vocational rehabilitation services), on how effective its policies, programs, and services are in meeting the needs and desires of persons with disabilities.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the MRC is to improve Vocational Rehabilitation services in Michigan.

OUR VISION

The vision of the MRC is that Vocational Rehabilitation Services will be provided in a manner which is respectful, equitable and effective in achieving meaningful employment outcomes for people with disabilities.

OUR VALUES

The members of the MRC believe:

• in the worth and dignity of each individual;
• the right to choice is realized by access to full information;
• work opportunities open doors to individual independence and participation in community life;
• that a focus on an individual’s assets and strengths leads to success;
• person-centered goals, services plans and delivery systems lead to individual success;
• shared roles and responsibilities improve satisfaction with the rehabilitation process and outcomes; and
• collaboration and partnerships with federal, state, local community and private entities are critical for system improvement.

OUR PRINCIPLES

The members of the MRC will uphold:

• outreach to Michigan citizens with disabilities in a manner which hears, learns and advocates to further enhance inclusive communities;
• a broad definition of diversity that honors and appreciates disability alongside race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation and religion as an integral part of the human experience;
• a partnership based on a spirit of trust and cooperation with MRS administration and staff so that collaborative efforts will benefit from the MRC customer voice;
• an alliance with the public vocational rehabilitation program in structuring and conducting their service system in ways that recognize and value disability culture and the social, political, historic and economic experience of disability; and
• collaboration with state and non-government agencies to promote meaningful and sustainable employment for everyone.