Build Confidence, Explore Career Possibilities, and Expand Horizons of Opportunity – Meet Pre-Employment Transition Services Counselor Travis Mashuga

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...

Assistive Technology Specialist Jesse Anderson and State Services for the Blind Go Virtual in Providing Transition Services to Students

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...

Introducing Laura Wolke: From an Unsatisfied Job to Law Student to Lawyer to Clerk of the US Supreme Court… and, an “Old Friend”

Full Transcript Show Summary: Blind Abilities presents this special interview with Laura Wolke.  Laura initially began a career as a social worker in Philadelphia, with clients who were primarily Medicare recipients, planning to get her PhD and  go into counseling or become a psychologist. However she  eventually  grew weary of this work,  saying that while she has great respect for the people who do...

Opening Doors to Opportunities for Transition Age Students: Meet Career Discovery Project Program Director and Author, Jon Marin

Full Transcript Show Summary: Program Director Jon Marin joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities studio to talk about the Career Discovery Project and his upcoming book release of, “See Us”. With his new book due out soon Jon talks about students and employment and the opportunities created through the Career Discovery Project and the awareness that his new book, See Us, will bring to people around the world. Jon talks about job...

My Voice – Your Message – Bullseye! Meet Award Winning Voice Artist Satauna Howery

Full Transcript Show Summary: I was so glad when Satauna Howery joined me in the Blind Abilities studio this time to talk about her journey, her work as a Voice Artist and to converse about blindness and bits and pieces of life. Satauna has been doing professional voice work since 2013 and her voice can be heard around the world on TV, movies, commercials, promotions, audio books and anywhere a client needs a voice. As her slogan says, My...

Online with Simon Bonenfant: Meet Becca Weber – Transitioning to the Workplace, Volunteering with the National Homework Hotline and Online Learning for School

Full Transcript Show Summary: Becca Weber joins Simon in the Blind Abilities Studio to talk about her educational journey, her online learning, her assistive technology and her volunteer work with the National Homework Hotline. Becca gives some great advice about having a well-rounded knowledge of assistive technology. The need to know your rights and to be able to self-advocate in your schooling and in the workplace. Becca has her path mapped...

Daniel Bernstrom’s 3rd Book, Big Papa and the Time Machine, is Released. A Journey Through Being Scared, Bravery and Love

Show Summary: Daniel Bernstrom has just released his 3rd book, Big Papa and the Time Machine. His 3rd book for children  and one that has deep roots in Daniels’s life journey, dealing with abandonment, bravery and love. Big Papa and the Time Machine recalls a past that Daniel could only imagine but the realities, facts and some fiction put it all together in this wonderful book. From his African American heritage, to...

Career Fair Highlights Disability – News and Information from State Services for the Blind

Career Fair Highlights Disability Are you an employer seeking a more diverse and disability inclusive workforce? Are you a qualified, talented college student, recent graduate or adult job seeker? Consider attending the Disability:IN Minnesota’s INclusive Career Fair! Career Fair details: Date: Friday, November 15, 2019Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 NoonLocation: University of Minnesota - McNamara Alumni Center More information at di-mn.org. Why...

Job Insights: Meet Business Relations Specialist Pam Gowan – 45 Years of Enhancing Job Opportunities and Educating Businesses of the Possibilities and Abilities of the Blind and Visually Impaired

Full Transcript Show Summary: Business Relations Specialist, Pam Gowan, has worked at State Services for over 45 years and with retirement just around the corner. Lisa larges, Outreach Coordinater at SSB, sat down with Pam to talk about Pam’s history at SSB and walk through the process a customer/client would experience or expect when a counselor enlist the services of an employment specialist such as Pam Gowan. With October being National...

Transitioning from High School to College to The Workplace Meet Senior Public Relations Specialist Rachel Carver

Full Transcript Show Summary: Transitioning from High School to College to The Workplace Meet Senior Public Relations Specialist Rachel Carver Rachel Carver was born blind and has used alternative techniques and assistive technology from the get-go. Rachel graduated from High School and attended college before starting her career at Outlook Business Solutions. It was not always a smooth ride and Rachel is here to talk about how she succeeded...