With Michigan’s unemployment being the lowest it has been in 15 years, there is still a place for improvement. Helping those with disabilities find employment, and education businesses on strategies for inclusion and the value of hiring those with disabilities.
On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein held the inaugural statewide MI Hidden Talent Workshop in Flint. The workshop brought more than 100 organizations and 275 attendees to learn about hiring those with disabilities.
At the workshop, employers had the opportunity to learn from business which are already hiring individuals with disabilities. They also learned of available resources and strategies for accommodations and inclusion in the workplace.
“Too many individuals with disabilities are underemployed or unemployed in Michigan,” Calley said. “We must work together to provide more resources to students and youth with disabilities transitioning from school to employment to ensure they are afforded the same job opportunities as their peers without disabilities.”
To help continue the effort, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed at the workshop to further increase the number of students and youths with disabilities who are transitioning from school to employment and post-secondary education intended to lead to employment.
The partners included the Michigan Department of Education, Rehabilitation Serices, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, Workforce Development Agency and the Developmental Disabilities Council.
“Individuals with disabilities are valuable employees with much to offer Michigan businesses,” Bernstein said. “By working with our partners and employers across the state, we can increase job opportunities which is a win-win for everyone.”
To learn more about MI Hidden Talent, click here.
