We are excited to share that Huron-Clinton Metroparks is partnering once again with Michigan Rehabilitation services to help those with disabilities overcome workforce barriers. This program assists in bridging the gap between first jobs and learned working skills. The Metroparks offers one of the country’s leading and largest interpretive and environmental education programs and making it accessible to students with disabilities is one of the parks’ priorities.
For the past six years, the Metroparks have partnered with Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) and supporting partners to offer a skills training program for high school students with disabilities at various Metroparks interpretive centers throughout Macomb County as part of a greater mission to help overcome workforce barriers within the communities they serve.
Each student is paired with a Metroparks job coach, chosen by the MRS and the partner agency, for a six-to-eight-week on-the-job learning experience. In 2022, Metroparks worked with New Horizons Rehabilitation Services. Each year, the program enrolls several high school students from Macomb County, ages 18-24, paid for by MRS and New Horizons, who attend classes five days a week for six hours a day to mimic a real-life job schedule.
Check out our Biggest Guide to Special Needs to find various places for enrichment and support:
“One of the most important commitments we’ve made is ensuring the parks serve all community members, all their lives,” said Metroparks Director Amy McMillan, “and partnering with community organizations who share inclusive missions helps us live that promise.”
In previous years, students at the Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center would help with cleaning buildings, including restrooms, offices, animal barns and pens, like the chicken coop and sheep barn. They would also help with programming setup, weeding in the garden, and emptying the trash around the Farm Center.
“Our mission is to provide employment and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in preparing for, securing, retaining, advancing in, or regaining employment,” said Tina Fullerton, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services. “Working in collaboration with great partners such as Huron-Clinton Metroparks and New Horizons allows us to broaden our reach and effectively support individuals with disabilities in developing career paths and becoming employed.”
“The goal of this program is to equip students for successful careers,” said McMillan, “So you can imagine how thrilled we were to have a participating student bring their talent and learned skills to our team.”
The partnership program is expected to resume in the summer of 2023 with a new cohort of students.
Until then, parents and educators interested in more information about programs like this can learn more at https://www.newhorizonsrehab.org/ or https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/mrs.
Accessibility Within The Metroparks
The Metroparks are committed to removing barriers, creating access, improving access and increasing recreation opportunities for all. As we look to the future, we will develop, update and improve facilities to meet or exceed ADA requirements. And we’ll look for ways to remove barriers to access so that individuals of all abilities have equitable access to Metroparks facilities, programs, services and activities.
Many facilities within the Metroparks are already accessible and can provide an enjoyable experience for visitors of varying abilities. For those facilities that fall short of full accessibility, we have created our ADA Transition Plan, which identifies where improvements can be made and barriers removed. Click here to review the ADA Transition Plan.
On the website, you can click on the accessibility icon to open a plug-in that provides accessibility adjustments for your screen. The icon can be found in the lower left of each page of the website.
As you plan your visit, please explore the accessibility section of each Metropark park page and each Interpretive Center page to learn more about accessibility, feature and amenities.
Accessibility Accommodations
There may be times when our facilities or programs might not meet your needs and you would like to request an accommodation. If you need a specific accommodation, we ask for a two-week lead time before your visit so we can best address your needs. If your request is received less than two weeks ahead, all efforts will be made to fulfill the request, but it is not guaranteed. Barriers will be addressed on a case-by-case basis for solutions offered to individuals with cognitive disabilities.
To make an accommodations request, please call or email:
- Delhi, Dexter-Huron, Hudson Mills, or Huron Meadows Metroparks: (734) 426-8211, Email
- Indian Springs Metropark: (248) 625-6640, Email
- Kensington Metropark: (810) 227-8910, Email
- Lake Erie Metropark: (734) 379-5020, Email
- Lake St. Clair Metropark: (586) 463-4581, Email
- Lower Huron, Oakwoods or Willow Metroparks: (734) 697-9181, Email
- Stony Creek Metropark: (586) 781-4242, Email
- Wolcott Mill Metropark: (586) 752-5932, Email
If you’re unsure of the park you need an accommodation at, please use our general contact:
- Administrative Office: (810) 227-2757, Email
Website
The Metroparks is committed to providing equal access to information delivered through its website. Wherever possible, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks website has been designed to the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 A. Click here to learn more.
About Huron-Clinton Metroparks
One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The Metroparks are open 365 days a year and encompass 25,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities. Each year more than 1.5 million people engage with the Metroparks to enjoy amenities such as picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and a diversity of outdoor programs and special events. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.
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Author: Amber Louchart
Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment. She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.
