PODCAST · education
Blind Abilities
by Blind Abilities Team
The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.
Episodes
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From First Practice to First Goal: Sam Betts Takes on College and Blind Hockey
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...
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Career Exploration Adventure Weekend: There's No One Path - Students Ask Professionals About Careers, Challenges and Success
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...
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Wellness Wednesday: You Deserve to Be Here - Recognizing How Far You've Come
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...
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Explore, Connect and Grow: Students Discover Career Possibilities at Cragun's Resort
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....
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The Slow Process of Acceptance: Vision Loss, Aging and Moving Forward
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…
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15,000 Meals, One Big Impact: SSB Pre-ETS Students Give Back
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…
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From College to the Ballpark: Building a Career Through Internships and Initiative
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…
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Blind Abilities: Finding New Joy Without Denying the Loss: Travel, Adaptation, and Life After Vision Change
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...
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From Campfires to Canoes: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community Through SSB's Summer Events
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...
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Blind Abilities: Little Steps, Big Triumphs
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.…
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Helping People Reach Their Goals: Lindsay Escalera's Journey in Vocational Rehabilitation
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...
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From Passion to Purpose: Building a Career at State Services for the Blind
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...
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Blind Abilities: shootin' the Breeze: The Stuff That Sticks
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...
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Wellness Wednesday: The Quiet Between Doing
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...
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Blind Abilities Presents: Domesticity: Parenting Beyond Sight
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...
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Building the Future: Jenine Stanley Explains Aira's New Build AI Program
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…
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More Than a Competition: Minnesota's First Cane Quest
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...
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Wellness Wednesday Returns: Honest Conversations About Mental Health, Belonging, and Community
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,...
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Career Climb: Building Confidence, Careers, and Independence for the Future
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…
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From Possibility to Pathway: Building Futures Through Pre-ETS
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...
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NVDA Coach: From First Keystroke to Confidence—A Free Tool Changing How NVDA Is Learned
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…
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Blind Abilities - the Musical No. 5: When the Screen Spoke Back to Me - Curiosity, Confidence, and Accessible Tech
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…
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No Limits to Learning: A Summer Program That Builds Independence
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…
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Curiosity Opens the Door: Louie McGee's Journey from Minnesota to Law School
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...
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Aira Goes Wearable Again: Unlocking Freedom with Meta Glasses
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...
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New Language, New Opportunities: Unlocking Independence Through English Learning with Abbi Mayland
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…
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Wellness Wednesday: Self-Esteem vs. Self-Confidence — And Yes, Those Are Nice Shoes
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...
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Riding the Future: Inside Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox Autonomous Rides with Kevin Chao
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...
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Honor Judy, Protect 504: Why Awareness and Advocacy Matter Right Now
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…
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Blind Abilities – The Musical: More Than One Way To Be Blind
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...
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More Than a Diagnosis: Seeing Hope with Dr. Suleiman Alibhai & the Prevention of Blindness Society
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...
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From Classroom to Career — Josh Subhan's Internship Journey
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.…
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Fear Less - Do More! Envision Blind Sports Is Here!
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...
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Wellness Wednesday: How are You? I'm Fine. Hmmm. Exploring Inclusion, Belonging, and the deep human need to be Seen and Heard
In this Wellness Wednesday conversation, Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson slow things down to ask a deceptively simple question: what does "I'm fine" really mean? From aging and identity shifts to vision loss, assisted living, and feeling quietly pushed to the sidelines, the group digs...
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Blind Abilities – The Musical: From K–12 to College and Careers, Finding Your Voice
Episode Three of Blind Abilities – The Musical explores what it really means to find your voice as you move from K–12 into college and on toward a career. The three acts set the theme, but the heart of the episode lives in the conversation—real stories about IEPs, learning to speak up in…
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College Readiness Workshop: Mastering Time Management
If you're a blind or low-vision high school student heading to college, this College Readiness Workshop from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota breaks time management into a simple system you can actually use. Tou Yang and the SSB transition team talk with students about setting clear…
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From Gestures to Jobs: Learning Assistive Tech That Actually Matters
Learning assistive technology isn't just about memorizing shortcuts—it's about building skills that open doors to school, work, and everyday life. In this episode, Cheryl McIntosh and Sree Roy share how mastering screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can turn frustration into confidence....
