Unsure what path you may want to pursue after high school or college? Consider a career in Blindness Rehabilitation!

This incredibly in demand field (many states, including Michigan, have shortages) allows you to work one-on-one with people of all ages and backgrounds, use a diverse range of skills (i.e., creativity, communication, problem solving, teaching), and work a flexible schedule. Furthermore, by pursuing a career in blindness services, you can make a real difference in people’s lives and in your community.

There are many different jobs within the blindness rehabilitation field that, based on your skill set, you may be interested in pursuing:

• If you like communication, connection and helping people figure out their future → Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Works one-on-one with individuals to help them prepare for and obtain employment through counseling, career guidance and supporting training programs (i.e., your BSBP rehabilitation professional).
• If you like teaching people hands-on skills and want a job where every day feels different → Rehabilitation Instructor
  • Teaches adults and youth daily living skills (cooking, labeling, marking, home management, communication, etc.) to build independence and complete everyday tasks.
• If you are good at giving step-by-step instructions and enjoy exploring new places and being out in the community→ Orientation and Mobility Instructor
  • Provides tailored independent travel skill instruction, including white cane techniques, crossing streets, using landmarks, navigating neighborhoods, and confidence building.
• If you enjoy working with kids or teens in a long-term environment → Teacher of the Visually Impaired
  • Works within a school or Intermediate School District to support students by teaching braille and assistive technology, classroom accessibility, and ensuring accommodations are met.
• If you enjoy technology, troubleshooting and helping people learn new digital tools → Assistive Technology Specialist
  • Teaches individuals how to use technology that promotes independence (i.e., screen readers, magnification software, braille displays, etc.) for school or work.

For more information on any of these career path, check out the Special Education Careers in Michigan webpage, which highlights 12 in-demand careers and more than 3,000 rewarding job openings across Michigan. Learn about each profession, available funding and training options, and the practical steps to jumpstart your career.

Saturday, April 18 was an exciting day for six BSBP East Region Pre-ETS participants. Selective Case Management, the service provider for the Community Engagement Series, arranged for the participants to tour Comerica Park, learn some fascinating history of the Detroit Tigers, and explore different careers.

Participants toured the stadium while experienced guides provided historical context, operational insight and employment information.

Key highlights from the program included:

• Touring multiple stadium levels, including the 100-level seating, press and broadcasting areas, and premium club spaces such as the Motor City Tigers Club and the Priority Club
• Visiting the Big Cat food court and a variety of food service operations
• Walking onto the field after discussing maintenance expectations and standards
• Reviewing historical displays and artifacts connected to the Detroit Tigers franchise

Participants were introduced to a wide range of employment opportunities within the stadium, including guest services and ushers, security personnel, ticketing staff, food service roles across more than 100 concessions, suite service staff, maintenance and janitorial teams, groundskeeping and field maintenance, tour guides and event staff, and broadcasting and media roles.

The participants demonstrated engagement through questions, tactile exploration and group discussion. They gained more awareness of the variety of roles required to operate a large venue and learned that many positions require reliability and strong interpersonal skills more than advanced degrees. Participants were also exposed to non-traditional entry points into the entertainment and sports industry, including volunteer and nonprofit opportunities. They recognized that the flexible schedules these roles require are a benefit for balancing work, school and other responsibilities.

After the tour and career exploration discussions, the participants enjoyed a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant and continued to discuss what they learned during their visit to Comerica Park.

Looking for a way to explore careers and build job skills? Check out Transition to Work, a free online resource designed specifically for teens and young adults who are blind or visually impaired.

This site offers short, interactive courses on topics such as exploring careers you might enjoy, understanding what employers expect, learning workplace communication skills, building confidence and self‑advocacy, and preparing for your first job or internship.

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 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!

Middle and high school girls (cis, trans, and non-binary) with disabilities are invited to attend the Her Power! Her Pride! camp on July 23-26! Participants explore topics like ableism, sexism and other forms of oppression and how they show up in the media we consume.  Through facilitated activities, they decide for themselves what it means to be a teen girl with a disability.

Girls also learn about assistive technology and how it can enhance their lives. Beyond the workshops, the four days are packed with planned activities, guest speakers, campfires, Sunday Fun Day (Paralympics of summer camp games), bunk time and shared meals.

Participants can expect laughter, new friendships, creativity and really good food. Please note: there is no swimming at Her Power!

Who: Middle and high school girls with disabilities (cis, trans, and non-binary)

When: July 23–26, 2026 (four days, three nights)

Registration Deadline: July 1, 2026

Where: Camp Fish Tales — 2177 E. Erickson Rd., Pinconning, MI 48650

Cost: $100 per student, which includes lodging, all meals, personal care attendants, 24-hour nurse, t-shirt, art supplies, and all programming

Emergency contact during event: Theresa Squires Metzmaker — 517-599-4088

All staff are disabled women, trauma-informed and background checked. The camp provides personal attendant services, a 24-hour nurse, and inclusive menus for medical and religious dietary needs.

BSPB customers may have the full cost of the camp covered. For more information, please contact your counselor or go to LetaSolutions.org/HerPower.

Join Asppire and BSBP this summer for a fun-filled 4-day camp away from home! First Stay Away Overnight Summer Camp will allow you to meet new friends, participate in new activities (archery, a rock wall and a rope course), and learn daily living, self-advocacy, and organizational/time management skills. 

When: July 9 through July 12, 2026

Where: Camp Tuhsmeheta — 10500 Lincoln Lake Road NE, Greenville, MI 48838

Register by June 22 at https://bit.ly/firststayaway. Approval is needed from your BSBP counselor.

For more information contact your BSBP counselor or Maria Peak at Asppire at mpeak@asppire.org or 517-667-0670.

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.

If you are interested in student affairs, a student with blindness/low vision or a parent of someone who is, the Michigan Association of Blind Students provides opportunities for growth! The organization allows participants to:

• Network with other blind students in Michigan and across the country
• Learn Advocacy Skills
• Add leadership skills to your resume
• Be mentored by other students who are blind/low vision

Membership is $5 per year. Support from BSBP can be provided to cover this fee, if needed.

To learn more about what they do and to join any of their zoom meetings as a guest to see if MIABS is a good fit for you contact:

• President Jeffery Crouch at miabs-president@outlook.com
• Membership Co-Ordinator Danielle Agajan at miabs-membership@outlook.com or 269-454-9095

Learn more about the Michigan Association of Blind Students 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.