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Support is the Key to Success

Instructor, Connie Michaels, pictured smiling behind a typewriter
It's hard to get Connie Michaels to talk about herself. She would much rather discuss the success of her clients at Bosma than her own.

Connie’s name comes up often in the story interviews and is usually coupled with words like understanding, encouraging, and comforting. One client described Connie’s visitor’s chair as “like sitting in a big hug!”

In 1992, Connie came to Bosma as a state personal management teacher. Her intent was to work the summer and then go back to her career in special education at the elementary school level.

“I loved my work at Bosma so much that I never left. Working one-on-one and in small groups was extremely fulfilling, but I knew I had to improve my skills. I learned Braille, as well as the safety techniques necessary to navigate in and out of the home. And the new adaptive technologies? Just keeping up is an ongoing challenge!” she laughed.

Connie and Bosma’s other 10 instructors are asked to wear many hats. Although her job is mainly center-based, she also acts as an itinerant rehabilitation teacher (IRT), visiting client's homes when the need arises.

“I like visiting older clients or those with mobility issues who can’t come to Bosma for instruction. I teach them how to navigate their homes safely and introduce them to assorted assistive tools like labels, stove buttons, and the latest technology. It’s so rewarding to see them feel confident in their own home again,” Connie said.

Some of Connie’s favorite moments have come in the kitchen. She tells of one client who had given up cooking after cutting herself and having a small kitchen fire. “When they’re afraid, we just keep practicing until they overcome their fears. I give instructions but I don’t take over when they get frustrated. They need to learn it themselves. Something as simple as successfully slicing a tomato can be the turning point for them,” she said.

Not all clients are interested in learning Braille, but Connie encourages everyone to at least try it. “Watching a client go from feeling the first dot to reading Braille is amazing and gives them such a sense of accomplishment,” she said.


“I consider every client's success as my success."


I often hear from them after they leave Bosma and they are eager to share their latest achievements. There’s absolutely no better feeling!” she concluded.