Blind Abilities

In this reflective and energizing episode of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis join Jeff Thompson to dive into the overwhelming noise of modern life and how it contributes to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Through honest dialogue, they explore the pressures of uncertainty—from shifting politics to economic instability—and how it impacts our ability to stay grounded...

Buckle up for a mid-summer check-in with Peer Ambassadors Amy and Maddy as they reflect on the adventures, growth, and unexpected moments that shaped their summer—and look ahead to the college road just around the bend. From leading mock interviews and connecting with students through Zoom sessions, to hiking trails with all-terrain canes and navigating dorm shopping trips, these two share candid...

Get ready to explore, experiment, and own the kitchen! In this exciting episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson visits the Ready, Set, Prep program at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota—a hands-on class designed for blind and visually impaired students to learn cooking and life skills in a fully accessible kitchen. From learning how to shred chicken, use the oven, or master kitchen gadget...

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis, joined by Jeff Thompson, explore the evolving landscape of accessibility through the lens of an upcoming all-inclusive hotel designed specifically with people with disabilities in mind. Inspired by entrepreneur Joe Morgan—who previously created a fully accessible theme park and water park—this hotel aims to go beyond ADA standards...

In this heartfelt episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff tackle the often-overlooked topic of isolation as we age—especially for those living with disabilities. They explore how life transitions, loss of social circles, and the rise of technology can deepen loneliness, even while offering more independence. With personal stories, practical tips, and a splash of humor, the trio encour...

Ever wonder how a book becomes Braille? Or how an employee manual turns into an audio file? The students of the Summer Transition Program (STP) at the University of St. Thomas got to see it all firsthand! During their visit to State Services for the Blind's Communication Center, students explored the magic behind accessible formats—meeting the tech wizards who make it happen and learning about ass...

Discover a world where accessibility meets adventure! In this inspiring episode, Jeff Thompson explores Seable Holidays , a unique travel company transforming vacations for blind and visually impaired travelers. CEO Damiano La Rocca, along with team members Lucy and Daniel, share how Seable provides trained local sighted guides, personalized trip planning, and full support to make once-distant des...

Jeff Thompson welcomes Christine Malec to the Blind Abilities studio to shine a spotlight on the LuminoCity Podcast—an immersive audio experience created for the Luminato Festival in Toronto. Designed with accessibility in mind, LuminoCity goes far beyond traditional coverage by weaving together artist interviews, on-site audio-rich reporting, and vibrant audio description that brings the festival...

Get ready to LEAP into summer with Learn, Earn, and Prosper! This virtual program is made just for blind and visually impaired students ages 14–21 who want to gain real job skills, build independence, and make lifelong friends—without even leaving home! Led by Hannah Peach, LEAP offers paid work experiences, career-readiness workshops, mentorship from blind professionals, and fun projects like mak...

Get ready for an unforgettable summer with the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth, Minnesota! Designed for students ages 14–21 who are blind or visually impaired, these week-long camps combine fun with real-world skill-building. Whether you're navigating a sailboat on Lake Superior or kicking into confidence with Taekwondo, each day is packed with activities that boost independence, orie...

Founded by Gary Horton and joined by technical specialist Bahz, Vanward Consulting offers immersive, skill-building programs like *Lean In* and *Lean In Prep*. These initiatives go beyond job training—empowering students through entrepreneurship, real-world work experience, mentorship, and confidence-building "life work" that lasts well beyond the classroom. With a focus on virtual accessibility,...

In this casual conversation, Beth, robin and Jeff talk about that feeling that people are watching us when we are out and about in the public sphere. How fear may hinder our perception and distract from our intentional mobility. Listen in as they travel down this sidewalk unexpectedly and found themselves navigating quite a complex quandary found in the BVI community. Are they watching me? Check o...

Meet Jenny Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, two passionate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors who are helping blind and visually impaired students build confidence, independence, and street smarts—one step at a time. In this episode, they share how mastering cane skills, navigating new environments, and embracing your journey can unlock freedom and open new opportunities. Whether you're heading t...

Meet Tou Yang, a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator at State Services for the Blind! Tou helps students explore career options, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and find summer jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences. Learn how tools like Career Index Plus make it easier to research careers and job markets. Tou shares tips for tailoring your resume, answering interview questions wit...

In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the growing role of AI in supporting mental health. With a compassionate and grounded perspective, they weigh the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT as supplemental resources for emotional support, especially when traditional help isn't accessible. While AI can offer journaling prompts, grounding techniques, and even a touch...

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday , Beth and Robin explore the emotional challenges of facing the unknown. Drawing on their therapeutic experience, they offer gentle grounding techniques such as mindfulness, affirmations, and power songs to restore a sense of control. They remind listeners that anxiety is a natural response and emphasize the healing power of music, routine, and intentional pre...

This Blind Abilities episode features peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy, who share how Minnesota's State Services for the Blind (SSB) has supported their educational and vocational journeys. From summer camps to career exploration and technology training, SSB has played a vital role in helping them develop independence, self-advocacy, and professional readiness. Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis...

In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson speaks with three professionals from State Services for the Blind (SSB)—Kate Larson, Randi Lasher, and Shane DeSantis—who support students with vision loss as they prepare for life after high school. They share helpful tips about applying for college, getting financial aid (like FAFSA and scholarships), gaining job experience through internships, a...

This podcast episode highlights the alarming legal challenge to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a foundational disability rights law in the United States. Kaleigh Brendle, a student advocate, explains that 17 attorneys general have filed a lawsuit arguing that Section 504 is unconstitutional. If repealed, this could strip away protections for millions of disabled Americans, impactin...

This episode of Wellness Wednesday with hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explores emergency preparedness for natural disasters, with a focus on considerations for blind and low vision individuals. With recent fires in California and extreme cold weather across the U.S., the hosts emphasize the importance of having a plan in place before disaster strikes.   Key topics covered inc...

Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of snowshoeing, learn how to build a campfire, or master winter hiking skills? In this special podcast episode, we take you on a journey to Fort Snelling State Park, where State Services for the Blind (SSB ) partnered with Wilderness Inquiry to create an unforgettable winter experience for blind and visually impaired students.   Guided by experienced o...

On this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth and Robin respond to a listener's question about the connection between premature birth and attachment styles. Research suggests a link between prematurity and both secure and insecure attachment styles. They explore the three insecure attachment styles and how they can shape relationships. While this is just a broad overview, Beth and Robin provide thou...

Julius Mbura, a blind adventurer, advocate, and model from Kenya, is redefining possibility. With an Awarewolf Gear All-Terrain Cane , he scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and six other Kenyan peaks, proving that blindness is no barrier to greatness. Founder of Heights Unseen , he aims to provide 4,000 mobility canes to blind individuals in Kenya, championing independence and empowerment. Now an ambassador...

The Desserts in the Dark event at Minnesota State Academy for the Blind (MSAB) provided a hands-on experience for sighted participants to gain insight into the world of blindness. Guests wore blindfolds while enjoying a variety of desserts, decorating cookies, and engaging in a Braille decoding activity. Led by blind and visually impaired students, the event highlighted the students' capabilities...

Valentine's Day is often seen as a celebration of romantic love, but what if love starts from within? In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the foundation of love—self-love. Without it, we risk settling for less, struggling with boundaries, and feeling unworthy. Self-love isn't about grand gestures; it's in the small acts of care—enjoying a morning coffee, setting boundaries,...