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 behind the scenes of baseball, from stadium operations to creating unforgettable fan experiences. He explains how networking, LinkedIn, Teamwork Online, and support from State Services for the Blind helped him land opportunities, succeed in college, and build confidence. Dawson also discusses accommodations, assistive technology, balancing internships with coursework, and the value of taking initiative—including founding his university's Cornhole Club from scratch. Whether your dream is in sports or another field, this conversation is packed with practical advice, encouragement, and proof that sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you create yourself.

Links from this episode:

Official Site of the Minot Hot Tots

Teamwork Online

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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

Thanks for listening!

Full Transcript

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 sources, immersive audiobooks, classic books, and the occasional danger of missing an exit while listening to a great story. They also debate smart homes versus reliable buttons, knobs, keys, and appliances that have survived longer than some friendships. Food enters the discussion through air-fryer grilled cheese, pesto, egg muffins, oatmeal, and other hunger-inducing ideas. The conversation becomes more reflective as Callie asks whether travel can still feel meaningful after vision loss. The team discusses grief, adaptation, tactile experiences, audio description, tour guides, friendship, and finding new forms of joy without pretending the loss is not real today.

Links of interests:

seedlings Braille Books for Children

Bricks for the Blind

ACB Groups

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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 State Academy for the Blind summer program, a volunteer evening with Every Meal, presentations at the ECC summer camp, an accessible camping adventure with Wilderness Inquiry, a canoe trip on the Mississippi River, and a fall technology workshop focused on college and career success. Along the way, they explain how these activities encourage independence, teamwork, leadership, and community involvement while creating meaningful connections with other students who share similar experiences. They also invite students to help shape future activities by sharing their ideas and interests, making this episode both an update on upcoming events and an invitation to become part of Minnesota's growing blind and low vision community.

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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

Full Transcript:

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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 loss and the emotional adjustments that accompany it. Jeff shares how subtle changes in his own vision have made organization, workflow, and daily routines more important than ever, while Sree reflects on his journey from fear to confidence after losing his sight. Together they explore the value of taking small steps, learning new skills early, leaning on the blindness community, and celebrating everyday accomplishments. Whether discussing VoiceOver, organizing a workshop, or simply finding the kitchen sink, this episode reminds listeners that blindness is not about giving things up—it's about discovering new ways to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Main Topics

• Summer plans, fitness, and everyday life.
• Apple price increases, AI subscriptions, and the growing cost of accessibility technology.
• The personal experience of gradual vision loss and recognizing changing abilities.
• Practical strategies for organization, safety, and adapting daily routines.
• Learning blindness skills early and accepting change one step at a time.
• Finding encouragement through community, organizations, and shared experiences.
• Celebrating small victories and understanding that every journey is unique.

Memorable Quotes

"We are going to encounter a lot of trials… but we do have a community, organizations, and individuals that support us."

"My Kilimanjaro is pretty small things, but I get rewarded from them."

"There's a lot of things that I thought being blind, you can't do… and then you hear these stories of people doing amazing things."

"Little steps take us far."

Check out Blind Abilities on all the socials.

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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 career. She explains how counselors guide students and adults through career planning, adjustment to blindness training, assistive technology, college, trades, and employment, all supported by a collaborative team of specialists. Lindsay also reflects on participating in Minnesota's immersive Adjustment to Blindness training, describing how the experience gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges, emotions, and successes that blind individuals experience. Whether you're a teacher, rehabilitation professional, student exploring a meaningful career, or someone interested in the services available through State Services for the Blind, this conversation highlights the power of teamwork, lifelong learning, and helping people achieve independence and meaningful employment.

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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

Thanks for listening!

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.

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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

Thanks for listening!

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 attitude of simply doing what needs to be done. The group explores the importance of maintaining connections in both blindness and mainstream communities, appreciating the perspectives each brings. They also talk about everyday accessibility, highlighting simple solutions such as fountains, wind chimes, textured surfaces, and other environmental cues that make life easier. Later, the conversation turns to emerging technology, including smart glasses, Aira, scanning apps, and privacy concerns. Along the way, memories from conventions, podcasting adventures, and a few musical tangents create a fun and engaging conversation among friends.

Major Topics in Chronological Order

1. Introductions and weather banter.
2. Amadeus Pro and the new Apple Silicon beta.
3. Accessibility and the longevity of audio production tools.
4. Mentors, advocates, and people who shaped their blindness journey.
5. Attitude, informed choice, and the "just do it" mindset.
6. Balancing blindness communities with mainstream communities.
7. Maintaining friendships with both blind and sighted people.
8. Everyday accessibility and practical low-tech solutions.
9. Using sound and texture as orientation cues around the home.
10. Memories from ACB and NFB conventions.
11. Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and the future of wearable AI.
12. Aira integration and hands-free access.
13. Scanning apps, privacy, and document reading.
14. Seeing AI improvements and simplified interfaces.
15. Music, iBUG Today, and closing humor.

Products and Services Discussed at Length

Audio and Podcasting

• Amadeus Pro
• HairerSoft
• Apple Silicon Macs

Wearable Technology

• Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
• Google AI Glasses (future possibilities)
• Rumored Apple Glasses

Accessibility Services

• Aira
• Aira AI

Reading and Recognition Apps

• Voice Dream Scan
• Seeing AI

Communities and Organizations

• National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
• American Council of the Blind (ACB)
• iBUG Today

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!

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 realities of parenthood, one message becomes clear: parenting is less about vision and more about finding practical ways to make life work for your family. Along the way, they discovered opportunities to educate others, challenge misconceptions, and demonstrate that blindness does not define their ability to be loving, capable, and involved parents.

Through personal stories, laughter, and reflection, Christina, Lori, and Jeff offer insight, encouragement, and reassurance for anyone who is raising children, considering parenthood, or simply interested in hearing real-life experiences from blind parents.

Join us for this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

Leave us your feedback, suggestions, and comments by calling 612-267-6093. We'd love to hear 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

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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 travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques.

• Activities were designed for different ages, skill levels, and visual abilities, helping students grow through hands-on experiences and peer connections.

• Parents attended informational sessions with experts in orientation and mobility and assistive technology, learning how to better support independence at home and school.

• Volunteers and instructors emphasized allowing students to lead, encouraging confidence and problem-solving skills.

• Paralympian and keynote speaker Max Nelson inspired students with his story of perseverance, independence, and self-confidence.

Cane Quest celebrated more than competition—it highlighted mobility, teamwork, community support, and the belief that blind and visually impaired students can achieve extraordinary goals.

- The Minnesota Cane Quest Planning Team

Madi Ericksen, BrightWorks/SparkPath

Colleen Feller, BrightWorks/SparkPath

Jenny Pelletier, State Services for the Blind

Joya Musa, Minneapolis Public Schools

Allison Knigge, Minneapolis Public Schools

Links of interests:

The Spectacle Newsletter

Youth Services at SSB

Full Transcript