Two Journeys to Employment: Unlocking Potential: Embracing Resources and Building Your Dream Career - Meet Kat Wilke
Release Date: 01/23/2025
Seable Holidays: Turning Accessible Travel Dreams Into Reality
Blind Abilities
Discover a world where accessibility meets adventure! In this inspiring episode, Jeff Thompson explores , 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 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 travelers gain confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships while experiencing unforgettable holidays. Whether...
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Immersive. Inclusive. Incredible. Dive Into the LuminoCity Podcast - Where Audio Description Redefines Inclusive Story Telling
Blind Abilities
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, Christine and the LuminoCity team redefine inclusive storytelling. Discover how art, sound, and...
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From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program
Blind Abilities
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 what’s possible for your future. Want to boost your resume and meet cool people? LEAP is...
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Come Sail Away or Kick Into Confidence: Summer Camps That Empower at Lighthouse Center for Vital Living
Blind Abilities
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 the city, you’ll grow your capabilities, connect with peers, and discover just how far you...
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From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is Reshaping How Blind and Low Vision Youth Prepare for College, Careers, and Life
Blind Abilities
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, build professional networks, and shape their futures with purpose and resilience. It’s a...
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Wellness Wednesday: I Got a Feeling, Somebodies Watching Me
Blind Abilities
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? Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at Beth Gustin,...
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Swing for the Fences: Building Confidence Through Orientation & Mobility
Blind Abilities
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 sidewalks to exploring campuses and even hiking trails, they remind us: your path is yours to shape....
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Building Your Path: Summer Jobs, Resumes, and Real-World Skills with State Services for the Blind
Blind Abilities
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, Tou and his team are ready to support you every step of the way. Opportunity starts with taking...
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Wellness Wednesday: AI or Not to AI, That is the Question That We Ask of Thee
Blind Abilities
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 in therapy. From boosting mindfulness to aiding late-night anxiety, AI may belong in your...
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wellness Wednesday: Anchoring in the Now: Tools to Navigate Anxiety and Uncertainty
Blind Abilities
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 uncertain times. Anchoring in the Now: Tools to Navigate Anxiety and Uncertainty Show Hosts: ...
info_outlineIn 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 of community. She encourages high school students to embrace their unique paths, explore resources, and take pride in their differences. Kat’s story shows how persistence, support, and passion can lead to fulfilling careers and personal growth.