|
|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
  Issue # 28 | July 2025
Relationships, Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Relationships—whether they’re with friends, parents, siblings, coworkers, teachers or peers—are undoubtedly an important part of living a meaningful and fulfilling life. However, when managing a visual impairment, it may be more difficult to interpret contextual cues that occur during nonverbal communication such as facial expressions or body language. Furthermore, it can be frustrating to experience uncomfortable interactions with strangers who may overstep or act differently around you because of your disability. Knowing how to navigate these situations with appropriate behavior is a great way to develop confidence, self-advocacy skills, and professional and personal opportunities!
It is important to develop communication skills that work in any context. Communication skills include active listening, empathy and giving and receiving feedback. Some general tips to keep in mind include:
- When you are being spoken to, make sure you listen to understand and not to respond. Check your body language, avoid interrupting, observe context clues and validate/ask follow-up questions in a mindful tone to show your interest.
- A big part of communicating is setting and respecting boundaries—if someone expresses that a particular occurrence makes them uncomfortable, be sure to show consideration and avoid the action!
- Filtering yourself for rude or unnecessary comments is also a necessary skill—avoid making negative comments about someone’s appearance or interests, and steer clear of topics such as politics, finances, religion or personal accomplishments when it may be inappropriate or make others uncomfortable or hurt.
- In the case of a conflict, don’t shut down or get defensive. Instead, be respectful and utilize empathy (put yourself in your communication partner’s shoes) to genuinely try to understand all points of view in a situation.
- Take note that communication skills don’t come naturally—try learning braille, using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods, or operating scanning, sequential or auditory communicators, large print or audio formats, or other forms of communication that work for you!
- Finally, don’t forget to ask for help when you need it! Communication courtesy goes both ways, and you are entitled to the same respect and kindness you offer to others. If you need assistance with things such as navigating a new place or finding a misplaced item, it can be helpful to disclose your visual impairment or use nonverbal cues (such as a cane or guide dog), and then politely ask for what you need. Most people are more than willing to lend you a helping hand! However, interactions with strangers can also be one of the hardest parts of having a visual impairment--it is never enjoyable when someone makes you feel uncomfortable through inappropriate touching, directions that aren’t useful, or awkward or disrespectful words or tones. Don’t forget that it is always okay to politely set up boundaries, asking the individual not to do something or courteously declining their help. Furthermore, if someone asks you unwarranted questions about your disability, remember it is not your job to educate strangers on blindness. They can do that research themselves, and it is totally fine not to answer! Sighted or non-visually impaired peers are encouraged to research on communication strategies, how to respect boundaries and advocate for those with visual impairments to help remove communication barriers for all.
To close, remember that communication must be adjusted to fit the context of the situation: personal and professional settings require considerably different patterns and actions from one another:
-
Personal relationships, such as those with parents, friends, and significant others, are ways to speak about intimate topics, support and be supported, and develop emotional connections.
-
Professional relationships, on the other hand, are limited to only what is appropriate in a formal setting. In workplace, school, or other professional environments, remember to stay on topic – avoid oversharing and keep your communication relevant to the specific task or goal you are working on. Asking overly personal questions or assuming closeness can make other’s feel uncomfortable and be an inefficient use of time! Furthermore, be certain to remain respectful, kind, and honest. Don’t be rude to your colleagues or boss, thank them for their help, and recognize that their time is just as valuable as your own. Finally, avoid inappropriate touching and slang, emojis, typos, and incorrect formatting in emails or other types of formal communication.
More Resources:
Don't forget to check out the BSBP Pre-ETS/Transition Services page and see what new and exciting programs are planned. Explore, sign up and connect with your counselor today regarding any questions.
|
|
|
Our goal is to help students aged 14 to 26 to successfully make the transition from high school to postsecondary education or employment. We offer lots of exciting camps and weekend trips to help you learn while having some fun and meeting other students who are Blind and Visually impaired across the state!
|
|
Check out this list of scholarship and grant opportunities from around the country.
