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  Issue # 31 | October 2025
Last month's newsletter discussed the benefits of college and how to afford the ever-rising cost of tuition. With application season approaching (and early action deadlines coming up), let’s talk about the next step in the process: deciding on the colleges you are ready to apply to!
A good first step is to develop a list of questions with your BSBP, TCVI or guidance counselor to examine your options. Some examples to ask include:
- How much does it cost – including room and board for those planning to live on campus?
- Is the degree/program you are interested in pursuing being offered?
- What financial aid opportunities do you qualify for?
- How far is it from home? Will I like the area/locality?
- How large is the campus? Where will my classes be? What format will they be in (online/hybrid/in-person)?
- What campus resources, career development opportunities and student organizations are available?
Choosing a Disability-Friendly College
Another factor students with visual impairments must consider is whether the campus is disability-friendly and accessible. Make sure you create another list based on your vision profile and any additional learning or physical challenges, such as:
- Will I be able to safely navigate the campus?
- How reliable is the school’s office of disability services?
- Are the accommodations/assistive technology provided acceptable?
- How many other visually impaired students are enrolled?
- What organizations or resources are available to visually impaired students?
Remember, under the laws established by the ADA and Rehabilitation Act, postsecondary schools must offer resources and assistive technology to students who need it, but their quality and usefulness can vary.
For a starting point, see below for a list of colleges in Michigan ranked highly for their disability-friendliness:
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University of Michigan
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Western Michigan University
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Michigan State University
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Central Michigan University
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Eastern Michigan University
After completing your list of questions, the next step is to research, visit campuses in person, talk to college representatives, and examine your final options. Feel free to reach out to BSBP for help in the decision process! We can help with coordinating campus visits, accessing the needed assistive tech for school, researching scholarships, establishing a budget, and ensuring your selected program can support your vocational goal!
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Five BSBP students completed the College Prep Program, housed at Western Michigan University, this year. The College Prep Program offers students the opportunity to experience life as a college student with additional supports for 8-weeks on the Kalamazoo campus. Students complete an English general education class which can transfer to other colleges for credit, participate in auxiliary classes with BSBP staff to prepare them for life in post-secondary education, work a part-time job on- or off-campus for earned income, and reside in a residential dorm.
This year, two BSBP college students currently attending Central Michigan University served as paid mentors, living in the dorms and assisting the student participants in any of their daily needs.
Students were able to work with a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist and a Certified Assistive Technology Specialist to practice and refine any skills needed to be a successful College Student. In addition, students completed a five-week Relationship Education class to have them examine their personal values and understanding of meeting other young adults, developing friendships, dating, relationship skills, and maintaining healthy boundaries and safety.
The participants also learned skills for employment networking and participated in a professional networking event held at the Kalamazoo Radisson. They met and networked with a dozen volunteers from local businesses and organizations to practice their professional communication and advocacy skills in a restaurant meet and greet format.
Participants were able to travel in the Kalamazoo area and enjoyed bowling, horseback riding and visiting local restaurants and businesses. They reported learning about their own personal management and scheduling needs and preferences as they transition towards postsecondary education.
This summer, seven students participated in Summer in the City, a long-standing 7-week program supporting students in Ottawa, Kent and Muskegon Counties. Led by Grand Rapids ABVI (Association for the Blind/Visually Impaired), Summer in the City was developed in collaboration with local Teacher Consultants for the Visually Impaired (TCVI) based on the needs of their transition-aged students and focuses on building independent living and work-readiness skills through virtual sessions, student-led life skills projects, and an intensive in-person experience at the Grand Rapids Junior Achievement “Biz Town” campus.
During the in-person week, participants used budgeting skills to order meals and practiced orientation and mobility and self-advocacy by planning and navigating public transit in Grand Rapids. They also engaged their employment readiness skills through mock interviews with Mary Free Bed Hospital’s HR staff.
At “Biz Town,” students spent two days in employment simulations. On day one, they worked at a Chick-Fil-A mini-restaurant, learning job tasks and the workstations of a restaurant. On day two, they created simulated budgets with Consumers Credit Union, using accessible iPads to manage expenses like housing, taxes, food and childcare based on a random salary and family size.
Throughout the summer, students continued to meet virtually and in-person to plan community outings. They used public transit to visit a fire station, go bowling and enjoy a local cat-adoption café. Students enjoyed being able to plan and budget their own activities.
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.
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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!
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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.
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MSU Stride Center BOSS Program
November 3, 2025 - May 1, 2026
Current Michigan State University students – you are invited to participate in MSU Stride Center’s BOSS program taking place from November 3, 2025- May 1, 2026! This program will allow you to participate in an on-campus work experience that aligns with your major/career aspirations, engage in the reasonable accommodation process, and develop professional, vocational and self-advocacy skills to apply to your future education and employment.
This program is available to undergraduate, graduate and/or doctoral students enrolled at MSU who are in good academic standing and in vocational rehabilitation status with an established IPE at BSBP. Students should have a declared major to build targeted experience in their future career field and/or firmly commit to the completion of the full BOSS program.
To register, reach out to your rehabilitation counselor by October 6, 2025.
