Advocacy
Advocating For The Rehabilitation Profession Since 1949We are MRA, We Are Advocacy Training Networking Global Solutions
MRA advocates for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their rights and enhancing their quality of life through impactful social advocacy and legislative efforts.
Our Mission
MRA is an interdisciplinary professional, consumer-oriented rehabilitation organization that functions in both the public and private sectors, and at the national, state, and local levels.
Our Vision
MRA is committed to advancing the professional practices of rehabilitation driven by culturally-competent, ethical, evidence-based and accountable practices so that individuals with disabilities would be regarded and valued as full members of our society.
Why Us
MRA is fully committed to individuals who deserve equal access, expression of choice, and security of freedom within our communities when engaging in all aspects of life.
Our membership reflects the importance placed on integrity, respect, transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the full spectrum of the rehabilitation profession.
Join us to advance accountable practices and support.
What MRA Advocates For
MRA advocates for effective public policies, programs and services that lead to and support the employment and independence of youth and adults with disabilities, consistent with the principles inherent in the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act: Accessibility, Self Determination, Community Inclusion and Integration, Non-discrimination, Equity, and Reasonable Accommodation.
MRA advocates for high quality, ethical, and collaborative practice across the habilitative and rehabilitative professions.
MRA Advocacy Alerts | Click to Read Archived Advocacy Alerts
The Administration for Community Living (ACL), a vital agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides oversight and funding for numerous programs and services for older adults and people with disabilities, is under threat. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced in a press release Thursday, March 27, 2025, that the ACL’s functions will be reorganized under other HHS department agencies, at the same time that 300 critical positions will be eliminated. The press release did not include any information or a plan on exactly what specific ACL functions would transition to other federal agencies.
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As we approach National Rehabilitation Counselor Appreciation Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible work you do each and every day. We are not just counselors and rehab professionals—we are helpers, doers, problem solvers, and leaders. This field is more than just a job; it is a calling, a passion, and a commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
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Take action today. Plans are afoot to dismantle, eliminate, and/ or defund the US Dept. of Education. Such plans, if carried out, will have devastating effects on youth and adults with disabilities and on those who serve them. Contact your US Representative at Find Your Representative and your US Senators at Contacting U.S. Senators. Complete the contact forms and drop the below message into their contact formats. Modify or personalize as appropriate. Please act today!
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Since 1949, the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA) has been at the forefront of advocating for the employment of people with disabilities, along with other leading disability-based organizations—ensuring people with disabilities have access to opportunities they seek and are fully qualified for, across both public and private sectors. Our work has been rooted in breaking down social, physical, legal, systemic, and attitudinal barriers that have long prevented talented individuals from securing meaningful employment. This commitment extends to disabled veterans, civilians, and those with physical, sensory, and mental conditions—all of whom bring invaluable contributions to our workforce.