Blind Abilities

What happens when blind students have space to try, make mistakes, and discover what they can do? Confidence grows—and everyday tasks become steppingstones toward independence. On Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Kia Sadler from Minnesota State Services for the Blind to explore the Independent Living Skills Lab, a hands-on program where students learn alongside peers in a welcoming environment. From preparing lunch and managing laundry to dining confidently, exploring kitchen technology, and shopping for groceries, these classes turn practical skills into opportunities for greater freedom at home, college, and work. Parents will hear why encouraging participation and practicing at home can make a lasting difference. Students can build new friendships, ask questions, and discover techniques that work for them. Classes meet the second Saturday, October through May, from 9 a.m. to noon. Choose individual sessions and register by the preceding Monday. To learn more or sign up, email Kia.Sadler@state.mn.us directly.
 
Links of Interests:
Contact Kia Sadler: Kia.Sadler@state.mn.us
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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What does college look like when you're blind or have low vision? Maddy and Ben bring that question to life with honest stories, practical advice, and encouragement for students preparing for their next chapter. In this Tools for School episode, hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind, they explore choosing a college, navigating campus, managing course loads, and discovering the freedom—and responsibility—of greater independence. Maddy shares her journey from community college to the University of Minnesota, while Ben reflects on rebuilding his independence after losing his sight and graduating with law school ahead. Their experiences highlight assistive technology, tutoring, financial support, and advocating for accessible coursework. Students will find relatable voices and useful strategies, while parents and teachers will gain insight into supporting independence. From learning unfamiliar routes to documenting accommodation requests, this conversation offers a realistic, hopeful look at building confidence and finding your place in college.
 
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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Your next chapter starts before you set foot on campus. Join Jeff Thompson and Leighann Fuller, visually impaired service coordinator at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, for a practical conversation about making the leap from high school to college. Leighann shares her own experience navigating vision loss during her master's program and explains why students must take the lead in requesting college accommodations. From accessible textbooks and screen reader skills to finding classrooms, doing laundry, and making dinner, this episode explores what independence really looks like. Discover how disability services, vocational rehabilitation, summer programs, and connections with other blind students can help you prepare. Parents will hear ways to support growing independence while encouraging students to speak up, solve problems, and ask for help before frustration becomes a crisis. Whether college feels exciting, intimidating, or both, Leighann's message is clear: you can do this, and support is there for the journey.
 
Links of interest:
ACCESS SUIE
 
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What can happen when you say yes to something new? University of Minnesota engineering student Samantha "Sam" Betts shares how stepping onto the ice with Minnesota Blind Hockey opened the door to competition, confidence and community. Born with congenital cataracts and living with glaucoma and peripheral vision loss, Sam had never played—or even watched—hockey before her first practice. Weeks later, she traveled to Chicago, learned her position on the fly and scored her first goal. Sam also reflects on navigating college, choosing engineering, connecting with disability services and receiving technology and support from Minnesota State Services for the Blind. Her advice to students is simple: get involved, connect and give unfamiliar opportunities a chance. Whether you are preparing for college, searching for community or wondering if adaptive sports are for you, Sam's story may inspire you to leave your comfort zone and discover what is waiting on the other side.
 
Links of Interests:
Minnesota Blind Hockey
MN Blind Hockey on Facebook
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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Thanks for listening!

What does a career path really look like? At the Career Exploration Adventure Weekend at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, blind, visually impaired, and DeafBlind students got the chance to ask working professionals the questions that matter when you're thinking about your future.
In this lively careers panel, professionals from technology, accounting, human resources, education, hospitality, and library services share how they found their careers—sometimes by following a plan and sometimes by taking an unexpected turn. They talk about mentors, education, on-the-job learning, setbacks, work-life balance, building confidence, and why making mistakes can be an important part of moving forward.
Students also ask about workplace accommodations and what employers can do to help blind and low-vision employees succeed.
For students, parents, and educators, this conversation is a reminder that there is no single road to a meaningful career—just opportunities to explore, learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Links of interests:
Explore, Connect and Grow: Students Discover Career Possibilities at Cragun's Resort
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.
Full Transcript