Last month, our Pre-ETS students had the opportunity to meet in Lansing for a paid Work-Based Learning experience at the Michigan Transition Services Association (MTSA) conference as a part of the Show Me That Money financial literacy program. 

Students learned about work documentation, pay stubs, taxes and workplace soft skills in four virtual sessions. They helped create and present part of the keynote presentation on the opening day of the MTSA conference for approximately 350 conference attendees.

BSBP received multiple positive reviews about student work performance and presentation skills. Multiple vocational rehabilitation and transition staff from around the state have reached out about the program curriculum that was created.

This program was hosted by BSBP and the MDE-Resources for Blind and Low Vision (formerly MDE-LIO).

This program combines fun activities with exploring mobility options, discovering leadership skills and building friendships with peers facing similar challenges. Campers receive a free HumanWare GPS to help increase their travel independence. They also have the opportunity to learn about living and working with a guide dog.

Teen Summer Camp is provided free of charge at Leader Dogs for the Blind’s Rochester Hills campus to 16- and 17-year old individuals who are legally blind, regardless of whether they plan to train with a guide dog. Public transportation to Leader Dog campus and accommodations and meals while training is also provided free of charge.

Apply at LeaderDog.org by Friday, April 4.

Teen Orientation & Mobility
June 8-14, July 13-19, August 10-16

Teen Orientation and Mobility (O&M) provides O&M training for teens who have completed a year of high school and education for a supporter (typically a family member) to learn more about blindness, the skills their loved one uses and how to help in O&M goals. Instruction can cover basic cane skills to advanced cane skills to guide dog readiness.

Participants in this program stay in a local hotel and participate in our traditional training environments. All travel, meals and hotel expenses are covered by Leader Dog. During the instruction period, clients and their supporters also receive a tour of the Leader Dog facilities.

This program, like Leader Dog’s traditional O&M program, takes place over the course of one week

Apply to one of the O&M sessions at LearderDog.org.

Families with middle and high school aged children, and members of the community who support these students, consider attending the Transition: What You Need to Know with Karen Wang on April 7 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This online workshop will teach participants how the IEP transition plan can be used along with community resources to plan a smooth transition from school to adulthood.

• Understand the legal requirements of IEPs regarding transition planning and why it’s important
• Understand the different parts of your student's transition plan
• Learn about options for life after school
• Access community resources for adult life

Register here.

Questions? Email info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org.

Please join us for an informational session on April 15 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the College Prep Program. The program is a pre-college opportunity to live in the dorms, take a college course and complete a work experience over the summer.

Please contact krolls10@michigan.gov to receive a link to the virtual information session.

The College Prep Program is a pre-college opportunity to live in the dorms, take a transferrable college course and complete a work experience over the summer. While attending Western Michigan University, participants will be guided by student mentors and professionals to prepare you for the future and help you become familiar with various resources and skills in a college setting, such as self-advocacy, orientation and mobility, accommodations and more.

This program is for individuals who are starting to prepare for college, whether you are a high school student or have already graduated. The program will take place June 23 through August 15.

If you are interested, register for the program here and contact your counselor to learn more.

High school students (aged 14-26) with an interest and hospitality – a job readiness, family engagement and parent networking program is coming up! Visit the Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy a weekend exploring hospitality and a little family fun. Students will observe the behind-the-scenes operation of a resort, learn about various jobs and gain a better understanding of the hospitality industry.

Students will participate in a variety of activities to build skills necessary for employment success. Families will benefit from programming specifically catered to them including family engagement activities, benefits discussion and networking opportunities.

The program will take place at Great Wolf Lodge (3575 U.S. 31 North S, Traverse City, MI 49684) on May 30 - June 1.

Register here by April 18.

Want to learn more about this program? Join the information session on April 8 (5 p.m.) using this Zoom Link. 

Questions? Reach out to Brittany Hamilton-Reed at HamiltonReedB@michigan.gov.

*Please note: spots are limited and students who have not previously participated in this event will be given priority.

