It is very important to know your rights to prevent being treated unfairly – especially as you transition into secondary school, postsecondary education or the workplace. Three notable federal laws that protect individuals with disabilities include:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990: Prevents discrimination and requires reasonable accommodations in employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations and telecommunications.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Requires schools to provide an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to provide special education and supports to students with disabilities.
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: If students don’t require an IEP, the school will work with the student to develop a 504 plan outlining specific reasonable accommodations.

Because federal legal language can be hard to relate to everyday situations, here are some examples of what disability discrimination might look like:

• A workplace asking questions about an applicant’s medical condition (i.e., producers, medications or anything not directly pertaining to the ability to perform job functions). It is also prohibited to refuse to hire a qualified applicant because of their disability.
• A school refusing to provide braille homework material to a student with low vision.
• An office manager retaliating against or firing an employee after they request accommodations.
• A school disciplining or expelling a student due to their disability.
• A bus driver refusing to allow a guide dog on public transportation.
• A polling place for a federal election that is not physically accessible (and there is no alternate way for one to vote).

Some examples of reasonable accommodations could be:

• A school providing assistive technology and a Teacher Consultant for the Visually Impaired (TCVI) to a student.
• A workplace providing accessible communications and holding accessible meetings.
• A healthcare office providing an interpreter to a non-English speaking individual.
• An office providing time off without retaliation for an individual to attend their medical appointments.
• An apartment allowing a service animal in a “no pets” apartment.

While this list is a good start, it is not comprehensive and does not cover every possible scenario. The most important thing to remember is that if you feel like you have been discriminated against, trust your gut and talk to someone you trust.

A complaint may be filed at any of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights offices if the alleged act of discrimination occurred within the past 180 days.

More Resources:

• Education Laws
• Workplace Laws
• For Victims of Unlawful Discrimination

Meet Alyssa Pindar, our new Vocational Rehabilitation counselor in the Kalamazoo office! Aly has a background in special education and a passion for helping transition-aged youth, including those with disabilities, prepare for life after high school. Having worked as a special education teacher and in the vocational rehabilitation field, she understands the challenges students and families face when it comes to employment and independence. She is excited to use the many resources available through BSBP to help students thrive and navigate their transition to adulthood.

Students and families can reach out to Alyssa at PindarA@michigan.gov for support with career counseling, self-advocacy training, workplace readiness, scholarship and postsecondary planning, and other pre-employment services. Her advice for students and families is: “Say yes and get involved!”

Aly is originally from the Grand Rapids area and recently returned after living in Colorado for several years. She loves trail running, foraging, mountain biking and skiing. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her partner and dogs, enjoying the beautiful Michigan forests and lakeshore.

Incoming or current college students are encouraged to apply to a new MAER scholarship! Recipients will receive $500 annually. 

The application will require three essays, two letters of recommendation and a letter of acceptance to a college or postsecondary institution and is open to all individuals with a legal visual impairment regardless of field of study.

For more information and to apply by the March 1 deadline, go to michiganaer.com/scholarships.

A personal curriculum is a documented, individualized modification process for high school students to adjust the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements. In other words, using one allows for personalized learning (through waving or substituting requirements) for every student while they are also able to earn a high school diploma.

Potential modifications include lowering credit requirements, modifying what is needed for each credit, or waving the requirement for classes a student would not benefit from (typically outlined in an IEP).

If you are interested in potentially setting up a personal curriculum, reach out to your BSBP counselor or high school guidance counselor to set up a meeting. To learn more, check out the MDE Personal Curriculum webpage.

Project Excellence at Michigan State University is conducting a Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment survey to identify service needs of Michigan residents with disabilities.

• If you are a Michigan resident with a disability, family member, friend or advocate of a Michigan resident with a disability, please use the following link to take the survey: Michigan Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Survey for Individuals.
• If you are a service provider, educator or administrator, or employer or business or HR professional who works with Michigan residents with a disability, please use the following link to take the survey: Michigan Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Survey for Providers.
• If you are a professional who works with customers who are blind or have visual impairments, please use the following link to take the survey: Michigan Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment Survey for Professionals.

Your participation will greatly help identify needs for Michigan residents with blindness or visual impairments. 

The survey is open through February 28, 2026. Additional information can be found at Michigan.gov/BSBP and the MSU College of Education Website.

Bridge Walk Program Community Kickoff

Join us for the Bridge Walk Community Kick-Off session on Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Merdian Mall in Lansing! At this introductory session, you will learn more about the Bridge Walk program, what it can offer you, and our shared goal of walking across the Mackinac Bridge this Labor Day (September 7, 2026)!

