KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) Training Center is celebrating 50 years of helping visually impaired Michigan citizens.
To commemorate the achievement, the Training Center hosted an open house on Friday, Dec. 6th for community members. The open house included a ceremony, tours of the school and more.
“The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center has a long-standing history of providing exceptional vocational education to Michigan’s blind and visually impaired residents,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “I commend all of the devoted educators, volunteers, participants and staff who have contributed to its growth and excellence in service over the past 50 years, and I encourage all Michiganders to join me in recognizing this historic milestone.”
Originally meant to help those afflicted with independent living strategies, the Center now offers 24 courses of different types, some of which can be transferred to institutions like Western Michigan University.
Other skills learned through the Training Center can be transferred into employment.
“While the Training Center has evolved since opening its’ doors in 1969, the pride and commitment to service that began 50 years ago remains intact,” BSBP Director Bill Robinson said. “BSBP and the Training Center staff work diligently to ensure that legally blind individuals can live independently, continue their education and work free from barriers.”
Many of those enrolled in programs at the Center say that it has had a huge impact in their lives.
“I’m grateful for the services the BSBP Training Center provided – equipping me with tools so that I am not only experiencing success in education, but also at the employment level,” Rashid Deme, former student, 2019 Honor Roll Recipient and National Federation of the Blind scholarship recipient said. “Though I am blind, this is not truly a defining barrier to my education and career goals in my eyes, it is a mere challenge that society sees. Everyone from the staff to participants that I’ve met and interacted with while cultivating knowledge at the Training Center has made the work seem effortless.”
More information about the services provided to blind citizens by the State of Michigan can be found here.
