PODCAST

Blind Abilities

BlindAbilities Team

Blind Abilities: Podcasts with a Blindness Perspective.

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All Episodes

45:01

The Blind Drive: Humanness First, Ambassadorship Second

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/31

Podcast Summary: In this opening episode of The Blind Drive, Jeff Thompson, Liz Bottner, and Tim Schwartz get real about “ambassadorship,” authenticity, and living blind life on our own terms. With humor and sharp storytelling—from a “Scarlet Letter B” riff to a crosswalk shove gone wrong—they tackle the tension between educating the public and simply […]

22:58

A Spark for Success: Empowering Youth to Step Into...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/28

Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities podcast, Jeff Thompson speaks with Laila Nachar, the Multiple Systems and Pathways Navigator at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota. Laila’s new role is all about helping blind and visually impaired students, ages 14 to 21, prepare for their futures by focusing on pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS). She […]

46:00

“Blind Abilities – Unscripted, The debut episode —...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/25

Podcast Summary: Welcome to the very first episode of Blind Abilities: Unscripted — where tech, news, and everyday life with blindness and low vision all come together, in the moment. No script. No filter. Just straight talk. Join the Unscripted Crew — Cheryl McIntosh, Seyoon Choi, Sree Roy, and Jeff Thompson — as they kick […]

23:39

Level Up: Building Confidence, Skills, and Futures...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/21

Podcast Summary: Envision’s Level Up program is more than a summer camp—it’s a launching pad for blind and visually impaired students stepping into independence, college, and careers. Since 2006, Level Up has combined skill-building with hands-on experiences that prepare students for life beyond high school. From technology training to culinary arts, engineering, health careers, and […]

26:52

Smart Glasses designed by the blind for the blind....

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/11

Podcast Summary: AI wearables have been an emerging industry for the blind and visually impaired. While there are a number of options, not all are designed using the input of the blind. With direct feedback from blind users, EchoVision Glasses have been shaped by well-respected leaders in America’s blindness organizations such as NFB and ACB, […]

23:33

Wellness Wednesday: Burnout, Balance, and Being...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/08/06

Podcast Summary: In this reflective and energizing episode of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis join Jeff Thompson to dive into the overwhelming noise of modern life and how it contributes to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Through honest dialogue, they explore the pressures of uncertainty—from shifting politics to economic instability—and how it […]

23:11

Cruising Through Summer: Next Exit—College

Blind Abilities ·

2025/07/31

Podcast Summary: Buckle up for a mid-summer check-in with Peer Ambassadors Amy and Maddy as they reflect on the adventures, growth, and unexpected moments that shaped their summer—and look ahead to the college road just around the bend. From leading mock interviews and connecting with students through Zoom sessions, to hiking trails with all-terrain canes […]

13:16

Cooking Up Confidence: Ready, Set, Prep

Blind Abilities ·

2025/07/24

Podcast Summary: Get ready to explore, experiment, and own the kitchen! In this exciting episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson visits the Ready, Set, Prep program at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota—a hands-on class designed for blind and visually impaired students to learn cooking and life skills in a fully accessible kitchen. From […]

12:25

Wellness Wednesday: Belonging: The Power of Choice in...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/07/16

Podcast Summary: In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis, joined by Jeff Thompson, explore the evolving landscape of accessibility through the lens of an upcoming all-inclusive hotel designed specifically with people with disabilities in mind. Inspired by entrepreneur Joe Morgan—who previously created a fully accessible theme park and water park—this hotel […]

23:32

Wellness Wednesday: Isolation – From Alone to A...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/07/03

Podcast Summary: In this heartfelt episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff tackle the often-overlooked topic of isolation as we age—especially for those living with disabilities. They explore how life transitions, loss of social circles, and the rise of technology can deepen loneliness, even while offering more independence. With personal stories, practical tips, and […]

23:16

From Audio Books, Braille to Broadcast: Behind the...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/06/29

podcast Summary: Ever wonder how a book becomes Braille? Or how an employee manual turns into an audio file? The students of the Summer Transition Program (STP) at the University of St. Thomas got to see it all firsthand! During their visit to State Services for the Blind’s Communication Center, students explored the magic behind […]

25:23

Seable Holidays: Turning Accessible Travel Dreams...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/06/13

Podcast Summary: Discover a world where accessibility meets adventure! In this inspiring episode, Jeff Thompson explores Seable Holidays, a unique travel company transforming vacations for blind and visually impaired travelers. CEO Damiano La Rocca, along with team members Lucy and Daniel, share how Seable provides trained local sighted guides, personalized trip planning, and full support to make once-distant […]

33:35

Immersive. Inclusive. Incredible. Dive Into the...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/06/03

Podcast Summary: Jeff Thompson welcomes Christine Malec to the Blind Abilities studio to shine a spotlight on the LuminoCity Podcast—an immersive audio experience created for the Luminato Festival in Toronto. Designed with accessibility in mind, LuminoCity goes far beyond traditional coverage by weaving together artist interviews, on-site audio-rich reporting, and vibrant audio description that brings […]

8:27

From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/05/23

Podcast Summary: Get ready to LEAP into summer with Learn, Earn, and Prosper! This virtual program is made just for blind and visually impaired students ages 14–21 who want to gain real job skills, build independence, and make lifelong friends—without even leaving home! Led by Hannah Peach, LEAP offers paid work experiences, career-readiness workshops, mentorship […]

11:25

Come Sail Away or Kick Into Confidence: Summer Camps...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/05/21

Podcast Summary: Get ready for an unforgettable summer with the Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth, Minnesota! Designed for students ages 14–21 who are blind or visually impaired, these week-long camps combine fun with real-world skill-building. Whether you’re navigating a sailboat on Lake Superior or kicking into confidence with Taekwondo, each day is packed […]

22:52

From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/05/14

Podcast Summary: Founded by Gary Horton and joined by technical specialist Bahz, Vanward Consulting offers immersive, skill-building programs like *Lean In* and *Lean In Prep*. These initiatives go beyond job training—empowering students through entrepreneurship, real-world work experience, mentorship, and confidence-building “life work” that lasts well beyond the classroom. With a focus on virtual accessibility, teamwork, […]

20:50

Wellness Wednesday: I Got a Feeling, Somebodies...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/05/02

Podcast Summary: In this casual conversation, Beth, robin and Jeff talk about that feeling that people are watching us when we are out and about in the public sphere. How fear may hinder our perception and distract from our intentional mobility. Listen in as they travel down this sidewalk unexpectedly and found themselves navigating quite […]

37:04

Swing for the Fences: Building Confidence Through...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/04/30

Podcast Summary: Meet Jenny Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, two passionate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) instructors who are helping blind and visually impaired students build confidence, independence, and street smarts—one step at a time. In this episode, they share how mastering cane skills, navigating new environments, and embracing your journey can unlock freedom and open new […]

27:31

Building Your Path: Summer Jobs, Resumes, and...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/04/28

Podcast Summary: Meet Tou Yang, a Transition Work Opportunities Navigator at State Services for the Blind! Tou helps students explore career options, build resumes, prepare for interviews, and find summer jobs, internships, or volunteer experiences. Learn how tools like Career Index Plus make it easier to research careers and job markets. Tou shares tips for […]

12:42

Wellness Wednesday: AI or Not to AI, That is the...

Blind Abilities ·

2025/04/16

Podcast Summary: In this Wellness Wednesday episode, Beth and Robin explore the growing role of AI in supporting mental health. With a compassionate and grounded perspective, they weigh the benefits and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT as supplemental resources for emotional support, especially when traditional help isn’t accessible. While AI can offer journaling prompts, […]

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Blind Abilities

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