This press release has been corrected as follows:  The name of the organization presenting the award to Michelle Visscher is the Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA), Job Placement Division (JPD).

October 23, 2007 - Two staff members of the Michigan Commission for the Blind (MCB) will receive awards at the 2007 Michigan Rehabilitation Conference in Grand Rapids on October 25.  MCB Director Patrick Cannon and MCB Rehabilitation Counselor Michelle Visscher will be honored in two separate ceremonies.

Patrick Cannon will receive a Michigan Rehabilitation Conference Excellence Award, presented by the Michigan Rehabilitation Association and the Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Organizations (MARO).  He will be presented with the award at the October 25 evening banquet at the Amway Grand Plaza.  He is being honored for his many years of service on behalf of people with disabilities, including his service as director of MCB since 1997, bringing a new level of collaboration to the agency through the agency's VISION 2020 initiative; director of the Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns for 10 years, where he was instrumental in gaining passage of the 1990 amendments to the Michigan Handicappers' Civil Rights Act and advocating for enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act; State ADA Coordinator and Disability Policy Advisor to Governor Jennifer M. Granholm; a member and chair of the U.S. Access Board, appointed by President Bill Clinton, working on issues of architectural and transportation access; and for being a role model for individuals who are blind and possess other disabilities, and being a tireless advocate for full inclusion and full citizenship for individuals with disabilities.  Cannon said, "It is a particular honor to be recognized by my colleagues in the disability and rehab community.  I find immense satisfaction in effectively serving our customers and helping them to achieve independence and employment.  This is meaningful and satisfying work, particularly so due to the outstanding MCB staff."

Michelle Visscher , a Rehabilitation Counselor at the commission's Grand Rapids office, will receive the 2007 Michigan Rehabilitation Association (MRA) Job Placement Division (JPD) Placement Specialist of the Year Award at the MRA/JPD luncheon on October 25 at DeVos Place.  This award is presented annually to the person who excels in assisting persons with disabilities in obtaining employment, staying employed, and advancing in their employment.  Michelle Visscher has excelled in all of these in her work with MCB, serving people who are blind and visually impaired in Kent and Muskegon counties.  Visscher said, "It's wonderful to be recognized by my supervisor, colleagues, clients, and vendors that I work with every day.  This work is a team effort, so I share this honor with everyone at the Michigan Commission for the Blind."

Through its state- and federally- funded training and services, MCB provides opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and employment, and annually serves approximately 4,500 state residents who are blind or visually impaired.  Visit the MCB website at www.michigan.gov/mcbor 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.