Within the past few years, groundbreaking assistive technology inventions that were once considered experimental are now becoming actual options for students and professionals with visual impairments. Not only do these tools solve real-life challenges based on user feedback, but they also show that people and businesses are starting to recognize that accessibility should not be a luxury.

In light of this we will be spotlighting new assistive technology trends and inventions that might be useful for your school or work career this month.

• Smart/Electronic Eyeglasses: Depending on which type you choose, smart glasses can give voice guidance for reading text and identifying objects or faces, capture your environment and enhance it as a video feed in front of your eyes, or heighten functionality in the part of the eye that is still working (for individuals with low vision).
• Haptic Wearables: While they typically look like a regular product (white cane, belt or band), haptic wearables are equipped with voice guidance, vibrations when you are supposed to turn, stop or go on your route, and/or sensors for detecting obstacles higher up.
• Bluetooth Beacons and LiDAR mapping: These products are two of many navigation tools for indoor areas (that a GPS doesn’t work as well for) to give users spoken, turn-by-turn directions and obstacle warnings based off nearby devices or invisible laser beams to measure distances.
• Cell Phones: New types of smart phones have been developed specifically for people with visual impairments that prioritize tactile buttons, screen readers and voice-command systems.

It is important to note that while these tools provide hope that things are getting better for the visually impaired community, they tend to be expensive. If you need assistance with funding, assistive technology may be provided through your insurance, school or workplace. To learn more, talk to your BSBP counselor for help or visit the AT Rights or Assistive Technology pages.

Do you have a favorite (preferably free) app that helps you in school, work or daily life?

In an upcoming newsletter, we will be talking about mobile apps that are useful for individuals with visual impairments. If you have a recommendation, let us know by emailing LEO-BSBPTransition@michigan.gov!

With nearly one hundred strong, BSBP’s Bridge Brigade traveled north this Labor Day over the Mighty Mac, successfully completing the first Bridge Brigade program in the training series and closing out eight months of preparation.

Chanting along the way, students, families and BSBP staff could be heard echoing across the bridge:

“Who are we? The Bridge Brigade! Who are we? The Bridge Brigade! And what do we do? Conquer!”

The program began on Sunday in Gaylord, where students gathered to share their accomplishments and participate in multiple training activities, including an Assistive Technology Escape Room. Activities introduced various apps designed to simulate vision and communication‑based challenges, strengthening active listening, trust, collaboration and problem‑solving.

This program not only supported service delivery intended to help students prepare for future competitive integrated employment by focusing on Orientation & Mobility skills — learning how to safely navigate communities — but it also reinforced a wide range of additional objectives, including health and wellness, goal setting, communication, networking, confidence building, mentorship, and much more.

Most importantly, this program was about inclusion. For students and participants who are Blind or Low Vision, it sends a powerful message: you can and should take up space. You belong in every environment — sighted or not — including on the Mighty Mac.

OPTIMISE, a task force created by the Michigan Legislature to address the special educator shortage across the state, had been tracking the group’s progress since June. Watch the video of their training here.

Read the 9 and 10 News article about the event.

The Michigan Center for Data and Analytics recently released the state’s latest “Hot 50” and “Career Outlook” publications. Both reports provide information on careers that will be in the highest demand in Michigan through 2034.

The 2026 Michigan’s Hot 50 Job Outlook highlights the top high-demand, high-wage careers through 2034. The career information includes job titles, projected annual openings, hourly wage range, job growth information and the education or training level needed. The top 50 jobs are also featured on Pathfinder, Michigan’s free online career exploration tool, allowing users to explore careers based on what will be in demand.

The 2026 Michigan’s Career Outlook publication includes the highest-demand jobs based on education level and features the top jobs in science, technology, engineering and math careers.

The Lean In! Program was designed for people like you, by people like you to help you prepare for your career. The Lean In! Program is designed, developed and facilitated by Blind and Low Vision individuals who have achieved success, and includes:

• Self-assessment
• Professional branding
• Skills inventory
• Interviewing with confidence
• Understanding the skills required to be self-employed

See what Lean In! students are saying! Mastering these skills is critical to achieving the career you desire. We will show you how.

To be considered for this revolutionary program requires each candidate to commit to attending eight monthly training sessions, actively participating in workshop activities, and working on career research and other assignments between monthly sessions.

Your hard work will be rewarded by earning the opportunity to attain a paid internship with one of Vanward’s corporate partners. Vanward will provide the opportunity; you must supply the energy.

