Carolyn Grawi, the director of advocacy and education for the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, has been appointed to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s Accessibility Advisory Council.

“This appointment recognizes the depth and breadth of Carolyn’s expertise and the importance of adding a strong voice for the disability community on the council,” Jim Magyar, president of the council, said in a press release.

The council’s goal is to make fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and other recreational pursuits accessible and enjoyable for everyone, including the 1 in 5 individuals in Michigan who live with disabilities.

Members of the council serve three-year terms, with two-year extensions. The council works closely with the DNRE Accessibility Team, receiving overall direction from the department director, with the goal of positioning Michigan as the national leader in providing access to Michigan’s natural and recreational resources.

Six additional appointees include:

• Albert Bobruisk, Michigan National Wild Turkey Federation and a member of Wheelin Sportsmen.
• Ronald Davis, director of the Michigan Recreation Parks Association.
• Laura Hall, Disability Network Michigan.
• Marc Russell, Russell Design landscape architecture and design.
• Amy Spray, Michigan United Conservation Clubs.
• Frank Turnage, board member of the Northwest Affiliation Regional Consumer Forum and the RCF's representative for developmentally disabled customers of Northern Lakes Community Mental Health.

The Ann Arbor CIL is a nonprofit community enrichment, learning, and advocacy organization dedicated to the success of children, youth, adults and seniors with disabilities - at home, at school, at work and in the community.

Grawi works closely with businesses, employers, schools, and universities to remove barriers and increase accessibility. In her role, she provides consulting services on the Americans with Disabilities Act, reviews construction plans for accessibility compliance, and conducts disability awareness training to parks and recreation facilities and staff.

For more information about the Ann Arbor CIL, visit www.aacil.org or call 734-971-0277.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529.