SSB Opportunities: Golf Event for Blind and Visually Impaired Students on June 17

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Shane DeSantis joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to announce the June 17th Golf Event for students with State services for the Blind. When Monday June 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon Where Oak Marsh Golf Course526 Inwood Ave NorthOakdale, MN Who SSB students and students 8 and up. What An introduction to golf specifically for students who are blind or visually impaired will include a brief...

Gina Martin’s Journey Toward Founding Diverse Abilities is a Testament to Resilience and Transformation

Podcast Summary: Join us on Blind Abilities as we talk with Gina Martin, founder of Diverse Abilities. Diagnosed with Progressive Cone Dystrophy in 1992, Gina's journey to embrace her blindness began in 2015. After an intensive 9-month rehabilitation at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, Gina transformed her life and career, focusing on disability awareness and empowerment. Since founding Diverse Abilities in 2019, she has delivered impactful...

Wellness Wednesday: Finding Your True Self: Embracing Your Unique Journey

Podcast Summary: In this 34th episode of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the concept of self-identity and the impact of external influences on our personal definitions of who we are. Join Beth and Robin as they guide you through the process of embracing your authentic self and understanding that your identity is yours to define, free from the noise and expectations of others. Tune in to discover...

Peer  to Peer with Maddy and Amy: An Introduction to the Peer Ambassadors for Transition Age Students

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Maddy and Amy are SSB students conducting peer-to-peer programming for students across the state for instruction on various topics of interest for visually impaired students. They are also available to meet with others one-on-one for peer discussion and will be planning virtual and in-person group activities! Meet Addy and Amy as they talk about their schooling and leadership roles as Peer Ambassadors at State...

The Blind Kitchen: Adaptive Tools, Helpful Strategies, and Specialized Knowledge to Blind and Visually Impaired People – Meet Founder Debra Erickson

Podcast Summary: Debra Erickson, founder of The Blind Kitchen, joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind abilities Studio to introduce us to and bring us up to date with The Blind Kitchen, the web site, the audio described videos and what to expect in the coming months. With over 90 items on the store shelves, Debra has an adaptive tool for just about anyone. Whether you need it or someone you know that needs it, Debra has it and more...

Wellness Wednesday: Redefining Mental Wellness: Media Influence and Workplace Solutions

Podcast Summary: In this 33rd episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, address societies desensitization to mental wellness. They discuss the pivotal role the media plays in shaping public perception and outline actionable ideas for promoting mental health in the workplace. As part of Wellness Awareness Month, this conversation sheds light on strategies to reverse negative trends and build supportive...

You Got the Headphones, we Got the Drama – Story More Has Something for everyone! Dive into Story More with Micah Thomas.

Podcast Summary: Join host Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio as we dive into the captivating world of audio drama with our special guest, Micah Thomas, the creative force behind Story More. Micah unveils the intricate art of crafting immersive audio experiences, featuring 360-degree soundscapes that plunge listeners straight into the heart of original storytelling. With a talented cast of voice actors from across the globe, Micah...

By Popular Demand: Blind Piano Lessons: With nearly 20 years of teaching through distance learning, meet Mark Miller and begin playing today!

Podcast Summary: Mark Miller has been teaching Blind and Visually Impaired students to play piano for nearly 20 years. Distance learning is nothing new to Mark Miller and his students as he began teaching through just audio phone calls using his ears. Now with Skype and Video calls, Mark has brought his teaching abilities around the world. Through chord patterns and  minimum movement Mark’s students learn songs and music...

Wellness Wednesday: Unwind the Mind: Navigating Stress with Savvy!

Podcast Summary: In this 32nd  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, focus on Stress Awareness, which is during this month of April. In today's enlightening discussion, we dive deep into the myriad ways to manage stress, recognize its early warning signs, and take proactive steps toward maintaining your well-being. Whether you're dealing with work pressure, personal challenges, or just...

Wellness Wednesday: Chuckling to Wellness: How Giggles Turn into Gigawatts of Joy

Podcast Summary: In this 31st  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the therapeutic benefits of laughter. They discuss how therapists may use humor to improve client rapport and highlight laughter’s role in fostering workplace camaraderie and overall mental health. Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes. Show Hosts:...