Podcast Summary: In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson interviews Leslie Dickson, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at the VA, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success as a blind individual. Born with coloboma, Leslie reveals how her parents’ steadfast encouragement instilled a can-do attitude that carried her through every stage of her educational journey. From navigating high school with large-print...
Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In the “College 101” webinar hosted by State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, three students, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy, shared their experiences transitioning from high school to college. They discussed the importance of self-advocacy, managing accommodations like extended test times, and utilizing assistive technologies such as Braille displays and Voice Dream Reader. The panelists emphasized building...
Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities episode, Jeff Thompson interviews Jada Johnson, Multiple Systems and Pathways Navigator at State Services for the Blind. Jada shares how she supports students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college and the workplace by fostering independence through skills development, family engagement, and coordinated services. She highlights the value of early planning, self-advocacy, and tailored...
Podcast Summary: In Episode 45 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the complexities of employment as individuals with blindness or low vision. From job interviews to workplace dynamics, they discuss the emotional and social impacts of disclosure and the perceptions it may create. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, Beth and Robin highlight strategies for navigating...
Podcast Summary: Patriot Vision Industries has been providing innovative technology solutions to users around the globe for 36 years. In 2022, we highlighted Curtis, along with company President John Palmer, and their just-released Lyriq Assistive Reader, a lightweight powerful scanning product. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant as he speaks with Curtis about a new device, called LyriQ AI. This revolutionary device combines...
Podcast Summary: Navigating as a blind or visually impaired person can be challenging at times. Glide, a new mobility aid, aims to help you navigate with ease. Using a handle, two wheels, and cameras equipped with Wayfinding technology, Glide works to guide the user around obstacles, provides navigation to a specific route, and much more. While attending the 2024 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Orlando...
Podcast Summary: Jeff, Serina, and Cindy reunite in the Blind Abilities Studio, bringing the Tech Abilities podcast back in full force! After a short break, the trio dives headfirst into the latest tech trends and practical insights, starting with Serina’s new Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses—spoiler alert: Jeff has a pair too. From exploring the powerful Access AI feature in the Aira Explorer app, where users can now adjust response detail and...
Podcast Summary: In Episode 44 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, bridge the gap between communities we navigate daily. They dive deep into the art of self-advocacy, exploring how personal experiences can transform feelings of isolation into moments of connection and growth. Join them as they unravel how we can bring our unique worlds into harmony, fostering understanding and belonging one journey at...
Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities episode, CEO Dhaval Patel introduces the innovative Lotus Ring, featured at the Vista Center’s Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition. The Lotus Ring, an accessible infrared-operated home control system, enables users to point and manage appliances, lights, and switches without internet or apps. With magnetic attachable switch covers, it simplifies home automation, offering...
Podcast Summary: Jenine Stanley, Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Aira, joins Jeff Thompson on Blind Abilities to share exciting updates. Aira can now be used with Meta Ray-Ban glasses, available in public beta for all users. This innovation expands Aira’s accessible technology offerings, along with other developments like a custom call feature, navigation-certified visual interpreters, and partnerships with Walmart and Vispero....