Blind Abilities

State Services for the Blind has an exciting lineup of opportunities designed to help blind and low vision students build confidence, make friends, and develop real-world skills throughout the summer and fall. In this episode, Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis and Peer Ambassadors Ava and Preston share upcoming events, including visits to the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind summer program, a volunteer evening with Every Meal, presentations at the ECC summer camp, an accessible camping adventure with Wilderness Inquiry, a canoe trip on the Mississippi River, and a fall technology workshop focused on college and career success. Along the way, they explain how these activities encourage independence, teamwork, leadership, and community involvement while creating meaningful connections with other students who share similar experiences. They also invite students to help shape future activities by sharing their ideas and interests, making this episode both an update on upcoming events and an invitation to become part of Minnesota's growing blind and low vision community.
 
Links of interests:
The Spectacle Newsletter
Youth Services at SSB
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 shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
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Jeff Thompson welcomes Sree Roy back to Blind Abilities for a conversation that begins with rising technology costs and quickly evolves into something much deeper. They discuss Apple's price increases, AI subscriptions, and how accessibility technology is becoming more expensive for everyone. From there, the conversation turns to the gradual experience of vision loss and the emotional adjustments that accompany it. Jeff shares how subtle changes in his own vision have made organization, workflow, and daily routines more important than ever, while Sree reflects on his journey from fear to confidence after losing his sight. Together they explore the value of taking small steps, learning new skills early, leaning on the blindness community, and celebrating everyday accomplishments. Whether discussing VoiceOver, organizing a workshop, or simply finding the kitchen sink, this episode reminds listeners that blindness is not about giving things up—it's about discovering new ways to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Main Topics
Summer plans, fitness, and everyday life.
Apple price increases, AI subscriptions, and the growing cost of accessibility technology.
The personal experience of gradual vision loss and recognizing changing abilities.
Practical strategies for organization, safety, and adapting daily routines.
Learning blindness skills early and accepting change one step at a time.
Finding encouragement through community, organizations, and shared experiences.
Celebrating small victories and understanding that every journey is unique.
Memorable Quotes
"We are going to encounter a lot of trials… but we do have a community, organizations, and individuals that support us."
"My Kilimanjaro is pretty small things, but I get rewarded from them."
"There's a lot of things that I thought being blind, you can't do… and then you hear these stories of people doing amazing things."
"Little steps take us far."
 
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This episode offers an inside look at the rewarding role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota through the journey of Lindsay Escalera. From an undecided college student to a passionate rehabilitation professional, Lindsay shares how hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a desire to help others shaped her career. She explains how counselors guide students and adults through career planning, adjustment to blindness training, assistive technology, college, trades, and employment, all supported by a collaborative team of specialists. Lindsay also reflects on participating in Minnesota's immersive Adjustment to Blindness training, describing how the experience gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges, emotions, and successes that blind individuals experience. Whether you're a teacher, rehabilitation professional, student exploring a meaningful career, or someone interested in the services available through State Services for the Blind, this conversation highlights the power of teamwork, lifelong learning, and helping people achieve independence and meaningful employment.
Full Transcript
 
Links of interests:
The Spectacle Newsletter
Youth Services at SSB
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 shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
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In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Sarina Boley, a Vocational Rehabilitation Technician at State Services for the Blind, to share her journey into the world of Vocational Rehabilitation and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Sarina explains how VR Technicians support counselors behind the scenes while helping students prepare for employment, college, and independent adulthood. She reflects on her immersive Adjustment to Blindness Training, discovering a new appreciation for Braille, assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and the many services available to blind and low vision Minnesotans. Sarina also discusses her educational path, her goal of becoming a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, and the value of learning while working directly with students. Whether you're a student exploring future careers, a teacher of the blind, or a rehabilitation professional, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the people, training, and dedication that help open doors to independence, employment, and lifelong success.
 
Full Transcript
Links of interests:
The Spectacle Newsletter
Youth Services at SSB
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 shane.desantis@state.mn.us or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
Thanks for listening!

Jeff, Pete, Christina, and Lori gather for a relaxed conversation filled with stories, laughter, and thoughtful reflections. The discussion begins with excitement over the Amadeus Pro beta and the future of audio production on Apple Silicon Macs. From there, each shares memories of mentors and advocates who encouraged independence, informed decision-making, and the attitude of simply doing what needs to be done. The group explores the importance of maintaining connections in both blindness and mainstream communities, appreciating the perspectives each brings. They also talk about everyday accessibility, highlighting simple solutions such as fountains, wind chimes, textured surfaces, and other environmental cues that make life easier. Later, the conversation turns to emerging technology, including smart glasses, Aira, scanning apps, and privacy concerns. Along the way, memories from conventions, podcasting adventures, and a few musical tangents create a fun and engaging conversation among friends.
Major Topics in Chronological Order
Introductions and weather banter.
Amadeus Pro and the new Apple Silicon beta.
Accessibility and the longevity of audio production tools.
Mentors, advocates, and people who shaped their blindness journey.
Attitude, informed choice, and the "just do it" mindset.
Balancing blindness communities with mainstream communities.
Maintaining friendships with both blind and sighted people.
Everyday accessibility and practical low-tech solutions.
Using sound and texture as orientation cues around the home.
Memories from ACB and NFB conventions.
Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses and the future of wearable AI.
Aira integration and hands-free access.
Scanning apps, privacy, and document reading.
Seeing AI improvements and simplified interfaces.
Music, iBUG Today, and closing humor.
Products and Services Discussed at Length
Audio and Podcasting
Amadeus Pro
HairerSoft
Apple Silicon Macs
Wearable Technology
Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Google AI Glasses (future possibilities)
Rumored Apple Glasses
Accessibility Services
Aira
Aira AI
Reading and Recognition Apps
Voice Dream Scan
Seeing AI
Communities and Organizations
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
iBUG Today