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 assistive tools that could power their future. They heard about the recording booths, checked out the B...
Jun 29, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1077
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 destinations like Sicily, Scotland, Thailand, and the Galapagos Islands completely accessible. Hear how...
Jun 13, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 1076
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 to life for blind and low-vision listeners. From behind-the-scenes moments to thematic deep dives, ...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 1075
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 making websites or interviewing people. You’ll build confidence, sharpen your soft skills, and discover...
May 23, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 1074
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, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and self-confidence. From cooking your meals to traveling...
May 21, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 1073
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, teamwork, and practical tech fluency, Vanward Consulting helps students discover their strengths, bu...
May 14, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 1072
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 out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com...
May 02, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 1071
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 to high school, college, or a first job, O&M is your toolkit for success. From snowy sidewalk...
Apr 30, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 1070
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 with confidence, and job shadowing opportunities. Whether you’re heading to college or the workforce, T...
Apr 28, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1069
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 of humor, they emphasize that it’s not a replacement for the irreplaceable human connection found i...
Apr 16, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1068
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 presence. Through relatable insights, they encourage self-compassion and staying connected during uncer...
Apr 03, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1067
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 explains how SSB collaborates with students, schools, and families starting at age 14, providing ind...
Mar 31, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1066
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, and working closely with counselors for support. They also talk about the importance of accessibility...
Mar 27, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1065
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, impacting education, employment, healthcare, and accessibility. The conversation emphasizes the lack of medi...
Mar 16, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1064
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 include: • Essential emergency supplies: Medications, non-perishable food, extra clothing, ID documents, ...
Mar 13, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1063
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 outdoor educators, students learned essential winter survival skills, from navigating snowy trails with...
Feb 28, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1062
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 thoughtful insights, making this complex topic accessible and meaningful in a short time. Check out all ...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 1061
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 for Awarewolf Gear , Julius embodies resilience, adaptability, and the power of self-belief. His jo...
Feb 18, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 1060
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 and independence. The fundraiser supports the International Studies Club’s upcoming trip to Sicily, ...
Feb 18, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 1059
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, or acknowledging our worth. Whether single or in a relationship, self-love shapes how we give and re...
Feb 05, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1058
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 also featured a Metro Mobility Q&A, a goalball team headed to nationals, and an inspiring keynote...
Feb 01, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 1057
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 employment. She reflects on her experiences as a Peer Educator, where she helped younger students prepare f...
Jan 27, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1056
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 assistive technology. As a peer educator, Kat shared college tips with other students, fostering a sense o...
Jan 23, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1055
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 cheaper than weekly sessions)! :) Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis o...
Jan 21, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1054
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. Adjusting iPhone settings to manually update apps or restricting updates to Wi-Fi can save data and storage....
Jan 15, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1053
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 navigation device (no more hypotheticals, folks). And just when you thought it was safe to listen, they...
Jan 08, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 1052
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 the power of persistence. Ben shares his transformative journey from sudden blindness to becoming a ...
Dec 31, 2024•50 min•Season 1Ep. 1051
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 and baking, while Robin fondly recalls family memories, including humorous moments with Santa’s coo...
Dec 25, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 1050
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 explores emerging technologies, such as multi-line Braille displays and AI-powered apps, while stressing...
Dec 16, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 1049
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 solitude and loneliness, offering heartfelt perspectives and practical strategies to help navigate t...
Dec 11, 2024•11 min•Season 1Ep. 1048
