Welcome to the Mitten Phone Chapter, a virtual chapter of the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI), an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). Our mission is to support independence, quality of life, and equality for people who are blind or visually impaired through advocacy.
About the Mitten Phone Chapter
The Mitten Phone Chapter gives members-at-large and people who are unable to participate in a local chapter a place to share concerns and contribute to the work of MCBVI and ACB. We support the missions and activities of our state affiliate and national organization, including accessible voting machines, accessible absentee voting, and accessible prescription labeling.
We provide support to people who are newly blind and their families, as well as to current members. We support parents of blind children and blind parents who are raising children. We welcome people with other disabilities in addition to blindness, including hearing, learning, and physical disabilities.
We are a diverse group of people who advocate for equality for those who are blind or visually impaired. We encourage members to be active in local, state, and national issues that affect independence and quality of life.
Meetings and events
We meet by Zoom or, when directed, by phone conference. Visit the 2026 Meetings and Events page for dates, times, and meeting contact information.
The MCBVI Annual State Convention will be held in October 2026 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Additional information will be added to the 2026 Meetings and Events page when it is available.
Become a member
Mitten Phone Chapter annual dues are $10, and combined MCBVI/ACB annual dues are $10, for a total of $20.
Pay Mitten Phone Chapter dues through PayPal
When paying chapter dues, write “Mitten Phone Chapter dues” in PayPal’s memo.
- Review current dues and membership information on the MCBVI membership page.
- If you are joining MCBVI for the first time, complete the online MCBVI membership application.
Member grants
Since March 2023, the Mitten Phone Chapter has offered grants to help members purchase items that increase their independence. Since 2024, members have also been able to request financial assistance to attend the Michigan Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) state convention in Grand Rapids.
Applicants must be members in good standing of the Mitten Phone Chapter.
Apply for a Mitten Phone Chapter grant or convention assistance using Google Forms
Application decisions and award limit
The Grant Committee will review each application and notify the applicant of its decision within 30 days. If the application is accepted, the Treasurer will send a check for the approved amount, up to $200.
Required documentation
For an independence item or service, submit a copy of the receipt to the Treasurer within 30 days after receiving the item or service. For convention assistance, submit a short report describing the events attended and/or what the member learned.
Email receipts and reports to dscalzi@comcast.net or send them by U.S. mail to:
Diane Scalzi21621 Briarcliff Street
Saint Clair Shores, MI 48082
Convention assistance deadline
Applications for convention assistance must be submitted by September 8.
Late documentation
A member who fails once to submit the required receipt or report on time will be suspended from the grant program for the following year. A member who fails a second time will be permanently removed from the grant program.
Questions and phone applications
If you have questions or wish to apply by phone, call (313) 744-3488.
Donate to the Mitten Phone Chapter
Your donation supports the work of the Mitten Phone Chapter, including its grant program and advocacy activities.
Contact
Ann McKay-Bacon is the current president of the Mitten Phone Chapter.
Questions or concerns? Email the Mitten Phone Chapter board.