Michigan Deaf Association

Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy

Mission Statement & Goals

The Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy Group works to raise awareness of the needs and rights of DeafBlind individuals in Michigan. We focus on improving access to essential services, including Support Service Providers (SSPs), DeafBlind interpreters, affordable and accessible transportation options, and social events that are inclusive of DeafBlind individuals. Our goal is to ensure that DeafBlind individuals have the support they need to fully participate in their communities and lead independent, fulfilling lives.

We are actively planning and fundraising to support our current objectives:

Goal 1: Advocate for and Increase Availability of Service Support Providers (SSPs)

There is a limited number of qualified SSPs available to assist DeafBlind individuals with independent living, social events, and public meetings. We are working to expand the availability of SSPs across different regions of Michigan by advocating for fair pay rates and transportation subsidies. Additionally, we are fundraising to ensure SSPs are available at Michigan Deaf Association activities, helping DeafBlind individuals fully participate in community events.

Goal 2: Advocate for Transportation Subsidies to Ensure Accessible Mobility

Transportation options for DeafBlind individuals, such as public transit, paratransit, guide dogs, and sighted guides, are often limited, especially for those living in suburban and rural areas. Many DeafBlind residents struggle to access reliable transportation for essential needs like grocery shopping, doctor appointments, and attending social events. We are working to increase affordable and convenient transportation options by advocating for transportation subsidies and pushing for improved mobility resources that meet the needs of DeafBlind individuals in all areas of Michigan.

Goal 3: Advocate for Inclusive Social Events and Increased Access

We will foster a community where DeafBlind individuals can come together, share experiences, and collaborate on advocating for more inclusive social events. Many DeafBlind individuals feel limited in their participation due to a lack of SSPs or DeafBlind interpreters at events. By raising awareness of these needs, we aim to ensure that future social events are accessible, allowing DeafBlind individuals to fully engage and enjoy a broader range of activities in the community.

Upcoming Activities

The Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy Group meets at least four times a year in different regions across Michigan. We also have a committee dedicated to planning fundraising and advocacy events. If you are interested in hosting a local meet-and-greet event for DeafBlind residents or would like to participate on the committee, please contact the MDBA Chairperson, Debi McNally, at dmcnally@michdeaf.org.

  • Wednesday, March 19, 2025 (9am to 3pm): We will participate at the Communication Access Center’s Health Fair (4156 Holiday Drive, Flint, MI 48507).
  • Saturday, April 12, 2025 (12pm to 3pm): We will raise awareness of Helen Keller’s birthday and meet with Director Kenya Lowe of the MDCR’s Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DODDBHH) at Cadillac Place (3054 West Grand Blvd, Ste 3-600, Detroit, MI 48202)
  • Saturday, November 15, 2025 (10am to 4pm): Join us at the 2025 Michigan Deaf Association Conference at the Embassy Suites by Hilton (850 Tower Dr, Troy, MI 48098). The event will feature an ASL Festival with performers and exhibitors, along with workshop sessions on self-advocacy and community resources. The Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy Group (MDBA) will have a table and will be fundraising to support DeafBlind residents. We hope to see you there!
  • Sunday, November 16, 2025 (8am to 12pm): Join us at the Michigan Deaf Association’s membership meeting at the at the Embassy Suites by Hilton (850 Tower Dr, Troy, MI 48098). The meeting includes bylaws revisions and election of board officers.

Take Action: Help MDBA Grow

  • Donate to the MDBA Fund: Your contributions help support important advocacy, resources, and events for the DeafBlind community. When making your donation to the Michigan Deaf Association, please add “Michigan DeafBlind Advocacy” in the memo line to ensure your contribution supports MDBA’s efforts.
  • Connect Us with Other DeafBlind Individuals: Help us reach more DeafBlind residents who can benefit from our support and resources. Encourage them to become members of the Michigan Deaf Association.
  • Advocate for Our Access Needs: Stand with us in advocating for better access to interpreters, SSPs, transportation, and inclusive events for DeafBlind individuals.

Recent Accomplishments

On an ongoing basis, we have met with state legislators and the director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights’ Division of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to advocate for increased resources to support DeafBlind residents.

We have successfully hosted meet-and-greet events with local DeafBlind residents at the following locations:

  • December 14, 2024: Meet and Greet event at Lansing Community College
  • February 1, 2025: Meet and Greet event at Lansing Community College
  • March 1, 2025: MDBA planning meeting in Grand Rapids

Image Description: MDBA representatives discussed fundraising ideas for Fall 2025. The photo shows Nancy, Luis, Debi, and Bonnie exploring a handmade gumball machine.

Image Description: Debi and Luis explore a tactile artwork featuring a fishing person at the beach. The blue circle artwork includes river pebbles for the beach, a twig for the tree, and a stick with string for the fishing figure.

Image Description: Bonnie shares a beautiful yarn wall art piece with Debi. The artwork features different yarn textures in pink, white, gray, and navy blue, arranged on a wooden circle.

MDBA Representatives

Lansing

  • Debi McNally, Chair
  • Lawson McNally

Grand Rapids

  • Luis Penna
  • Bonnie Carlson

Flint

  • Yolanda Burnett
  • Carol Cottrell
  • Warren Coryell, Jr.

Detroit

  • Erin Dunn
  • Lakeysha Nolan

If you would like to join as MDBA representatives or support us as SSPs, please contact Debi McNally at dmcnally@michdeaf.org. Thank you so much for your support and advocacy of DeafBlind residents.

If you would like to add information to the webpage, share updates, or promote events that will benefit the DeafBlind community, please send an email to vicepresident@michdeaf.org.