{"id":9223,"date":"2025-10-31T09:20:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T14:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9223"},"modified":"2026-02-25T07:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:58:09","slug":"step-up-dive-in-play-on-exploring-adaptive-sports-and-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9223","title":{"rendered":"Step Up, Dive In, Play On: Exploring Adaptive Sports and Community"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5062\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9223-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Podcast Summary:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the Minnesota State Capitol to the halls of the Department of Transportation, White Cane Day 2025 shined a light on independence, confidence, and community. Jeff Thompson takes listeners inside a vibrant gathering of blind athletes, adventurers, and advocates who prove that anything is possible when you step out and give it a try. From sailing the waves with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/twincitiesblindsailing.org\/\">Twin Cities Blind Sailing<\/a>&nbsp;to hitting the ice with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnwildblindhockey.com\/\">Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey<\/a>&nbsp;Team,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcaudiodarts.org\/\">throwing darts<\/a>, bowling, and even playing&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnmillers.org\/\">beep baseball<\/a>\u2014there\u2019s truly something for everyone. These programs aren\u2019t just sports; they\u2019re pathways to connection, growth, and fun. So whether you\u2019ve been curious about adaptive recreation or just want to meet others who share your spirit of adventure, this episode invites you to test the waters\u2014because independence starts with taking that first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Useful Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/twincitiesblindsailing.org\/\">Twin Cities Blind Sailing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/us-blindsailing.org\/\">U.S. Blind Sailing Association<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnwildblindhockey.com\/\">Minnesota Wild Blind Hockey<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcaudiodarts.org\/\">Twin Cities Blind Audio Dart League<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnmillers.org\/\">Minnesota Millers Beep Baseball Team<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Minnesota Millers Email<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"mailto:info@mnmillers.org\">info@mnmillers.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:shane.desantis@state.mn.us\">shane.desantis@state.mn.us<\/a>&nbsp;or call Shane at&nbsp;651-385-5205.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?page_id=9219\">Full Transcript:<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for listening!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_5064\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9223-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p>https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/secure\/blindabilities\/BlindSportsSSB2025.mp3 Podcast Summary: From the Minnesota State Capitol to the halls of the Department of Transportation, White Cane Day 2025 shined a light on independence, confidence, and community. Jeff Thompson takes listeners inside a vibrant gathering of blind athletes, adventurers, and advocates who prove that anything is possible when you step out and give it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[17,527,495,559],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bapresents","category-fitness","category-lifeenrichment","category-ssb"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-2oL","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9401,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9401","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":0},"title":"Fear Less &#8211; Do More! Envision Blind Sports Is Here!","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 22, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Envision Blind Sports\u00a0is expanding to Minnesota\u2014and that means more chances for blind and low vision youth to move, compete, and discover what they\u2019re capable of. In this episode, Jeff talks with Minnesota Regional Manager Ricky Ties and Program Director Jillian Stringfellow about how adaptive sports build confidence, independence,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"Envision blind Sports Logo Fear Less. Do More.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EnvisionBlindSportsLogo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EnvisionBlindSportsLogo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EnvisionBlindSportsLogo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EnvisionBlindSportsLogo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/EnvisionBlindSportsLogo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6876,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=6876","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":1},"title":"Megan Hale is Taking Adaptive and Blind Physical Education to the Field of Educators and Helping Bring Trail orienteering to the Microsoft Soundscape App","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"August 12, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: I first heard of Megan Hale when she posted a YouTube video announcement about her upcoming\u00a0YouTube Channel, Blind Physical Education, and new right away that Megan\u2019s passion and enthusiasm would be of interests to our many listeners. Megan wants to educate Physical Education teachers about the possibilities and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Career&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Career","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=373"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8057,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=8057","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":2},"title":"Twin Cities Blind Sailing is here! A Sport that is Growing Across the States and World-Wide &#8211; Meet Founder Katy Boyd.","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"January 15, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Exploring the tranquil beauty of Minnesota\u2019s myriad water bodies isn't just a pastime reserved for those who can see. Blind Sailing is a testament to the indomitable spirit and love for inclusivity that thrives in the heart of \"the land of 10,000 lakes.\" In a detailed episode of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":7624,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=7624","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":3},"title":"\ufffcRicky Ties is Living His Best Life Training for Competitive Sport. Member of Team USA VI Judo, All-American Wrestler and a Masters in Sports Psychology&#8230; Can You Say, Psych?","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"September 5, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Ricky Ties is a member of the Team USA Visually Impaired Judo Team. Ricky wrestled in high school and was a 2 time participant in the state tournament and was a National Highschool Coaches Association All-American. Ricky went on to college and\u00a0\u00a0qualified for Nationals 2 times and Regional\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4954,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=4954","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":4},"title":"Beep Baseball, An Adaptive Sport for BVI Teens and Adults. Meet Doug Van Duyne and Learn About the Sport and Upcoming Kids Day Event for Teens","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"May 10, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Full Transcript Show Summary: Beep Baseball is an adapted form of Baseball and is played by Visually Impaired\/Blind\u00a0\u00a0players wearing \u201cSleep Shades\u201d to level the playing field for everyone. The ball is a 16 inch round softball with a beeping sound that allows the defensive team locate the ball. Blind Abilities\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5688,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=5688","url_meta":{"origin":9223,"position":5},"title":"That Blind Tech Show Demo: Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine with Real Non-Looping Nature Sounds by Adaptive Sound Technologies","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"February 23, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Show Summary: Brian Fischler, from That Blind Tech Show, gives us a demonstration of two sound masking machines from Adaptive Sounds Technologies. Brian demonstrates the functions and usability of each machine and has enjoyed his experience since purchasing the\u00a0Sound+Sleep High Fidelity Sleep Sound Machine. From the web: Adaptive Sound Technologies,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Technology&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Technology","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=467"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/That-Blind-Tech-Show-Mic-2.png?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9223","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9223"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9224,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9223\/revisions\/9224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}