Blind Abilities

The ACB Minnesota State Convention: Zooming into 2025 was an exciting gathering of Minnesota's blindness community, offering insights, connections, and resources. Highlights included updates from State Services for the Blind, discussions on assistive technology like the NLS e-Reader, and opportunities in employment, including pharmacy technician training for those with low vision. The convention a...

In this 2nd  episode of the Two Journeys to Employment,  Gabby Gingras shares her inspiring journey from student to professional, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, resilience, and using available resources. As a visually impaired environmental Studies graduate, Gabby describes her role at Rainbow Tree Care, advocating for herself at work, and overcoming challenges in education and emplo...

In episode 1 of the Two Journeys to Employment series, Kat Wilke shares her inspiring journey from high school to becoming a speech-language pathologist. Diagnosed with Stargardt's disease in eighth grade, Kat overcame challenges with vision loss by connecting with Minnesota's State Services for the Blind (SSB), which helped her develop self-advocacy skills and provided vital resources like assist...

Beth and Robin revisit their most awkward, cringe-worthy, or downright baffling moments—the ones that weren't funny at all back then. But hindsight (and a good sense of humor) turn those memories into laughable lessons. Discover how finding the funny side of life's little mishaps can boost your well-being and lighten your load. Because let's face it, laughter really is the best therapy (and cheape...

In this Something to Think About episode, Jeff brings a bit of awareness to the data usage while updating apps. Updating apps can significantly impact your data usage, especially if you're on a limited plan. Regular updates, sometimes over 500MB per app, can quickly add up. While updates can improve security and features, it's worth considering whether automatic updates are right for you. Adjustin...

Hold onto your canes, because the Tech Abilities crew is back! Jeff and Serina round up Leslie Dickson, Cheryl Macintosh, and Katy Todd for the first New Year  episode spanning the rains of Washington to the heights of Colorado . Cheryl's ditching the guide dog for some hardcore O&M cane skills, while Katy's testing out a hoverboard for the blind . Meanwhile, someone finally ordered the Glide navi...

This episode of Blind Abilities highlights the inspiring journeys of three individuals—Judy Sanders, Janet Dickelman, and Ben Zheng—who exemplify advocacy in action. Judy recounts her pioneering efforts to challenge discriminatory policies in education and airline seating. Janet reflects on self-advocacy from her school days and her leadership within the American Council of the Blind, emphasizing...

This special holiday episode of the Wellness Wednesday series on the Blind Abilities Podcast is a heartfelt, lighthearted reflection on the holiday season and the approaching new year. Hosts Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis explore the joys and challenges of the festive season, sharing personal stories, traditions, and self-care tips. Beth's enthusiasm shines as she discusses her love for holiday music...

Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, discusses the latest advancements in assistive technology for high school and college students. He highlights tools like Aira's AccessAI, BeMyAI, JAWS, and smart glasses, emphasizing the importance of learning both mobile and computer-based solutions to improve independence and efficiency. Jesse also expl...

In Episode 46 of Wellness Wednesday , Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the delicate balance between being alone, not being alone, and the subtle spaces where loneliness might linger—especially during the holiday season. While the holidays often evoke joy and celebration, they can also bring feelings of isolation and introspection. Beth and Robin unpack the differences between...

The Tech Abilities Crew jingles back into the Blind Abilities studio—live (well, sort of)! Serina, Cindy, and Jeff dive into Black Friday blues, Cyber Monday madness, and the holiday vibes that keep the packages flowing and spirits glowing. From festive decorations and smart lighting to the latest gadgets like the iMac Mini with the M4 chip, there's plenty to unwrap! Serina takes flight solo with...

In this episode of Blind Abilities , Jeff Thompson interviews Leslie Dickson, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at the VA, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success as a blind individual. Born with coloboma, Leslie reveals how her parents' steadfast encouragement instilled a can-do attitude that carried her through every stage of her educational journey. From navigating high schoo...

In the "College 101" webinar hosted by State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, three students, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy, shared their experiences transitioning from high school to college. They discussed the importance of self-advocacy, managing accommodations like extended test times, and utilizing assistive technologies such as Braille displays and Voice Dream Reader. The panelists emphasized...

In this Blind Abilities episode, Jeff Thompson interviews Jada Johnson, Multiple Systems and Pathways Navigator at State Services for the Blind. Jada shares how she supports students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college and the workplace by fostering independence through skills development, family engagement, and coordinated services. She highlights the value of early planni...

In Episode 45 of Wellness Wednesday , hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the complexities of employment as individuals with blindness or low vision. From job interviews to workplace dynamics, they discuss the emotional and social impacts of disclosure and the perceptions it may create. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, Beth and Robin highlight strateg...

Patriot Vision Industries has been providing innovative technology solutions to users around the globe for 36 years. In 2022, we highlighted Curtis, along with company President John Palmer, and their just-released Lyriq Assistive Reader, a lightweight powerful scanning product. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant as he speaks with Curtis about a new device, called LyriQ AI . This re...

Navigating as a blind or visually impaired person can be challenging at times. Glide, a new mobility aid, aims to help you navigate with ease. Using a handle, two wheels, and cameras equipped with Wayfinding technology, Glide works to guide the user around obstacles, provides navigation to a specific route, and much more.   While attending the 2024 National Convention of the National Federation of...

Jeff, Serina, and Cindy reunite in the Blind Abilities Studio, bringing the Tech Abilities podcast back in full force! After a short break, the trio dives headfirst into the latest tech trends and practical insights, starting with Serina's new Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses—spoiler alert: Jeff has a pair too. From exploring the powerful Access AI feature in the Aira Explorer app, where users can now a...

In Episode 44 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, bridge the gap between communities we navigate daily. They dive deep into the art of self-advocacy, exploring how personal experiences can transform feelings of isolation into moments of connection and growth. Join them as they unravel how we can bring our unique worlds into harmony, fostering understanding an...

In this Blind Abilities episode, CEO Dhaval Patel introduces the innovative Lotus Ring, featured at the Vista Center's Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.   The Lotus Ring , an accessible infrared-operated home control system, enables users to point and manage appliances, lights, and switches without internet or apps.   With magnetic attachable switch covers, it simplifies home au...

Jenine Stanley, Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Aira, joins Jeff Thompson on Blind Abilities to share exciting updates. Aira can now be used with Meta Ray-Ban glasses, available in public beta for all users. This innovation expands Aira's accessible technology offerings, along with other developments like a custom call feature, navigation-certified visual interpreters, and partnersh...

Curious about how to navigate college life as a blind or low vision student? Anjie Hall, an expert in disability resources, shares essential strategies for setting yourself up for success. From early connections with disability offices to embracing technology and building a strong support network, Anjie's journey offers a powerful roadmap. Her insights on self-advocacy, resilience, and preparing f...

In Episode 44 of Wellness Wednesday , Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, dive into the world of affirmations and how they can reshape negative mindsets. They explore the importance of authenticity, setting realistic goals, and pairing affirmations with actionable steps to boost effectiveness. Discover how affirmations, when tailored to your personal journey, can serve as powerful tools...

Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to reveal an exciting new partnership with Hilton Hotels. Blind and low-vision individuals in North America can now access Hilton's customer service directly through the Be My Eyes app. Mike shares how this groundbreaking collaboration opens new doors for accessibility and hints at even more innovations on the horizon. D...

State Services for the Blind of Minnesota (SSB) hosted a Student career networking event for blind and low-vision high school and college students. Students connected with professionals from various industries, gaining insights into career opportunities, overcoming challenges, and building successful paths. A special message from the University of Minnesota's Disability Resource Director emphasize...