Ever wondered what federal social security benefits are and how they apply to you? Disability benefits are programs that provide financial support, healthcare coverage and other assistance to individuals with a legal impairment or health condition that restricts their ability to perform major life activities.

There are two major types of benefits provided by the federal government:

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
   SSI provides need-based monthly payments to individuals with disabilities who have low income and limited resources. In Michigan, adults may receive up to $967/month to assist with basic needs (food, clothing, housing, transportation, etc.)
   • What qualifies as “low income”? SSI is generally for individuals who don’t earn more than $2,073 from work each month. However, this amount changes if benefits are being applied for a child or student. See eligibility requirements here.
   • What if I/my child is still a dependent? If the individual with a disability is under 18 (or under 22 and enrolled in school or postsecondary institution), the amount of one’s SSI payments would be dependent on their legal guardian’s income and funds would be dispersed to a representative payee.
   • What if I/my child starts working while in school? Are benefits reduced? Because of Student Earned Income Exclusion, students under 22 can earn wages without reducing SSI benefits significantly. Learn more about SSI Earned Income Exclusions here.
   • Other benefits you become eligible for when you receive SSI:
     • Plans to Achieve Self-Support: Income saved toward work or education goals doesn’t count as income/resources.
     • Automatic Medicaid and SNAP (food assistance) eligibility.
     • Potential housing assistance.
2. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
   

   SSDI provides monthly payments to individuals with a disability that stops or limits their ability to work. SSDI is not based on financial need, but instead provides benefits based on the applicant's own or family’s work history.

   • What does eligibility based on “work history” mean? To qualify for SSDI, most adults need 20 “work credits” in the last 10 years (about five years of earning at least $6,560), but younger adults (because they haven’t worked as long) need fewer credits. See the Disability Benefits page for more information.
   • How can a Pre-ETS customer become eligible for SSDI payments? They can receive funds in two ways:
     • Through their own work history: If a young adult has worked long enough to earn the required number of work credits and then becomes disabled, they may qualify for SSDI on their own record.
     • Through their parent's Social Security record: A young adult with a disability may receive Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if they are age 18 or older, their disability began before age 22, and a parent is retired, disabled or deceased.
       • If their parent does not meet these criteria, the young adult would typically receive SSI until the parent becomes eligible.
   • What if I/my child starts working? SSDI includes several work incentives: 
     • Trial Work Period (TWP): Allows recipients to work without any reduction of SSDI payments for nine months, which is not necessarily consecutive (i.e., part-time during the school year, summer jobs, paid work experiences, internships).
     • Extended Period of Eligibility: After the TWP ends, recipients enter a 36‑month period where they receive full SSDI any month their earnings are below Substantial Gainful Activity (currently $2,830).
   • Other benefits you become eligible for when you receive SSDI:
     • Automatic eligibility for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI payments.
     • Access to employment training and resources, such as Ticket to Work or benefits planning.

Questions? Your BSBP rehabilitation professional can help by providing benefits counseling and connecting you with resources and training. Benefits counseling, which is the analysis of individuals’ current benefits, financial situation and the effect different income levels from work will have on the individual's future financial situation, is intended to provide individuals an opportunity to make an informed choice regarding the pursuit of competitive integrated employment. 

BSBP is proud to welcome and congratulate Don Drabik for joining BSBP as our East Region Rehabilitation Transition Consultant! Don comes to the Bureau with a diverse wealth of experience, including being Macomb Intermediate School District's Rehabilitation Assistant, where he provided transition services and support.

In his new role, Don will work with students, families and rehabilitation professionals and other relevant staff to ensure they aware of the services offered by BSBP and the benefits of participating in Pre-ETS. Don’s goal is to develop a clear transition path that is ready for when students move from the Pre-ETS program into adult services with BSBP.

“While students and their families lead very busy lives and the completion of school seems far away, it is important to take full advantage of the services available through the BSBP Pre-ETS program,” advised Don. “Students who participate in programming learn skills through the five Core Services, especially Self-Advocacy, they interact with other students and support staff, they have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with potential employers, and they develop greater self-confidence. My advice to students, families, and transition support staff is start planning early and finish ready for the next step of your journey.”

Don was also recognized as this month’s Fav Counselor! “Don Drabik always verifies we receive emails, he always checks if we are interested and then signs us up, after which he attends many of the events as well,” shared his nominator. “We really enjoy working with him.”