Attending this program is a great way to build a community and make new friends, engage in physical activity and get outdoors, maintain mental health and wellbeing, and promote positive views of blind people by raising awareness of their capabilities. Anyone is welcome to attend, including students, families, service providers, community volunteers and education partners!

The Plan: We will meet in Lansing once a month for group training walks and community building activities. On the big day, we'll shuttle to the bridge, tackle the Might Mac, and celebrate with a post-walk lunch. From February through June, we will meet on the second Saturday of the month from 11-2; we'll meet again in August for one last training session and to go over details for Labor Day.

TRAINING DATES: February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, August 22

The agenda of this upcoming kick-off will be:

• 11 a.m.: Arrival at the Merdian Mall – DICK’s Sporting Goods Entrance (1982 W Grand River Ave, Suite 310, Okemos, MI 48864)
• 11:15 – 11:30 a.m.: Introductions, Program Overview, Group Assignments
• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Let’s Start Walking
• 1 – 2 p.m.: Lunch, Meeting Debrief, Discuss Next Meeting (March 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in Lansing)

Please register at https://bit.ly/BSBPBridgeWalk by Feb. 9 to participate. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please reach out to Rebecca Flatt at FlattR1@michigan.gov.

BSBP Training Center – Detroit Mini Adjustment Program

BSBP customers who are interested in learning about services and potentially pursuing additional training, join the BSBP Training Center in Detroit for a Mini Adjustment Program! This program is intended to introduce adaptive techniques, build confidence and highlight the services provided by BSBP.

A variety of sessions include information regarding adaptive daily living skills, assistive technology and other blindness related services. This program also provides an atmosphere for customers to meet others with visual impairments.

Registration Criteria:

• Current BSBP customer
• New to services and/or blindness
• Have not attended a previous Mini Adjustment or received blind rehabilitation services from a training center or school for visually impaired
• Participant must be their own guardian or arrange for a personal care aide (PCA)

Dates: Sunday, March 15 – Thursday, March 19, 2026 (Family Program Component on March 19 at 2:30 p.m.)

Location: Double Tree Fort Shelby Suites (525 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226).
Please note that participants staying overnight will be required to share a room. Meals will be provided!

Please reach out to your rehabilitation counselor by Friday, Feb. 13 to participate!

BSBP Training Center VIRTUAL Meet & Greet Experience!

Join us for an engaging and informative Virtual Meet & Greet via Microsoft Teams! This event is designed to help families connect with our dedicated Training Center staff and explore the programs we offer for students throughout the summer.

• Video Tour – Take a tour of our residential facility and meet the teachers who are passionate about student success.
• Testimonials – Hear from peers about their experiences at the Training Center.
• Open Dialogue – Have your questions answered in real-time by our team.
• Address Concerns – Learn about our health and safety protocols and how we prioritize the well-being of every student.

Our goal is to ensure families feel confident and at ease when sending their loved one to the center for training. This virtual event provides an open and welcoming space to address concerns, gain clarity, and foster trust in our programs. We are here to help your child reach their career goals and discover their full potential in a supportive, motivating environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with us and learn how we can make a positive difference in your child’s journey!

Where: Comfort of Your Own Home!

When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 (6:30 – 7:30 p.m.)

Register at https://forms.office.com/g/uPfLg4FPqB. For more information, please contact Jaclyn Scholten at ScholtenJ1@michigan.gov or 269-337-3758.

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.

There are still two upcoming events!

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.

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

MDE-RBLV Lead The Way Camp

Join MDE-RBLV at Camp Tuhsmeheta for Lead the Way Camp – a weekend event where participants will explore what it means to be a leader. Campers will learn about important characteristics of leadership as they take on fun challenges, play games, solve problems and collaborate with their camp friends. They will also hear from adults who are blind/low vision (BLV) about the skills and adaptations they use in leadership situations. Don’t miss this opportunity to develop valuable skills while making lasting memories with friends.

Audience: This event is for students in Michigan, ages 12-17, who are BLV

Location: Camp Tuhsmeheta (10500 Lincoln Lake Ave. NE Greenville, MI 48838)

Schedule: Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 22

To learn more and to register, visit mdelio.org/events/lead-way-camp.

OUB Ice Fishing and Upcoming Camps

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind (OUB) of Michigan has several camps and fun opportunities coming up for low or no cost!

