Blind Abilities
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Blind Abilities
The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.
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From Screen Readers to Self-Reliance: Cheryl’s Journey to Becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist
In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or...
Social Security, Medicare, and Medical Assistance A Parent’s Roadmap to Understanding Benefits
This parent-focused webinar demystifies benefits so you can plan with confidence. Benefits Navigator Marcy LaCroix explains how SSI and SSDI work, why...
Unscripted: Apple Store Tripping, CoPilot Be Gone, Straps and Tethers, and Microphones, Interfaces and the Studio Sound
In this episode of Unscripted, Jeff Thompson and Sree Roy dive into the everyday mix of tech talk and personal takes, all in the natural flow of conve...
Canoes, Confidence, and Connections: Students Paddle the Mississippi with SSB
Adventure, laughter, and teamwork filled the day as 18 students who are blind or low vision joined State Services for the Blind and Wilderness Inquiry...
Tech Abilities: Apple Picks Meta Tricks and a Bug Fix... But, is that it?
The Tech Abilities crew is back with Serina, Seyoon, Sree, Cheryl, and Jeff stirring up plenty of laughs and tech talk. Did anyone score a sweet deal...
The Blind Drive: PiccyBot, Precision, and Being Present
The Blind Drive dives into PiccyBot—an AI that can describe not just photos but video. Tim Schwartz shares how it’s changing the way he explores the w...
Wellness Wednesday on a Friday: What Does Wellness Really Mean?
Wellness Wednesday… on a Friday? Beth and Jeff step up to the mics—without Robin this time—to explore whether the word wellness has lost some of its m...
Unlock Your Future with Cybersecurity Through The Apex Program
The Apex Program is opening doors to careers in cybersecurity for blind and visually impaired students across the country. With over 750,000 unfilled...
unscripted: AirPods, AMC Hacks, and a Little Nail-Gun Wisdom
unscripted returns with Jeff and Sree in a fast, funny, and useful sprint through tech and daily life. Jeff opens with a hard-won shop lesson—don’t te...
The Blind Drive - Apple Droppings: Aww So Many Droppings
Jeff and Tim treat Apple’s big show like a fun night at the movies, and the take is refreshingly simple. iPhone Air gets ultra thin with 256 gigs stan...
Woodworking Without Limits: Bob Geyer’s Journey Back to the Shop
What happens when woodworking meets determination, technology, and a supportive community? Meet Bob Geyer, a retired public works professional turned...
AI: The Good, the Bad, and the "Oh My"
Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, but how do we really use it—and what should we be cautious about? In this episode of Wellness Wednes...
The Blind Drive: Humanness First, Ambassadorship Second
In this opening episode of The Blind Drive, Jeff Thompson, Liz Bottner, and Tim Schwartz get real about “ambassadorship,” authenticity, and living bli...
A Spark for Success: Empowering Youth to Step Into Their Future
In this Blind Abilities podcast, Jeff Thompson speaks with Laila Nachar, the Multiple Systems and Pathways Navigator at State Services for the Blind o...
“Blind Abilities - Unscripted, The debut episode — Keyboards, iPhones, and AirTag Adventures
Welcome to the very first episode of Blind Abilities: Unscripted — where tech, news, and everyday life with blindness and low vision all come together...
Level Up: Building Confidence, Skills, and Futures for Blind and Low Vision Students
Envision’s Level Up program is more than a summer camp—it’s a launching pad for blind and visually impaired students stepping into independence, colle...
Smart Glasses designed by the blind for the blind. Previewing the EchoVision Glasses by Agiga AI. Welcome back Kevin Chao, Chief Visionary and Evangelist.
AI wearables have been an emerging industry for the blind and visually impaired. While there are a number of options, not all are designed using the i...
Wellness Wednesday: Burnout, Balance, and Being Present: Finding Calm in the Chaos
In this reflective and energizing episode of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis join Jeff Thompson to dive into the overwhelming no...
Cruising Through Summer: Next Exit—College
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...
Cooking Up Confidence: Ready, Set, Prep
Get ready to explore, experiment, and own the kitchen! In this exciting episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson visits the Ready, Set, Prep program...
Wellness Wednesday: Belonging: The Power of Choice in Accessibility
In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis, joined by Jeff Thompson, explore the evolving landscape of accessibility through t...
Wellness Wednesday: Isolation - From Alone to A Little Less Lonely: Steps Toward Social Reconnection
In this heartfelt episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff tackle the often-overlooked topic of isolation as we age—especially for those l...
From Audio Books, Braille to Broadcast: Behind the Scenes at State Services for the Blind - A Tour Through SSB’s Communication Center
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...
Seable Holidays: Turning Accessible Travel Dreams Into Reality
Discover a world where accessibility meets adventure! In this inspiring episode, Jeff Thompson explores Seable Holidays, a unique travel company trans...
Immersive. Inclusive. Incredible. Dive Into the LuminoCity Podcast - Where Audio Description Redefines Inclusive Story Telling
Jeff Thompson welcomes Christine Malec to the Blind Abilities studio to shine a spotlight on the LuminoCity Podcast—an immersive audio experience crea...
From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program
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...
Come Sail Away or Kick Into Confidence: Summer Camps That Empower at Lighthouse Center for Vital Living
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...
From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is Reshaping How Blind and Low Vision Youth Prepare for College, Careers, and Life
Founded by Gary Horton and joined by technical specialist Bahz, Vanward Consulting offers immersive, skill-building programs like *Lean In* and *Lean...
Wellness Wednesday: I Got a Feeling, Somebodies Watching Me
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....
Swing for the Fences: Building Confidence Through Orientation & Mobility
Meet Jenny Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, two passionate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors who are helping blind and visually impaired students bu...
Building Your Path: Summer Jobs, Resumes, and Real-World Skills with State Services for the Blind
Meet Tou Yang, a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator at State Services for the Blind! Tou helps students explore career options, build resumes, pr...
Wellness Wednesday: AI or Not to AI, That is the Question That We Ask of Thee
In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the growing role of AI in supporting mental health. With a compassionate and grounded persp...
wellness Wednesday: Anchoring in the Now: Tools to Navigate Anxiety and Uncertainty
In this episode of Wellness Wednesday , Beth and Robin explore the emotional challenges of facing the unknown. Drawing on their therapeutic experience...
Peer Perspectives: How SSB Helps Students Build Independence and Explore Careers
This Blind Abilities episode features peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy, who share how Minnesota’s State Services for the Blind (SSB) has supported their...
Student Readiness: Navigating College with Confidence: Tips for Students with Vision Loss
In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson speaks with three professionals from State Services for the Blind (SSB)—Kate Larson, Randi Lasher, a...
Defending Disability Rights: The Threat to Section 504 and Why It Matters
This podcast episode highlights the alarming legal challenge to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a foundational disability rights law in...
Wellness Wednesday: Disaster Readiness: What’s Your Plan in an Emergency?
This episode of Wellness Wednesday with hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explores emergency preparedness for natural disasters, wit...
Exploring the Outdoors: A Winter Adventure for Blind and Visually Impaired Students
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 e...
Wellness Wednesday: Insecure or Secure? Exploring Attachment and Prematurity
On this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth and Robin respond to a listener’s question about the connection between premature birth and attachment sty...
Heights Unseen: Julius Mbura’s Mission Beyond Kilimanjaro
Julius Mbura, a blind adventurer, advocate, and model from Kenya, is redefining possibility. With an Awarewolf Gear All-Terrain Cane, he scaled Mount...