Blind Abilities

Minnesota's first Cane Quest brought together students, families, teachers, orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and volunteers for a day focused on confidence, independence, and real-world travel skills.
• Students practiced tactile maps, cardinal directions, obstacle detection, stair travel, street crossings, and locating destinations using white cane techniques.
• Activities were designed for different ages, skill levels, and visual abilities, helping students grow through hands-on experiences and peer connections.
• Parents attended informational sessions with experts in orientation and mobility and assistive technology, learning how to better support independence at home and school.
• Volunteers and instructors emphasized allowing students to lead, encouraging confidence and problem-solving skills.
• Paralympian and keynote speaker Max Nelson inspired students with his story of perseverance, independence, and self-confidence.
Cane Quest celebrated more than competition—it highlighted mobility, teamwork, community support, and the belief that blind and visually impaired students can achieve extraordinary goals.
 
- The Minnesota Cane Quest Planning Team
Madi Ericksen, BrightWorks/SparkPath
Colleen Feller, BrightWorks/SparkPath
Jenny Pelletier, State Services for the Blind
Joya Musa, Minneapolis Public Schools
Allison Knigge, Minneapolis Public Schools
 
Links of interests:
The Spectacle Newsletter
Youth Services at SSB
Full Transcript

This episode of Wellness Wednesday returns with an open and heartfelt conversation in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of community and connection. Hosts Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson reflect on how community can support emotional well-being, reduce feelings of isolation, and provide encouragement during life's struggles. Robin shares personal experiences from her doctoral journey as a blind student, while the discussion explores identity, belonging, loneliness, and the value of finding people who truly understand and support you. The episode gently challenges myths around mental health and reminds listeners that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether through friendships, support groups, hobbies, or online spaces, the conversation encourages listeners to start small, stay curious, and seek meaningful connections that nurture mental health and personal growth.
Check out all the Wellness Wednesday episodes.
 
Show Hosts:
            Robin Ennis on the web at www.robinennislcsw.com
            Beth Gustin, LPC, NCC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, CAGCS, PLGS
            Www.transitioningthroughchange.com
 
You can message Beth and Robin by calling 612-367-6093. They are looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks for listening!
 
Full Transcript

Career Climb is more than a weekend workshop—it's a launchpad for blind and low vision students to explore careers, strengthen independence, and build confidence for the future. Through hands-on activities in self-discovery, budgeting, resumes, LinkedIn, interviewing, networking, and self-advocacy, students learn not just how to find a job, but how to build a life with purpose. What makes Career Climb unique is its focus on process: students develop tools they can return to throughout their lives whenever they face a new opportunity or transition. Parents will appreciate seeing their students grow in confidence and leadership. Teachers will value the practical career-readiness and self-determination skills reinforced throughout the weekend. Students gain peer support, individualized coaching, and a roadmap for turning aspirations into action. From elevator pitches to mock interviews and follow-up coaching, Career Climb plants seeds of ambition, preparation, and possibility for a stronger future.
Related Links:
Penny forward - Penny Forward empowers individuals with vision loss to navigate the complicated landscape of personal finance through education, mentoring, and mutual support. Our commitment extends to every facet of personal finance, encompassing activities related to earning, managing, and growing one's finances.
 
Jeremy W. Grandstaff on LinkedIn - Senior Learning & Organization Development Strategist
 
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

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!
 
Full Transcript

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!