Money influences almost everything in our lives – the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the experiences we enjoy, and the overall quality of the life we lead. Regardless of how old you are, you need to manage your money to gain greater independence, stability and confidence!

Even though it can feel difficult to do this with a visual impairment, there are many tools today to help you along the way. For example, you can try using online banking with screen readers or voice over features to reduce the need for physical bills, requesting statements in braille and/or large print, and if all else fails, you can always call your bank for help.

Let’s go over some general tips for financial literacy:

1. Start by identifying all your sources of income, including part- or full-time jobs, allowance and support from parents, scholarships or school stipends, and government benefits. Use this to determine how much you should spend and save each month.
2. Decide how to allocate money through a savings and spending goal.
   • If you are a minor or still living at home without many expenses, how you use your money will depend on how much you need to save to meet your goals. Make sure you put enough into savings each month to be fully prepared for your future!
   • If you are an adult with monthly expenses and a job, using the 50/30/20 rule may be a good rule of thumb:
     • 50% for needs (rent, food, utilities)
     • 30% for wants (entertainment, hobbies)
     • 20% for savings and paying off debt
3. Keep a record of your expenses through a budgeting app, spreadsheet, notebook or voice memo.
4. Start building credit once you turn 18 through opening a credit card. Make sure you pay off the balance in full every month and never spend more than you can afford!
5. Keep all financial accounts secure by:
   • Keeping passwords, account details and authentication information in a safe, secure location.
   • Refusing to share personal information with any source that isn’t verifiable.
   • Utilizing credit and fraud alerts to make sure your money is being spent only by you.

September started the Family Engagement tour for the Central Region. BSBP and Livingston Educational Services Agency (LESA) collaborated to bring “Apple Picking w/ BSBP” at the Schell Family Farm in Pinckney. Three families come out on a rainy Sunday for a private wagon ride through the family farm, enjoy some donuts and cider and pick a variety of apples.

BSBP Counselor Evin Papuga met and interacted with students and families, some for the first time and others for the first time in person. With Evin being newer to BSBP, this event was a great opportunity to develop some great rapport with students and families as they begin their journey together. Despite the rain, families reported that it was nice being with others in a similar situation and enjoyed getting to meet everyone outside of the professional setting.

Our family engagement events are designed to be low pressure and leisure in nature. Central Region is very large and finding unique ways to engage with families outside of educational and vocational settings takes a little more effort, but it goes a long way. BSBP was happy to partner with Schell Family Farm to host this event and satisfy a need for our families. Thanks to our educational partners at LESA, Schell Family Farm and our BSBP students and families for making this event a success.

Want to learn more about Career and Technical Education (CTE)? The Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Workforce Development out together a few short videos highlighting the journeys of both high school and college students who are using CTE to reach their personal, academic and career goals.

Whether you're interested in healthcare, skilled trades, culinary arts or more, these stories show how CTE can open doors for YOU!

Meet the students:

• Alexis’ Story: Welder
• Delorian’s Story: Dental Hygienist
• Ella’s Story: Chef
• Nya’s Story: Electrician
• Ashley’s Story: Nurse

Michigan Ski For Light 2026

This year's Michigan Ski for Light Annual Regional Event weekend takes place Jan. 16-18, 2026, at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center on Higgins Lake.

The weekend will focus on the development of self-advocacy and leadership skills. Participants will complete Erik Weihenmayer’s “No Barriers” curriculum in collaboration with activities from the Michigan Ski for Light weekend. The curriculum will focus on activities that will make participants reach beyond their comfort levels to push themselves to achieve their goals and dreams. All participants will participate in cross country skiing activities.

Register by Dec. 22 at asppire.wufoo.com/forms/zm50odn1i69p2b.

For more information contact Maria Peak, ASPPIRE Director, at mpeak@asppire.org or 517-667-0670 or see Michigan Ski for Light page.

So, You Want to Go to College? Central Region Program

Thinking about college? Not sure where, what size school or what resources are available? The So, You Want to go to College? program will connect you with available resources (financial aid, accommodation processes and resource fairs with free merch!), provide three college campus tours, and offer workshops centered around your post high school options.

