Michael Fulton has been a client of the Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) since he was a small child. He was born prematurely and has no vision due to a diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). He received services from the BESB Children Services Program throughout his elementary, middle and high school years. Michael graduated from High school in 2014. His Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor assisted with the transition to post-secondary education.  

Michael attended Western New England University to study Information Technology, receiving adaptive technology, mobility instruction and funding support through the BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology in 2018. 

After graduation Michael was referred to the American Job Center in New Haven. Services were coordinated between BESB VR and the staff of Workforce Alliance (WFA) at the Center. Workforce Alliance provided Michael with a training program opportunity where he completed certifications in CompTIA A+ and Network +.  BESB VR and WFA further collaborated to provide Michael with two internships at the American Job Center. 

After successfully completing the certifications and the internships, Michael was referred to Independent Living Solutions (ILS), a private Community Rehabilitation Provider, for assistance with work readiness training and job search strategies.  In September 2020, Michael was hired by the IT department at Springfield Housing Authority in Springfield, where he works full-time with benefits. He relocated to be closer to his new job and is looking forward to a long career working in Information Technology