New Name and New Updates. Hymns Inc. Rebrands to Selvas BLV. Meet Antonio Guimaraes and Earl Harrison from Selvas BLV

Podcast Summary: Since 1999, Hymns Inc. has been providing high-quality products and services to the blind and visually impaired community around the globe. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant, live from the 2024 National Federation of the Blind National Convention, as he speaks with Antonio and Earl about the rebranding to Selvas BLV and all that they’ve been working on.  With a new name comes new updates, and Selvas BLV...

Wellness Wednesday: Real Talk on Sleep: Personal Routines and Experiences

Podcast Summary: In Episode 41 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, share their personal experiences with sleep and the routines they've developed to improve their rest. They open up about the challenges they've faced in finding the right balance for a good night's sleep and discuss the various approaches they've tried. This episode offers a candid look at the journey toward better sleep and overall...

Scanning Solutions in a Portable Package. Introducing PROCER  3 from PROCER Technologies.

Podcast Summary: Often times, blind and visually impaired users need to perform many functions to access printed text. The PROCER 3 aims to simplify these activities by offering one device that can do many functions. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant, live from the 2024 NFB National Convention, as he chats with Mariano Lescano, C.T.O, as well as Manuel Diaz Ferreio, CEO at PROCER Technologies.  Using a camera accessory...

Solar Grove Solutions: Increasing Access to Technology for all with affordable, customizable audio players – Meet Allen Decker from Solar Grove Solutions.

Podcast Summary: For much of the world’s population, many technological devices are out of reach due to factors such as cost and electricity constraints. Solar Grove Solutions seeks to close this technology gap so that everyone has access to the content that matters most to them. The Vine C product line offers a durable, portable, solar powered solution for storing audio books as well as many other file formats in a simple compact design....

Touch the Power of Knowledge and Information: Storm Interfaces Breaks Down Barriers of Inaccessible Touch Screen Technology through Tactile and Screen Reader Accessible Kiosks – Meet Nicky Shaw.

Podcast Summary: In the age of digital technology, companies are increasingly turning to self-service touch screen kiosks. Partnering with screen reading manufacturers such as TPGI and the Jaws screen reader, Storm Interfaces designs tactile keypads that are accessible for everyone. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant, live from the 2024 NFB National Convention in Orlando Florida, as he speaks with Nicky Shaw about solutions for...

College 101 – Back to School with Connor Kunze: High School, PSEO and College

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript In this episode of Blind Abilities, high school student Connor Kunze discusses the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, which allows students to earn college credits while still in high school. Connor shares his experiences with accommodations, the transition from high school to college, and the challenges of balancing responsibilities. He emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, seeking support,...

Outdoors for All: Inclusive Camping with Wilderness Inquiry

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript State Services for the Blind and the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living collaborated with Wilderness Inquiry to offer a unique camping and canoeing experience for Pre-ETS students at Interstate State Park, Minnesota. This initiative aimed to empower blind and low-vision youth by enhancing their independence, self-advocacy, and teamwork skills. Participants engaged in a range of outdoor activities, including...

Wellness Wednesday: Navigating Anxiety and Aging: A Candid Conversation

Podcast Summary: In Episode 40 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, are joined by Blind Abilities own Jeff Thompson to talk about a subject that came up pre-show. Anxiety and Ageing. How it looks and how we feel about it. Everyone has a timeline and society seems to have expectations, so how do we handle change, when time is the ticking factor. Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts:...

Wellness Wednesday: How to Cope with Upcoming Election Stress and Do We Want to Unplug the TV for Ever?

Podcast Summary: In Episode 39 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, take on the challenges that one may feel with all the political happenings during this election year. How we balance trying to be informed without overloading and possible stressful interactions with friends and family. Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts:...

Yoga With Aly – Virtual and Totally Audio Described

Podcast Summary: Joining Jeff in the Blind Abilities Studio is Aly Slaughter. Aly is a legally blind yoga teacher who believes that yoga is for all people of all abilities and in all bodies. Aly offers accessible practices by using detailed verbal descriptions and suggesting various options, encouraging you to listen to and trust yourself and explore what works best for YOU! Aly has found that both sighted and blind participants benefit...