As you move into the new year, remember to celebrate the 215^th birthday of the visionary behind our modern Braille code, Louis Braille! World Braille Day is not only a day meant to honor Braille and his advantageous and invaluable invention, but it is also intended to remind our world that persons who are blind and have low vision are entitled to respect, advocacy and the same rights and freedoms as everyone else.

World Braille Day also marks the start of Braille Literacy Month, so celebrate and remember all month long that even young people can make change and be an inspiration and role model to those around you!

FUN FACT – Louis was only 15 when he created the Braille code! As we commemorate this day, let's acknowledge the strides made in advancing equitable literacy access and continue advocating for a society that appreciates and supports the unique needs of everyone, including you!

Written by: Emily Mott, Student Assistant with BSBP’s Transition Services Team

At this year’s Intro to Culinary Arts program hosted at the BSBP’s Training Center in Kalamazoo, in collaboration with Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s (KVCC) Culinary Program, students experienced several introductory opportunities to the field of Culinary Arts.

Students dabbled in food prep using air fryers and more conventional cooking methods. They toured KVCC and found out more information about available training options.

Students also had an opportunity to network with a representative from the Business Enterprise Program, including a local operator. Some asked themselves, “could this be a post-secondary option for me?” 

They shared meals, laughs and had an opportunity to contribute to this year’s program by offering helping hands to peers when needed and listening and sharing with others about their experiences.

For more information regarding BSBP’s Business Enterprise Program, please visit the Business Enterprise Program page.

For more information regarding KVCC Culinary Programs of Study, please visit the KVCC Programs of Study page.

Transition planning sets the goals and activities that will help a teenager achieve their post-high school plans. This online workshop will provide an overview of supports that can assist young adults with the transition from school to adult life.

Topics include: Guardianships & Alternatives to Guardianship, Public Benefits, Person Centered Planning (PCP) & Self-Determination, Employment Resources, Independent Living Resources, and Transfer of Parental Rights at the Age of Majority.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ye6kw96c. 

Michigan’s Regional challenges are hosted by MDE-LIO in collaboration with KENT ISD and Macomb ISD. Braille Challenge is an academic competition consisting of two-stages intended to motivate BVI students to use their braille skills to compete with peers. For BVI students in Michigan, grades 1-12, who can read braille.

MDE-LIO asks for students to only sign-up for one of the following options:

1. KENT ISD: https://bit.ly/Braille2024Kent– Registration closes January 10, 2024
2. Macomb ISD: https://bit.ly/Braille2024Macomb– Registration closes February 7, 2024
3. Virtual: https://bit.ly/Braille2024Online– Registration closes February 7, 2024

Ready to give back and learn valuable life skills? Join the Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach (MDE-LIO) and the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) for a series of workshops focused on financial literacy and volunteering.

Over four virtual sessions, you’ll dive into budgeting, creating spending plans, gathering information, event planning, and providing a service. The group will select a volunteer project, like making cozy blankets for a shelter or creating care packages for a children’s hospital to work on together in person.

Adult family members can also attend for a special program at the in-person session. Make a positive impact in your community and learn some essential life skills along the way!

Register at https://bit.ly/BeyondtheMoney2024.

Audience: BVI Students in Michigan, ages 14 and older.

Do you have an awesome BSBP counselor who goes above and beyond to help you (or your child) achieve your goals? Well now you can tell the world about them😊! 

We would love to feature your counselor in one of our upcoming monthly newsletters! Complete your quick and easy nomination at https://forms.gle/i2EkPg72Z6927xEd8.