Note:  High-resolution photos are available upon request.

Lula Lane (64) of Detroit described herself as "in a low" a few years ago when she became legally blind and was dealing with major health problems that led to a kidney transplant.  She was living with family members at the time, who were cooking for her and reading her mail to her.  A couple months after attending a week-long MCB Mini Adjustment Training Seminar to learn skills of blindness for daily living, she moved to her own apartment.  Now she does her own cooking and cleaning, and she reads her mail with a magnifying device provided by MCB.  Said Lane, "I'm doing good in my own place–I do everything for myself.  I'm just so uplifted."

Esther Polmanteer (70) of Kalamazoo began experiencing vision loss a few years ago.  She gave away her computer, assuming she'd never be able to use it again.  When she started receiving training from MCB, she was happy to learn about computer software that reads text out loud.  She went to a week-long Mini Adjustment Seminar, where, in her words, MCB staff "gave me the information I needed so I could adjust."  Since then, she's purchased a new computer.  She describes the training she's received from MCB as learning "how to do things in a different way."  With her new skills, she goes shopping using public transportation, organizes recreational and entertainment activities for the residents of her building, and volunteers at a local preschool twice a month.

Dale Layer (42) of St. Clair Shores is both deaf and blind, having experienced progressive hearing and vision loss.  Previously, he had worked as a truck driver for many years, but he needed a new career to support his family.  Over the course of his involvement with MCB, he received training in food service entrepreneurship through the Business Enterprise Program.  He currently operates a vending machine route in the central part of the state, and has provided job shadowing opportunities to newcomers in the program.

Kim Munro (26) of Lansing began to receive services from MCB in 2004 when she was a high school student.  She attended the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo, where she received training in skills of blindness and computers.  During her search for employment, she volunteered at the Capital Area Center for Independent Living and Peckham Vocational Industries.  She now works full-time at Peckham processing employee payroll and doing mailings.  Munro also faces challenges as a wheelchair user, and she has encountered many barriers to employment–but not enough to stop her from achieving her goals.

Gamaliel Soto (42) of Holland contacted MCB for assistance in finding employment.  He went to the residential MCB Training Center in Kalamazoo to update his computer skills and skills of blindness.  He says, "The training center is a wonderful place where people can learn and be encouraged."  He now works for the local transportation system–scheduling rides for customers including those with disabilities–where his ability to speak both Spanish and English is a tremendous asset.  Soto says, "I appreciate the chance to show my abilities and skills."

Employers

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Grand River Gastroenterology of Grand Rapids has embraced the belief that individuals with visual impairments can do a quality job.  Although the office manager, Tina Kortz, had some misgivings at first, she's very pleased with the work of the MCB client hired, which includes mailing information to patients, filing, and other duties, up to 20 hours per week.  The employee's work responsibilities have increased over time, and Grand River Gastroenterology has a valuable employee who is an asset to the business. (No photo available.)

Lakestate Industries of Escanaba worked together with MCB to place an MCB client in a receptionist job, a situation that has proven mutually beneficial to both employee and employer.  After a two-week evaluation with the potential to be hired, the MCB client was hired and Executive Director Cheryl Ohman says, "She's very valuable to us.  She does filing, pay sheets, and more–a variety of work."  Safety Coordinator Jim Vicenzi accepted the award on behalf of Lakestate Industries, and, thanking the commission, expressed the value of considering individuals for employment based on their abilities rather than their disabilities

Community Partners

Dr. Walter Betts of Big Rapids was honored posthumously for his exemplary partnership with the commission and its clients.  At Ferris State University, he was director of the Low Vision Clinic and taught in the areas of ocular disease and low vision.  He had hosted MCB Director Patrick Cannon and other MCB staff in advanced optometry classes for the past several years, helping to make future optometrists aware of the importance of blind rehabilitation and the services available from MCB.  Dr. Sarah Hinkley, director of the Ferris State University Low Vision Clinic, accepted the award on behalf of Dr. Betts' family.

MTB Rehabilitation Services of Leslie has worked with MCB to provide clients with appropriate adaptive software and equipment recommendations.  Owner Matthew Brink said he appreciates the opportunity to work with "dedicated, hard-working MCB staff, clients who are eager to work, and employers willing to work with individuals who use skills and technology obtained through rehabilitation to reach their potential."  Said one client, "Matt is a very outstanding professional and counselor.  He assessed my needs and provided the right adaptive equipment and training so I could keep my job."  Four Michigan Commission for the Blind staff members individually recommended MTB Rehabilitation Services for this award.

New Horizons of Auburn Hills has stepped forward as a strong partner in rehabilitation, installing adaptive equipment in their clerical training module, securing a United Way grant in cooperation with the Macomb Intermediate School District to provide a cash match for a rehabilitation assistant to provide transition services, and collaborating with MCB and other partners in developing a job readiness skills training program that has received national recognition.  During the past fiscal year, New Horizons has helped approximately 500 individuals with disabilities to achieve employment.  Accepting the award were President and CEO Stan Gramke (right) and Vice President Ron Storing.