Blind Abilities

From First Practice to First Goal: Sam Betts Takes on College and Blind Hockey

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

Career Exploration Adventure Weekend: There's No One Path - Students Ask Professionals About Careers, Challenges and Success

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 s

Wellness Wednesday: You Deserve to Be Here - Recognizing How Far You've Come

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

Explore, Connect and Grow: Students Discover Career Possibilities at Cragun's Resort

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

The Slow Process of Acceptance: Vision Loss, Aging and Moving Forward

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. Whe

15,000 Meals, One Big Impact: SSB Pre-ETS Students Give Back

What happens when students, families, and volunteers come together with one goal—helping Minnesota kids?   Join State Services for the Blind Pre-ETS students , Staff

From College to the Ballpark: Building a Career Through Internships and Initiative

If you're heading to college and wondering how to turn an interest into a career, Dawson Haag's story is one you won't want to miss. A sports management student at the Un

Blind Abilities: Finding New Joy Without Denying the Loss: Travel, Adaptation, and Life After Vision Change

The Blind Abilities team reunites for a wide-ranging conversation about how hobbies, learning, technology, and relationships shape daily life. Jeff, Pete, Christina, and

From Campfires to Canoes: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community Through SSB's Summer Events

State Services for the Blind has an exciting lineup of opportunities designed to help blind and low vision students build confidence, make friends, and develop real-world

Blind Abilities: Little Steps, Big Triumphs

Jeff Thompson welcomes Sree Roy back to Blind Abilities for a conversation that begins with rising technology costs and quickly evolves into something much deeper. They d

Helping People Reach Their Goals: Lindsay Escalera's Journey in Vocational Rehabilitation

This episode offers an inside look at the rewarding role of a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota through the journey of Lind

From Passion to Purpose: Building a Career at State Services for the Blind

In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson welcomes Sarina Boley, a Vocational Rehabilitation Technician at State Services for the Blind, to share her journey into

Blind Abilities: shootin' the Breeze: The Stuff That Sticks

Jeff, Pete, Christina, and Lori gather for a relaxed conversation filled with stories, laughter, and thoughtful reflections. The discussion begins with excitement over th

Wellness Wednesday: The Quiet Between Doing

In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff explore the value of slowing down and creating space to simply be. Their conversation wanders through topics

Blind Abilities Presents: Domesticity: Parenting Beyond Sight

Christina, Lori, and Jeff gather in the Blind Abilities Studio for an honest and engaging conversation about parenting from a blindness perspective. They share their expe

Building the Future: Jenine Stanley Explains Aira's New Build AI Program

Jenine Stanley joins Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to discuss Aira's new Build AI Program, an initiative designed to help shape the future of accessible tec

More Than a Competition: Minnesota's First Cane Quest

Minnesota's first Cane Quest brought together students, families, teachers, orientation and mobility (O&M) specialists, and volunteers for a day focused on confidence, in

Wellness Wednesday Returns: Honest Conversations About Mental Health, Belonging, and Community

 This episode of Wellness Wednesday returns with an open and heartfelt conversation in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on the importance of communi

Career Climb: Building Confidence, Careers, and Independence for the Future

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

From Possibility to Pathway: Building Futures Through Pre-ETS

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 o