Joyanna Davis Success Story w/ASL
About MDRS
We provide resources to help Mississippians with disabilities find new careers, live more independently, overcome obstacles, and face new challenges.
Report Fraud
To report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse within any of our MDRS programs, please email us.
Public Information
Public Information
VR/VRB Proposed Policy Changes - Public Hearing
MDRS OVR/OVRB Public Hearing
Friday May 9, 2025; 10:00 a.m.
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), specifically the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for the Blind (OVRB), will hold a Public Hearing to gather comments on proposed policy changes. These changes concern the Post-Secondary Training, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Maintenance Sponsorship, and the Financial Needs Assessment (FNA) tool, which will be rescinded and applied to all eligible Mississippians seeking VR services.
Remote public hearing sites will be at the following locations, and you can access the zoom link, join via conference call or register to attend in person by contacting Excellanxt Woodard at 1-800-443-1000 or via email. There will be a limited of seating to 10. Please register in advance for face to face with Excellanxt Woodard by calling 1-800-443-1000. We want your involvement but also offer a safe environment.
Options to participate in our MDRS OVR/OVRB Public Hearing
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89789467770?pwd=ULHhT5h2IclAdFa7ua9BHMHTnkShBH.1
Meeting ID: 897 8946 7770
Passcode: 639468
- Join via Conference Call:
Phone Number: (605) 313-5568
Access code: 1090450
- Register to attend:
Locations are listed below
AbilityWorks, Inc.
3895 Beasley Road
Jackson, MS 39213
(601) 898-7076AbilityWorks, Inc.
613 Pegram Drive
Tupelo, MS 38802
(662) 842-2144AbilityWorks, Inc.
2503 Browning Road
Greenwood, MS 38930
(662) 453-7500AbilityWorks, Inc.
1003 College Drive
Meridian, MS 39034
(601) 649-8094AbilityWorks, Inc.
934 Industrial Park Road, N.E.
Brookhaven, MS 39601
(601) 833-3201AbilityWorks, Inc.
10280 Larkin-Smith Drive
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 897-7616Addie McBryde Center
2550 Peachtree Street
Jackson, MS 39296
(601) 364-2700The ARC of Mississippi
704 North President Street
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 355-0220The ARC of Coastal Counties
3109 Gulf Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 497-1035
MS EMERGE Center
310 N. Cleveland Ave
Long Beach, MS 39560
(228) 240 -2240
Click HERE to view the Public Hearing Announcement
Click HERE to view Standards for VR Sponsorship for Post-Secondary Education
Click HERE to view Post-Secondary Education and Training Services
Quarterly State Rehabilitation Council
MDRS State Office
1281 Hwy 51 N, Madison, MS 39110
3rd Floor Executive Board Room 304
Virtual – Teams - 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Quarterly State Rehabilitation Council Meeting will be held Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the MDRS State Office, 1281 Hwy 51 N, Madison, MS 39110
The public is invited to attend and make comments. To address the Council for public comment, person(s) should make arrangements in advance by contacting Dr. Jennifer Jackson, VR Director at jjackson@mdrs.ms.gov or by phoning (601) 853-5270 at least two weeks in advance of the meeting so the agenda may reflect a period of discussion of these comments. The period for public comments will be limited to five (5) minutes per person. You may also notify us in writing at MDRS, SRC; P. O. Box 1698; Jackson, MS 39215.
If special accommodations are needed, please contact Dr. Jennifer Jackson, 5 days prior to the meeting. More information, including site location, to come.
Read MoreRequest for Proposals
The Office of Special Disability Programs TBI/SCI Trust Fund is accepting proposals for innovative programs supporting individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the following categories:
Prevention and Education – Initiatives that promote awareness and safe practices to prevent TBI/SCI.
Click HERE for RFP
Transitional Living – Programs that assist with physical rehabilitation, cognitive retraining, socialization, and adjustment to disability.
Click HERE for RFP
Recreational – Activities that enhance quality of life through adaptive recreation.
Click HERE for RFP
RFP Issue Date: March 14, 2025
RFP Due Date: April 18, 2025
RFP Award Date: June 1, 2025
Any questions about the upcoming subgrant RFP timeline or submission process, please reach out to Laura Jones, TBI/SCI Trust Fund Coordinator - ljones@mdrs.ms.gov
Governor Tate Reeves redesignates Client Assistance Program (CAP)
Client Assistance Program, or often referred to as CAP, is a state managed and federally funded program designed to advise and inform clients and client applicants in the state of Mississippi. CAP assists in providing information obtaining to available services and benefits under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as well as the services and benefits available to individuals under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
The redesignation moves the Client Assistance Program from the Mississippi Society for Disabilities to the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities.
Click HERE to view PDF
Read MoreMDRS Events
No Upcoming Events
-
Success Stories
Joyanna's Story
Joyanna Davis has overcome life’s challenges because of an attitude that broke barriers and led her to open the doors that allow her to live out her dream.
Learning was a challenge at every stage of life. She was born with the genetic eye condition, Ocular albinism (OA). The disease reduces pigmentation in the eyes, resulting in vision impairment requiring specialized glasses at a young age. But Joyanna pushed through the difficult years, choosing not to listen to those who told her she couldn’t achieve her goals.
-
Success Stories
Faith, Hope, Love Outdoors
The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) provides life-changing opportunities for independence to individuals with disabilities. Through a partnership with Faith, Hope, Love Outdoor Ministry and funding from the TBI/SCI Trust Fund, MDRS made it possible for Brock, who has a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, to go hunting for the first time.
Using specialized adaptive hunting equipment, Brock and others with similar conditions were able to safely participate in the sport. The technology includes a mounted rifle controlled by a remote and a screen for aiming, allowing individuals with limited mobility to independently harvest an animal.
Faith Hope Love Outdoors w/ASL -
Success Stories
Toyota Success Stories
Toyota Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) have formed a strong partnership to create inclusive employment opportunities. Toyota recognized the value of a diverse workforce and worked closely with MDRS to integrate employees with disabilities, providing necessary accommodations and support.
Employees like Toby Mayhall, who lost his arm at age three, have thrived in their roles with the help of workplace modifications. Deaf employees like Colin Ellzy and Degentry Jenkins effectively communicate using text messaging and gestures, fostering a supportive environment. Toyota's leadership and employees embrace a culture of continuous improvement (Kaizen), ensuring that all workers can contribute meaningfully.
Toyota Success Stories w/ASL -
Success Stories
Dennis McLauchlin - Giving Back
Dennis McLauchlin is a true ambassador for the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS), using the support he receives to give back to his community. After being diagnosed with West Nile virus, he began building and giving away over 500 birdhouses to help control mosquitoes and prevent the spread of the disease. Through the Independent Living Waiver Program, Dennis is able to live at home rather than in a nursing facility, saving taxpayers money while maintaining his independence. His case manager, Anita Scott, ensures he has the resources he needs, allowing him to continue his woodworking and ministry. For Dennis, MDRS has been a blessing, enabling him to live a fulfilling life while helping others.
Dennis McLauchlin - Birdhouses
