Blind Abilities

Blind Abilities Team
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The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.

  1. 22H AGO

    Riding the Future: Inside Tesla, Waymo, and Zoox Autonomous Rides with Kevin Chao

    In this episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff welcomes Kevin Chao, an early adopter who has taken more than 60 rides in autonomous vehicles across San Francisco and Austin. Kevin shares his firsthand experiences riding in Tesla RoboTaxis, Waymo vehicles, and Amazon's new Zoox autonomous vehicle—built from the ground up with no steering wheel and inward-facing seats. He describes what it's like to request, ride, and interact with these driverless systems while offering feedback that helps improve the experience. From accessibility to independence, Kevin explores what autonomous transportation could mean for blind and low vision travelers as the future of mobility begins arriving today. Thanks for listening!

    16 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Honor Judy, Protect 504: Why Awareness and Advocacy Matter Right Now

    What happens when the foundation of disability rights is challenged? In this powerful conversation, Jeff Thompson welcomes back disability advocate and Villanova graduate Kaleigh Brendle to talk about the growing legal challenge to Section 504—one of the most important civil rights protections for people with disabilities. Kaleigh explains how recent lawsuits could weaken the requirement that people with disabilities receive services in the most integrated settings, a principle that helps keep people living, learning, and working in their communities rather than being pushed into institutions. In response, Kaleigh founded Judys League, an organization dedicated to defending disability rights and raising awareness about what's at stake. Throughout the conversation, she shares why Section 504 is the foundation for laws like the ADA and why public awareness and advocacy matter more than ever.   This episode is a call to action: stay informed, share the story, and remember that every voice can help protect the rights and opportunities that generations fought to achieve. Find out more about Judys League on the web at JudysLeague.org and all the socials at JudysLeague. Connect up by sending an email to Judys League. thanks for listening.   Full Transcript

    26 min

  3. MAR 1

    Blind Abilities – The Musical: More Than One Way To Be Blind

    In Episode 4 of Blind Abilities – The Musical, Lori, Christina, Pete, and Jeff explore the strength and diversity found within the blind and low vision community by highlighting two major national organizations serving people who are blind or visually impaired.   Inspired by the spirit of Thomas Paine's Revolutionary War pamphlets—written to encourage and unite—we imagined what it might be like to discover each organization through words meant to inform, inspire, and invite participation. Through music and storytelling, this episode reflects on the opportunities, advocacy, community, and shared purpose these organizations provide.   Featuring three original songs, the journey begins by exploring ideas and perspectives, allowing each voice to be heard before bringing everything together in a powerful final number.   Because in the end, what matters most is that we move forward—together.   Be sure to listen through to the end to learn more about each organization and to hear upcoming national convention dates.   We hope you enjoy the show. Thanks for listening!

    13 min

  4. FEB 27

    More Than a Diagnosis: Seeing Hope with Dr. Suleiman Alibhai & the Prevention of Blindness Society

    In this episode, Jeff travels to the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington to meet CEO Caren Forsten and Dr. Suleiman Alibhai, the organization's low vision clinical director—and the conversation leaves him feeling something that can be hard to come by after years of appointments: real hope. Dr. Alibhai isn't focused only on charts, drops, or procedures. He starts with the person—what daily life feels like right now, what has become harder, what's been lost, and where someone is emotionally before anyone starts talking about solutions.   Caren shares how POB's "Seeing Hope" programs wrap support around that medical care: local and virtual support groups, tech talks, town halls, and resource centers where people can explore tools and strategies alongside staff who bring lived experience to the table. Together, they frame low vision as a continuum, not a label—and rehabilitation as a steady, human process made up of small, practical wins, encouragement, and the kind of family support that empowers instead of takes over. What comes through most is simple but powerful: you're not alone, and you're not done. Links and contact info: Prevention of Blindness Society web site - YourEyes.org Give them a call at 202-234-1010   Full Transcript Thanks for listening!

    54 min

  5. FEB 24

    From Classroom to Career — Josh Subhan's Internship Journey

    Josh Subhan shares a real-world look at how internships can open doors from college to career. As a University of Minnesota grad who is turning his internship at Metro Transit into a full-time job, Josh breaks down what internships are, when to start applying, and how the process actually works. He walks through finding opportunities on company career pages and sites like Indeed, preparing resumes and interviews, and using campus career centers and State Services for the Blind for mock interviews and connections. Josh also talks honestly about disclosure, accessibility tools, and finding your niche in a changing job market. Most of all, he reminds students not to get discouraged—applications can be tough, but persistence, preparation, and using your network can make the difference between waiting for an opportunity and landing one. Link to the Internship episode:   Internships for Students: Real Work, Real Experience, Real Opportunities   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!

    12 min

  6. FEB 23

    Fear Less - Do More! Envision Blind Sports Is Here!

    Envision Blind Sports is expanding to Minnesota—and that means more chances for blind and low vision youth to move, compete, and discover what they're capable of. In this episode, Jeff talks with Minnesota Regional Manager Ricky Ties and Program Director Jillian Stringfellow about how adaptive sports build confidence, independence, and real community. From wrestling, goalball, and beep baseball to kayaking, swimming, and a jam-packed summer camp with 25+ adaptive sports, Envision focuses on exposure—helping kids find something they love and carry that confidence back into school and life. Ricky shares how sports helped him grow as a visually impaired athlete on the world stage, while Jillian highlights how families, volunteers, and local partners make these opportunities possible. The message is simple and powerful: get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and discover what's possible. Fear less. Do more. Related Links:   EnvisionBlindsports.org Email Ricky Ties   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

    21 min

  7. FEB 19

    Wellness Wednesday: How are You? I'm Fine. Hmmm. Exploring Inclusion, Belonging, and the deep human need to be Seen and Heard

    In this Wellness Wednesday conversation, Beth Gustin, Robin Ennis, and Jeff Thompson slow things down to ask a deceptively simple question: what does "I'm fine" really mean? From aging and identity shifts to vision loss, assisted living, and feeling quietly pushed to the sidelines, the group digs into the unspoken grief that can come with life transitions. They talk about how losing roles, routines, and independence can chip away at a person's sense of purpose—and how often those feelings stay hidden behind polite responses. With warmth and honesty, they explore inclusion, belonging, and the deep human need to be seen, heard, and asked for our thoughts. The episode is a gentle call to listen beyond the surface, to make space for real answers, and to reach out—especially to older adults—before stories, wisdom, and connection fade into silence.   Full Transcript   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!

    22 min

  8. FEB 17

    Blind Abilities – The Musical: From K–12 to College and Careers, Finding Your Voice

    Episode Three of Blind Abilities – The Musical explores what it really means to find your voice as you move from K–12 into college and on toward a career. The three acts set the theme, but the heart of the episode lives in the conversation—real stories about IEPs, learning to speak up in meetings, navigating disability services, and building access when the rules change. Cheryl, Seyoon, Lori, and Jeff share practical strategies for getting accessible books and materials, communicating with professors, managing deadlines, and using tools like screen readers, Braille, and modern tech to stay independent. The discussion also digs into disclosure, confidence in interviews, choosing a campus that fits your mobility needs, and building peer networks that help you succeed. Together, the music and lived experience show that advocacy is a skill you grow over time—and the more you use your voice, the more it carries you forward into college, work, and life.   Full Transcript: Thanks for listening!

    33 min
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About

The most comprehensive resource for Assistive Technology, success Stories, College and Career Pathways and all with a Blindness Perspective.

Information

  • Creator
    Blind Abilities Team
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    497
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Blind Abilities

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