East Michigan Community Engagement Series
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BSBP students or youth who reside in Monroe, Macomb, Oakland or Wayne counties, join us for the East Region Community Engagement Series! We look forward to helping you explore job opportunities locally via monthly group-based worksite tours, job shadows, work skills training and more!
This program will take place one Saturday per month from October 2025 to May 2026, beginning on October 26. Each session will spotlight a different employer with an array of job types. Lunch will be provided!
Program Highlights:
- Discuss career options and work environments while building soft skills
- Participate in worksite tours, job shadows and informational interviews
- Visit and network with employers/businesses, financial institutions, stores and other settings!
Questions? Contact Shawnese Laury at laurys@michigan.gov.
To participate, register by October 6 at https://bit.ly/BSBPcommunityengage2025.
Jackson ISD Bowling with BSBP
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October 7 from 6-8 p.m.
BSBP is holding a Family Engagement event on October 7 at Jax 60 Bowling Alley for Jackson ISD students who are currently enrolled with BSBP and those who are considering enrolling. This is a no pressure event where BSBP will have a brief presentation about our services, an opportunity for you to interact with a BSBP Manager, Counselor and Transition Consultant, and bowl of course. Come out to learn more and enjoy some free bowling, pizza and fun!
There will be a brief presentation at 6 p.m. followed by open bowling and food. This event is free and open for Jackson ISD students, families and staff!
Location: Jax 60 Bowling Alley – 3501 Wildwood Ave Jackson, MI 49202
Register at https://tinyurl.com/BSBPBOWL.
Eastern Michigan University Fall Tour
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October 23 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Pre-ETS students interested in attending college – BSBP and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) will be hosting a Disability Focused Tour and Resource Fair on October 23 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This program will provide students and families with the opportunity to visit EMU to explore a local mid-size college campus, learn about valuable college resources and:
- Explore what college has to offer by visiting a mid-size campus
- Explore one of the campus residence halls and enjoy lunch in a dining hall
- Engage in a mini resource fair with various campus partners
- Engage in a student panel with current EMU students
Interested? Complete the EMU Fall Tour Interest Form.
Location: Eastern Michigan University – 900 Oakwood St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov.
It’s Lit! Financial Literacy
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Pre-ETS students in central Michigan, join BSBP and Selective Case Management for a virtual and in-person program that offers financial literacy workshops and a work-based learning experience at the 2026 Michigan Transition Services Association Conference! Attendees will:
- Understand earning income and Social Security incentives
- Understand work documentation, taxes and pay stubs
- Learn to enhance employment related soft skills
- Interact with peers to improve teamwork and decision-making skills
Join one of our upcoming Zoom Informational Sessions:
- October 13 at 4 p.m.
- October 22 at noon
- November 4 at 5:30 p.m.
- November 13 at 4 p.m.
The workshops will be held on the following dates:
- February 07, 2026: 4:30-7 p.m. (In-person, location TBD)
- February 10, 2026: 6-7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- February 12, 2026: 6-7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- February 13, 2026: 6-7:30 p.m. (Virtual)
The work experiences will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton (Lansing, 111. N. Grand Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933) on the following dates:
- February 17, 2026: 4-9 p.m.
- February 18, 2026: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Register at https://forms.office.com/g/vnZgqrq5MM by December 1, 2025. Registration does not guarantee your participation. Your BSBP counselor will connect with you following your registration.
Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at HamiltonReedB@michigan.gov.
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National Federation of the Blind of Michigan 2025 State Convention
October 30 - November 2, 2025
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan actively creates opportunities for blind people to turn their dreams into reality. Their annual state convention, the largest consumer-focused gathering of blind people in the state of Michigan, boasts potential advocacy, education and networking resources across ages, professions and cities. Whether it’s their college scholarship program or our informative presentations on resources for blind people; each year our state convention provides programming for everyone, including:
- Parents of Blind Children
- Blind Parents
- Blind Children and Students
- Blind Adults
- Blind Seniors
- Blindness Rehabilitation Professionals
Location: Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac – 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy, Pontiac, MI 48341
Click here to register (deadline for lower cost is Oct 16)!
Please note: the conference is available at a convention rate of $139. If you are unable to attend in person or if you would like to attend for free, you can join online using the Zoom link below. All general sessions and the banquet will be streamed.
Click here to join the Zoom meeting
Meeting ID: 961 269 5221
Passcode: 902855
For more information, please visit National Federation of the Blind of Michigan page or contact Sheila Fulmore, State Convention Coordinator at convention@nfbmi.org.
MDE-RBLV Michigan Regional Math Abacus Bee: Math in Motion!
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Join MDE-RBLV for the second annual Michigan Regional Abacus Bee: Math in Motion! The Abacus Bee is a math competition for students who are blind or low vision in grades 3-12. Competitors will participate in multiple competition sessions and hands-on activities to learn how math is incorporated into everyday tasks. There will also be activities for parents and siblings to join in the fun!
Competitors will have an opportunity to win prizes and possibly earn a spot in the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Abacus Bee National Competition!
Location: Mahoney Center (1131 E. Center St. Ithaca, MI 48847)
Schedule: Saturday, November 22, 2025 (9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Doors open at 9 a.m.)
For more information and to register, visit the Michigan Regional Abacus Bee: Math in Motion! page or email mde-lio-events@michigan.gov.
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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.
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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.
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Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics |
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