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 challenges brought on by the COVID-19 and how they are keeping the virtual doors open for services.

Jesse describes the many areas that SSB had to adapt to the ever-changing needs of their clientele, such as the growth of remote online schooling and meetings, and associated technical issues such as the lack of internet connections or bandwidth limitations in some areas of the state. Add to this the skill deficiency relating to these new methods of attending classes or joining meetings which SSB had to fill, and we can see how busy they have been.

Jesse says, it is always been a matter of adapting to changes, even outside the COVID-19 pandemic,

with the rapid development of technology: mainstream with the prevalence of multiple platforms like iOS, Android, Mac and PC, and so many assistive features associated with each of them. . We have always focused on making clients more productive and competitive, in whatever endeavor they targeted.

The Assistive Technology Unit continues to provide up to date and state of the art services and guidance, both for youth transitioning to college and the workplace and for individuals who are new to the SSB services being offered.

Join Jeff and Jesse and learn how you can inquire and find out more about the services provided by SSB. Yes, the doors are open virtually and to find out more about Transition Services, contact Sheila Koenig: Sheila.Koenig@state.mn.us or call 651-539-2361.

Contact Your State Services

If you reside in Minnesota, and you would like to know more about Transition Services from State Services contact Transition Coordinator Sheila Koenig by email or contact her via phone at 651-539-2361.