Michigan Department of Education Resource for Blind/Low Vision

In April, a few of our staff members visited North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind (NDVS/SB) to learn about short-term programming that helps students work on expanded core curriculum skills. During their visit, students completed activities, played goalball, and visited a store to practice orientation and mobility skills.

(Four-image collage: Roxanne Balfour, Elizabeth Flores, and Amanda English smile together for a photo indoors in front of an NDVS/SB sign; students play goalball in a gym while adults stand nearby; students carrying white canes stand inside the entrance of a large store while staff members prepare them for the trip; students work on an activity at a large conference table.)

This week, our staff visited the Michigan School for the Deaf for a meeting and tour. We learned so much about the school's history, as well as pieces by Deaf artists that are displayed throughout the school. Thanks to MSD staff for having us, and thank you to Youth Dorm Manager Matt Krueger for the tour!

(Three-image collage: Several people stand in a group in the cafeteria while Matt describes the art on the wall, including a colorful piece that illustrates the experience of being left out in conversations at a dinner table; the group stands in one corner of the school's gym during the tour; the group smiles with Matt for a photo in front of a backdrop with the MSD logo.)

Our new website is now live 🎉 If you haven't done so already, save rblv.org to your bookmarks!

If you are accessing our documents during this time, you may notice a few broken links. We're working to redirect the links to the updated pages. Let us know if you have any trouble finding information on the site.

(Image: Screenshot of the new RBLV homepage, featuring a main menu, image carousel on requesting discontinued items, information about what you can find in the Library Management System, and more.)

In many rural areas, students who are blind/low vision (BLV) or deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) are often the only ones with their disability. We'd like to give a shoutout to Van Buren Intermediate School District for their creative response - group lessons ✨ Learn more: rblv.org/news/teacher-consultants-team-student-success

Have a successful program or initiative in your district for students who are BLV or DHH that you think we should highlight? Send an email to [email protected].

(Image: Fourteen staff members smile for a group photo in a large room, most wearing blue shirts.)

In our May newsletter: Abacus Bee Nationals, a highlight from the field, summer opportunities for students, and more! Read the newsletter (updated link): https://bit.ly/RBLV-News-May

(Four-image collage: Several teachers smile for a group photo; children wearing backpacks board a school bus; two people smile while navigating the lake at Camp Tuhsmeheta in a canoe; two children play outside with water.)

Sign up your student for our Outdoor Adventure Camp by June 10 ☀🌊 This camp will be held June 24-28 for students who are blind/low vision, ages 10-17. Participants will have an opportunity to hike, practice archery, play sports, scale the climbing tower, swim, fish, create art, and enjoy campfires. Learn more: bit.ly/CampT-06-24-26

(Image: A teen boy holds a vertical rope on the ropes challenge course in the woods at camp while Camp Director Jill and other campers stand next to him.)

Hey, families! We have gathered summer opportunities around Michigan for students who are blind/low vision. Check out the list: rblv.org/news/adventure-awaits-summer-blv-programs-michigan

(Image: A young boy raises his arms while splashing in a lake on a sunny day.)

Today is Global Accessibility Awareness Day 💙 Online accessibility can look like captions on videos, alternative text on images, clear color contrast, readable text size, and hashtags that are easy to read.