Congrats and welcome, Don! You reach him at DrabikD1@michigan.gov.

Bridge Brigade: Walk Across the Mackinac Bridge!

BSBP is excited to invite students and families to participate in the Bridge Brigade Program! This unique opportunity will bring blind and visually impaired students (ages 14+) together for a series of monthly workplace readiness training sessions leading up to the 2026 Mackinac Bridge Labor Day Walk.

By participating, you will learn about mobility skills (human guide techniques, white cane education, foot health, etc.), independence, stamina, confidence, and strategies for mental health and wellbeing. Attending this program is a great way to build a community and make new friends, engage in physical activity and get outdoors 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 Mighty Mac, and celebrate with a post-walk lunch. 

TRAINING DATES: 

• Bridge Brigade Walk May 9 Training Session will take place at the Michigan History Center and Library in Lansing
• Bridge Brigade Walk June 13 Training Session will take place at Playmakers in Okemos
• Bridge Brigade Walk August 22 Training Session will take place at Playmakers in Okemos

Registration is required for each monthly training session. 

Students who participate will be supported by BSBP staff and skilled Orientation & Mobility specialists throughout the program. Please reach out to Becca Flatt at flattr1@michigan.gov with questions!

Post-Secondary Assessment

Summer Session 1: June 7-18
Summer Session 2: June 14-26

The Post-Secondary Assessment is a two-week program designed to have participants demonstrate the required skills for success in a post-secondary education environment. Participants demonstrate and further build skills in areas they will need to live independently while being assessed in classes and participate in a variety of auxiliary activities. Participants should bring any technology, computer or devices they possess.

Focus areas will include Orientation & Mobility, Assistive Technology, Independent Living, Workplace Readiness Training, Counseling for Post-Secondary Education, Job Exploration Counseling, and Work-based learning. Auxiliary areas will include navigating a college campus, accessing campus resources, utilizing accessible textbook resources, balancing classes & employment, and managing Social Security benefits.

Eligibility: Students 16 or older who are blind or low vision and who plan to pursue further education in a post-secondary education environment, such as college or trades certification. This program is required for participants interested in BSBP post-secondary education sponsorship.

Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Workplace Readiness Training

When: July 5 – August 13, 2026

Are you seeking customized training for workplace readiness skills and wanting to learn how to improve and refine your skills to be successful in your independence, post-secondary education or employment? Come join us for customized training to develop skills necessary to get job ready!

This is a customized training for Pre-ETS students to target areas that have been identified as needing improvement for success in a post-secondary environment or employment. Training is available for participants needing enhanced training throughout the summer.

Training can include computers, assistive technology, self-advocacy instruction, career exploration, Braille, adaptive living techniques, orientation and mobility, finance education, and leisure activities. Participants may register to attend a combination of programs while onsite at the Training Center and are encouraged to attend as many of the six available weeks of Work Readiness training as they are able.

Eligibility: Students 14-26 years old who are blind or low vision and who are interested in intensive residential training at the BSBP Training Center campus.

Registration Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Practice Adulting!

When: August 2–14

This program is designed to help transition teenagers into adulthood. It will use real world situations to create a safe environment where teenagers can practice the financial aspects of being an adult.

• Paid Work Experience – Work a retail job at Goodwill in Kalamazoo.
• Appropriate interview clothing – Buy appropriate clothing for an interview with money provided by BSBP.
• Choosing and renting an apartment – Compare apartment amenities, learn about paperwork needed to rent an apartment and how to sign up for utilities.
• Budget – Learn how to budget work salary to pay for rent, utilities, other needs, wants and savings.
• Compare transportation options – Compare money and time costs for different transportation options.

Eligibility: Ideal candidates for this program should be 16-18 years old, planning on living independently as an adult and interested in getting more experience with financial independence. Background check, work permit and medical forms are required.

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) Camp

When: June 26 – July 1

Thinking about planning your education and career journey? Would you like an opportunity to learn first aid basics? Check out the STEMM Camp to see where science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine might take you!

Through a series of fun, interactive activities, students will explore a variety of STEM-related areas, as well as relevancy for advanced education and employment. The STEM program will use 3D tactile models, sound, and hands-on lessons to teach students about 3D printing, chemistry and astronomy. Students will meet Dr. Hoby Wedler, a Ph.D. chemist, Dr. Carol Christian, an Affiliate Research Scientist and Emeritus Senior Scientist, and Dr. Thomas Madura, an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy.

