In this 31st  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC and Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore the therapeutic benefits of laughter. They discuss how therapists may use humor to improve client rapport and highlight laughter’s role in fostering workplace camaraderie and overall mental health.   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! Read More

For 23 years, the Cooking Without Looking podcast and TV show have been providing blind and visually impaired role models the opportunity to demonstrate how they can successfully cook with little to no sight. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio to learn all about the show. Simon speaks with Renee Rentmeester, creator and executive producer, as well as Allen Preston, one of the two co-hosts of the program. They discuss the evolution of the show, how guests are chosen, notable guests over the years, and preview an exciting announcement coming in the near future!   The program can either be accessed as a podcast or on YouTube. The podcast, hosted by Renee, features an audio-only interview with the guest, giving them an opportunity to share their journey, as well as their favorite recipe. Read More

In this 30th    episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, explore self-advocacy and Self-Confidence. How we feel in any space we find ourselves when our Accommodations come to mind..   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!

If you are having thoughts about suicide, please call 988 by phone or text the word, "Talk", to the number 741741.     In this profound episode of Blind Abilities, Jeff Thompson interviews Zach Tidwell, whose life story is nothing short of miraculous. Zach candidly shares the harrowing tale of how he lost his sight by shooting himself, which marked the beginning of an extraordinary turnaround. From the depths of despair, he emerged as a successful app developer, public speaker, and entrepreneur, channeling his experiences into developing the award-winning game, Zanagrams. Zach’s journey is a powerful testament to human resilience, highlighting how he taught himself coding and navigated the challenges of sudden blindness. His story isn’t just about overcoming personal adversity; it’s an inspiring message of hope, determination, and the incredible feats one can achieve by stepping outside societal boxes and persistently challenging oneself. Keep up with Zach on the web at" https://zachtidwell.net and at https://darkhorsegamestudios.com Thanks for listening!

Aira is excited to announce the beta release of Access AI, a brand new AI image chat feature within the Aira app. Access AI allows explorers to take a photo, share from their photo gallery, mobile device, or computer, get a detailed description, ask follow up questions, and receive validation of AI responses from a visual interpreter! Jeff Thompson gives us a demonstration of the new Access AI feature, and we think you will like it! Download the Aira Explorer App as the new Access AI feature is coming! Find out more about Aira and Access AI here. Thanks for listening!

For those who are blind or visually impaired, detecting and avoiding unwanted obstacles can be a challenge at times. A new device, called the biped and developed by biped AI, aims to create a frictionless traveling experience for blind and visually impaired users around the world. Worn as a portable smart harness with multi-directional cameras, the biped combines the power of obstacle detection, GPS services, and scene descriptions, giving users a complete technological travel toolbox.   Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio, as he speaks with biped AI Co-founder and CEO Maël Fabien, to learn more about what the Biped can do for you! From the Biped Website: “biped is a smart harness, worn on shoulders, that helps you detect obstacles and get GPS instructions with AI. Comes in 2 versions: biped Pro, and Pro Plus. Warns you with sounds.” To learn more about the Biped, visit their Website.   Want to try the Biped for yourself? The team will be exhibiting at the CSUN Assistive Technology conference from March 18 through the 22nd in Anaheim California. Visit the Official Conference Webpage to learn more.     Read More

If you are having thoughts about suicide, please call 988 by phone or text the word, "Talk", to the number 741741.   In this 29th    episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, open the conversation about suicide. Looking at the demographics, occupations, and warning signs. Bringing awareness to this not so talked about subject and helping to check in with yourself and others.   If you are having thoughts about suicide, please call 988 by phone or text the word, "Talk", to the number 741741.   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!

