VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 3
In an effort to overcome these persistent challenges and support innovation,
the Office of Special Education Programs put out a request for proposals with the
absolute priority of "Supporting Technology-Based Approaches to Transition
Experiences for Secondary Students with Sensory Disabilities." In response, Drs.
Hilary Travers at Vanderbilt University and Michele Schutz at the University of
Illinois Urbana-Champaign submitted a proposal, EMPOWERing Transition-Aged
Youth with Visual Impairment (Equipping More Professionals On Work and
Education in Rural communities; EMPOWER VI), and were awarded a
discretionary grant with funding from October 2023 to September 2028. In this
article, we detail the grant deliverables and how the work of EMPOWER VI is
already having an impact on students, families, and professionals across the
country.
EMPOWER VI
Transition into living independently, college, and/or competitive
employment may pose many challenges for blind and visually impaired
youth. Living in rural areas may provide additional challenges. These
challenges can often be addressed with adequate exposure to the expanded
core curriculum and supportive resources. The goal of EMPOWER VI is to
address some of these challenges and provide necessary support.
- David M. Ballmann, Transition Specialist & Parent Liaison, Wisconsin
Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