Please check the specific application deadline and requirements for each because they vary.
|
|
 |
A significant advantage of communication and relationships is networking – the connections you build with supervisors, coworkers and peers that can lead to learning, personal and professional support, and future opportunities. Everyone connected to you through your parents, friends, teachers, peers, or coworkers—even the people you don’t know well—can all be valuable resources!
In order to network, start with people you know, especially those who have experience in a field you are interested in. Ask them what they do for work, if they enjoy their role (think about if their industry is something you may be interested in), and what advice they would give to you in your high school, college or professional career. Then, work on seeking out connections! Volunteer, build relationships with teachers and professors, reach out to professionals to set up an interview, and continue to develop and refine your professional communication skills. Make sure you keep in contact with the individuals you meet, whether through email or social media, as these connections will help you later on in your career progression.
There are several benefits to networking, including learning, building confidence and finding opportunities. According to the Employee Referral Invitation Network, “1 in 6 referral-accepted candidates are hired, compared to just 7% of traditionally sourced candidates.” In other words, sending in an online application alongside hundreds of other qualified applicants may not be as useful as being recommended by a current or former employee. When applying for a job, reach out to those you’ve connected with, asking them where they work or if they know of any opportunities in the field—this will lead to more competitive roles.
More Resources:
|
|
Ziyad Meshaal, a May 2025 Lawrence Technological University (LTU) computer science graduate, transcended resilience, perseverance and innovation, overcoming the challenges of blindness from his early life in Iraq to transform adversity into advocacy for accessibility.
Born blind in Iraq, Meshaal faced severe limitations because of scarce resources for people with disabilities. His educational pursuits gained momentum only after emigrating to the United States in 2008. In 2010, he began high school in the U.S., mastering Braille quickly, which empowered him to tackle obstacles with newfound confidence.
Inspired by his blind counselor, Stephanie Kimmons, BSBP Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and LTU advisor Oriehi (Destiny) Anyaiwe, Meshaal received the guidance and emotional support crucial to his journey.
“I want to deeply thank and recognize the BSBP and others for their support and encouragement,” Meshaal said. “Their belief in me reminded me that, with determination, anything is possible.”
Read more about Meshaal's journey here.
|
|
Aug. 8-10
The weekend program will offer students exposure to a professional culinary kitchen and Food Innovation Center at Kalamazoo Community College, hands-on dining and meal preparation experience.
What You’ll Do:
Spend an entire day touring, learning and experiencing commercial vegetable/herb growing, a professional kitchen and preparation of dinner at the campus of Kalamazoo Community College.
- Students will hand-pick their vegetables and herbs for making a pizza and salad.
- Students will hear from culinary professionals about employment opportunities in the culinary field.
Students will enjoy breakfast at a popular local restaurant while learning to:
- Interact confidently with waitstaff.
- Navigate and understand menus.
- Discover various occupations and key considerations in food service settings
Students will gain hands-on experience making and packing your own lunch by learning to:
- Use and clean an electric grill safely.
- Non-visual techniques for spreading, cutting and stirring.
- Preparing and grilling a sandwich of their choice.
- Cutting fruit and making their side of fruit salad.
- Students will also receive their own electric grill to take home for future use.
To register, please contact your BSBP counselor for a referral. A completed medical form or physical is required. Questions? Contact LEO-BSBPTrainingCenter@michigan.gov.
|
|
The Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University (WMU) invites you to participate in the first annual Southwest Michigan Vision Resource Fair! This free event aims to bring resources, vendors and service providers together in one location for the benefit of the blind and low vision community, their allies and advocates.
When: Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Western Michigan University College of Health and Human Services (1240 Oakland Drive, Building 145 Kalamazoo MI 49008-5218)
Location: College of Health and Human Services, 4010 (4th floor)
Parking: Visitor Parking is available on the main lot. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
Learn new information, view product demonstrations, seek support and find assistance. View the flyer here.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Not a student currently working with BSBP and want to get in on the action?
BSBP has offices across the state and can meet you in the comfort of your own home and/or school. Contact our BSBP mainline at 1-800-292-4200 to get started or visit this link for office locations.
Questions for the Pre-ETS Team? Reach out to LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov.
|
|
Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics |
|
|
|
|