Participating will offer an invaluable opportunity to make friends, explore future careers and learn what college has to offer academically, socially and vocationally.

This program is open to high school students in central Michigan with an interest in attending college. Families are also encouraged to attend.

Virtual Workshops: Feb. 2 and 23, March 2, and April 13

In-Person Campus Tours:

• Jackson College - March 13, 2026
• Michigan State University - March 20, 2026
• Eastern Michigan University - April 9, 2026

Want to join? Complete this interest form by Jan. 2, 2026.

Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed, Transition Services Consultant, at HamiltonReedB@michigan.gov or 734-209-5855.

MDE-RBLV Braille Challenge

Braille Challenge, hosted by MDE-RBLV, offers many options for participation! Students who are blind/low vision (BLV), in grades 1-12, and read or are learning braille are invited to participate in the 2026 Michigan Regional Braille Challenge.

This year, three events will be held at Kent ISD, Macomb ISD and virtually!

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.

KENT ISD BRAILLE CHALLENGE:

• Location: Kent Career Technical Center (1655 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Parking Lot 1, Door D-4, Grand Rapids, MI 49525)
• Date: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Contestants who are registered by Jan. 7, 2026, will receive an event t-shirt.

MACOMB ISD BRAILLE CHALLENGE:

• Location: Macomb ISD (44001 Garfield Rd. Clinton Township, MI 48038)
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Contestants who are registered by Jan. 30, 2026, will receive an event t-shirt.

ONLINE BRAILLE CHALLENGE:

• Date: Feb. 21, 2026 (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
• Online meeting link will be provided

Gregory S. Fehriback Center Paid Work Internship

The Gregory S. Fehriback Center empowers college students with physical disabilities to find gainful and sustainable employment by engaging qualified college students in comprehensive and diverse paid internship opportunities. The goal is to assist students in being better prepared for full-time employment after graduation.

Since 2013, more than 250 students from 42 colleges and universities in the Midwest have participated in more than 500 internships with 46 employers in the Indianapolis area. This includes five students from Western Michigan University in summer 2025 and other students from Michigan.

The typical summer internship cohort size is 40 to 60 students. Students are paired with local employers to match their degree and career goals. Participating employers include: Ascend Indiana, BraunAbility, Christel House International, Cummins, the Eiteljorg Museum, Eli Lilly and Company, Eskenazi Health, Ice Miller, Indiana Pacers, Netlogx, Republic Airways, Roche, the State of Indiana and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, as well as many local non-profit organizations.

Assistance is available through the internship staff for students who require housing, transportation in the Indianapolis area, assistive technology instruction, and orientation and mobility instruction. Housing can be provided free of cost near the Ascend Indiana Medical Center Complex.

Qualifications to participate in an internship:

• Must be a current college student (undergraduate or graduate with at least one year of college experience) or a post-secondary graduate within one year of the internship start date at a Midwestern post-secondary institution.
• Must have a physical disability (mobility, orthopedic, visual or auditory).
• Must have a competitive grade point average.
• Must include an updated resume and cover letter.
• Must have three letters of reference from faculty members, supervisors or a person who can speak to work ethic and attitude.

Applications for a summer internship are due by Jan. 31, 2026. To apply, students can email their resume, cover letter and three letters of reference to Larry Markle at larry.markle@eskenazihealth.edu and Carlos Taylor at carlos.taylor@eskenazihealth.edu. For additional questions, please call 317-880-3312.

Community of Practice Opportunity for Adult Supporters

Are you a professional or adult family member who supports blind/low vision youth ages 14–22? If yes, consider joining EmpowerVI for their upcoming community of practice program!

This program will include four virtual sessions hosted in January and February, all focused on employment. All sessions will meet at the same time, based on group availability.

• Session 1: Identifying career goals
• Session 2: Exploring employment pathways
• Session 3: Building employment skills
• Session 4: Creating and accessing employment experiences in high school

Visit the Communities of Practice website to learn more. To participate, please fill out the Community of Practice interest form.

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.