December 2, 2004 – The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) will hold its bimonthly meeting on Monday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Capital Area Michigan Works! office at 2110 South Cedar Street, in Lansing.  The public portion of the agenda will begin at 10 a.m.

In addition to the regular updates by commission staff, the December meeting will include the presentation of the MCB Achievement Awards at approximately 11:15 a.m.  These awards are presented annually to former clients of MCB who have excelled in achieving their goals for employment and/or independent living, as well as to organizations that have worked in partnership with MCB. 

The meeting site is accessible.  Individuals attending the meeting are requested to refrain from using heavily scented personal care products, in order to enhance accessibility for everyone.  People with disabilities requiring additional services (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting should call Tish Kingaby at (517) 335-4265 by December 8.

MCB provides opportunities for individuals who are blind to achieve independence and/or employment.  The commission’s five-member policy board, appointed by the governor, oversees programs throughout Michigan and serves an average of more than 4,500 state residents annually.  For more information, see the MCB Web site at www.mcb1.org or call MCB toll-free at 1-800-292-4200 (voice/TTY).

In December 2003, the Michigan Commission for the Blind became a part of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), the newest department of state government.  DLEG is charged with promoting job creation and economic growth in Michigan by centralizing and streamlining the state's job, workforce and economic development functions under one department.