THE RECON CONFERENCE
PRESENTED BY MARO AND MRA
The Rehabilitation Conference was held from November 6th to November 8th. Debbie Brooks and I manned the IARP booth at this conference. I would like to share my thoughts on the reception IARP received and thoughts for going forward.
The students visiting our booth were receptive taking applications for membership. Many are looking for options in federal, state, and private rehabilitation for employment. We discussed the opportunity for networking with other professionals in private practice in Michigan and Internationally. We also spoke to counselors looking to eventual retirement from existing jobs and might be looking for an encore career using their existing skill sets and certifications. The responses were favorable. I liked the accessibility to students and learning about directions they are looking in, we might be part of their solution. Participation should be evaluated for the future. The next conference will be at the Amway Grand Hotel October 28th to the 30th in 2020.
A toast our IARP Membership!
A word about the sessions. There were some standouts. One of the sessions pertained to business arrangement between Amazon and JVS. If you have a client with a disability that has the stamina to work full time, I encourage you to contact JVS, Southfield. The only requirements are the client must be receiving SSI or SSDI, lift up to 40 pounds, stand for 4 hours. The Brownstown facility a person can work up to 32 hours and Romulus 40 hours plus. These are Warehouse jobs, Apply to jvshumanservices.org/amazon
Another presentation attended included Thomas J. Constand, CEO President and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. They are holding meetings throughout Michigan pertaining to the changes in the Auto No Fault law. If you want to engage in helping fix the “Fix” he can be contacted at (810)229-5880
Dave Campbell from the Bureau of Workers Compensation discussed the present state of the fee schedule and the number of people receiving vocational services now as compared to years ago.
Other sessions approached job placement of people with disabilities that identify with the LGBTQ. Ideas were presented in addition to a discussion of barriers.
There were many sessions for a wide range of rehabilitation issues.
Debbie Brooks was great engaging all those who visited the IARP booth. She added flowers and candy in addition to obtaining the four $25.00 gift cards for our drawing.
I think IARP and MRA have many common goals, that pair well with disabled people regardless of their funding source of impairment.
Looking forward to finding ways to work with students, other organizations and MRA.
Scott Silver and Lee Thomas of WJBK. Fox 2 Author and Emmy Award Winning Entertainment Reporter at the MARO MRA Recon Conference. He was the keynote speaker.