The State of Michigan Needs to Do a Lot More

LANSING – John Toppi has lived with scoliosis since he was 17 years old but the condition, which forces him to use a wheelchair, has not stopped him from running his own crafts business for nearly 20 years.

But his story is more of an exception that a rule among people with disabilities in Michigan. A report released today by the Developmental Disabilities Network, or DDN, concludes those with with disabilities are often prepared only for menial work and are sometimes paid less than minimum wage.

These organizations were held to a high standard and had to meet many criteria that proved to our evaluation team that they could meet the needs of the population we service.

Toppi was on hand as the 43-page report was released in the Capitol rotunda. Advocates for disabled workers stood alongside Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, whose daughter has autism.