our guests in this episode Come to us from BlindShell USA and Envision. BlindShell USA's President and CEO, Bari Azman, , and Diane Ducharme, Senior Program Director, along with  Envision's co-founder Karthik Kannan, announce the Envision AI app now available on the blindShell Classic 2 Accessible Cell Phone. The BlindShell Classic 2 accessible cell phone with tactile buttons has added the Envision AI app to Envision's Classic 2 growing library of accessible apps. Learn about what the Envision Team has brought to the BlindShell experience. With the "Ask Envision" AI feature, you can search scanned documents and "Ask Envision" to summarize a chapter, Ask Envision to find specific information and you can continue asking Envision to help you be more productive and efficient with your time. the BlindShell Classic 2 is available on the BlindShellUSA.com web site. You can find out more about Envision , the Envision App and more here. Thanks for listening! Web Site

In this 28th    episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, dive into self-care. Taking care of yourself and recognizing some habits that maybe you may not realize is self-care. Join Beth and Robin and get a look at how they define self-care.   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! Contact: You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com Send us an email and give us a call at 612-367-6093, we would love to hear from you! Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Storeand 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 the Career Resources for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Richard Rueda, Assistant Director of the APH ConnectCenter and Lori Scharff, Lead Contractor at CareerConnect, join Jeff Thompson in the Blind Abilities Studio to let us know about the latest updates at  CareerConnect. Learn about the Career & Canine Connections program where the CareerConnect team and Guide Dogs for the Blind team up in Oregon for a free of charge experience combining Career exploration and experiencing using and caring for a guide dog. Check out the Career Conversations and learn from those who have successfully navigated the journey from high school to college and the workplace. What worked for them and what to expect. Learn about upcoming internship possibilities and how you can get involved with CareerConnect! To find out more about the opportunities and resources at your fingertips, check out the links below: CareerConnect https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/ ConnectCenter https://aphconnectcenter.org Any questions? email at ConnectCenter@APH.org   (from the web) CareerConnect is an integral part of the APH ConnectCenter, that provides curated information and resources to people who are blind or low vision, their families, teachers, counselors, and employers. CareerConnect offers job seekers of all ages and employers a variety of resources to help with the job search and hiring process. Read More

Many people dream of traveling around the world, but often feel constrained by money and other factors. For the blind and visually impaired community, Flight for Sight helps to remove this barrier by offering three $10,000 grants to make that dream come true!   Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio as he speaks with Flight for Sight founder and Executive director Mike Walsh, as well as Eliana Mayson, one of the inaugural grant winners. They discuss what led to the formation of the organization.   Eliana takes the microphone to discuss her journey as a professional goal ball player and mental health professional, and how she was able to use both of those unique skills to make a huge impact during her travel journey.   They also discuss one of the biggest applications criteria: creating personalized content along the trip such as blogs, podcasts, videos, etc.   Think you’d be a good fit to take off around the globe? Visit the Flight for Sight application webpage Here. Don’t delay, applications close February 15th! Read More

In this 27th    episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, touch base on asking for Reasonable Accommodations and where to start if you are ready. disclosing a disability, especially hidden disabilities may cause one to consider not asking for the accommodations even though  the reasonable Accommodations can help them succeed.   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! Read More

In this 26th    episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, Beth and Robin take a look at their  resolutions, how to define and redefine the goals and the importance of setting your goals from your own self-concept. 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! Read More

Blind Sailing? Right here in the land of 10,000 lakes? How fitting. In this episode of Blind Abilities we are talking to Katy Boyd, the founder of the non-profit organization, Twin Cities Blind Sailing. With years of Blind sailing experience, Katy moved to the Twin Cities and started Twin Cities Blind Sailing so others can have the opportunity to enjoy a sport and develop skills and confidence out on the lakes. And, in the land of 10,000 lakes, seems like a natural thing to do. With the first year being a success, this year is going to be even better. You can find all the information about Twin Cities Blind Sailing on the web at https://twincitiesblindsailing.org   Read More

In this 25th  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, express the importance of words, tone of voice and etiquette when interacting with others. How we adjust, correct and acknowledge others verbal communication. How do we interpret tone and how do we interact with ourselves.   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! Read More

