From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program
Release Date: 05/23/2025
Wellness Wednesday: A Year of Lessons: Finding Peace, Progress, and Perspective
Blind Abilities
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 anxiety—they unpack how unrealistic expectations and negative thought loops can hold us back. The conversation reframes resolutions into gentler themes like peace, happiness, and self-check-ins. With warmth and honesty, the trio emphasizes persistence, self-compassion, and recognizing the strengths...
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UnScripted: A Lost iPhone, Changing Tech, and Figuring It Out
Blind Abilities
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 blends humor with practical takeaways. The episode also marks the end of the Blind Abilities app and reflects on how learning technology has evolved. Jeff and Sree explore why building adaptable skills matters—bridging tablets to PCs, learning screen readers, choosing accessible keyboards, and...
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Introducing Preston : Two Paths, One Team: Meet the Peer Ambassadors of State Services for the Blind
Blind Abilities
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 Services for the Blind of Minnesota. Preston shares what it’s really like balancing challenging classes, extracurriculars, and leadership, while also learning strong study habits and time management skills. From placing second in the state in congressional debate to performing in choirs and playing...
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Introducing Ava : Two Paths, One Team: Meet the Peer Ambassadors of State Services for the Blind
Blind Abilities
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 speech, music, and leadership. As captain of her school’s speech team and a member of choir and band, Ava talks about the importance of being well-rounded—not just academically strong. She opens up about how self-advocacy, supportive parents, and mentors have helped her grow more independent and...
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Owning Your Future with State Services for the Blind: Inside the Business Enterprise Program
Blind Abilities
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, but with training, guidance, and ongoing support from State Services for the Blind, he discovered an opportunity to build and grow a business on his own terms. From managing vending operations to overseeing a full food service contract, Michael explains how the Business Enterprise Program provides the...
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Tinsel, Tears, and Treats: Finding Holiday Balance
Blind Abilities
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 holidays, while also celebrating how far we’ve come. With the glow of laughter, nostalgia, and a little holiday sparkle, the conversation takes a playful turn into candy machines, sweet treats, and fidget toys—reminding us that even in heavy seasons, moments of joy, humor, and connection still shine...
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College 101: Student-Powered Advice to Help You Thrive in College
Blind Abilities
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 about choosing a campus that fits you, connecting early with the disability office, and getting the right accommodations in place — from Braille and digital textbooks to private testing rooms, extra time, and note-taking tools like Voice Dream and iPad apps. You’ll hear how advocating for...
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BITS Has the Solutions: Empowering Blind Tech Users Through Community, Training, and Opportunity
Blind Abilities
In this Blind Abilities episode, Jeff Thompson talks with Jeff Bishop, president of —Blind Information Technology Specialists—an all-volunteer organization empowering blind and low-vision individuals through accessible technology, community, and hands-on learning. Bishop outlines BITS’ rapid growth, affordable memberships, and expanding reach across platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, email lists, and mentoring channels. BITS offers high-impact training, including Python programming, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, NVDA, and AI immersion courses—all with fully accessible materials...
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Wellness Wednesday: What Do We Do for Wellness and Staying on Track
Blind Abilities
Beth, Robin and Jeff dive into what they personally do to replenish their energy whether it be mental or physical. Listen in as they talk about the practices they incorporate into their routines and daily life. From soothing showers, daily intentions, to checking off virtual lists, and celebrating the accomplishments. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at Beth Gustin, LPC,...
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Orientation and Mobility: Building Confident Independence for Blind and Low Vision Students
Blind Abilities
Orientation and mobility (O&M) gives blind and low vision students the skills to travel safely, confidently, and independently—at home, at school, and beyond graduation. In this conversation hosted by State Services for the Blind (SSB), O&M specialists Jennifer Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, along with Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis, talk with parents, teachers, and students about what O&M really is: not just cane skills, but problem solving, confidence, and building a mental map of the world. They stress that independence is personal, but expectations should stay...
info_outlineGet 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 your launchpad to success!
Find out more about the LEAP Summer Program.
To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at Shane.DeSantis@state.mn.us or call 651-385-5205.