EMPOWERing Youth with Visual Impairment

We need Students! 😀

Youth Mentorship Program
Open to juniors, seniors, and students in 18-22 programs, this virtual school-year-long program (July-May) pairs students 1-to-1 with a B/LV adult mentor to help them work toward a post-school goal of their choosing. This is a great fit for students who may still be exploring their future and could use personalized guidance and support as they plan. To learn more and access the referral and application links, go to our mentorship page: https://www.empowervi.org/mentorship

Youth Advisory Board
Open to juniors, seniors, and students in 18-22 programs, this virtual school-year-long program invites students to share lived experience, provide feedback, and contribute to material/resource development for the EMPOWER VI project. Board members meet once monthly (Sept- May) with the option to serve two years. This opportunity is ideal for students who have a clear sense of direction, strong support systems, and a desire to give back to the broader B/LV community. To learn more and access the application link, go to https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=T4HPPRWDW4HJYFR7

redcap.vanderbilt.edu

STEP 2026
Strengthen Teens, Elevate Potential
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: A Journey to Self-Reflection and Discovery

Learn more: https://acbconvention.org/?p=125

The American Council of the Blind is proud to introduce STEP (Strengthen Teens, Elevate Potential) - a new youth program launching at the 2026 ACB Conference and Convention in St. Louis, Missouri.

STEP is designed for blind and low vision high school students and their families who are ready to explore identity, independence, advocacy, and life beyond high school. This inaugural year focuses on Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: A Journey to Self-Reflection and Discovery, inviting students to better understand who they are, what they want, and how to move forward with confidence.

This first-year pilot program is intentionally limited to 20 students, creating a supportive, interactive experience where meaningful connections and learning can take place.

STEP Youth Program STEP 2026 Strengthen Teens, Elevate Potential Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: A Journey to Self-Reflection and Discovery Invitation The American Council of the Blind is proud to introduce STEP (Strengthen Teens, Elevate Potential) - a new youth program launching at the 2026 ACB Conference and C...

National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention
JW Marriott Austin
Austin, Texas
July 3–July 8, 2026
RSVP for Career Quest Today: https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/career-quest/application

The National Federation of the Blind Career Quest is a program specifically designed to provide pre-employment transition services to blind and low-vision students.

The Career Quest program is a week-long immersive experience where students will actively engage in a supportive environment of insightful presentations, educational seminars, innovative services, quality training, and social and professional networking that will assist them to obtain competitive integrated employment in the career of their choice.

Career Quest Interest Application | National Federation of the Blind Thank you for your interest in the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) 2026 National Convention Quest Program. Please be sure to complete all fields of this application. Once submitted, you will be contacted by the program coordinator regarding your participation.

The Tony Coelho Media Scholarship will offer eight (8) scholarships to be used in the Fall semester of 2026. High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students with disabilities who are pursuing careers in media, communications, or entertainment industries that will be enrolled in college or a university during Fall 2026 are eligible. Each recipient will receive $5,625 to help cover the cost of education at their college or university.


Application Opens: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 9 AM ET
Deadline: Friday, May 29th, 2026 at 5 PM ET

Apply here:

2026 Tony Coelho Media Scholarship Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

Attention Parents!
Does the IEP process seem overwhelming and confusing? This workshop from TASK will help guide you through the process, introduce you to special education terminology, and provide you with tools to help you successfully navigate special education.

This workshop will be conducted using Zoom. After registering, you will receive an invitation to join the Zoom meeting.

Navigating IEPs WEBINAR Does the IEP process seem overwhelming and confusing? This workshop will help guide you through the process, introduce you to special education terminology, and provide you with tools to help […]

Looking for a leadership opportunity for your B/LV high school students?

EMPOWERing Youth with Visual Impairment is recruiting for its national virtual student advisory board for students ages 16-22.

As board members, students will:
• Participate in monthly meetings (Sept – May)
• Connect with peers nationwide
• Build advocacy skills
• Receive a stipend

We would love your help sharing this opportunity with students who might be interested. Use and share this link to our accessible flyer and learn more (https://bit.ly/studentadvisoryflyer)!

Student Advisory Board In all that we do, we aim to center the voices of people with visual impairment to inform our work.

Are you a family member or professional supporting a blind or low vision transition-aged youth? Join our next virtual Community of Practice (CoP) series focused on independent living and community involvement!

This CoP will bring together families and professionals to share ideas, learn from each other, and explore strategies that support successful employment outcomes for youth who are blind or have low vision over four FREE virtual sessions.

Use this link to learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/3NLBPXX

Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors
Designed for current high school seniors with disabilities who are pursuing a degree at a four-year university or college in either the U.S. or Canada. 2026

Applications are due by April 14th!

visit:

Lime Connect Lime Connect Rebranding disability through achievement.

❗️We are Recruiting!❗️
The virtual EMPOWERing Youth with Visual Impairment programs create opportunities for connection and support, especially for those in rural areas who may not have access to in-person resources. We'd like to share about our Mentorship opportunity. Hear from Mentorship Participants (YouTube): https://youtu.be/FajtuwF5Ulk

EMPOWER VI Mentorship Program Summary

➡️Mentees (students) will receive support and guidance from ➡️Mentors who have been in their shoes and successfully navigated their own postsecondary goals.
➡️Mentees and Mentors will receive training (Summer 2026) and ongoing guidance from EMPOWER VI staff.
➡️The EMPOWER VI Mentorship program will run from August 2026 through May 2027.
➡️Mentorship pairs will meet virtually (in Microsoft Teams) twice a month.
➡️Self-driven Mentees will work on a postsecondary goal they set for themselves.


More information about Mentorship roles, timelines, and applications can be found here: https://www.empowervi.org/mentorship

Have questions? Contact Katrina Dubree: [email protected]

Mentorship Learn about the EMPOWER project's mentorship program and how to join.

❗️Advisory Board Members Needed!❗️
The EMPOWERing Youth with Visual Impairment project is looking for new adult community members to join our 2026-2027 Adult Advisory Board!

We are looking for adults with visual impairment who are willing to share their perspectives, both personally and professionally. Board members will provide feedback on the priority issues and needs of blind and low vision individuals, with an emphasis on transition-aged youth in rural communities. Members will also have the opportunity to connect with one another to broaden their networks. You can find more information about the Adult Advisory Board model and expectations within the interest form linked below. If you have any questions about the board, we would love to connect! Email us at [email protected].

Adult Advisory Board In all that we do, we aim to center the voices of people with visual impairment to inform our work.

NOD Spring 2026 Virtual Career Fair
March 24, 2026 9:30 AM-12:30 PM (CT)

Start Your Career Journey Today!
Looking for internships? Full-time, part-time opportunities?

Meet inclusive employers and Leadership Council members of the National Organization on Disability

Why Attend

Meet top employers offering roles in various industries
Discover internships and full-time positions of your career pathways
Undergrads, grads, vocational program, a few years out of school, this is your chance to shine!

Who Should Attend?

Undergrad, graduate, doctorate students, graduates a few years out from school
Have a 504, IEP, school accommodations anytime of your education
Value accessible and inclusive opportunities
Excited to connect with forward-thinking inclusive employers

What You Need:

Computer or mobile device with internet access
Updated resume

Register Today and Secure Your Spot! No cost for candidates to attend.

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