This summer, our Pre-ETS team had the privilege of meeting with former student ambassador Jonathon (he/they), who is currently enrolled at Western Michigan University, hired in as a Resident Assistant/WMU College Prep Mentor, and interning at Ball State University. Balancing his academic responsibilities with a job and an internship, Jonathon's story is evidence of the usefulness of Pre-ETS and BSBP services. 

For Jonathon, studying and working simultaneously is both challenging and rewarding. Their primary responsibilities include reviewing programs and ensuring their proper functionality, coding, creating and organizing program templates, attending meetings, and delivering mail and packages. Technology training accessed through BSBP has made it easier to transition into these job roles.

When asked about the influence of Pre-ETS services in securing and preforming work duties, Jonathon highlighted the significant role of self-advocacy services. For example, in college, Jonathon shared a situation where they were placed in the back of the classroom by a professor, making it difficult to see. Jonathan advocated and requested to be moved. Additionally, at work, when presented with a computer that lacked the necessary technology, Jonathon reached out to their supervisor to initiate the process of requesting an accommodation to ensure the availability of the necessary tools needed to perform the job efficiently. 

BSBP’s workshop held at Kensington Metropark’s Nature Center on June 20 was a great success! Students were joined by staff and introduced to their OrCam devices, a wearable assistive technology device that helps people with visual impairments identify objects and read any printed or digital text through audio feedback. Students were able to access tech support from OrCam, Inc. onsite and participated in a scavenger hunt utilizing their OrCam to read and identify items throughout the nature center.

As students transition to future postsecondary training opportunities and employment, use of an OrCam could have a significant positive impact on increasing the independence of the user.

BSBP thanks all collaborating partners for their contribution in making this workshop a success!

At BSBP we’re excited to learn how our students use their OrCam devices beyond workshop activities. Keep an eye out on future newsletters for updates on their progress!

September 13-14

Embassy Suites by Hilton - 710 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503  

As a high school student beginning to travel down your paths to adulthood, you need to have a sense of purpose, a goal to work towards and a clear path to follow.

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center can help you develop a roadmap by providing training in life skills, mobility, technology and participating in career planning and job seeking skills.

Join us for a weekend of fun and interactive activities to learn how the bureau can support and prepare you for your journey. For information contact Michele Jimenez at 269-337-3862 or jimenezm2@michigan.gov.

November 8, 12-1 p.m.

Save the date for the upcoming Zoom webinar where BSBP transition consultants will be taking a deep dive on PE vs. VR case types.

Stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the webinar!

“I am super excited to be with BSBP and looking forward to learning so much in this new role. I am no stranger to the rehabilitation profession, I have previous work experience with Disability Network, University of Michigan and most recently Michigan Rehabilitation Services. I am a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University (Go Green!). When I'm not working, I'm collecting Funko pop figurines, watching Marvel movies, hanging out with my nieces and nephew or keeping up with my garden.

As a Transition Consultant my hope is to work closely with the Central Region staff to support the youth/students with disabilities and families as they engage in Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). I have a strong passion for transition-related services as I find it vital to a student’s success beyond high school. So much is happening during high school and a great deal of independence must be developed. Pre-ETS and transition services offerings should be assisting the student and family with planning and preparing for that next step, whatever that may be.

I know that may be vague but the uniqueness of individuals will shape what services, assistance and programming can be offered. I'm coming to the table to understand the needs and bridge the gap.

I look forward to meeting and working with you.”

Say hello or connect with Brittany via email at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov.

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.