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For people with disabilities, employment offers many benefits
other than financial rewards. Working increases independence,
self-esteem, and self-worth. It gives people with disabilities
opportunities to be part of their community and opens up social
situations.
MORC’s Vocational Services program contracts with over
25 program locations that provide support for community jobs
for more than 500 employees with disabilities.
MORC endorses the concept that people with disabilities should
live and work as independently as possible. There are a number
of people assisted by MORC who are competitively employed,
not needing job support.
For those who are not able to work independently, job support
may vary from periodic phone call contact to having a job
coach with the employees during all of their working hours.
Job coaches train, support, and motivate, as well as facilitate
problem solving. They advocate for employees who may be looking
for advancement opportunities or job change. Job coaches work
toward employee independence and inclusion in the workplace.
A job coach is available for individuals working in a supported
employment environment or on mobile crew or enclaves. Mobile
crews work at a different location each day, while enclaves
work at the same location every day.
A newer trend in jobs is called Micro-Business. People can
start their own business before they are ready to join the
full-time work world. Examples of active micro-businesses
are: video production, DJ service, hand crafted pens, framed
puzzles, balloon bouquets, concierge service, hot dog cart,
coffee and snack shops, bottled water business, and vending
and snack machines.
MORC also provides support options to those who are not yet
able to enter the work force.
In Michigan, people with disabilities can attend school until
age 26. Some schools have a vocational training program, which
allows students to work in the community a few hours a week.
The MORC Vocational Services staff are proactive in reaching
out to parents, parent groups, and students at schools well
before graduation about the various community work opportunities
available.
A transitional planning program allows MORC to be involved
in the lives of individuals with disabilities while still
in school, giving the agency the opportunity to advise on
vocational preparations for these students.
For more information about MORC Vocational Services,
please call (586) 263-8715.
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