As a high school student stepping into adulthood, having a sense of purpose, a clear goal and a solid plan is key to your success. The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center is here to help you create a roadmap for your future.

Through training in essential life skills, mobility, technology and career planning, we’ll help to prepare you for independence and success. Discover how our job-seeking strategies and interactive workshops can empower you to achieve your dreams.

Join us for a weekend of fun, engaging activities and valuable insights! Explore how BSBP can support you every step of the way on your journey toward adulthood. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your future!

In order to participate, students must have an open Pre-ETS case and be new to training center services and/or blindness. Registration for the program will close on April 21, 2025. Please contact your BSBP counselor to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact Jaclyn Scholten at 269-337-3758 or at ScholtenJ1@michigan.gov.

Students with disabilities in Ingham, Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, register now for the Summer Youth Employment Training program focusing on job exploration, workplace readiness training and work-based learning experiences!

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to participate in interest-based and vocational assessments and pre-employment workshops designed to increase your knowledge and comfort level with entering the workforce. Additionally, you will take part in a four-week paid work experience, earning wages while working and learning in your local community.

Session 1 will be from June to July and Session 2 will be from July to August. Students need only attend one session. Both sessions will take place at Peckham Vocational Industries, located at 3150 Capitol City Blvd., Lansing, MI 48906.

Register here by April 18. For more information, contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at HamiltonReedB@michigan.gov.

Students in middle and high school – are you interested in showing off your O&M skills, getting feedback, prizes, and time to socialize? The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is co-hosting West Michigan Regional Cane Quest 2025 with Michigan Department of Education Resources for Blind/Low Vision. Cane Quest is a challenging, fun orientation and mobility contest for all students in grades 3-12 who use a white cane.

Cane Quest contestants are divided into three age categories – scouts, explorers, and trailblazers – and are asked to demonstrate fundamental orientation and mobility skills and travel techniques, such as sound localization, dropped objects, and proper human guide techniques.

West Michigan Cane Quest 2025 will take place at 350 Lafayette Ave. SE in Grand Rapids on May 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Register your student here.

Join BSBP, the Michigan Blind Athletic Association (MBAA), and Western Michigan University (WMU) on May 14-17, 2025 for the Michigan Sports Education Camp for Students with Visual Impairments – open to athletes from anywhere in the world!

MBAA has been providing sports training and instruction to some of the world’s most elite athletes for over 35 years, including many Paralympians. They train at WMU’s state-of-the-art facilities, and their staff includes Paralympians, athletic professionals, motivated college students and professors, teachers of the visually impaired, blind rehabilitation professionals, and former Sports Camp athletes from across the country.

At Sports Camp, we work on sports specific training, such as track & field, swimming, goalball, cycling, wrestling, hockey, soccer, judo and more. We provide small group and one-on-one instruction in a friendly, positive environment. Your athlete will have the opportunity to play sports and build lifelong relationships with other athletes who are blind or visually impaired.

Register at https://miblindsports.org/sportscamp/ by April 15.

If you have any questions, please contact michigansec@gmail.com or (231) 445-5171.

“I nominated Talitha because she doesn't leave my daughter behind on events. She makes sure we are up to date on everything that is going to happen.  And she is always there if my daughter is in need of anything to help her out at home or school.”

- Melissa, parent of BSBP customer

Talitha’s favorite part of her job is engaging one-on-one with customers and seeing the manifestation of their goals come to fruition. According to her, the education provided by Pre-ETS services is crucial when transitioning from one area of life to another. Having someone to guide you and provide you with resources and tools needed for success is instrumental!

Talitha encourages students to always ask questions, be open to new opportunities and remember, “you are never too old to learn something new.” She echoes similar advice to families, reminding them to not be afraid to allow their children to participate, ask questions if they don’t understand something, and to always meet the counselor halfway as you are on the same team and both want what is best for the student.

Talitha believes programs building on self-advocacy are extremely important as students need to learn how to understand and articulate their accommodations. She also recommends real-life work experiences for college students (this can make you more marketable once you receive your degree)! 

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.