Blind Abilities

In this episode of The Blind Drive, Jeff Thompson and Tim Schwartz dig into the heart of something far bigger than a news headline—it’s about access, equity, and the right to fully participate in life. A recent class action lawsuit filed against DraftKings for failing to make its sports betting platform accessible to blind users sparks a deeper conversation. This isn’t a show about gambling—it’s a show about accountability. Jeff and Tim explore the critical difference between accessibility and usability, calling out how too many companies chase legal compliance while ignoring real human experience. Accessibility laws like the ADA, Section 508, and WCAG 2.1 create a baseline—but people who are blind live beyond baselines. They demand tools that actually work in real life. The hosts also share trusted resources—from tech newsletters to accessibility podcasts—built by people who walk the talk. This episode challenges listeners to push past compliance and fight for true usability. No waiting. Do it today. Links from the show: Draft Kings lawsuit Top Tech Tidbits Freedom Scientific Training Podcast iBug Buzz Podcast Blind Level tech Unnute Podcast Network   Give feedback at 612-367-6093, love to hear from you! Thanks for listening!

In this Blind Abilities conversation, Cheryl McIntosh shares her journey toward becoming a Certified Assistive Technology Instructional Specialist, or CATIS, and how she empowers others to build independence through technology. Cheryl teaches screen reader users—primarily JAWS and VoiceOver—through personalized virtual training. She explains that success starts with fundamentals like keyboard familiarity, navigating Windows, and understanding screen reader terminology. Cheryl emphasizes that each learner has unique goals, so she tailors lessons based on personal needs—whether that means mastering email for work, browsing the web, or simply staying connected with family. She also highlights the power of community and mentorship, crediting World Services for the Blind for launching her career path and praising the growing network of accessible training resources. Cheryl finds fulfillment in seeing progress firsthand: students who once doubted themselves now secure jobs and promotions thanks to new tech skills. Her story is a powerful reminder that technology can reopen doors—and rebuild confidence—after vision loss. Suggested Links: World Services for the Blind Leader Dogs for the Blind Cheryl's Contact   Full Transcript   Thanks for listening!  

This parent-focused webinar demystifies benefits so you can plan with confidence. Benefits Navigator Marcy LaCroix explains how SSI and SSDI work, why “logic” often feels missing, and how to use work incentives so your teen can try jobs without losing critical supports. You’ll hear when and how to apply, what documentation Social Security looks for, and why the age 18 redetermination matters. Marcy clarifies the difference between income limits and asset limits, how living arrangements affect SSI, and when Medicare and Medical Assistance can work alongside employer insurance. She also covers student-friendly supports like the student earned income exclusion, plus paths to keep eligibility if earnings rise. Expect practical guidance on reporting wages, avoiding overpayments, and handling denials and appeals. Throughout, SSB’s Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis underscores that work is possible, help is available, and you’re not alone. Parents leave with next steps, trusted resources, and real-world answers.   Links mentioned in the episode: Disability Hub DB101   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    Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Unscripted, Jeff Thompson and Sree Roy dive into the everyday mix of tech talk and personal takes, all in the natural flow of conversation. Sree kicks things off with a trip to the Apple Store, exploring iPhone crossbody straps and even the Beats lanyard trend. The two reflect on the surprise availability of the iPhone 17—thin as air, in stock, and shipping in just two hours. They weigh the pros and cons of the standard model versus the Pro and Max, noting the absence of LiDAR on the base edition. Conversation shifts to tools of their trade: Jeff shares how microphones and room acoustics shape his podcasting workflow, from condenser mics to dynamic setups, and why his SSL 2+ interface is his go-to. Sree brings in his Blue Sparks condenser mic and Zoom PodTrak P4, plus a shout-out to iBugToday.org for its rich assistive tech resources. You can contact us at 612-367-6093. Leave a message, suggestions, and your feedback. Thanks for listening!  

