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October 22, 2026
Event is part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month spotlighting the positive impact of people with disabilities in the workforce
LANSING, Mich. — Fourteen Michiganders and four businesses were honored at the 18th annual Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) Champion Awards ceremony held Thursday at the Michigan State Capitol’s Heritage Hall in Lansing as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual observance that recognizes the positive impact of people with disabilities in the workforce.
The event celebrated 14 MRS customers who demonstrated exceptional achievement and perseverance in reaching their employment and independence goals. Four businesses were also honored for their commitment to inclusion, workplace accommodations and strong partnerships that support MRS customers’ success.
MRS, housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), collaborated with the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services to recognize employers and customers.
“This incredible class of Champion Award honorees remind us how essential inclusion is to Michigan’s economic strength,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “When people with disabilities have the opportunity to fully participate in the workforce, our businesses grow and our communities thrive. The dedicated staff at Michigan Rehabilitation Services, with support from our business and community partners, helps to ensure all Michiganders have equal access to a great job, a livable wage and a chance to contribute to our state’s future.”
“Our 2026 Champions have demonstrated remarkable determination, talent and leadership,” said Sigrid Adams, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services. “Their achievements — and the commitment of the businesses who support them — show what is possible when we invest in the potential of every Michigander. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s recipients and thank our outstanding MRS team members whose daily work opens doors to meaningful careers.”
MRS staff from around the state nominated champion candidates. To qualify for the MRS Champion Award, an MRS customer must have demonstrated success in their vocational rehabilitation journey. That includes those who have overcome great obstacles to complete the MRS program, exceled academically, demonstrated successful work skills development, and engaged in leadership development opportunities. It also includes those who have been active in their community and serve as an inspiration to others.
MRS Champion Awards were presented to the following individuals (listed with their hometowns):
To be considered for the MRS Champion Award, business partners must have promoted the advancement of individuals with disabilities, allowed individuals with disabilities an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and provided reasonable accommodations. Honored businesses must also serve as role models for employing individuals with disabilities.
MRS honored two small and two large businesses with Champion Awards:
“We are truly humbled to be recognized as an MRS Champion. At LightGuide, we believe in our value, build together, and that innovation is driven by people,” said Elaina Bicego, LightGuide Vice President of People. “That means creating opportunities for everyone to contribute their talents, perspectives and potential. Disability inclusion is not simply a program or initiative for us — it is part of how we think about building a stronger workforce, a stronger company and, ultimately, a stronger manufacturing industry.”
MRS develops customized workforce and training solutions to support Michigan businesses and help individuals with disabilities prepare for competitive employment to achieve financial independence. During 2025, MRS served 5,724 businesses and 45,092 individuals, providing training services for 8,707 individuals and helping 7,664 secure employment.
For more information about Michigan Rehabilitation Services, visit Michigan.gov/MRS.
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