• Workshop #1 – Getting to Know You: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
• Workshop #2 – Self-Assessment and Skills Inventory: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
• Workshop #3 – Professional Branding Part One: Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027
• Workshop #4 – Professional Branding Part Two: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027
• Workshop #5 – Interviewing with Confidence Part One: Saturday, March 6, 2027
• Workshop #6 – Post-Secondary Education: Saturday, April 3, 2027
• Workshop #7 – Entrepreneurism: Saturday, May 1, 2027
• Workshop #8 – Interviewing with Confidence Part Two: Saturday, June 5, 2027

Register at vanwardconsulting.com/lean-in-interest-form.

For more detailed information, visit vanwardconsulting.com/for-candidates.

Opportunities for High School Juniors & Seniors

Lean In! Prep Explorers will learn about different career options that are aligned with their interests and will have the opportunity to collectively run their own small business.

As a Lean In! Prep Explorer, you will:

• Learn how to leverage your so-called disability for success
• Participate in starting an online store
• Sharpen your technology skills to be better prepared for higher education and/or future employment
• Learn how to be individually accountable and effective within a team
• Be paid for your hard work

Participants in this innovative program must:

• Be a high school student
• Have access to the Internet suitable for virtual meetings
• Be a BSBP or Michigan Rehabilitation Services customer
• Be committed to participate in all Lean In! Prep group activities

There is life after high school. What you receive in dollars can be complemented by a sense of fulfillment.

• Workshop #1 – Getting to Know You: Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027
• Workshop #2 – Self Assessment: Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027
• Workshop #3 – Teamwork: Saturday, March 27, 2027
• Workshop #4 – Career Symposium: Saturday, April 24, 2027
• Workshop #5 – Project Closure: Saturday, May 22, 2027

Register for Lean In Prep here.

College Tour and Resource Fair: Eastern Michigan University

The BSBP Pre-ETS team is excited to invite you to join us for a fall tour of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026! This program will provide students and families with the opportunity to explore a local mid-size college campus, learn about valuable college resources, and engage with current students and staff of specific academic programs.

You must be a BSBP customer to participate!

Transportation is not provided as part of this program. If you require transportation support, please contact your BSBP counselor.

Complete the interest form by Oct. 23. 

Questions? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov or 734-209-5855.

Bowling with BSBP: Jackson & Ingham Community Engagements

We will be hosting two events in October where all Ingham, Clinton and Shiawassee ISD students (with a vision impairment), families, education and rehabilitation partners have an opportunity to learn about BSBP services, meet our staff and engage with students, families and ISD staff.

You do not need to be a BSBP customer to participate!

Event #1: Jax 60 Bowling Alley

Date: Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m.
Location: Jax 60 Bowling Alley - 3501 Wildwood Ave, Jackson, MI 49202

Free bowling, shoe rental and pizza will be provided.

Registration is required to ensure there is enough food and available bowling lanes. Register by Oct. 13 here.

Event #2: City Limits Bowling Alley

Date: Oct. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Location: City Limits - 801 N. Cedar St. Mason, MI 48854

Free bowling, shoe rental and pizza will be provided.

Registration is required to ensure there is enough food and available bowling lanes. Register by Oct. 23 here.

If you have an open case with BSBP and require transportation support, contact your assigned BSBP counselor.

Need more information? Contact Brittany Hamilton-Reed at hamiltonreedb@michigan.gov or 734-209-5855.

BSBP Training Center Mini-Adjustment Program

BSBP customers who are interested in learning about services and potentially pursuing additional training, join the BSBP Training Center 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, self-advocacy, 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, Nov. 29 – Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026

Location: BSBP Training Center (1541 Oakland Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49008)

Please note that during your stay at the Training Center, everyone will receive a private room and bathroom. The BSBP staff will be on duty at the Training Center throughout the seminar. Meals will be provided!

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

Save the Date: Financial Literacy Bootcamp

Join BSBP for a virtual and in-person program that offers financial literacy workshops and a work-based learning experience at the 2027 Michigan Transition Services Association Conference!

This program is open to all students with a disability (age 14-26) within Central Region.

Program Details:

• Registration deadline: Nov. 30, 2026
• Program dates: Feb. 15 - March 17, 2027
• Location: Virtual and in person (Lansing)

You must be a BSBP customer to participate!

Transportation is not provided as part of this program. If you require transportation support, please contact your BSBP counselor.

Stay tuned for a registration link!

Explore the Michigan Families of Students with Vision Impairments Facebook group! We all know families who are unaware of the many amazing resources in our state for their children, and this is a safe online community for them to find events, resources and other families navigating the unique experience of raising a child with low vision or blindness.

This group was created to share upcoming program opportunities and to serve as a safe space to make connections, ask questions and get support.

Please note that to create a safe and confidential space for the families, the admins of the group do not admit service providers.

Request to join the Facebook group here.

Join the Michigan Association of Blind Students: A Division of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

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.