Michigan Rehabilitation Services

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program

If you are like many business owners, you may not be familiar with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). This state agency exists to connect disabled but otherwise employable individuals with businesses looking for dependable employees. 

Take Christine for example.  When she was first referred to MRS for services, she was a 27-year old with a history of two traumatic brain injuries, the second of which resulted in her being in a coma for almost a month.  After her recovery, she was left with a myriad of health issues including mild cognitive and affective disturbances, problems with concentration, tremors and fine motor control.  At the time, she was also receiving treatment for panic attacks brought on by anxiety and depression.

Christine had many barriers to overcome but her resiliency and strong desire to work helped to make her one many MRS success stories.  After attending a job fair in 2009, Christine was offered a position as a human resources intern with a Macomb employer.  She has been successfully employed ever since and also made time to earn a bachelors degree.  A happy match, Christine plans on a long career with the employer who was willing to give her a chance to prove her merit.

The staff at MRS works hard to ensure that stories like Christine’s are the norm.  This is accomplished through a wide range of services for both clients and employers to ensure that physical and psychological barriers to successful employment are overcome.  While wages are important to those hired through the program, the sense of purpose a job provides is immeasurable.  In return, employers gain access to qualified workers who bring value to their bottom line.

Participating employers rely on MRS to provide pre-screened and qualified candidates.  If job training is required, MRS is able to offer partial reimbursement.  Some businesses also qualify for disability-related tax credits and deductions through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.  Ongoing communication ensues to ensure that both employee and employer are satisfied with the placement. 

Living with a disability can be challenging, but MRS works with disabled people to help them gain employment and independence. They offer counseling and career guidance, tuition assistance, help with job readiness skills, and job placement. The result can be seen in the successful employment of many clients, showing that combining business and people with disabilities can be a winning combination. To learn how your business might benefit, visit Michigan Rehabilitation Services.