Better Off Working

There are 700,000 working-age individuals in Michigan with disabilities and nearly all of them have abilities that can add value in the workplace. Unfortunately, too often these individuals face employment barriers and a culture that does not appreciate the skills they can bring to a job. Active participation in the workplace by more of those with disabilities is a win/win. It can increase self-worth while amplifying their individual and collective “voices” in the workplace. It can also reduce dependency on permanent disability benefits while providing a pool of much needed talent to employers.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), disability groups and the business community strongly believe that all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, are “better off working."

Based on this belief, a work group of MDHHS staff, disability advocates and employers developed a strategic plan to advance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Click here to view the full Disability Work Group Strategic Plan.