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Blind Abilities - The Musical: O&M and the Scarlet letter B
Blind Abilities – The Musical: O&M and the Scarlet Letter B explores the deeply personal moment when a white cane shifts from symbol to tool, from stigma to freedom. Through music, storytelling, and candid conversation, the episode traces the emotional arc of orientation and mobility—hesitation,...
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From High School to Grad School: Winning Scholarships Without Going into Debt
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but scholarships may be closer—and more achievable—than you think. In this Blind Abilities episode, Joshua Olukanni shares his journey from high school to graduate studies at Georgetown University, and how scholarships helped him pursue college with far...
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Scholarships Don't Find You—You Find Them: A Student's Real-World Guide
Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but as Maddy Majors shares in this Blind Abilities episode, the effort is absolutely worth it. Now a college student at the University of Minnesota, Maddy walks listeners through what scholarships really are, how she searched for them, and what the...
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Blind Abilities – The Musical: When Lived Experience Takes the Stage
Blind Abilities – The Musical reimagines the podcast as a live theatrical broadcast, blending news-style dialogue, personal storytelling, and original music into a fully immersive audio stage. Framed as a newsroom, the episode moves through three powerful themes: wearable technology, progressive...
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Internships for Students: Real Work, Real Experience, Real Opportunities
This Blind Abilities episode shines a spotlight on internships for blind and low-vision students—and why starting early can open real doors. Tou Yang and Randi Lasher from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota (SSB), break down how high school and college students can access paid and unpaid...
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Wellness Wednesday: The Conversations We Carry With Us
In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson reflect on the everyday interactions we share with strangers—Uber and Lyft drivers, bus drivers, and people we meet briefly along our paths. Do we engage, or do we shut the moment down? Do we end the exchange with…
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Wellness Wednesday: A Year of Lessons: Finding Peace, Progress, and Perspective
In this reflective year-end episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff slow things down to explore what the past year has taught them about growth, anxiety, self-doubt, and resilience. Through personal stories—screen-share mishaps, returning to music, professional pressure, and DIY...
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UnScripted: A Lost iPhone, Changing Tech, and Figuring It Out
In this UnScripted episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson and Sree Roy dive into real-life tech, travel, and accessibility—no script, just experience. From recovering a lost iPhone overseas using Find My, to navigating chaotic airports and noisy streets as a blind traveler, the conversation...
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Introducing Preston : Two Paths, One Team: Meet the Peer Ambassadors of State Services for the Blind
What does it look like to be a blind high school student who's busy, motivated, and dreaming big? In this episode of Blind Abilities, meet Preston—a 15-year-old sophomore, honors and AP student, award-winning speech and debate competitor, musician, and newly selected Peer Ambassador with State...
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Introducing Ava : Two Paths, One Team: Meet the Peer Ambassadors of State Services for the Blind
In this Blind Abilities episode, listeners meet Ava, a fully blind high school junior and Peer Ambassador with State Services for the Blind of Minnesota. Ava shares what it's like balancing a packed academic schedule filled with AP and college-in-the-schools classes, while staying involved in...
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Owning Your Future with State Services for the Blind: Inside the Business Enterprise Program
In this Blind Abilities conversation, Michael Colbrunn shares a compelling, firsthand look at the Business Enterprise Program through State Services for the Blind and how it created a pathway to self-employment, confidence, and long-term growth. Michael never imagined himself as a business owner,...
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Tinsel, Tears, and Treats: Finding Holiday Balance
In this joyful and reflective holiday edition of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff gather around the warmth of the season to explore the memories we hold, the challenges we face, and the ways we find light through it all. They gently unpack how grief and stress can surface during the...
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College 101: Student-Powered Advice to Help You Thrive in College
Thinking about college but not sure what it's really like as a blind or low vision student? In this College 101 conversation, transition coordinator Shane DeSantis teams up with Kira and Mohamed, two blind/low vision college students, to break it all down from a student point of view. They talk...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.
HOSTED BY
Blind Abilities Team
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blind Abilities have?
Blind Abilities currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blind Abilities about?
The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.
How often does Blind Abilities release new episodes?
Blind Abilities publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Blind Abilities?
You can listen to Blind Abilities on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blind Abilities?
Blind Abilities is created and hosted by Blind Abilities Team.
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