MCB Offers Summer Programs for Youth Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired

Contact: Susan Turney (517) 241-8631

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

April 26, 2006 - This summer, the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) will offer four programs for youth who are blind or visually impaired, all designed to provide opportunities to prepare for independence and postsecondary education or employment:

Business Enterprise Program Summer Employment, June 15 through August 15, is an eight-week food service and vending employment experience in MCB's Business Enterprise Program for blind and visually impaired youth ages 15-21.  Participants work 20-40 hours per week and earn $6.50 per hour. The June 15 through August 15 timeline is flexible. For more information, current MCB clients should contact their MCB counselor. Others should contact Gwen McNeal at 313-456-1655 (eastern Lower Pensinsula) or Sherry Gordon 269-337-3276 (Upper Peninsula and western Lower Peninsula).

The Detroit Youth Summer Program, June 26 through August 18, is for blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-21. The program provides youth with vocational skills, personal adjustment skills, work experience, and a one-week computer camp. For more information, current MCB clients should contact their MCB counselor. Others please contact Shawnese Laury-Johnson at 313-456-1957.

The Summer in the City Youth Program in Grand Rapids, June 19-23, is for blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-18. The program focuses on personal adjustment and other pre-vocational skills for employment. Current MCB clients should contact their MCB counselor. Others please contact Michelle Visscher at 616-356-0186.

The Quest for Success Summer Youth Program at Camp Tuhsmeheta, July 23-28, is a week-long summer camp for blind and visually impaired youth ages 14-18.  It will focus on independent living and socialization skills, career readiness, assistive technology, and traditional summer camp fun such as water sports, campfire stories, crafts, a dance, hikes, and more.  Camp Tuhsmeheta is located near Greenville, Michigan.  Quest for Success is co-sponsored by the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) and Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB).  For more information, current MCB clients should contact their counselor; all others, please contact Jim Baird at 269-337-3758.

The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides opportunities for individuals who are blind to achieve independence and/or employment, and annually serves approximately 4,500 state residents who are blind or visually impaired.  Visit the Michigan Commission for the Blind website at www.michigan.gov/mcb or call MCB toll-free at 1‑800‑292-4200 (voice) or 1‑888-864-1212 (TTY). 

The Michigan Commission for the Blind is a part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), which is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.  For more information about DLEG, visit the department's website at www.michigan.gov/dleg.