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Available Episodes

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Wellness Wednesday: Isolation - From Alone to A Little Less Lonely: Steps Toward Social Reconnection
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 a splash of humor, the trio encourages listeners to take small steps—like making a phone call or joining a virtual meetup—to reconnect and rediscover joy in community. Aging with purpose, courage, and curiosity might just start with one brave “hello. 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! Full Transcript
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From Audio Books, Braille to Broadcast: Behind the Scenes at State Services for the Blind - A Tour Through SSB’s Communication Center
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!
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Seable Holidays: Turning Accessible Travel Dreams Into Reality
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:
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Immersive. Inclusive. Incredible. Dive Into the LuminoCity Podcast - Where Audio Description Redefines Inclusive Story Telling
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
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From Confidence to Career: Explore Summer with the LEAP Program
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
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