December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD)! Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, IDPWD works to promote the rights, well-being, and needs of those with disabilities, celebrating the progress we've made, but also acknowledging the work still needed to create a more inclusive society.

In the past, most people affected by disabilities were limited to institutions where their basic rights were denied. Furthermore, disabilities were viewed patronizingly, and most individuals could only recognize limitations rather than skills and possibilities. However, where we once saw harmful policies, today we see huge changes in disability awareness and empowerment. Accessibility laws, inclusive education programs, and workplace accommodations have all worked towards breaking barriers and recognizing value in all people, regardless of disability status.

However, in many parts of the world, disability is still seen as a source of shame and stigma. Unfortunately, negative stereotypes lead to social isolation and missed opportunities – as we know, people with disabilities are capable of amazing things; but many societies fail to see this and exclude their citizens from healthcare, education and employment.

On IDPWD, we recognize this and look for ways we can close these gaps in equality. For example, you can show leaders what you are capable of by achieving your goals, whether it be excelling in academics, competing in sports, developing new innovations, or being a leader in your community. We can also advocate for new policies and changes in our schools, workplaces and hometowns, making sure everyone around us is receiving equal opportunities. International change will take time and progression, but it is possible with the right mindset and movements for change. Keep hope that things will get better, and gaps will close – and start with what you can control! Let's remember our own strengths and the strengths of everyone in society, keeping up our commitment to a world with equal opportunities for all!

Read more: 

• idpwd.org
• United Nations IDPWD article
• World Health Organization IDPWD article

November 5, 2024, marked the observance of the presidential election. As a person with low vision, using a traditional ballot is not an option for me. Without an accessible voting machine at my precinct in Kalamazoo, I would not have been able to participate in the voting process in person without someone reading the ballot to me.

Accessible voting is not a privilege; it’s a right. The ability to cast my vote privately, like my peers, embodies inclusion.

I frequently speak about the importance of inclusion in our communities, and how it helps level the playing field, allowing people with disabilities to fully engage and participate. Although elections like this don’t happen every year, they are powerful moments of inclusion. For individuals with visual impairments, reading difficulties, or mobility challenges, accessible voting options are crucial. It’s not just “nice to have” accessible voting machines; it’s a fundamental right.

The disability community and supporters have long advocated for accessible voting solutions, such as large print absentee ballots or accessible voting machines. Thanks to these efforts, we’re included in the process.

In Kalamazoo, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center has been instrumental in testing accessible voting machines, demonstrating inclusion in action. As the Independent Living Movement’s mantra says, “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

While progress has been made, much work remains. The ongoing work reminds me of the profound saying my friend and colleague often shares: “every day, every decision.”  This phrase emphasizes the importance of intentional choices and consistent effort in driving progress. With the ongoing support, we’ll continue to push for inclusive decisions, one step at a time. The intentional provision of accessible voting options moves us closer to true inclusion, one step at a time.

Cheers to the ongoing movement toward progress!

Lisa Kisiel  
Field Services Division Director  
Bureau of Services for Blind Persons

Join Asppire and BSBP for a winter program focused on self-advocacy, teamwork, and leadership skills on January 17-19! By following Erik Weihenmayer’s “No Barriers” curriculum, students will work their way through seven life elements (vision, pioneer, alchemy, reach, rope team, summits, and evaluate) while participating in cross-country ski activities!

Don’t wait – registration closes Friday, December 6, 2024! Register at https://bit.ly/nobarriers-msfl-2025.

For more information contact: Maria Peak, ASPPIRE Director at mpeak@asppire.org or 517-667-0670.

Do you want to turn your passion into income? Check out the Lean In! Prep 2025, A Vanward Consulting Initiative.

Lean In! Prep is a program that is developed and facilitated for people like you by people like you. Lean In! Prep Explorers will learn about different career options that are aligned with their interests and will have the opportunity to collectively run their own small business.

As a Lean In! Prep Explorer, you will:

• Learn how to leverage your so-called disability for success.
• Participate in starting an online Store.
• Sharpen your technology skills to be better prepared for higher education and/or future employment.
• Learn how to be individually accountable and effective within a team.
• Be paid for your hard work.

Participants in this innovative program must:

• Be a High School Student.
• Have access to the Internet suitable for virtual meetings.
• Be a customer of State Vocational Rehabilitation
• Be committed to participate in all Lean In! Prep group activities.

There is life after High School. What you receive in dollars can be complemented by a sense of fulfillment. Are you interested in developing the tools to be ready? Lean In! Prep 2025 can help.

Please register here by Friday, December 20.

Students who are Blind/Low Vision (BLV) and read braille are invited to participate online or in person in the 2025 Michigan Regional Braille Challenge. Braille Challenge is an academic competition unlike any other. This two-stage contest is designed to motivate students who are BLV to emphasize their study of braille while rewarding their success with fun-filled, but challenging, regional and national events. After this initial round, students who qualify will be invited to compete in the Braille Challenge Finals, hosted by Braille Institute.

Contestants who are registered by December 23, 2024, will receive an event t-shirt.

This regional event is hosted by MDE-LIO in collaboration with Kent Intermediate School District (ISD) and Macomb ISD. Go to mdelio.org for more information.

If you have applied to or are attending college in the 2025 school year, make sure to fill out the FAFSA – the federal government’s way of offering financial assistance to students! The application considers many factors in order to determine financial need for federal grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Here are some important things to remember:

• There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid, so make sure you apply, regardless of socioeconomic status! Applications opened December 1—the sooner you fill it out, the more money you may receive.
• The only reliable website for accessing FAFSA is studentaid.gov. Be aware of websites that may be trying to scam you or get your information.
• FAFSA offers all publications and fact sheets in braille format upon request. Their website is also screen-reader accessible (navigation guide linked below)!
• There are many workshops and resources available to help you through the process:
  • How to navigate the FAFSA website with a screen reader
  • Federal Student Aid’s YouTube channel (simple and straightforward explanations of the process)
  • Virtual Financial Aid Presentations provided by MI Student Aid where participants will learn:
    
    • FAFSA application information
    • Federal financial aid programs
    • State financial aid programs
    • Scholarship searching resources
    • These webinars are available on the following dates:
      • December 18 at 12:30 p.m.
      • December 18 at 6:30 p.m.
    • If you are not able to attend a Financial Aid 101 webinars, you can view a recording of the presentation
  • BSBP also has a database of many scholarships that fund college.

Please contact your BSBP rehabilitation professional if you need help navigating the FAFSA website or other scholarship websites. We are here to help!

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.