Blind Abilities

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 adulthood. She reflects on her immersive Adjustment to Blindness Training, discovering a new appreciation for Braille, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and the many services available to blind and low vision Minnesotans. Sarina also discusses her educational path, her goal of becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and the value of learning while working directly with students. Whether you're a student exploring future careers, a teacher of the blind, or a rehabilitation professional, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the people, training, and dedication that help open doors to independence, employment, and lifelong success. Full Transcript Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205. Thanks for listening!

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, they reflect on the difference between constant doing and intentional being, discussing how quiet moments can provide rest, clarity, and a sense of grounding. They share personal experiences about finding comfort in familiar environments, spending time in nature, listening to birds, walking without distractions, and creating calming spaces at home that encourage relaxation and reflection. The discussion also touches on the importance of relationships, changing priorities as we grow older, and how our understanding of time evolves throughout life. Through humor, thoughtful insights, and honest conversation, the hosts invite listeners to consider what brings them peace, how they spend their time, and what helps them stay grounded in an increasingly busy world. Join Beth, Robin, and Jeff as they reflect on the importance of creating room for silence, presence, and personal reflection, and discover why sometimes the healthiest thing we can do is simply be. Full Transcript: Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS Www.transitioningthroughchange.com You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093. They are looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks for listening!

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 accessibility tools while continuing to benefit from Aira's professional Visual Interpreters. Jenine explains how Build AI works, what participation means for users, and the safeguards Aira has put in place to protect privacy. Participation is completely voluntary, users can opt out at any time, and no personally identifiable information is shared with Aira's AI partners. As an added benefit, Build AI participants receive complimentary Aira minutes for the month of June and more opportunities throughout the year. Tune in to learn how Aira is combining human expertise and emerging artificial intelligence to create new possibilities for blind and low vision users, while keeping accessibility, privacy, and user choice at the center of the conversation. Learn more about Build AI by visiting Aira's Frequently Asked Questions thanks for listening!

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, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide encouragement during life's struggles. Robin shares personal experiences from her doctoral journey as a blind student, while the discussion explores identity, belonging, loneliness, and the value of finding people who truly understand and support you. The episode gently challenges myths around mental health and reminds listeners that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether through friendships, support groups, hobbies, or online spaces, the conversation encourages listeners to start small, stay curious, and seek meaningful connections that nurture mental health and personal growth. Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS Www.transitioningthroughchange.com You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093. They are looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks for listening! Full Transcript

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 Paine's Revolutionary War pamphlets—written to encourage and unite—we imagined what it might be like to discover each organization through words meant to inform, inspire, and invite participation. Through music and storytelling, this episode reflects on the opportunities, advocacy, community, and shared purpose these organizations provide. Featuring three original songs, the journey begins by exploring ideas and perspectives, allowing each voice to be heard before bringing everything together in a powerful final number. Because in the end, what matters most is that we move forward—together. Be sure to listen through to the end to learn more about each organization and to hear upcoming national convention dates. We hope you enjoy the show. Thanks for listening!

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. He walks through finding opportunities on company career pages and sites like Indeed, preparing resumes and interviews, and using campus career centers and State Services for the Blind for mock interviews and connections. Josh also talks honestly about disclosure, accessibility tools, and finding your niche in a changing job market. Most of all, he reminds students not to get discouraged—applications can be tough, but persistence, preparation, and using your network can make the difference between waiting for an opportunity and landing one. Link to the Internship episode: Internships for Students: Real Work, Real Experience, Real Opportunities To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205. Full Transcript Thanks for listening!

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 into the unspoken grief that can come with life transitions. They talk about how losing roles, routines, and independence can chip away at a person's sense of purpose—and how often those feelings stay hidden behind polite responses. With warmth and honesty, they explore inclusion, belonging, and the deep human need to be seen, heard, and asked for our thoughts. The episode is a gentle call to listen beyond the surface, to make space for real answers, and to reach out—especially to older adults—before stories, wisdom, and connection fade into silence. Full Transcript Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts: Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS Www.transitioningthroughchange.com You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093. They are looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks for listening!

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 goals, knowing your "why" (motivation), building a realistic schedule, and staying disciplined—especially when you hit that week-two wall and want to quit. The group names common traps like procrastination and cramming, and offers practical fixes: block out study time, write everything down, set reminders, and cut distractions (yes, your phone). A key college takeaway is the "1 hour in class = 2 hours outside class" guideline, which shows how fast a 15-credit schedule becomes a full-time workload. Students also hear that schedules can flex—shift time between classes and protect downtime to avoid burnout. Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205. Full Transcript Thanks for listening!