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.
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Public Information
Public Information
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 MoreGovernor 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 More PROM: Please Return On Monday
Are you a school in Mississippi Interested in scheduling a PROM program? To see about scheduling a PROM program in your school, please contact the Office of Communication at PROM@mdrs.ms.gov, call 1-800-443-1000 or see below.
What is PROM?
PROM is a public awareness campaign created by the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services in 2018 in partnership with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The campaign encourages prom-bound students to understand the “full-circle” of consequences when choosing to drink and drive, text and drive and/or not buckle up.
PROM stands for Please Return on Monday. The full PROM message is: Please Return on Monday -in the same condition you left. YOUR choices today impact YOUR tomorrow.
Are you a school in Mississippi Interested in scheduling a PROM program?
To see about scheduling a PROM program in your school, please contact the Office of Communication at PROM@mdrs.ms.gov or call 1-800-443-1000. Click here for the required PROM school form.
Learn more about our PROM clients click here
Interested in starting a PROM program in your state?
Click here for more information.
Interested in using the PROM logo?
Please feel free to use the PROM logo in accordance with the set guidelines outlined here.
PROM Resources
• PROM: Mississippi School Resource Video (long video)
• PROM: Please Return on Monday (short intro)
• PROM: How do you want to wear it (video)
• MHP Website and Resources
• MDRS Website and Resources
MDRS Events
MDRS Events
No Upcoming Events
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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.
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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
