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http://www.wnem.com/story/17023615/michigan-commission-for-blind-office-eliminated

 

 

 

Gov. Snyder eliminates Michigan Commission for the Blind - WNEM TV 5

 

Posted:Feb 27, 2012 5:48 AM EST Updated:Feb 27, 2012 7:28 AM EST

By Craig McMorris, TV5 Anchor/Reporter -

bio |

email

images/17023615_BG1

LANSING, MI (WNEM) -

 

Gov. Rick Snyder has issued an executive order that eliminates the Michigan Commission for the Blind and Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

 

Executive Order 2012-2 transfers the duties of the two offices to other state departments.

 

According to the governor the action better leverages the expertise and resources of the departments.

 

"We're reshaping state government so it offers a more intuitive, effective and efficient system of services," Snyder said. "This executive order is an important

step in that ongoing process. As a result, our blind and visually impaired residents will have better access to comprehensive information and resources."

 

Under the executive order, the

Business

Enterprise Program is transferred from the Commission for the Blind to the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The program oversees statutes

that give the blind preference in state vending and food operations, a responsibility that is more in line with the facility management expertise of DTMB.

 

The remainder of the commission's duties will move to the Department of Human Services.   A new panel, the Blind and Visually Impaired Services Advisory

Board, will replace the Michigan Commission for the Blind and advise DHS on the administration of state programs for the blind and recommend policy changes.

The board will be comprised of five people with interest and expertise in the needs of the blind.

 

Michigan Rehabilitation Services also moves to DHS. In addition, the executive order creates the Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services within DHS.

The council will advise on state functions that affect the ability of people with disabilities to gain employment.

 

Duties of the Disability Concerns Commission, which now is a separate entity within the Department of Civil Rights, will be merged into the department for

greater effectiveness.

 

The full text of

E.O. 2012-2

is available online at

www.michigan.gov/snyder

 

Copyright 2012 WNEM (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.