Blind Abilities

Across the country, students who are blind, deafBlind, or low vision are asking big questions about their future—and in Minnesota, those questions are turning into real opportunities. In this episode of Blind Abilities, we explore how Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) through State Services for the Blind are helping students move from uncertainty to action. Through hands-on experiences like summer programs, outdoor adventures, career exploration, and workplace training, students build independence, confidence, and real-world skills.
 
From canoeing and snowshoeing to job fairs and mentorship from blind professionals, these experiences go beyond the classroom and into everyday life. Students also gain access to assistive technology and learn the critical skill of self-advocacy—tools that last a lifetime.
 
This episode offers an inspiring look at what happens when students are given the space, support, and opportunity to explore their potential—and begin building the future they imagine.
 
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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
Thanks for listening!
 
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Tony Gebhard returns to the Blind Abilities studio to introduce NVDA Coach—an innovative, free add-on designed to change how NVDA is taught and learned around the world.
 
Built from real classroom experience, NVDA Coach supports both beginners and instructors with structured lessons, guided modules, and practical skill-building. Tony created this tool not just for his own students, but for anyone ready to learn NVDA with confidence—no matter where they are.
 
With over 40 lessons organized into clear chapters, NVDA Coach removes the intimidation factor and replaces it with a step-by-step path to success. Teachers are using it as a ready-made curriculum, while students are gaining independence faster than ever.
 
And this is just the beginning—new updates are on the horizon, promising even more ways to learn, grow, and explore.
 
Learn more at:
www.TonyGebhard.me/NVDACoach
Contact: [email protected]
 
Thanks for listening to Blind Abilities!

We return with another Blind Abilities Musical about that first time you heard the screen speak back to you. How you dug in an learned about accessibility and use it in the workplace. And how the ever changing tech world keeps you on your toes.
After the music ends, Pete Lane, Christina Covington, Lori Thompson and Jeff Thompson jump back into the studio for a lively, reflective, and thoughtful conversation about accessible technology and how it has changed their lives. They reflect on the first time they heard JAWS, VoiceOver, or ZoomText Extra speak, and how those early moments opened doors to independence, speed, confidence, and inclusion. The group talks about learning curves, keyboard shortcuts, workplace productivity, iPhone accessibility, adapting to software updates, and the importance of maintaining strong basic skills when technology changes. Along the way, they share memories of older tools, joke about screen readers, sound speed, and emojis, and compare how Macs, Windows PCs, and iPhones fit into daily life. A strong theme throughout the conversation is curiosity: the willingness to explore, problem-solve, and keep learning. The discussion feels warm, personal, and empowering, showing that technology is most powerful when it helps people participate fully and independently.
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Step into a summer that could change everything. At the Colorado Center for the Blind, the No Limits to Learning program invites blind, deafblind, and low vision students ages 15–21 to live, learn, and grow in a fully immersive experience. You'll stay in real apartments, cook your own meals, travel using public transit, and build independence from morning to night. Days are filled with hands-on training in Braille, technology, orientation and mobility, and independent living skills—taught by blind mentors who've been where you are. Beyond the classroom, adventure awaits with rock climbing, whitewater rafting, martial arts, and more. As past student Christopher shares, this program unlocks confidence and proves what's truly possible. You won't just learn skills—you'll discover your strength, your community, and your future. If you're ready to challenge expectations and gain real independence, this is your moment.
Find out more about the Youth Programs offered by Colorado Center on the web.
 
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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
Thanks for listening!
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What does it take to step beyond comfort and truly build independence? In this episode of Blind Abilities, Louie McGee shares his journey from Minnesota to law school in Chicago, proving that curiosity—not perfection—is the real key to success. Born with Stargardt's, Louie doesn't just adapt—he explores. From completing a triathlon and rafting the Grand Canyon to studying abroad in London, he shows how asking questions and taking chances can open doors you didn't even know existed.
 
For students beginning their academic journey, Louie offers a powerful message: your path isn't about having everything figured out—it's about being curious enough to try. Whether it's learning new technology, navigating a new city, or simply asking for help, every step forward builds confidence.
 
This conversation is a reminder that independence isn't about doing everything alone—it's about discovering how to move through the world in your own way.
 
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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.
 
Thanks for listening!
 
Full Transcript