Blind Abilities

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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This Blind Abilities episode shines a spotlight on internships for blind and low-vision students—and why starting early can open real doors. Tou Yang and Randi Lasher from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota (SSB), break down how high school and college students can access paid and unpaid internships that build skills, confidence, and career momentum. Listeners learn what internships really are, why they matter beyond just a paycheck, and how they connect classroom learning to real-world experience. The conversation highlights how SSB helps students explore careers, prepare for post-secondary education, advocate for themselves, and find meaningful internship opportunities across Minnesota. From local city programs to statewide options in technology, healthcare, STEM, public service, and more, this episode makes one thing clear: opportunities exist—but timing matters. Whether you're planning for summer, next year, or your future career path, this episode gives students practical guidance, resources, and motivation to take action and get ahead.
 
Links to Internship Opportunities mentioned in this episode:
Handshake  - Summer Internships for College Students

 
·      Step Up - Kick Start Your Career with Step Up (Minneapolis)
·      Right Start - Youth Jobs Internships (St. Paul)
·      Genisis Works - Where Tomorrow's Work Force Begins
·      Urban Scholars - Internships and Training
·      Scrubs Camp - Medical Careers
·      Seeds Student Worker Program
·      Phoenix Student Worker Program - Science, Technology, engineering or Mathematics
·      State of Minnesota Careers Interns and Student Workers
·      BrookLynk- Summer Student Internship Program (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park)
·      Tree Trust Summer Students Internships
·      Three Rivers Park Internship Program
·      The Brand lab - Marketing and Graphic Design Program
·      the Minnesota Historical Society - Work in a Museum!
·      SSB Youth Services Work Based Learning and Work Readiness opportunities
·      Career Force Locations in Minnesota
 
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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