Winter 2026 Programming

• Valentines Zoom Meeting – Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  Crafts and food! Led by Lexi Green, OUB Program Director.
• Ice Fishing Event – Camp Daggett – 21-22
  This event is FREE! The group will leave from Grand Rapids at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. Maureen is back with us to celebrate Michigan’s winter!
• Tandem Bike Event – Island State Park – Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  Come have fun on a bicycle built for two!
• Camp Clean Up Day – Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Help us get ready for camp season! Lunch is included.
• Garden Day – Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  Plant our camp garden! Take home a planter filled with seeds to watch grow into food! Lunch is provided for this free event.

Summer 2026 Programming

• Cooking and Serving Camp – June 14 – 19
  Includes CPR for all campers and staff.
• Discovery Science: Your Senses Camp – June 21-26
  More inclusive look at how our other senses (besides vision) affect us and inform us – nature, architecture, discoveries to make!
• Family Day – June 26
  Stay after Discovery Camp or come al la cart! Family Day is a ton of fun – explore the garden, the greenhouse, play games, learn more cooking skills! Every age is invited!
• Mini O&M Camp – June 28 – July 1
  Bus travel, ride share, other options – city travel, O&M phone apps.
• Adventure Trip to Lake Itasca, Minnesota – July 5-16
  Kayak the headwaters of the Mighty Mississippi River! Discover Native American art and culture. Tubing in Lake Charlevoix on our way back to Grand Rapids!
• Bicycle Camp – July 20-24
  Two half-days of bike riding and one longer day. Includes Self-defense classes. Tons of fun!
• Arts Week – July 26-31
  Music, Theater, Movement, Art, Chopped Challenges! Veggie Bots! Accessible Arts of all kinds!!!

For more information or to register for any of these opportunities, visit oubmichigan.org or contact Gwen Botting at gwen@oubmichigan.org or 616-755-2221.

Leader Dogs for the Blind: Two Summer Opportunities!

Leader Dogs for the Blind invites you to two free summer opportunities designed specifically for teens who are blind or have low vision! Both programs are delivered by Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialists and are provided at no cost to families (including travel, housing and meals).

Teen Orientation & Mobility (O&M) — one‑week, individualized instruction.

• 2026 Dates: June 7–13, July 12–18, August 2–8
• Format: One‑on‑one O&M instruction tailored to the teen’s goals.
• Supporter component: A parent/adult supporter travels with the teen; both stay on the Leader Dog campus and participate in select learning sessions to build skills for supporting independent travel at home.
• Who it’s for: Teens who have completed at least one year of high school.

Learn more about Teen Orientation & Mobility here.

Leader Dogs for the Blind Teen Summer Camp — one‑week, group experience.

• 2026 Dates: June 21–28
• Focus: Fun, confidence and independence, exploring mobility options, leadership development and peer connection. Campers meet guide dog mobility instructors, experience accessible GPS and participate in activities like rock wall and zip line. Bonus: Campers receive an accessible GPS device from HumanWare.
• Who it’s for: Individuals aged 16–17 (no intent to train with a guide dog required).

Learn more about Teen Summer Camp here.

Upcoming LEAP Resource Programs

LEAP ReSOURCE is a national work and college readiness program offering a variety of customized training programs designed to align with your career goals and personal development needs.

Spring Virtual Programs: February 23 - April 10; via Zoom

• My Voice, My Future: Unpaid self-advocacy workshops with a focus on peer connection.
• STEAM Workshops: Unpaid workshops on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) with a focus on career exploration.
• Personal Narrative Writers: Paid work-based learning opportunity with a focus on communications and advocacy.

Winter Retreat: March 13-15; Richmond, VT

Join LEAP in Vermont for a weekend on the slopes at Bolton Valley Resort! Ski, Snowboard and network during this weekend event in partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.

Spring Retreat: April 17-19; Williston, VT

Join LEAP for a weekend of coding and community. Build and customize a website using HTML while spending time with peers.

Summer Residential Programs, 2026; Burlington, VT

• Work Immersion: Customer Service; June 27 - July 17
  Gain work readiness skills in a retail or cafe setting and participate in an engaged community on the Saint Michael's Colllege campus. Earn money, develop skills and make friends!

• Work Immersion: Technology: June 27- July 17
  Practice digital and professional work skills in an office setting. Work with a team, produce a project and engage with community on the Saint Michael's College campus. Earn money, develop skills and make friends!
  Reach out to mgates@resourcevt.org for more details about the technology experience.

• Independent Living Immersion; July 19-23
  Try out the LEAP lifestyle! Make friends, learn about yourself and develop skills for independence.

To learn more, go to the LEAP ReSOURCE website.

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.