Achievement Honor Roll Awards were presented to Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) clients who are exemplary in exceeding their goals for personal success and to community and business partners for opening doors for blind and visually impaired to live independently.
Nominated by BSBP staff, clients were recognized for their post-secondary success, reaching independent living status and/or obtaining employment after vision loss through the diverse set of quality services offered by BSBP. Community and business partners were honored for being leaders in increasing opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve independence and/or employment in collaboration with BSBP.
“Our programs and services are designed to partner with and provide support to our clients so they can achieve a greater quality of life and support themselves independently,” said BSBP Director Bill Robinson. “Each BSBP client deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond the goals they’ve set for themselves. I am proud of the hard work our BSBP team members and partners contributed to elevate and support our clients.”
State services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired have proven to be invaluable to Michigan citizens to help them attain employment through vocational rehabilitation and the Business Enterprise Program and to help older Michiganders who are blind live independently through the Independent Living program.
This event took place during Investing in Abilities Month, as proclaimed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities while increasing the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of Michigan workers with disabilities.
Training Center
Linda Lieburn, Quinnesec
On opening day of hunting season in 2015, Linda was transported to a Green Bay hospital after going into septic shock and as a result she lost most of her fingers, toes and went blind. Since then, Linda has participated in the BSBP Rehabilitation program and has learned to read braille using her lips and various other adaptive day-to-day tasks that are unique to her since she can’t rely on touch. Linda was determined to get back to work and now serves her community in various roles including the deputy clerk, administrative assistant to the treasurer, assessor and water clerk for Breitung Township Planning Commission. Linda also volunteers as a braille teacher for elementary students.
