Show Summary: Roel and Ben Eynon from Strap Technologies sat down with Simon in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about a device that could possibly replace the white cane. This is a huge claim being that for nearly 100 years the cane has remained for the most part, the same low tech device used for navigation by the Blind and Visually Impaired. Diego and Ben talk about how they came about working together for this initiative and what...
Full Transcript Show Summary: In the era of Covid-19 we have seen a sharp rise in the production of virtual music, ranging from individual performers, to bands, to choral groups. Prior to the pandemic, however, this form of music was not only unusual, but rare. Our guests today on blind abilities represent one of those rare music groups that originated before the Corona virus burst onto the world scene. the Serenity Virtual choir is...
Full Transcript Show Summary: Jeff’s guest today is Ryan Lukowicz. Ryan has a fascinating interest in a unique topic: Meteorology. as a matter of fact, he has studied Meteorology for over four years now and has developed an expertise in the topic that is respected across the industry. so, you may ask: where did he attend college? how did he attain such an advanced knowledge of this subject that is rooted in complex math...
Full Transcript Show Summary: Travis Mashuga is a Pre-Employment Transition Services Counselor at State Services for the Blind (SSB) in Minnesota. Travis switched gears in college and decided to work in the Rehabilitation field and is now part of the Transition team at SSB. Travis explains what Transition Services offers and tells us how to get connected with the Transition Services. Whether you are a transition age student or a parent of a...
Full Transcript Show Summary: Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) like every other state rehab agency, is certainly not exempt from the impact of COVID-19. Like much of the Nation’s business and governmental sector, the staff began working from home back in mid-March. Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist, Joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about how his department has adjusted to the...
Full Transcript Show Summary: Are you familiar with 3D printing: how it works, what tools and materials are used to create 3D models, and what is done with them when they are completed? If not, or if you just want to learn a bit more about the subject and how it might affect you directly as a blind person, then sit right down and listen. We have the answers to all of those questions. We will also fill you in on how 3D models might...
Full Transcript Show Summary: Cheryl McNeil Fisher writes books, has used a guide dog from Guiding Eyes for the Blind for over 3 decades, experienced Google’s Project Guideline wearing boots with heels, yes, with heels, and has found community events and programs on-line during the Pandemic. Cheryl shares advice about writing books and the publishing process. Talks about how she made the decision to get a guide dog and her...
Show Summary: Shane Lowe, Community Manager at Supersense, joins Jeff Thompson and Angie Fisher in the Blind Abilities Studio. Shane gives a good description and describes the many features pact inside the Supersense App. From Automatic Smart Scanning, Object Detection, Bar Code Reading and the availability to extract and share text, use links and so much more. Join Jeff and Angie as Shane talks about how Supersense came about and how he got...
Show Summary: Jeff Thompson is joined in the BlindAbilities Studio by Anne DeWitt Who shares her unique and helpful products that fall under the brand name Halos. Halos stands for Home Appliance Labeling and Overlay System. . Halos is a series of tactile icons which can be affixed to a variety of home appliances, including your microwave, your oven, and your washing machine. Ann describes how these tactile icons are rendered in...
Show Summary: Jeff Thompson is joined in the BlindAbilities studio by Janet Dickelman, Representing the Minnesota chapter of the American Council of the Blind (ACB).. as many of our listeners already know, the American Council of the blind is a widespread and very important organization representing blind people. Janet shares it’s mission, a description and explanation of its affiliates and special programs, as well as providing an update on...