1. Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission - MRC Your Partner for Employment Resources

2. What is the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission? The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) is a state agency that provides comprehensive services which maximize quality of life and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities through a variety of programs.

3. What is Vocational Rehabilitation?  Vocational Rehabilitation assists individuals to evaluate their skills related to employment.  We match an individual’s skill level to the appropriate job or fund training to update skills necessary for employment.

4. What services are available to Individuals?  Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of work potential  Guidance and counseling to identify skills, limitations, aptitudes  Restorative treatment and equipment such as physical, occupational or speech therapy, wheelchairs, hearing aides, artificial limbs or braces  Skills training or education at schools, colleges, on-the job training and supported work programs  Interpreter and telecommunication for the Deaf  Vehicles and housing modification including ramps, lifts and hand controls  Personal care assistance  Job placement assistance

5. What Services are Available to Employers? MRC can provide you with:  Diverse Candidates  Pre-screened Applicants  On-The-Job Training  No Cost Services  Tax Incentives

6. MRC Consultation Services MRC offers consultation services around:  American’s with Disabilities Act  Diversity and Sensitivity Awareness  Employee Assistance  Work Site Modification

7. On-The Job Training We pay you to train your new employee

8. On-The- Job Training Putting It All Together You have an unfilled job need MRC will identify a trainee You and the rehabilitation counselor develop an OJT plan The trainee is hired for the training period MRC pays the employer for training a trainee At the completion of OJT, the trainee is well prepared to continue employment and is hired by the employer The employer may be eligible for a Work Opportunity Tax Credit up to $ 2,400

9. The On-The Job Training Agreement A formal agreement is established to define the understandings and responsibilities of all parties. The agreement is simple, easy to complete and includes the specific areas of training such as content, outcomes, and methods.

10. Employee Retention Programs Can You Afford To Lose A Vested Employee?

11. How can MRC help you retain an employee? Comprehensive, cost effective rehabilitation services to improve the work performance of individuals not performing at their expected levels.

12. Employee Retention Consultation Services Consult with managers and supervisory staff The Americans with Disabilities Act Work opportunity tax creditEvaluations, assessments and job modification Case managementJob coaching Referrals and resources

13. Work opportunity Tax Credit –Qualified recipient of TAFDC –Vocational rehabilitation referrals –Qualified ex-felons –High-risk youth –Qualified summer youth –Qualified food stamp recipients –Qualified veterans Employers can get a tax credit of up to $2,400 if they hire employees from one of the groups below:

14. Work opportunity tax credit The credit is generally 40% of the first $6,000 in wages and applies to employees The employer submits the tax credit form within 3 weeks after the employee starts work This credit is good for the first year of employment of the qualified employee

15. Who can I contact for more information? Gregg Ames Job Placement Specialist Somerville/Malden 617-776-2662