From Classroom to Career: Vanward Consulting is Reshaping How Blind and Low Vision Youth Prepare for College, Careers, and Life

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 accessible formats—meeting the tech wizards who make it happen and learning about assistive tools that could power their future. They heard about the  recording booths, checked out  the Braille department, and even learned how Radio Talking Book delivers news and magazines 24/7. Oh, and there was plenty of popcorn! With mock interviews, peer mentors, and chances to ask all the questions, it was a day packed with fun, learning, and mind-opening moments. For blind and low vision students ready to take on college, careers, and more, this behind-the-scenes adventure was a taste of what’s possible—with the right tools and support.   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 [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.   Full Transcript Thanks for listening!  

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 destinations like Sicily, Scotland, Thailand, and the Galapagos Islands completely accessible. Hear how travelers gain confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships while experiencing unforgettable holidays. Whether it’s a solo trip, a group getaway, or a school excursion, Seable proves that accessible travel is not just possible—it’s life-changing!   You can email Seable Holidays at: [email protected] or [email protected]. On the web at Seable.Co.UK   Thanks for listening!   Full Transcript:  

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 the festival to life for blind and low-vision listeners. From behind-the-scenes moments to thematic deep dives, Christine and the LuminoCity team redefine inclusive storytelling. Discover how art, sound, and accessibility come together in one extraordinary podcast—available wherever you stream.   Links from this episode: LuminoCity Podcast page Luminato Festival website Christine Malec  

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 from blind professionals, and fun projects like making websites or interviewing people. You’ll build confidence, sharpen your soft skills, and discover what’s possible for your future. Want to boost your resume and meet cool people? LEAP is your launchpad to success! Find out more about the LEAP Summer Program.   To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call 651-385-5205.   Full Transcript  

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 with activities that boost independence, orientation and mobility, daily living skills, and self-confidence. From cooking your meals to traveling the city, you’ll grow your capabilities, connect with peers, and discover just how far you can go. It’s more than camp—it’s preparation for life, with a twist of adventure! Check out Lighthouse Center for Vital Living on the web. and ask your counselor about the summer programs. To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call 651-385-5205.   Full Transcript  

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, and practical tech fluency, Vanward Consulting helps students discover their strengths, build professional networks, and shape their futures with purpose and resilience. It’s a hands-on launchpad to independence, inclusion, and impact.   Here are the links we mentioned during the show: Information about the Lean In! program:   Lean In! Prep program details:     The Lean In! Prep Store:     College tour Interest Form:     Full Transcript:   To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call 651-385-5205.  

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 a complex quandary found in the BVI community. Are they watching me? 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!    

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 opportunities. Whether you’re heading to high school, college, or a first job, O&M is your toolkit for success. From snowy sidewalks to exploring campuses and even hiking trails, they remind us: your path is yours to shape. Confidence is the game-changer—are you ready to swing for the fences?   Full Transcript: To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call 651-385-5205.  

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 tailoring your resume, answering interview questions with confidence, and job shadowing opportunities. Whether you’re heading to college or the workforce, Tou and his team are ready to support you every step of the way. Opportunity starts with taking that first step! Full Transcript: To learn more about the services available through State Services for the Blind and how they can support your independence, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call 651-385-5205.  

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, grounding techniques, and even a touch of humor, they emphasize that it’s not a replacement for the irreplaceable human connection found in therapy. From boosting mindfulness to aiding late-night anxiety, AI may belong in your wellness toolkit—just be mindful, intentional, and always double-check what it offers. 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!