Blind Abilities

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. […]

Podcast Summary: Career Climb is more than a weekend workshop—it’s a launchpad for blind and low vision students to explore careers, strengthen independence, and build confidence for the future. Through hands-on activities in self-discovery, budgeting, resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, networking, and self-advocacy, students learn not just how to find a job, but how to build a […]

Podcast Summary: Across the country, students who are blind, deafBlind, or low vision are asking big questions about their future—and in Minnesota, those questions are turning into real opportunities. In this episode of Blind Abilities, we explore how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through State Services for the Blind are helping students move from uncertainty to […]

Podcast Summary: Tony Gebhard returns to the Blind Abilities studio to introduce NVDA Coach—an innovative, free add-on designed to change how NVDA is taught and learned around the world. Built from real classroom experience, NVDA Coach supports both beginners and instructors with structured lessons, guided modules, and practical skill-building. Tony created this tool not just […]

Podcast Summary: We return with another Blind Abilities Musical about that first time you heard the screen speak back to you. How you dug in an learned about accessibility and use it in the workplace. And how the ever changing tech world keeps you on your toes. After the music ends, Pete, Christina, Lori, and […]

Step into a summer that could change everything. At the Colorado Center for the Blind, the No Limits to Learning program invites blind, deafblind, and low vision students ages 15–21 to live, learn, and grow in a fully immersive experience. You’ll stay in real apartments, cook your own meals, travel using public transit, and build independence from […]

Podcast Summary: What does it take to step beyond comfort and truly build independence? In this episode of Blind Abilities, Louie McGee shares his journey from Minnesota to law school in Chicago, proving that curiosity—not perfection—is the real key to success. Born with Stargardt’s, Louie doesn’t just adapt—he explores. From completing a triathlon and rafting […]

Podcast Summary: Aira is stepping into a new era of accessibility with hands-free support through Meta smart glasses, and Jenine Stanley joins Jeff Thompson to break it all down. With the latest update to the Aira Explorer app, users can now connect directly to Meta glasses and access visual interpreting services with a simple voice […]

Podcast Summary: What if learning English could open the door to independence, education, and meaningful work? In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson sits down with English Language Learning specialist Abbi Mayland from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota. Abbi shares how she helps students who are blind, DeafBlind, or low vision — […]

Podcast Summary: What’s the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence—and why does something as simple as a pair of shoes sometimes spark the conversation? In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth, Robin, and Jeff explore how the way we present ourselves can shape how we feel on the inside. From compliments and comments to personal style choices, […]

Podcast Summary: In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff welcomes Kevin Chao, an early adopter who has taken more than 60 rides in autonomous vehicles across San Francisco and Austin. Kevin shares his firsthand experiences riding in Tesla RoboTaxis, Waymo vehicles, and Amazon’s new Zoox autonomous vehicle—built from the ground up with no steering wheel […]

Podcast summary: What happens when the foundation of disability rights is challenged? In this powerful conversation, Jeff Thompson welcomes back disability advocate and Villanova graduate Kaleigh Brendle to talk about the growing legal challenge to Section 504—one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities. Kaleigh explains how recent lawsuits could weaken […]

Podcast Summary: In Episode 4 of Blind Abilities – The Musical, Lori, Christina, Pete, and Jeff explore the strength and diversity found within the blind and low vision community by highlighting two major national organizations serving people who are blind or visually impaired. Inspired by the spirit of Thomas Paine’s Revolutionary War pamphlets—written to encourage […]

Podcast Summary: In this episode, Jeff travels to the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington to meet CEO Caren Forsten and Dr. Suleiman Alibhai, the organization’s low vision clinical director—and the conversation leaves him feeling something that can be hard to come by after years of appointments: real hope. Dr. Alibhai isn’t focused only […]

Podcast Summary: Josh Subhan shares a real-world look at how internships can open doors from college to career. As a University of Minnesota grad who is turning his internship at Metro Transit into a full-time job, Josh breaks down what internships are, when to start applying, and how the process actually works. He walks through finding […]

Podcast Summary: Envision Blind Sports is expanding to Minnesota—and that means more chances for blind and low vision youth to move, compete, and discover what they’re capable of. In this episode, Jeff talks with Minnesota Regional Manager Ricky Ties and Program Director Jillian Stringfellow about how adaptive sports build confidence, independence, and real community. From wrestling, […]