Blind Abilities

Podcast Summary: What technology will help your student succeed—and who can help them learn to use it? In this Tools for School episode, State Services for the Blind assistive technology specialists Jesse Anderson and John Hess introduce the personalized support available to help blind and low vision students prepare for college, employment, and greater independence. […]

Podcast Summary: What if you could feel someone smile, wave, or reach out for a handshake? Jeff Thompson welcomes HapWare cofounder Jack Walters to explore ALEYE, a wearable wristband designed to translate facial expressions, gestures, and other nonverbal cues into distinct vibration patterns. Working with a smartphone camera or Meta glasses, ALEYE offers blind and […]

Podcast Summary: The White Cane Project is going nationwide! After Sight and AwareWolf Gear are teaming up to get free white canes into the hands of blind and low vision people across the United States, with shipping covered, too. On Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson and Pete Lane sit down with Kim Wardlow, Penn Street, Bari […]

Podcast Summary: What comes after high school, and how can you help shape what happens next? In this Tools for School episode, State Services for the Blind counselors Lindsey and Kat explain how to build a relationship with your counselor, prepare for college, and speak up for the support you need. Students and parents will […]

Podcast Summary: What happens when blind students have space to try, make mistakes, and discover what they can do? Confidence grows—and everyday tasks become steppingstones toward independence. On Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Kia Sadler from Minnesota State Services for the Blind to explore the Independent Living Skills Lab, a hands-on program where students learn […]

Podcast Summary: What does college look like when you’re blind or have low vision? Maddy and Ben bring that question to life with honest stories, practical advice, and encouragement for students preparing for their next chapter. In this Tools for School episode, hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind, they explore choosing a college, […]

Podcast Summary: Your next chapter starts before you set foot on campus. Join Jeff Thompson and Leighann Fuller, visually impaired service coordinator at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, for a practical conversation about making the leap from high school to college. Leighann shares her own experience navigating vision loss during her master’s program and explains why […]

Podcast Summary: What can happen when you say yes to something new? University of Minnesota engineering student Samantha “Sam” Betts shares how stepping onto the ice with Minnesota Blind Hockey opened the door to competition, confidence and community. Born with congenital cataracts and living with glaucoma and peripheral vision loss, Sam had never played—or even […]

Podcast summary: What does a career path really look like? At the Career Exploration Adventure Weekend at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind students got the chance to ask working professionals the questions that matter when you’re thinking about your future. In this lively careers panel, professionals from technology, accounting, human […]

Podcast Summary: Sometimes the hardest person to give credit to is ourselves. We can become so focused on where we’re going—or where we think we should be—that we overlook just how far we’ve already come. In this Wellness Wednesday conversation, Robin, Beth and Jeff explore the importance of recognizing our accomplishments, giving ourselves permission to […]

What happens when career exploration meets lakeside adventure? At State Services for the Blind’s first Career Exploration Adventure Weekend at Cragun’s Resort, blind, low-vision, and DeafBlind students from across Minnesota discovered possibilities, practiced independence, and built friendships. Randi Lasher shares how the three-day event combined customized job shadowing, a career panel, orientat...

Podcast Summary: In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth, Robin, and Jeff explore the similarities between adjusting to vision loss and navigating the changes that come with aging. Whether it’s losing abilities we once relied on, watching support systems change, or simply realizing that life doesn’t work quite the way it used to, acceptance can be […]

Podcast Summary What happens when students, families, and volunteers come together with one goal—helping Minnesota kids? Join State Services for the Blind Pre-ETS students , Staff and family members, at Every Meal in Roseville, Minnesota, for an energetic afternoon of teamwork, conversation, and community service. Working side by side in fast-moving assembly lines, 42 volunteers […]

Podcast Summary: If you’re heading to college and wondering how to turn an interest into a career, Dawson Haag’s story is one you won’t want to miss. A sports management student at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, Dawson shares how internships with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and the Minot Hot Tots gave him hands-on experience […]

Podcast summary: The Blind Abilities team reunites for a wide-ranging conversation about how hobbies, learning, technology, and relationships shape daily life. Jeff, Pete, Christina, and returning guest Callie share how Braille practice, woodworking, gardening, music, audiobooks, book clubs, podcasting, and learning new technology keep their minds active and create purpose. The group compares favo...

Podcast Summary: State Services for the Blind has an exciting lineup of opportunities designed to help blind and low vision students build confidence, make friends, and develop real-world skills throughout the summer and fall. In this episode, Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis and Peer Ambassadors Ava and Preston share upcoming events, including visits to the Minnesota […]

Podcast summary: Jeff Thompson welcomes Sree Roy back to Blind Abilities for a conversation that begins with rising technology costs and quickly evolves into something much deeper. They discuss Apple’s price increases, AI subscriptions, and how accessibility technology is becoming more expensive for everyone. From there, the conversation turns to the gradual experience of vision […]

Podcast Summary: This episode offers an inside look at the rewarding role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota through the journey of Lindsay Escalera. From an undecided college student to a passionate rehabilitation professional, Lindsay shares how hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a desire to help others shaped her […]

In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Sarina Boley, a Vocational Rehabilitation Technician at State Services for the Blind, to share her journey into the world of Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Sarina explains how VR Technicians support counselors behind the scenes while helping students prepare for employment, college, and independ...

Podcast Summary: Jeff, Pete, Christina, and Lori gather for a relaxed conversation filled with stories, laughter, and thoughtful reflections. The discussion begins with excitement over the Amadeus Pro beta and the future of audio production on Apple Silicon Macs. From there, each shares memories of mentors and advocates who encouraged independence, informed decision-making, and the […]

Podcast Summary: In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff explore the value of slowing down and creating space to simply be. Their conversation wanders through topics ranging from technology, noise, and daily stress to the unique experiences of living with vision loss and the mental energy required to navigate the world. Together, […]

Podcast Summary: Christina, Lori, and Jeff gather in the Blind Abilities Studio for an honest and engaging conversation about parenting from a blindness perspective. They share their experiences of starting families, raising children, adapting to new challenges, and learning alongside their kids every step of the way. As they discuss the joys, surprises, and everyday […]

Podcast Summary: Jenine Stanley joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to discuss Aira’s new Build AI Program, an initiative designed to help shape the future of accessible technology. The program gives Aira users an opportunity to contribute to the development and improvement of AI-powered accessibility tools while continuing to benefit from Aira’s professional […]

Podcast Summary: Minnesota’s first Cane Quest brought together students, families, teachers, orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and volunteers for a day focused on confidence, independence, and real-world travel skills. • Students practiced tactile maps, cardinal directions, obstacle detection, stair travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques. • Activi...

Podcast Summary:  This episode of Wellness Wednesday returns with an open and heartfelt conversation in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of community and connection. Hosts Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson reflect on how community can support emotional well-being, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide encouragement during life’s struggles. […]