Adventure, laughter, and teamwork filled the day as 18 students who are blind or low vision joined State Services for the Blind and Wilderness Inquiry for a canoe trip on the Mississippi River. For many, it was their first time on the water, but with guidance, encouragement, and life-long memories being made, students and parents alike built confidence and new friendships. Alongside paddling, they shared stories, spotted eagles, and even braved a downpour together—proof that nothing could dampen their spirits.   This canoe trip is just one of many activities SSB offers. From camping and snowshoeing to peer meetups, picnics, and cooking classes, these events help students grow independence, build connections, and explore the outdoors in safe and exciting ways. Parents gain peace of mind knowing their children are supported while discovering new skills and friendships. Opportunities like this show students they can live, work, and succeed while embracing adventure.   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.   Links of interests: The Spectacle Newsletter Youth Services at SSB   Full Transcript:   Thanks for listening!  

The Tech Abilities crew is back with Serina, Seyoon, Sree, Cheryl, and Jeff stirring up plenty of laughs and tech talk. Did anyone score a sweet deal at the Apple Orchard sale Well the iPhone 17 might just be the pick of the crop. The team dishes on the first round of iOS and Mac updates, including that sneaky VoiceOver bug that Apple promises to squash soon.   Then the spotlight shifts to wearables. Oakleys new wrap around Meta Glasses come with a front  centered camera above the nose bridge, Meta drops a second generation model with double the juice and sharper views, and there is even a sneak peek at display glasses with a screen reader in the works. To top it all off the gang debates trying on AirPods at the Apple Store as long as they are not too crusty. Join the fun and let us know what you think by leaving a message at 612 367 6093. Thanks for Listening!

The Blind Drive dives into PiccyBot—an AI that can describe not just photos but video. Tim Schwartz shares how it’s changing the way he explores the world, while Jeff Thompson zooms out to ask where this AI wave is taking us. Jeff also puts a new Wixey Bluetooth angle gauge to work in the woodshop, with VoiceOver calling out precise blade angles right from his iPhone. The bigger conversation? How to let helpful tech enhance a moment without stealing it. If you’re out to dinner with friends and family, should screen time go up—or stay out of the way? Join Tim and Jeff for a lively, practical chat about using AI with intention. Call or text your thoughts to 612-367-6093. We want to hear from you. Thanks for Listening!

Wellness Wednesday… on a Friday? Beth and Jeff step up to the mics—without Robin this time—to explore whether the word wellness has lost some of its meaning. Is wellness about carefully balancing all the little pieces of life—mind, body, and spirit—or is it simply how you feel about yourself day to day? Together, Beth and Jeff unpack the buzz around this popular term, sharing their own perspectives on what wellness means in practice. Tune in for a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation that may just reshape how you think about your own well-being.   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!  

The Apex Program is opening doors to careers in cybersecurity for blind and visually impaired students across the country. With over 750,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs, this program offers a life-changing opportunity. In just 12 weeks of accessible online training, students can earn Network+ and Security+ certifications that employers value more than a college degree. Designed by David Mayne of Novacoast and championed by Dr. Kirk Adams, the Apex Program partners with vocational rehabilitation agencies in more than 20 states. Students gain hands-on training, mentoring, and job placement support, with many securing remote positions that provide both financial stability and professional growth. This program isn’t about just finding a job—it’s about building a career path in an exciting and growing field. If you’re ready to step into a future with real opportunity, the Apex Program may be your key to success.   Check out the documentaries mentioned in the episode.   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.   Thanks for listening!   Full Transcript  

