NEWS RELEASE

MORC Is A Leader In Programs For People With Disabilities

Possibly one of the largest exporters of Michigan expertise, ideas, and know how, both currently and over the last 36 years, is a local, nonprofit, human services agency, the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Inc. (MORC). MORC has offices in Clinton Township and Auburn Hills. Governments, mental health leaders, and families from around the globe frequently visit MORC to learn about its programs for people with disabilities. MORC staff have circled Michigan, the United States, and the world, teaching about consumer choice and learning about new approaches.

MORC has received visitors from 34 countries, 49 U.S. states, and all provinces of Canada. MORC has received visitors from Eastern Bloc countries, such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Slovakia. MORC staff have traveled at the request of such faraway places as New Zealand, Australia, England, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Japan, and Korea, gaining knowledge of new ideas and successes in other nations.

60 Minutes, ABC's 20/20, Parade Magazine, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and PBS TV's Frontline have been just a few of the popular national news media that have featured MORC over the years. MORC has been written about in more than 25 books and has been honored by many prestigious organizations, including the President's Committee on Mental Retardation. Over a dozen video tape documentaries have featured MORC and its programs. Each year MORC staff answer hundreds of letters and telephone calls from people all over the world seeking information about its programs.

Over the last 36 years, MORC has become known through its many innovative programs and by developing the largest number of residential alternatives to institutions in the country for people with disabilities. MORC does not have an institution and is totally community based.

MORC provides supports and respite care for more than 4,000 children and adults with a variety of disabilities. Individuals who once lived in state institutions, nursing homes, or with their families are now choosing to live in a home of my own or an apartment in the community.

In 1996, MORC transferred from a State of Michigan agency of the Department of Community Health to a private, nonprofit, human services agency.