Blind Abilities

Learning assistive technology isn't just about memorizing shortcuts—it's about building skills that open doors to school, work, and everyday life. In this episode, Cheryl McIntosh and Sree Roy share how mastering screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver can turn frustration into confidence. They break down why fundamentals matter, how learning why something works makes skills transferable, and why patience and practice are the real superpowers. From sending that first text message to managing spreadsheets for scholarships or work, these tools connect students to the world in real ways. The conversation also highlights free and low-cost resources like BITS, iBUG Today, libraries, and training programs that help students learn alongside supportive communities. If you're in high school, heading to college, or just starting your tech journey, this episode shows how assistive technology isn't limiting—it's empowering, practical, and absolutely worth exploring.
 
Useful links from this episode:
Cheryl on the Blind Abilities podcast:
From Screen Readers to Self-Reliance: Cheryl's Journey to Becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist
 
Sree Roy on the Blind Abilities podcast:
Taking on Blindness, Stepping Back and Stepping Up – Meet Sree Roy: Assistive Volunteer Extraordinaire
 
BITS - Blind Information Technology Solutions
BITS on the Blind Abilities Podcast:
BITS Has the Solutions: Empowering Blind Tech Users Through Community, Training, and Opportunity
 
iBUG  Today - i Blind Users Group
iBUG Today on the Blind Abilities podcast:
iBUG – the iBlind Users Group for Beginners and Proficient Assistive Tech Users. Join iBUGToday – it's Abuzz!
 
WSB - World Services for the blind Career Training Programs
DC Public Library - Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Accessibility
JAWS Screen Reader Software
NVDA - Non Visual Desktop Access Screen Reader software
Apple's VoiceOver Screen Reader Support
 
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Blind Abilities – The Musical: O&M and the Scarlet Letter B explores the deeply personal moment when a white cane shifts from symbol to tool, from stigma to freedom. Through music, storytelling, and candid conversation, the episode traces the emotional arc of orientation and mobility—hesitation, acceptance, learning, and momentum. The songs frame lived experiences many blind and visually impaired people know well: the fear of being seen, the relief of being understood, and the confidence that comes from trusting your skills. "The cane chose me" becomes more than a lyric—it's a turning point where independence replaces resistance. The discussion that follows grounds the music in real-world experiences, from early reluctance and public missteps to training breakthroughs and hard-earned pride. Together, the musical and conversation celebrate movement, adaptability, and self-direction, reminding listeners that independence isn't about perfection—it's about learning to read the world differently and continuing forward, one step at a time.
 
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Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but scholarships may be closer—and more achievable—than you think. In this Blind Abilities episode, Joshua Olukanni shares his journey from high school to graduate studies at Georgetown University, and how scholarships helped him pursue college with far less debt. Joshua explains what scholarships really are, why there's one for nearly everyone, and how applying can offer a higher return on your time than a part-time job. He walks listeners through getting organized, using tools like spreadsheets to track deadlines, and seeking feedback to strengthen essays and applications. Joshua also highlights the role State Services for the Blind played by sharing opportunities and supporting his goals. His message to high school students is clear: stay humble, stay organized, ask for help, and apply widely. A few focused hours can change your financial future—and reduce stress for years to come.
 
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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
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Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but as Maddy Majors shares in this Blind Abilities episode, the effort is absolutely worth it. Now a college student at the University of Minnesota, Maddy walks listeners through what scholarships really are, how she searched for them, and what the application process actually looks like. From simple essays to multi-round interviews, she explains why applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances and why starting early is key—some deadlines arrive as soon as February. Maddy offers practical tips like using spreadsheets to track deadlines, staying organized, and treating applications like college or job interviews. She also highlights how State Services for the Blind can support students with career exploration, interview practice, and college preparation. Most importantly, Maddy encourages students to stay authentic, take chances, and remember that even the time spent applying can pay off—financially and through valuable connections and opportunities.
 
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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
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Blind Abilities – The Musical reimagines the podcast as a live theatrical broadcast, blending news-style dialogue, personal storytelling, and original music into a fully immersive audio stage. Framed as a newsroom, the episode moves through three powerful themes: wearable technology, progressive vision loss, and the enduring importance of Braille. Original songs are not interludes but narrative engines, giving emotional shape to independence, fear, preparation, and identity. Conversations flow seamlessly into lyrics, turning lived experience into melody and reflection into rhythm. Voices from the field, candid roundtable moments, and musical storytelling create a sense of movement, as if scenes are shifting behind the curtain. At its core, this episode is about transition—technology becoming invisible, vision loss accelerating, skills becoming survival, and Braille standing firm as literacy and infrastructure. Blind Abilities – The Musical is not just heard; it is felt, inviting listeners to imagine the stage, recognize themselves in the stories, and hear blindness through harmony, honesty, and shared humanity.
For more podcasts with a blindness perspective check us out on the web at www.blindabilities .com. And if you want to leave some feedback give us some suggestions give us a call at 612 367 6093.
We'd love to hear from you. I want to thank you for listening
 
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