Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., and Chair of the Developmental Disabilities Council Karla Kirkland today announced the Developmental Disabilities Council has awarded three grants to focus on the transition of students with developmental disabilities from school into the workday environment.

"These grants will play a key role in the lives of students with developmental disabilities," said Haveman. "The transition from school to a work environment is an important way to increase self-esteem and independence."

"The Developmental Disabilities Council constantly looks for ways to better serve persons with developmental disabilities," said Kirkland. "By awarding these grants, we are pleased to see students with developmental disabilities get the tools they need to enter the workplace."

Copper Country Intermediate School District in Hancock will receive $43,163 per year for three years, Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (ACA) in Ann Arbor will receive $49,975 per year for three years and the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Board will receive $85,472 per year for three years.

"These three organizations are have proven track records and we are confident they will be successful," said Council Grants Manager Cheryl Trommater. "We’re pleased to begin these new grant projects and expect them to greatly assist individuals in the Upper Peninsula as well as Washtenaw and Wayne Counties."

Each of the projects will be working with schools and community organizations to help students transition directly from special education programs into jobs in the community. Emphasis will be placed on inclusive settings and regular work sites. The Copper Country and Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy projects began October 1, and Detroit-Wayne began on December 1.

The council distributes federal funds to Michigan organizations and agencies for planned programs to benefit people with developmental disabilities. The programs’ general objectives may include self-determination, education and housing. Basic to each objective is the goal of assisting people with developmental disabilities to make their own lifestyle choices and to live as part of the community at large.

The 21 members of the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council are appointed by the governor. They include people with disabilities; family members, mentors, guardians and advocates of people with disabilities; and professionals from state and local agencies who assist people with developmental disabilities. The council operates under the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 1994.