Blind Abilities
119 episodes — Page 3 of 3
Something to Think About: Managing App Updates and Data Usage: A Little Awareness Goes a Long Way
Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In this Something to Think About episode, Jeff brings a bit of awareness to the data usage while updating apps. Updating apps can significantly impact your data usage, especially if you’re on a limited plan. Regular updates, sometimes over 500MB per app, can quickly add up. While updates can improve security and features, […]
Tech Abilities: O&M, Gadgets, and the Positivity Equation (Math Alert!)
Podcast Summary: Hold onto your canes, because the Tech Abilities crew is back! Jeff and Serina round up Leslie Dickson, Cheryl Macintosh, and Katy Todd for the first New Year episode spanning the rains of Washington to the heights of Colorado. Cheryl’s ditching the guide dog for some hardcore O&M cane skills, while Katy’s testing out a hoverboard for the blind. Meanwhile, someone finally ordered the Glide navigation device […]
Advocacy in Action: Stories of Persistence and Change
Podcast Summary: Full Transcript This episode of Blind Abilities highlights the inspiring journeys of three individuals—Judy Sanders, Janet Dickelman, and Ben Zheng—who exemplify advocacy in action. Judy recounts her pioneering efforts to challenge discriminatory policies in education and airline seating. Janet reflects on self-advocacy from her school days and her leadership within the American Council […]
Wellness Wednesday: Festive Reflections: Celebrating the Holidays and Honoring Memories
Podcast Summary: This special holiday episode of the Wellness Wednesday series on the Blind Abilities Podcast is a heartfelt, lighthearted reflection on the holiday season and the approaching new year. Hosts Beth Gustin and Robin Ennis explore the joys and challenges of the festive season, sharing personal stories, traditions, and self-care tips. Beth’s enthusiasm shines as she discusses her love for […]
The Future of Accessibility: Tools for Success in Education and Beyond: Insights from Jesse Anderson
Full Transcript Podcast Summary: Jesse Anderson, Assistive Technology Specialist at State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, discusses the latest advancements in assistive technology for high school and college students. He highlights tools like Aira’s AccessAI, BeMyAI, JAWS, and smart glasses, emphasizing the importance of learning both mobile and computer-based solutions to improve independence and […]
Wellness Wednesday: Being Alone, Not Alone, and Where Loneliness Might Linger in Between
Podcast Summary: In Episode 46 of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the delicate balance between being alone, not being alone, and the subtle spaces where loneliness might linger—especially during the holiday season. While the holidays often evoke joy and celebration, they can also bring feelings of isolation and introspection. Beth […]
Tech Abilities: Festive Tech Talk: Gadgets, Gratitude, Meta Ray Bans Fly Solo, and Bell Bottoms
Podcast Summary: The Tech Abilities Crew jingles back into the Blind Abilities studio—live (well, sort of)! Serina, Cindy, and Jeff dive into Black Friday blues, Cyber Monday madness, and the holiday vibes that keep the packages flowing and spirits glowing. From festive decorations and smart lighting to the latest gadgets like the iMac Mini with […]
Education Without Limits: Leslie Dickson on Navigating School, College, and a Career at the VA, Empowering Veterans to Thrive Beyond Vision Loss
Podcast Summary: In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson interviews Leslie Dickson, a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at the VA, who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and success as a blind individual. Born with coloboma, Leslie reveals how her parents’ steadfast encouragement instilled a can-do attitude that carried her through every stage of her educational […]
From High School to College: Navigating Accommodations and Independence – Meet the College 101 Panelists, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy
Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In the “College 101” webinar hosted by State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, three students, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy, shared their experiences transitioning from high school to college. They discussed the importance of self-advocacy, managing accommodations like extended test times, and utilizing assistive technologies such as Braille displays and Voice […]
Navigating Pathways to Independence: Jada Johnson on Empowering Students Through Transition Services
Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities episode, Jeff Thompson interviews Jada Johnson, Multiple Systems and Pathways Navigator at State Services for the Blind. Jada shares how she supports students with disabilities transitioning from high school to college and the workplace by fostering independence through skills development, family engagement, and coordinated services. She highlights the value […]
Wellness Wednesday: Disclosure and Belonging in the Workplace
Podcast Summary: In Episode 45 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the complexities of employment as individuals with blindness or low vision. From job interviews to workplace dynamics, they discuss the emotional and social impacts of disclosure and the perceptions it may create. Sharing personal experiences and professional insights, […]
AI Updates to the Lyriq Assistive Reader deliver Greater Efficiency and Productivity. Welcome Back Curtis Mintrone, Sales and IT Representative at Patriot Vision Industries
Podcast Summary: Patriot Vision Industries has been providing innovative technology solutions to users around the globe for 36 years. In 2022, we highlighted Curtis, along with company President John Palmer, and their just-released Lyriq Assistive Reader, a lightweight powerful scanning product. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant as he speaks with Curtis about a […]
Go Anywhere with Glide, A New Navigational Device. Meet Amos Miller, Founder and CEO of Glidance
Podcast Summary: Navigating as a blind or visually impaired person can be challenging at times. Glide, a new mobility aid, aims to help you navigate with ease. Using a handle, two wheels, and cameras equipped with Wayfinding technology, Glide works to guide the user around obstacles, provides navigation to a specific route, and much more. […]
Tech Abilities is Back in the Saddle: Exploring Meta Ray-Bans, Aira’s Access AI, Black Friday, and Some AI Hacks
Podcast Summary: Jeff, Serina, and Cindy reunite in the Blind Abilities Studio, bringing the Tech Abilities podcast back in full force! After a short break, the trio dives headfirst into the latest tech trends and practical insights, starting with Serina’s new Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses—spoiler alert: Jeff has a pair too. From exploring the powerful […]
Wellness Wednesday: From Isolation to Integration – Your Journey, Your Voice
Podcast Summary: In Episode 44 of Wellness Wednesday, hosts Beth Gustin, LPC, and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, bridge the gap between communities we navigate daily. They dive deep into the art of self-advocacy, exploring how personal experiences can transform feelings of isolation into moments of connection and growth. Join them as they unravel how we can […]
The Lotus Ring Shines Bright at the Ignite Accessibility Event Presented By the Vista Center
Podcast Summary: In this Blind Abilities episode, CEO Dhaval Patel introduces the innovative Lotus Ring, featured at the Vista Center’s Ignite Accessibility Entrepreneur Pitch Competition. The Lotus Ring, an accessible infrared-operated home control system, enables users to point and manage appliances, lights, and switches without internet or apps. With magnetic attachable switch covers, it simplifies home automation, offering portability for […]
Aira Unveils Meta Ray-Ban Integration, Walmart Partnership, and More
Podcast Summary: Jenine Stanley, Director of Customer Success and Engagement at Aira, joins Jeff Thompson on Blind Abilities to share exciting updates. Aira can now be used with Meta Ray-Ban glasses, available in public beta for all users. This innovation expands Aira’s accessible technology offerings, along with other developments like a custom call feature, navigation-certified […]