Podcasts and Blog posts sharing tools for success, ideas and successes from others who have transitioned from high school to college and to the workplace.
Podcast Summary: Jennifer Martinez-Badillo shares her journey of securing a position at College Possible through AmeriCorps, where she helps high school students with their college application process. As a visually impaired advocate, she discusses the accommodations she received and the support from State Services for the Blind. Jennifer reflects on her future goals, considering both counseling and teaching English to speakers of other...
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,...
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...
Podcast Summary: Full Transcript In this episode, Peer Ambassadors, Amy and Maddy, introduce themselves and share their personal journeys, detailing how they became connected with State Services for the Blind (SSB). They discuss the support and guidance they received from SSB counselors, including the benefits of having counselors attend IEP meetings. The episode explores various programs and activities offered by SSB that empower students with...
Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In this focus on student Internships, State Services for the Blind's Transition Work Opportunities Navigator, Randi Lasher, gives us an overview of student internships and how SSB works with the students to assist them in achieving their career goals. Listen in as Joshua, Qi, Jackson, and Josh share their experiences of gaining and internship, describing what they do and give some good advice for those seeking...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...