October 1, 2008 – Today is the 30th anniversary of the
Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB), established by P.A.
260 on October 1, 1978. MCB is the state government
agency providing state- and federally funded training and other services
statewide to people who are blind or visually impaired, with the goal of employment
and/or independence at home and in the community.
"Prior to 1978, Michigan provided services
for people who were blind or visually impaired," said MCB State Director
Patrick Cannon, "but P.A. 260 created a new agency with a high level of consumer
involvement. Our MCB commission board
is made up of five commissioners, three of whom are blind. In addition, MCB clients, members
of blind consumer groups, and blind and visually impaired individuals have an
active role in shaping the work that we do as an agency."
The Michigan Commission for the Blind provides fee-free training and other
services in all 83 counties of the state, with staff based in Detroit, Escanaba,
Flint, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Saginaw. Services are provided in-home, at week-long
Mini Adjustment Seminars at various locations around the state, and at the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo. At the MCB Training Center, clients receive
training for a few weeks or months, based on individual need, in skills of
blindness such as using a cane, reading Braille, adaptive kitchen skills, using
computers that read text out loud, and much more.
The Michigan Commission for the Blind serves more than 4,500 state
residents annually. For more information
about MCB, visit www.michigan.gov/mcb or call
toll-free: voice 1-800-292-4200; TTY
1-888-864-1212.
The Michigan Commission for the Blind is 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.
Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.
