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Blind Abilities

BlindAbilities Team

Blind Abilities: Podcasts with a Blindness Perspective.

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30 episodes
Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 30

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Yesterday · 29 min
After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Podcast Summary: The White Cane Project is going nationwide! After Sight and AwareWolf Gear are teaming up to get free white canes into the hands of blind and low vision people across the United States, with shipping covered, too. On Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson and Pete Lane sit down with Kim Wardlow, Penn Street, Bari […]
Tuesday · 41 min
Tools for School: College Planning, Cool Tech, and Student Connections
Podcast Summary: What comes after high school, and how can you help shape what happens next? In this Tools for School episode, State Services for the Blind counselors Lindsey and Kat explain how to build a relationship with your counselor, prepare for college, and speak up for the support you need. Students and parents will […]
Friday · 32 min
More Than Making Lunch: Everyday Skills That Open Doors – The Independent Living Skills Lab
Podcast Summary: What happens when blind students have space to try, make mistakes, and discover what they can do? Confidence grows—and everyday tasks become steppingstones toward independence. On Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Kia Sadler from Minnesota State Services for the Blind to explore the Independent Living Skills Lab, a hands-on program where students learn […]
October 29 · 35 min
Tools for School: From High School Support to College Self-Advocacy
Podcast Summary: What does college look like when you’re blind or have low vision? Maddy and Ben bring that question to life with honest stories, practical advice, and encouragement for students preparing for their next chapter. In this Tools for School episode, hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind, they explore choosing a college, […]
October 26 · 47 min
You Can Do This: Preparing for College with Leighann Fuller
Podcast Summary: Your next chapter starts before you set foot on campus. Join Jeff Thompson and Leighann Fuller, visually impaired service coordinator at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, for a practical conversation about making the leap from high school to college. Leighann shares her own experience navigating vision loss during her master’s program and explains why […]
September 17 · 21 min
From First Practice to First Goal: Sam Betts Takes on College and Blind Hockey
Podcast Summary: 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 peripheral vision loss, Sam had never played—or even […]
September 13 · 51 min
Career Exploration Adventure Weekend: There’s No One Path – Students Ask Professionals About Careers, Challenges and Success
Podcast summary: 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 lively careers panel, professionals from technology, accounting, human […]
September 2 · 21 min
Wellness Wednesday: You Deserve to Be Here: Recognizing How Far You’ve Come
Podcast Summary: 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 accomplishments, giving ourselves permission to […]
August 30 · 25 min
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. Randi Lasher shares how the three-day event combined customized job shadowing, a career panel, orientation and mobility activities, […]
August 20 · 35 min
The Slow Process of Acceptance: Vision Loss, Aging and Moving Forward
Podcast Summary: 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 the way it used to, acceptance can be […]
August 17 · 9 min
15,000 Meals, One Big Impact: SSB Pre-ETS Students Give Back
Podcast Summary 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 service. Working side by side in fast-moving assembly lines, 42 volunteers […]
July 20 · 17 min
From College to the Ballpark: Building a Career Through Internships and Initiative
Podcast Summary: 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 him hands-on experience […]
July 15 · 1 hr 10 min
Blind Abilities: Finding New Joy Without Denying the Loss: Travel, Adaptation, and Life After Vision Change
Podcast summary: 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 learning new technology keep their minds active and create purpose. The group compares favorite reading […]
July 10 · 18 min
From Campfires to Canoes: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community Through SSB’s Summer Events
Podcast Summary: 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 Preston share upcoming events, including visits to the Minnesota […]
July 1 · 32 min
Blind Abilities: Little Steps, Big Triumphs
Podcast summary: 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. From there, the conversation turns to the gradual experience of vision […]
June 30 · 15 min
Helping People Reach Their Goals: Lindsay Escalera’s Journey in Vocational Rehabilitation
Podcast Summary: 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 experiences, mentorship, and a desire to help others shaped her […]
June 28 · 20 min
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 support counselors behind the scenes while helping students prepare for employment, college, and independent […]
June 20 · 50 min
Blind Abilities: shootin’ the Breeze: The Stuff That Sticks
Podcast Summary: 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 advocates who encouraged independence, informed decision-making, and the […]
June 10 · 32 min
Wellness Wednesday: The Quiet Between Doing
Podcast Summary: 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 required to navigate the world. Together, […]
June 7 · 1 hr 1 min
Blind Abilities Presents: Domesticity: Parenting Beyond Sight
Podcast Summary: 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 way. As they discuss the joys, surprises, and everyday […]

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