As students transition from school to adulthood, it’s clear that the real world demands more than academic knowledge or what can be taught in a classroom. Young adults are faced with decisions every day that unfortunately they cannot always rely on their parents or mentors to help them face.

Therefore, while an emerging adult is still in middle or high school, it is crucial they gain independence skills which shape confidence, employability and overall quality of life.

How can students become better prepared for adulthood?

1. Develop and practice self-advocacy skills (speaking up for your needs and preferences), be aware of legal rights and responsibilities, and set boundaries.
2. Become comfortable going (safely!) out of your comfort zone. Attend a club, organization or a Pre-ETS program to socialize with new people, build problem-solving skills (ordering food, asking for help when lost, troubleshooting technology), or try a new work experience!
3. Expand upon your orientation & mobility skills (cane techniques, using public transportation or ride services, and navigating new areas independently).
4. Practice independent personal hygiene, adaptative techniques for grooming and dressing professionally, and self-care (sleep, stress management, nutrition).
5. Learn how to manage your finances, schedule medical appointments and/or health routines when appropriate.
6. Practice your communication skills in different contexts, such as sending emails, making phone calls or speaking directly with teachers or employers.

As a family member or educator, what can I do to help a student become more independent?

1. Integrate the practice of independence across daily life by giving students the tools to promote self-reliance and celebrating growth without pressure or over-support!
2. Provide opportunities for decision-making (choosing outfits, meals, routes or leisure activities) and allow natural consequences while offering support without over-rescuing.
3. Foster community involvement (clubs, sports, volunteering) and encourage students to speak up for themselves during appointments, meetings or conversations.
4. Collaborate with other individuals involved in the student’s development, such as O&M specialists, TCVIs or transition counselors.

When you're ready to engage in self-advocacy services available through BSBP, start by contacting your local BSBP counselor. Additional resources and opportunities are also available at your local Center for Independent Living.

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 (Sept. 6-7).

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. 

UPCOMING TRAINING DATE: 

• Bridge Brigade Walk August 22 Training Session will take place at Playmakers in Okemos 

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!

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: July 12–18 and 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.

Western Michigan University's Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies will host the second annual Southwest Michigan Vision Resource Fair on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing together organizations, service providers and technology vendors dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision. 

Designed to serve the blind and low vision community across Michigan, the fair will offer attendees the opportunity to explore assistive technologies, learn about available services, connect with rehabilitation professionals and discover resources that support independence and quality of life.

The event welcomes individuals with blindness and low vision, along with family members, friends, advocates and caregivers. It is also open to eye care professionals, rehabilitation specialists, educators, social workers, nurses, students and others interested in blindness and low vision services and accessibility.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view product demonstrations, meet with vendors and service providers, and learn about programs and technologies designed to support people with vision loss.

There is no cost to attend, and participation is free for vendors and service providers. The event will take place at the College of Health and Human Services (1240 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo). Visitor parking will be available in the main lot.

Questions about the event may be directed to Douglas at kelcie.s.douglas@wmich.edu or 269-387-3448.

The 20th Annual Run for Sight 5K, presented by Shoreline Vision, will be held on Saturday, September 5, at the stunning Pere Marquette Park along Lake Michigan for a milestone event benefiting the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)!

For more than a century, ABVI has helped individuals with low vision or blindness thrive in a sighted world. Each year, they serve nearly 1,000 children and adults from across Michigan — empowering independence, confidence and community through vision rehabilitation and support services.

This year marks 20 years of Run for Sight, and they can’t wait to celebrate two decades of steps toward a brighter future. Whether you’re running, walking or cheering from the sidelines, your participation makes a difference!

PACKET PICKUP

• Friday: 3-6 p.m. — Shoreline Vision (1266 E. Sherman Blvd)
• Saturday: 7-8:15 a.m. — Parking lot between the Coast Guard Station and Margaret Drake Elliot Park

ENTRY FEES

• 5K – Early Bird: $30
• 5K – After August 1, 2026: $35
• 1K Deck Dash Kids Run – $10 (includes T-shirt & medal!)

To learn more, please visit the 2026 Run For Sight 5K website.

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.