Students will learn more about accessibility of STEMM classes, careers in STEMM fields, and how to use some of the latest 3D printing and assistive technology. The program helps reduce accessibility barriers so students are better prepared to pursue a STEMM education and career.

Eligibility: High School students 14-19 years old who are blind or low vision and who are interested in learning more about STEMM fields.

Registration Deadline: May 31, 2026.

For more information on any of these programs, please contact your local BSBP field counselor or the Training Center at LEO-BSBPTrainingCenter@michigan.gov or 269-337-3848.

No Barriers Summer Experience 

When: June 10–14

BSBP students receiving transition services, consider joining us and Asppire for No Barriers (Summer Experience)! This weekend will focus on the development of self-advocacy and leadership skills. Participants will complete Erik Weihenmayer’s “No Barriers” curriculum focusing on activities that will make them reach beyond their comfort levels to push themselves to achieve their goals and dreams.

• Develop self-advocacy skills
• Learn leadership skills
• 58 hours of activities
• Discover the seven elements of the “No Barriers” curriculum

Location: Eagle Village – 5044 170^th Ave, Hersey, MI

Register at https://bit.ly/nobarriers2026 by May 18. For more information, contact Maria Peak at mpeak@asppire.org.

VISIONS 2026: Ann Arbor District Library

The 2026 VISIONS Vendor Fair features a variety of exhibitors who will demonstrate the latest products and services for the blind, low vision and physically disabled. Electronic readers, magnifiers, support services for the blind, braille devices, library services, CCTVs, leader dogs, and transportation services are just a few of the many outstanding services and products that will be on display. Presentations will also be offered on topics related to vision health, services and assistive technology.

The VISIONS Vendor Fair is presented by the Ann Arbor District Library (which also serves as the Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Print Disabled) and is co-sponsored by the State of Michigan's Bureau of Services for Blind Persons and is funded in part by the Friends of the AADL and local Lions Clubs.

This event will take place on June 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Downtown Library. Stay tuned for the full list of events, speakers and vendors! Check out VISIONS 2025 for information on last year's event.

OUB Upcoming Camps

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

• 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, gwen@oubmichigan.org or 616-755-2221.

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 of 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 of 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.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Dates: June 24-28

Join MDE-RBLV at Camp Tuhsmeheta (Camp T) for their annual Outdoor Adventure Camp! Campers will experience many adventures at this four-night camp. Participants will have an opportunity to hike, practice archery, play sports, scale the climbing tower, swim, fish, create art, and enjoy campfires. Campers will also have the option to set up and stay in their own individual tents for a night. Don’t miss out on making camp memories with friends!

Audience: This event is for students in Michigan, ages 10–17, who are blind/low vision.

For more information and to register by June 10, see the MDE Outdoor Adventure Camp page.

Fine Arts Camp

Dates: July 15-19

Campers will have an opportunity to explore their creative talents among friends at this camp designed for students who are blind or low vision. Whether they enjoy playing an instrument, singing, acting, creative writing, hands-on design, or all of the above, this camp is where they can practice and showcase their creativity in an accessible format. Campers will work together as a cast and crew to perform a fun show for families at the end of the camp. Prior experience is not necessary.

Audience: This event is for students in Michigan, ages 10-17, who are blind/low vision.

For more information and to register by June 29, see the MDE Fine Arts Camp page.

Camp T Alumni Picnic

Date: August 29

Former campers over the age of 18 who are blind or low vision (BLV), along with previous Camp T staff from BLV events, are invited to come back to the woods of Camp T for this one-day family event! Participants will have the opportunity to tour the camp, including the new Sassafras Nature Center and Oak Recreation Center. They will also enjoy hikes in the woods, and enjoy traditional camp activities such as archery, wall climbing, swimming, canoeing, and fishing (with a valid Michigan fishing license). Don’t miss this opportunity to revisit memories and see old friends while making new ones!

Audience: This event is for former campers over the age of 18 who are blind/low vision (BLV) and former staff/volunteers of Camp T’s BLV events, along with their families.

For more information and to register by August 12, see the MDE Camp T Alumni Picnic page.

For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Camp T Events at MDE-LIO-Events@michigan.gov.

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.