The Lotus Ring Shines Bright at the Ignite Accessibility Event Presented By the Vista Center

Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities episode, CEO Dhaval Patel introduces the innovative Lotus Ring, featured at the Vista Center’s Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition. The Lotus Ring, an accessible infrared-operated home control system, enables users to point and manage appliances, lights, and switches without internet or apps. With magnetic attachable switch covers, it simplifies home automation, offering...

Aira Unveils Meta Ray-Ban Integration, Walmart Partnership, and More

Podcast Summary: Jenine Stanley, Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Aira, joins Jeff Thompson on Blind Abilities to share exciting updates. Aira can now be used with Meta Ray-Ban glasses, available in public beta for all users. This innovation expands Aira’s accessible technology offerings, along with other developments like a custom call feature, navigation-certified visual interpreters, and partnerships with Walmart and Vispero....

Preparing for Success: College and Career Insights for Blind and Low Vision Students – Meet Anjie Hall, an Expert in the Disabilities Resource Field

Full Transcript Podcast Summary: Curious about how to navigate college life as a blind or low vision student? Anjie Hall, an expert in disability resources, shares essential strategies for setting yourself up for success. From early connections with disability offices to embracing technology and building a strong support network, Anjie’s journey offers a powerful roadmap. Her insights on self-advocacy, resilience, and preparing for the...

Wellness Wednesday: Affirmations – Positive Fuel for the Tank

Podcast Summary: In Episode 44 of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, dive into the world of affirmations and how they can reshape negative mindsets. Blind Abilities Logo They explore the importance of authenticity, setting realistic goals, and pairing affirmations with actionable steps to boost effectiveness.Discover how affirmations, when tailored to your personal journey, can serve as powerful tools for growth...

Historic Partnership: Be My Eyes and Hilton Transform Customer Service

Podcast Summary: Be My Eyes CEO Mike Buckley joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to reveal an exciting new partnership with Hilton Hotels. Blind and low-vision individuals in North America can now access Hilton’s customer service directly through the Be My Eyes app. Mike shares how this groundbreaking collaboration opens new doors for accessibility and hints at even more innovations on the horizon. Dive into the app today and...

Building Career Paths: Insights for Young Adults from SSB’s Student Career Networking Event

Podcast Summary: State Services for the Blind of Minnesota (SSB) hosted a Student career networking event for blind and low-vision high school and college students. Students connected with professionals from various industries, gaining insights into career opportunities, overcoming challenges, and building successful paths. A special message from the University of Minnesota’s Disability Resource Director emphasized the importance of...

Wellness Wednesday: Independence and Inter-dependence – Can They Exist Side by Side? Let’s Find Out.

Podcast Summary: In Episode 43 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore a listener’s suggestion on the theme of independence. As they delve into the topic, the concept of interdependence naturally emerges. Through personal stories and professional insights, Beth and Robin reflect on the balance between self-reliance and interconnectedness, offering a thoughtful examination of how both can coexist in...

Woodworking for the Blind Presents: Wes, the Host of the YouTube Channel Woodworking with Wes

Podcast Summary: Woodworking for the Blind has been sharing tips and tricks and mostly "How to Do's " with a blindness perspective for quite some time, and on this months WW4B Chat, WW4B presents Wes from the YouTube channel "Woodworking with Wes".  Wes may not be Blind or Low Vision, however, his YouTube channel works through projects and the description is easy to follow. That is why we want to share this great resource for woodworkers...

Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey: Passion, Community, and Opportunities on the Ice and announcing a Career Networking Event for Blind Students

Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson speaks with Brady and Nick from the Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey Team. Brady, a player entering his fourth year, shares his journey into blind hockey, starting from his love of regular hockey and joining the Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey team in 2021. He explains how the sport is adapted for visually impaired players, with a steel puck designed...

Crush Your College Goals: Jennifer Martinez-Badillo’s Story of Determination and Support from State Services for the Blind

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...