Unlocking Potential: The Summer Transition  Program Tours State Services for the Blind

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript The Students of  the Summer Transition Program (STP), toured State Services for the Blind (SSB), which provides resources and training in independent living skills, job readiness, orientation & mobility, and college preparation for blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind students. During this tour, students engage in activities like job shadowing, mock interviews, employment readiness, and...

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...

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...

Screen Readers Simplified: Introducing the SRT Screen Reader Training Website – Meet Co-creators Allison Mello and Max Avendano, Assistive Technology Specialists at the California School for the Blind

Podcast Summary: Mastering a new screen reader can be a daunting task: with a plethora of screen readers to choose from, and the learning curve of new commands it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there’s a new website to help you along your screen-reader journey!  Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant joined Assistive Technology Specialists Allison Mello and Max Avendano in the virtual studio to discuss everything you...

Helping Students Build Confidence, Explore Career Possibilities and Expand Their Horizons of Opportunities – Get to Know Deanna Langton, Sam Bannerman, and Kate Larson – 3 New Pre-Employment Transition Services Counselors at SSB

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Below The Pre Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Team helps students between the ages of 14 and 21 build confidence, explore career possibilities, and expand horizons of opportunities. You will get to know 3 new Pre-ETS counselors, Deanna , Sam and Kate. You will get a sense of how excited they are about your future and offering  resources to help you achieve your dreams.    If you have questions...

College101: 3 Unique Perspectives, 3 Unique Journeys, Sharing their Unique Experiences from Their College Success

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Below Shane DeSantis, Transition Coordinator at State Services for the Blind, hosts the College101 Webinar with 3 unique college students giving their unique perspective on how they are succeeding and succeeded in their college journey.  learn from their experiences and suggestions as they respond to questions submitted from high school students, college students and teachers.  Are you interested in...

Job Insights: Your Social Media Presence – Making Your Social Media Presence Work for You When Applying for Jobs and Seeking the Career You Want!

Podcast Summary: In this episode of Job Insights Serina gilbert, Sarlie Drakos, Dacia Vanalstine and Jeff Thompson talk about your presence on Social Media platforms and how your profile, your presence can influence job recruiters, potential employers, and decision makers during the job interview process. How to clean up your past and build a purposeful and positive presence on social media that may help you land that job you are seeking....

College101: SSB  is hosting a College 101 webinar for prospective blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind college students – November 28th at 6 PM CST.

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Below Blind Abilities welcomes Shane DeSantis, Transition Coordinator at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, to the studio to talk about an upcoming College 101 webinar. Are you interested in attending college to gain education and  training needed to meet your employment goals? Do you have questions about what the transition to college will look like and what skills are needed to be successful...

Meet Matt Carson – Musician, Singer/Songwriter and Producer Who Happens to be a TBVI (Teacher of the blind and Visually Impaired)

Podcast Summary: Jeff and Pete welcome mat Carson into the Blind Abilities studio today. Matt is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired, a musician, a singer songwriter who is proud to write and perform sad songs that fit neatly into the country music genre. Matt has written, performed, recorded and produced dozens of songs, most of which he produced himself in his home studio. Matt released his first full length album in 2019 entitled no regrets,...

Job Insights: Job Interview Follow-Up and Disclosing a Disability – If, Why, When and How

Podcast Summary: Full Transcript Below In this episode of Job Insights Sarlie Drakos, Dacia Vanalstine and Jeff Thompson talk about following-up after a job interview and dive into the "white elephant" in the room, If, When, why and how to, if one decides to, disclose a disability during the job interview process. the Job Insights team shares their knowledge and experience to help you succeed and prepare for the job interview. Be sure to...