Blind Abilities

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.
Full Transcript
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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

Sometimes the hardest person to give credit to is ourselves. We can become so focused on where we're going—or where we think we should be—that we overlook just how far we've already come.
In this Wellness Wednesday conversation, Robin, Beth and Jeff explore the importance of recognizing our accomplishments, giving ourselves permission to change our goals, and remembering that we deserve to be in the spaces we've worked so hard to reach. Progress doesn't always arrive with something tangible we can point to. Sometimes it happens quietly, one small step at a time.
From breaking larger ambitions into achievable SMART goals to simply allowing yourself to "toot your own horn," this conversation is a reminder to ease up on the self-criticism and acknowledge the journey.
Your destination may change along the way—and sometimes, what you discover there may be even better than what you originally imagined.
 
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!

What happens when career exploration meets lakeside adventure? At State Services for the Blind's first Career Exploration Adventure Weekend at Cragun's Resort, blind, low-vision, and DeafBlind students from across Minnesota discovered possibilities, practiced independence, and built friendships. Randi Lasher shares how the three-day event combined customized job shadowing, a career panel, orientation and mobility activities, buffet navigation, networking, and time to connect with peers. Students Sophia and Riley offer candid perspectives on exploring careers, preparing for college, managing busy schedules, and learning to advocate for their futures. Their message to students is simple: you do not need your career figured out, but now is the time to start exploring. For parents, Riley offers an equally important reminder—create opportunities, encourage independence, and never let limited expectations diminish motivation. Hear how one weekend helped students gain confidence, clarify goals, and imagine what may come next for them in school, work, and life.
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.
Full Transcript

In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth, Robin, and Jeff explore the similarities between adjusting to vision loss and navigating the changes that come with aging.
Whether it's losing abilities we once relied on, watching support systems change, or simply realizing that life doesn't work quite the way it used to, acceptance can be a slow and ongoing process. The changes are real, and adjusting to them takes time.
Together, Beth, Robin, and Jeff reflect on what it means to acknowledge these changes while continuing to grow and move forward. Life may look different than it did before, but with time, we learn to adapt, discover new ways of doing things, and find meaning in where we are today.
After all, life is a continuous journey. The path may change, but we keep moving forward.
 
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!