WORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Michigan Contacts

State Agency Responsible for Providing Services to People with Developmental Disabilities

Under this program the state financially supports local Community Mental Health Services Programs (CMHSPs) who provide a host of treatment and support services for persons with developmental disabilities. The CMHSPs are operated under Chapter 2 of the Mental Health Code - Act 258 of 1974 as amended. There are 49 CMHSPs throughout Michigan.

A complete list of the CMHSPs

Employment opportunities for workers with developmental disabilities are overseen by two agencies in Michigan. The first program resides in the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Michigan Department of Community Health
Capitol View Building
201 Townsend Street
Lansing, MI 48913
Phone: 517-373-3740

State Agency Responsible for Overseeing Employment Opportunities for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), a division of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, provides career services to people with a range of disabilities, including developmental disabilities. The MRS also works with the CMHSPs. Traditionally, CMHSPs provided employment services in local sheltered workshops, but increasingly employment opportunities are being provided through supportive employment and community integration programs. In 1998, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Community Health jointly developed supported employment guidelines to maintain standards and promote consistency across the state.

Michigan Rehabilitation Services
201 N. Washington Square
4th Floor, P.O. Box 30010
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-373-3390
517-335-7277 (Fax)
800-605-6722 (Toll Free)
888-605-6722 (Toll Free TTY)

Sheltered Employment

Sheltered workshops in Michigan are now called Community Rehabilitation Organizations. These organizations are charitable or not for profit. They are contracted by the local Community Health Services Programs (CMHSPs).

Competitive Employment

Since the mid-1980s, individuals with significant developmental disabilities and chronic mental illness have been proving their abilities and potential to contribute in the workplace through supported employment. Supported employment means a job in a typical business with support services, such as a job coach or natural supports. Supported employment occurs within an integrated, natural work setting where people without disabilities are also employed. In 1998, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Department of Community Health jointly developed supported employment guidelines to maintain standards and promote consistency across this statewide, collaborative effort.

Health and Safety

The state also offers the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) which assists employers and employees by providing set of criteria designed to evaluate and recognize outstanding safety and health management systems. MVPP participants implement safety and health management systems that provide protections beyond what is required by MIOSHA standards.

Phone: 517-322-6986 ext. 80004
Web: website

The MIOSHA Act also encourages employers and employees to reduce workplace hazards voluntarily. The on-site consultation program offers assistance to employers in achieving compliance with occupational safety and health standards.

Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Consultation Education & Training Division
7150 Harris Drive
P.O. Box 30643
Lansing, MI 48909-8143
Or call: 517-322-1809
Fax: 517-322-1374

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1974 protects not only the private sector, but also the public sector for state and local government employees. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA Act) No. 154 of the Public Acts of 1974, as amended provides job safety and health protection for Michigan employees. Employees and employee representatives who believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition exists have the right to request an inspection. To contact MIOSHA by mail:

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth
Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration
P.O. Box 30643
7150 Harris Drive
Lansing, MI 48909-8143
Complaint Hotline: 800-866-4674

Reporting Abuse and Neglect

The provision of adult protective services is mandated by Public Act 519 of 1982. This critical program requires extensive coordination with, and support from, mental health, public health and law enforcement agencies, he probate courts, aging network and community groups, as well as the general public. Program staff investigate allegations of abuse, neglect or exploitation and provide protection to vulnerable adults. Policy requires that investigations will begin within 24 hours after the complaint is received. To report abuse:
Statewide adult abuse hotline: 800-996-6228

Adult Protective Services
Department of Human Services
P. O. Box 30037
235 S. Grand Ave.
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-373-2035
Fax: 517-335-6054
TTY: 517-373-8071

Any suspect case of abuse for any Department of Community Health program must be reported to the Program Investigation Section. The Program Investigation Section has the authority to report abuse referrals to the Office of Attorney General, Health Care Fraud Division.

Program Investigation Section
Capitol Commons Center Building
400 South Pine, 6th Floor
Lansing Michigan 48909
Phone: 866-428-0005

Protection and Advocacy

An additional source of information for citizens with developmental disabilities is the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council.

Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
1033 S. Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI 48910
Phone: 517-334-6123
TDD: 517-334-7354
Fax: 517-334-7353

The protection and advocacy of citizens with developmental disabilities is provided by the Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services Inc. (MPAS). Among the MPAS's programs is the Protection and Advocacy for People with Developmental Disabilities (PADD) program which assists people with developmental disabilities by pursuing allegations of abuse and neglect and pursuing legal, administrative and other appropriate remedies to assure protection of rights and access to services and benefits.

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service - Lansing Office
4095 Legacy Parkway, Suite 500
Lansing Michigan 48911-4263
Phone: 800-288-5923
517-487-1755
Fax: 517-487-0827

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service - Livonia Office
29200 Vasser Blvd, Suite 501
Livonia, MI 48152-2116
Phone: 800-414-3956
248-473-2990
Fax: 248-473-4104

Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service - Marquette Office
129 West Baraga Avenue, Suite B
Marquette, MI 49855-4644
Phone: 906-228-5910
Fax: 906-228-9148