June 08, 2004
June 8, 2004
LANSING -- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that she has selected Patrick Cannon, executive director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind, to serve in the newly-created position of State Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. As State ADA Coordinator, Cannon will be responsible for coordinating cooperative efforts among state departments and agencies related to compliance with state and federal disability rights laws.
“Pat’s ceaseless dedication to promoting the abilities of people with disabilities and his many years of service in the disability rights arena will serve the state well,” Granholm said. “My administration is one of inclusion and engagement, dedicated to capturing the best thinking and ideas of all of our citizens, including people with disabilities.”
Previously, Cannon served as 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 advocated for enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Cannon was appointed by President Clinton in 1995 to the U.S. Access Board, an independent federal regulatory agency whose mission is accessibility for people with disabilities. He served as Chair in 1997 and 1998 and was re-appointed for a second four-year term in 1999. In addition to his new responsibilities as State ADA Coordinator, Cannon will continue to serve as Director of the Michigan Commission for the Blind.
The State ADA Coordinator position was created by Governor Granholm under Executive Order 2004-31. Under the Order, the Coordinator will serve as the state’s primary liaison with departments and agencies on matters of compliance with state and federal disability rights laws. ADA Coordinators designated for each state department will work in conjunction with the State ADA Coordinator. The Office of the State Employer will retain primary responsibility for compliance with state and federal disability rights laws on matters relating to state employment.
“This Executive Order and the State ADA Coordinator will enhance coordination of the development and implementation of public policy and the design and delivery of public services for persons with disabilities and lead to better compliance with state and federal disability rights laws,” Granholm said.