unscripted returns with Jeff and Sree in a fast, funny, and useful sprint through tech and daily life. Jeff opens with a hard-won shop lesson—don’t test a nail gun on your finger—then pivots to Apple’s event: Sree’s wow is AirPods for heart monitoring and live translation, while Jeff riffs on Apple’s new cross-body strap for safer phone carry. The duo’s biggest win is access: Sree explains AMC’s PCA program and demos the AMC app with VoiceOver gestures, from picking dates to snagging two QR-coded seats. They compare audio description at theaters (much improved) and even at a live concert (helpful, but mixed during songs). Quick hits follow: a slim MagSafe wallet-kickstand, Jeff’s beloved Caudabe case, the rock-solid Rain Design laptop stand, and Micro Center’s clutch battery repair. They close on health-app nudges, AirPods as quasi-hearing aids, and staying (happily) locked in Apple’s orchard—plus inspiration to make movie night a habit again. Links from the show: Caudabe iPhone case: Rain Design 10032 mStand Laptop... all aluminum stand AMC app on iPhone on Android   We want to hear from you! If you enjoyed the show, share it with a friend, and leave us your feedback at 612-367-6093. Your voice could shape future episodes of Unscripted.   Full Transcript  

Jeff and Tim treat Apple’s big show like a fun night at the movies, and the take is refreshingly simple. iPhone Air gets ultra thin with 256 gigs standard, while the Pro models flex 48 megapixels and clever software. But for confident blind users, the win isn’t megapixels, it’s brains. Center Stage keeps you framed, dual recording grabs you and the scene at once, and on-device smarts promise better OCR and object recognition. AirPods 3 hold the price, boost sound, add heart rate, and flirt with live translation for easy, bilingual chats. Apple Watch leans into health, sleep, and fast top-ups, with SE keeping it friendly on the wallet. Prices feel steady, choices feel sane, and the event’s audio description shines. Upgrade if it fits your use case; otherwise, a fresh battery and enjoying the moment might be the best feature of all.   Full Transcript  

What happens when woodworking meets determination, technology, and a supportive community? Meet Bob Geyer, a retired public works professional turned passionate blind woodworker. After losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa, Bob nearly gave up his tools—until a chance encounter with Woodworking for the Blind (WW4B) at Enchanted Hills Camp changed everything. In this episode, Bob shares how hands-on training, adaptive measuring tools, and accessible technology rekindled his confidence in the shop. From Bluetooth-enabled calipers and talking protractors to clever low-cost hacks like taping screws to boxes, Bob reveals how blind and visually impaired woodworkers innovate every day. Along the way, he reflects on the power of community—friends who troubleshoot projects together, swap tips online, and spark those “aha” moments that save time, energy, and frustration. Whether you’re curious about woodworking or simply love stories of resilience and ingenuity, this conversation will leave you inspired to pick up new tools—and new perspectives.   Full Transcript   thanks for listening!  

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere these days, but how do we really use it—and what should we be cautious about? In this episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth, Robin, and Jeff dive into the good, the bad, and the “oh my” moments of working with AI. From brainstorming and sparking ideas to getting quick answers, AI can be a useful tool. But with its benefits come concerns—especially around privacy, accuracy, and safety. The team discusses where AI can be helpful, where it falls short (hint: don’t trust it for navigation yet), and what to keep in mind before sharing personal information.   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 or by email. They are looking forward to hearing from you! thanks for listening!  

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 being human, bad days and all. They argue that respect should start with humanness first, that education helps but can’t be forced, and that confidence grows by getting out there: bus rides, ballgames, breakfast spots, and small wins that build community. Practical encouragement and gentle challenges abound—bring a friend, take that first route, learn the skills, and decide when (or if) to teach in the moment. No waiting for perfect tech. This is about motion, mindset, and everyday mastery—today.   thanks for sharing and listening. Give us feedback and suggestions at 612-367-6093, we'd love to hear from you!   Full Transcript:  

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 works alongside families, schools, and counselors to ensure students explore careers, gain real-world work experiences, and most importantly develop self-advocacy skills that will last a lifetime.   Laila emphasizes that every student’s journey is unique, and her job is to keep the focus on their dreams, not just family expectations. Through job exploration, work-based learning, and advocacy training, she helps students build confidence, discover true interests, and map out meaningful goals. Parents also gain valuable resources to support informed choices. This episode highlights a powerful partnership that empowers youth to take charge of their own future with confidence and independence.   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  

