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Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

A hand operates an adaptive electronic device featuring a large circular control dial and additional buttons, positioned on a wooden surface. Geometric teal and dark blue shapes overlay part of the image.

Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)

BSBP FY25 At-a-Glance

BSBP provides training and other services to people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment and independence.

“Individuals served: 1,620” with a yellow and white icon of three people under a curved line resembling a horizon or sunrise on a dark green background.
“Individuals trained: 454” with a yellow and white icon of a person wearing a graduation cap on a dark green background.
“Individuals who earned industry‑recognized credentials: 31” with a white and yellow icon of a certificate or diploma on a dark green background.
“Individuals employed: 61” with a yellow and white icon of a target and arrow on a dark green background.
“Businesses served: 58” with a yellow and white icon of three tall buildings on a dark green background.
A person inserts an audio book cartridge labeled “MI Talking Books” into a digital talking‑book player, with headphones and a blue storage case nearby.

Braille & Talking Book Library (BTBL)

BTBL circulates specially formatted books to Michigan residents who can’t read standard print material due to a visual, physical or reading disability.

2025 outcomes:

  • Audio books disseminated: 715,100
  • Braille books disseminated: 5,561 volumes
  • Patrons served: 8,215
A person adjusts a blue control knob on a large electronic magnifier positioned above an open book on a desktop workstation.

Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

BEP, the Federal and State Randolph-Sheppard program, provides blind persons the opportunity to operate a food service business in state and federal buildings and state rest stops.

2025 outcomes:

  • Gross sales of BEP operators: $8,808,183
  • Average annual operator income: $86,390
  • Median of net vendor earnings: $56,123
  • Number of BEP operator: 38
  • Number of BEP sites: 188 open

BSBP Training Center

The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center is a residential facility which provides comprehensive instruction to blind and visually impaired participants of the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP).

In 2025, the training center held a two‑day Community Partner education event and numerous tours for potential participants and Intermediate School District professionals throughout the year. The training center also provided instruction to legally blind Michiganders through more than 20 classes designed to build employment‑related skills and supporting greater independence.

2025 outcomes:

  • Unduplicated participants served: 152 (excludes individuals served through mini adjustment programs)
  • Unduplicated participants served through Mini Adjustment Program: 58
  • Unduplicated Pre-Employment Transition Services participants served: 62
  • 36 participants (adults and students) in training received hands-on work experiences in the community and within the facility.
  • 152 participants received financial literacy training.
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