August 13, 2007 - The Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) will hold its next meeting on Monday, August 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Victor Building, 3rd floor, Rooms A/B, at 201 N. Washington Square (at Ottawa Street) in Lansing.  The meeting is open to the public and will be of interest to people who are blind or visually impaired, their family members and friends, and anyone interested in learning more about the state and federally funded services provided throughout the state by the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  Live audio of the meeting will be available to the public on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb.

The morning agenda will include an open dialogue on the topic, "How can blind folks advocate for themselves regarding how much help they would like," as well as presentations by two guest speakers:

• Keith Cooley, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), will report on the department's recent accomplishments and ongoing projects.  (MCB is a part of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.)
• Jaye Shamsiddeen, Director of Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), will provide an update on the agency's work with an emphasis on its collaboration with the Michigan Commission for the Blind.  (MRS is a part of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth, providing services for people with disabilities other than blindness.)

The late morning agenda includes a time for public comment, and throughout the day there will be updates by Michigan Commission for the Blind staff about ongoing and upcoming projects.  The complete meeting agenda is available online on the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcb under MCB Board, Commission Meeting Agendas.

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 accommodations (such as materials in alternative format) in order to participate in the meeting should call Tish Kingaby at (517) 335-4265 by August 22.

Through its state- and federally funded training and services, the Michigan Commission for the Blind provides opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and employment.  The commission's five-member policy board, appointed by the governor, oversees MCB programs throughout Michigan that annually serve approximately 4,500 state residents who are blind or visually impaired.  For more information about MCB, 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 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.