MCRC Education Equity in Michigan Report
This division supports the state ADA Coordinator in carrying out the duties outlined in Executive Order 2004-31.
CEED seeks to engage a broad range of stakeholders to achieve long-term and sustainable outcomes to complex problems. We collaborate with community organizations; churches; non-profit organizations; and city, county, state and federal government entities to address issues affecting the well-being of community members. Engaging in a collaborative manner is a powerful tool used to bring about environmental, social and behavioral changes that will improve the health of the community and its members.
The mission of the Division on Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing is to affirm the indisputable rights of deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing residents to effective communication. The Division provides advocacy, interpreter testing, technical assistance, and interpreting services for the Governor, legislature, and state departments.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office develops educational training session and resources designed to increase awareness of implicit bias and its impact in the work we do and the people we serve.
CEED’s educational efforts provide customers with information and training about civil rights laws and enhances the awareness of civil rights issues. It provides the public with a resource for the proactive prevention of discrimination within a community.
The primary mission of the MCRC and MDCR is to investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodation, law enforcement and public service.
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January 13, 2016
MDCR to Register Service Animals Beginning Monday, Jan. 18
January 13, 2016
Lansing − On Monday, Jan. 18, a new law goes into effect to help ensure that people with disabilities who use service animals won’t be refused entry to businesses, schools, hospitals and other public accommodations in Michigan.
The law, Service Animals for Persons with Disabilities, clarifies the rules regarding the use of service animals and updates the terminology related to service animals to bring it in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The law also will make it easier for establishments to determine who is legally entitled to an accommodation. The four-bill package, sponsored by Sen. David Knezek, Sen. Margaret O'Brien, Rep. Tom Barrett and Rep. David Rutledge, was signed into law by Governor Snyder on October 20, 2015.
“This law is an important step in protecting the right of every person who uses a service animal in Michigan to enjoy the same public facilities as anyone else,” said Lt. Governor Brian Calley. “Veterans with PTSD and others with hidden disabilities should not have to face closed doors and skeptical questions. This law will make access easier and less stressful for individuals who rely on their service animals every day.”
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is the state agency responsible for registering service animals and taking complaints related to violations of the ADA, the federal law that protects the use of trained service animals for persons with disabilities.
The law provides an opportunity for persons who use trained service animals to register their animals with the State of Michigan. Once an individual has completed the registration process, they will receive an official State of Michigan Registered Service Animal patch that can be affixed to the animal’s vest or harness. They will also receive a State of Michigan Registered Service Animal identification card with the name and photo of the handler and the name and description of the service animal. Registration is voluntary and there is no charge for the service.
“Registering your service animal is voluntary – your rights are protected by federal law regardless of whether or not you register with the State of Michigan,” said Agustin Arbulu, Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “But if you choose to register, this law provides some new tools to help make sure that business owners, employees and other patrons understand that you and your service animal have every right to be accommodated.”
To begin the process of registering a service animal, go to www.michigan.gov/serviceanimals. Flyers and posters are available for download, some with information for service animal owners and others designed for businesses to print and display to help the public and their employees understand the laws covering service animals.
MDCR uses its existing complaint system to take reports of problems encountered by anyone with a disability using a service animal. The new law increases the penalty for attempting to impersonate an individual with a service animal to up to $500. The department may refer criminal violations to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is charged with investigating and resolving discrimination complaints and works to prevent discrimination through educational programs that promote voluntary compliance with civil rights laws. The Department also provides information and services to businesses on diversity initiatives and equal employment law. For more information on the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, go to www.michigan.gov/mdcr.
