June 6, 2005 – The Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns (MCDC) and its Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DODHH) have moved to 201 North Washington Square, Suite 150, in downtown Lansing, Department of Labor & Economic Growth Director David C. Hollister announced today.

“This relocation to a first floor suite in the Victor Building provides persons with disabilities easy access to the Commission’s services,” Hollister said. “Because the Michigan Commission for the Blind and Michigan Rehabilitation Services are also housed in the Victor Building, the three disability-related agencies now have greater opportunities to collaborate in planning for and providing disability-related services.”

MCDC promotes greater understanding of the abilities of people with disabilities and responds to issues that affect Michigan’s 1.9 million citizens with disabilities. 

Among the agency’s services are information and technical assistance; training in disability rights, awareness, and sensitivity; helping legislators respond to constituent inquiries relating to disability issues; helping employers understand their responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities; and sponsoring the Youth Leadership Forum each summer, when high school students with disabilities from throughout the state visit the Capitol to learn to become future leaders.

The Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing concentrates on improving the lives of the nearly one million Michiganians who are deaf or hard of hearing through information and referral, accommodations, and interpreter information and support.

MCDC can be reached toll free at (877) 499-6232 (voice/TTY); in the Lansing area at (517) 335-6004 (voice/TTY); by videophone at dodhh.net; or through e-mail at mcdc@michigan.gov and dodhh@michigan.gov.  The agency’s website address is www.mcdc-dodhh.org.