DECEMBER 20, 2006 - Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a bureau in the state Department of Labor & Economic Growth, has been selected to receive the 2006 Excellence in Media Award from the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA). This is the second 2006 NRA award for MRS, which also won the prestigious Public Service Award.

"MRS is playing a critical role in assisting citizens with disabilities gain employment and their independence," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "This award signifies our continued commitment to ensuring opportunities are available for all of Michigan's citizens."

MRS, which assists Michigan residents with disabilities find jobs, received the Excellence in Media Award for its accurate and progressive portrayal of people with disabilities through its electronic newsletter, "The Monday Bulletin on Services to Youth," which has been published for 10 years. The award is presented in recognition of outstanding effort in any medium, including print, radio, television, film, and advertising.

MRS was nominated by the Michigan Rehabilitation Council (MRC), with supporting letters from numerous organizations that advocate for people with disabilities.

The purpose of the newsletter is to raise awareness about transition. The newsletter is sent to counselors, the rehabilitation and advocacy community, parents, and students. It currently reaches over 1,000 individuals. The Bulletin contains excellent resource information and portrays students with disabilities in a positive light. Some of the features include national and state legislation impacting transition services, local best practices in transition, featured stories written by students, and accomplishments that are being achieved by students in transition.

The other NRA award MRS received, the Public Service Award, is awarded to organizations or individuals that have demonstrated leadership in improving rehabilitation services at the federal, state, or local levels, particularly those which have exercised creative and effective political leadership over a period of years on behalf of rehabilitation programs and individuals with disabilities.

"We are proud that Michigan Rehabilitation Services is part of DLEG since it helps not only people with disabilities achieve independence but also employers find outstanding workers. Last year alone, MRS helped more than 7,500 individuals with disabilities into jobs with average starting wages of $11.14 an hour," said DLEG Director Robert W. Swanson.

MRS operates 36 offices throughout the state, staffed by master-degree-level rehabilitation counselors who work one-on-one with Michiganians with disabilities to assist them into employment. Services include vocational counseling, aptitude assessments, job training, accommodations, prostheses and other medical services, and job-seeking skills training.

Last year, MRS assisted 7,545 individuals with disabilities into jobs, with an average starting wage of $11.14. The number of people MRS has assisted into gainful employment has increased every year for the last five years.

Organizations writing letters of support for MRS's nominations for the NRA awards were Michigan State University, Hannahville Indian Community, Michigan Works! Association, Statewide Independent Living Council, MARO Employment and Training Association, Region V-Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program, and the Michigan Rehabilitation Association.

To subscribe to the Monday Bulletin on Services to Youth newsletter, contact bozal@michigan.gov or call 517-241-3957.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.