Since 2016, Envision has been providing products and services to enhance and empower blind and visually impaired people to live full and independent lives throughout the world. Join Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant as he speaks with Envision co-founder Karthik Kannan, as they discuss many groundbreaking additions to the AI powered smart glasses and smartphone app.   Notable Updates include: ·      Reduce cost by choosing from one of three editions of glasses to have instant and direct access to only the features deemed most important to the user. ·      New payment plan allows for unlimited access to smart glasses for only $150 per month. ·      New AI integrated Chat GPT functionality on both glasses and app offers greater independence and autonomy for the end user.   Additionally, Karthik is pleased to announce that from now until December 31, 2023, Envision will be offering a 15% off holiday sale sitewide. To learn more and find out what Envision can do for you, visit the Envision Website here.   To contact Envision directly, visit their Contact Form. Follow them on: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Read More

our guests in this episode Come to us from BlindShell USA and Envision America and are here to talk about the latest addition to the BlindShell Accessible Cell Phone Classic 2 family of apps. BlindShell's President and CEO, Bari Azman, , and Diane Ducharme, Senior Program Director, and Jenna Reed Marketing Director at Envision America, join Jeff and Pete to announce that ScripTalk Talking Labels is now available on the BlindShell Classic 2 accessible cell phone. Join Jeff and Pete as they discuss a variety of topics with Bari, Diane, and Jenna as they talk about the new release of the ScripTalk App on the BlindShell Classic 2 Accessible Cell Phone. All the features of Talking labels in the palm of your hand. The BlindShell Classic 2 Accessible Phone is a hybrid blend of modern smart phone capabilities and tactile buttons, and could be an appealing alternative to a standard Apple or Android smart phone for both a newly blind and existing user who just isn’t interested in the flat screen device. Bari and Diane are not content with the status quo and intend to continually add new features to the BlindShel Classic 2  and it's capabilities.  And now, with the addition of ScripTalk, the BlindShell experience is proving to be the accessible phone we have been looking for! Read More

In this 24th  episode of Wellness Wednesday, Beth Gustin, LPC, Robin Ennis, LCSW, CPC, respond to a letter from a listener regarding friendships and navigating frendships during the holiday season. Not only navigating friends but navigating family as well. They also glide into some of the trappings of having a disability and when to say no to the 20 questions thrown your way.   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!

Ever wanted to read a specialized religious book in braille or large print but it wasn’t available? Lutheran Braille Workers are here to help! With over 120 braille production centers and content in over 42 different languages, Lutheran Braille Workers is sure to have something for you! Their catalogue includes an extensive number of Bibles, Newsletters, Devotions, and books of religious commentary from many denominations.   Rachel describes the creation of the organization, the mission, and the processes of translating the texts into Braille, all accomplished by volunteers. To browse the catalogue, order materials, or donate to further their work, visit lbwloveworks.org To contact Rachel directly, send her an email at: rachel@lbwloveworks.org Read More

While attending the 2023 NFB of PA state convention, Blind Abilities podcast host Simon Bonenfant sat down with Ed Martin, Product Sales Representative at Enhanced Vision, one of the leading magnification companies in the world. Ed gives listeners an overview of the many product offerings the company provides, and demonstrates one of the leading OCR solutions, the Smart Reader.   From the Enhanced Vision Website: “The Smart Reader HD is a lightweight, portable reader/scanner with large built-in user-friendly tactile control buttons. A fully integrated solution, the Smart Reader HD offers the advantage of a built-in HD camera and OCR (optical character recognition). Smart Reader HD enables individuals with low vision to retain the pleasure of reading by listening along or by attaching a monitor to view the text. Users are able to view in color, enhanced high-contrast positive or negative modes, allowing for higher contrasts and easier viewing. With easy-to-use buttons and dials, customers can enlarge or reduce the text in seconds and change viewing options for easier visibility.”   Visit the Smart Reader Product Page to learn more and order today! To browse the full line of products, visit enhancedvision.com To contact Ed directly, give him a call at: 267-372-0116. Or send him an email at: enhancedvisionpa@gmail.com Read More