What do you want to be when you grow up?
When asked this question, "Alone on my parent's couch" is not a likely answer. Yet that is the reality for most adults with disabilities facing an over so% unemployment rate. At age 26 students age out of school-based transition programs and are left to pursue employment opportunities that simply do not exist.
Mi Work Matters (pronounced My Work Matters!) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Activities include grassroots advocacy, education, outreach and direct employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In 2019, Mi Work Matters launched a community-centric social enterprise cafe – Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Cafe. , providing inclusive, paid training and employment for people with disabilities in a welcoming, supported atmosphere.
Mission
Through innovative workforce training, advocacy, and partnerships, Mi Work Matters empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve independence, purpose, and dignity.
Vision
Mi Work Matters strives to build a future where every person with intellectual and developmental disabilities has the opportunity to contribute, belong, and succeed in the workplace and their communities.
Why We Do What We Do
Competitive, Inclusive Employment.
The beautiful hopes and dreams of childhood are often the tender starts of future careers and callings. For most of us. For people with developmental disabilities, opportunities are few and far too limited. At Mi Work Matters, we believe the hopes, dreams and talents of every person matter. People with different abilities are infinitely worthy of meaningful work and more than capable of contributing to their community.
Today we are gratefully working to brighten the employment horizon.
Over 75% of people with I/DD are excluded from the workforce. Having a job decreases the effects of social isolation, poverty and discrimination for people with disabilities. We believe everyone has something valuable to give and deserves a chance to purse their dreams.
According to an Employment First in Michigan report released by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council in 2019, 81% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed in Michigan, compared to 9% of individuals without disabilities. (Employment figures based on data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employment First in Michigan report released by Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council in 2019)
In addition to a lack of job opportunities, there is also a pay disparity between individuals with disabilities and those without. Those with disabilities are more likely to make below minimum wage. In 2019, more than s,ooo workers with disabilities in Michigan earned about $3.61 an hour through a waiver to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
We can do better here in Michigan!