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 things off with an honest, lively conversation about gadgets, success tools, and the everyday realities of living blind and low vision.   What’s inside this episode: Keyboards that click (and don’t break the bank): From the budget-friendly Logitech K270 Wireless Keyboard to the feature-packed Keychron V6 Max Mechanical Keyboard, the crew shares what works best for productivity. Apple talk: With the next Apple Event on the horizon, they explore the best time to buy an iPhone — and when to hold off. AirTag adventures: Sure, AirTags are handy… but would you drop one in a park, walk away five miles, and then see if you could track it down? Sree did — and the results might surprise you. Everyday wins, challenges, and laughs: From start to finish, it’s real conversation, unscripted and unpolished — just the way we like it.   This inaugural episode sets the tone: fun, spontaneous, and all about sharing experiences that matter.   We want to hear from you! If you enjoyed the show, share it with a friend, and leave us your feedback at 612-367-6093. Your voice could shape future episodes of Unscripted.  

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 team-building, every activity is designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Students live in college dorms, gaining valuable independence while connecting with peers who truly understand their journey. Parents and teachers see firsthand how the program strengthens self-advocacy, resilience, and readiness for the future. With mentorship from successful blind professionals and guidance on career and college pathways, students leave empowered to connect, engage, and act on their dreams. Whether it’s their first year or a return visit, Level Up helps each student discover new strengths, friendships, and opportunities to thrive.   Be sure to check out the video mentioned in this episode and to find out more about Level Up and what Envision has to offer, check them out on the web at Envision Level Up.   Other Podcasts of interests:   From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program   Come Sail Away or Kick Into Confidence: Summer Camps That Empower at Lighthouse Center for Vital Living   From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is Reshaping How Blind and Low Vision Youth Prepare for College, Careers, and Life   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  

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, icons such as Stevie Wonder, and a wide variety of potential users spanning our community.   Kevin Chao returns to the virtual studio after connecting with Simon Bonenfant at the 2025 National Convention of the National Federation of the Blind to discuss how Agiga was founded, spotlight some of EchoVision’s unique elements and demo several exciting features on the horizon.   From the Agiga Website: “Empowering Independence, One View at a Time. EchoVision isn’t just another smart glasses—it’s a gateway to independence, knowledge, and boundless possibilities. Designed with the blind, for the blind, EchoVision empowers individuals to access visual information effortlessly and live life hands-free.” To learn more and pre-order your glasses, visit the Agiga website. To contact Agiga directly, call them at (408) 940-5215 or email them at contact@agiga.ai   Like them on Facebook, subscribe to their YouTube channel. To connect with the Agiga community join their Google Group, and Facebook Group.   We hope you have enjoyed this interview. If you would like to learn more and contact us, you can follow us on Twitter @Blind Abilities On the web at www.blindabilities.com Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store and Google Play Store Give us a call and leave us some feedback at 612-367-6093. We would love to hear from you! Check out the Blind Abilities Community on Facebook, the Blind Abilities Page and Career Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired group. To contact Simon directly, send him an email at sbonenfant2@gmail.com  

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 impacts our ability to stay grounded. The conversation unpacks the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue, offering practical strategies for staying present, reclaiming small moments of joy, and embracing self-care—even in 5-minute increments. With humor, warmth, and relatable stories (like reorganizing coffee mugs or escaping into comedy), this episode reminds listeners that it’s okay to take breaks, limit news intake, and find connection in unexpected places. Whether you’re stuck in analysis paralysis or feeling the weight of “too much to do,” this conversation may give you ideas on ways to help you breathe, reset, and move forward with confidence.   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!   Full Transcript  

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 and navigating dorm shopping trips, these two share candid stories from the driver’s seat of transition. With insight into disability services, professor prep, campus navigation, and finding your people, this episode is like a GPS for blind and visually impaired students getting ready for their own journey into college and careers. Whether you’re paddling through new experiences or pulling over to re-check your route, Amy and Maddy prove that with the right support and mindset, you’re never traveling alone. It’s mid-summer, the engine’s still running, and the next sign says: College Ahead.   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