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Artwork for Blind Abilities

Blind Abilities

Blind Abilities Team
Assistive Technology
State Services For the Blind
Mental Health
Blindness
Self-Care
Accessibility
Aira
Education
Braille
Visual Impairment
Self-Advocacy
University Of Minnesota
Independence
Wellness
National Federation Of the Blind
Career Exploration
Orientation and Mobility
Anxiety
Grief
Scholarships

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes897Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
How ToEducationSelf-Improvement

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Blind Abilities

Latest Episodes

What technology will help your student succeed—and who can help them learn to use it? In this Tools for School episode, State Services for the Blind assistive technology specialists Jesse Anderson and John Hess introduce the personalized support avai... more

What if you could feel someone smile, wave, or reach out for a handshake? Jeff Thompson welcomes HapWare cofounder Jack Walters to explore ALEYE, a wearable wristband designed to translate facial expressions, gestures, and other nonverbal cues into d... more

Podcast Summary:

The White Cane Project is going nationwide! After Sight and AwareWolf Gear are teaming up to get free white canes into the hands of blind and low vision people across the United States, with shipping covered, too.

On Blind Abilit... more

Podcast Summary:

What comes after high school, and how can you help shape what happens next? In this Tools for School episode, State Services for the Blind counselors Lindsey and Kat explain how to build a relationship with your counselor, prepare ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Sedona Dave
Blind outdoorsman who developed AwareWolf Gear's mobility canes
AwareWolf Gear
Episode: After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Penn Street
Development and outreach director at After Sight and host of The Blind Chick
After Sight
Episode: After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Kim Wardlow
Executive director of After Sight
After Sight
Episode: After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Bari Azman
AwareWolf Gear representative working with After Sight on the White Cane Project
AwareWolf Gear
Episode: After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Shane DeSantis
Transition Coordinator with State Services for the Blind
State Services for the Blind
Episode: Tools for School: College Planning, Cool Tech, and Student Connections
Earl Harrison
National Account Manager at Selvas BLV
Selvas BLV
Episode: Tools for School: College Planning, Cool Tech, and Student Connections
Lindsey Escalera
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor serving pre-employment students in the Metro
State Services for the Blind
Episode: Tools for School: College Planning, Cool Tech, and Student Connections
Jesse Anderson
Assistive Technology Specialist with State Services for the Blind
State Services for the Blind
Episode: Tools for School: College Planning, Cool Tech, and Student Connections
Kia Sadler
Independent living skills instructor at Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Minnesota State Services for the Blind
Episode: More Than Making Lunch: Everyday Skills That Open Doors - The Independent Living Skills Lab

Host

Jeffrey Thompson
Host of Blind Abilities, with long-running involvement in the show; primary host with ties to Blind Abilities

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 65 ratings
  • Blind abilities excellent for the death blind

    I just wanna say thank you to the blind abilities team for helping me along the way of anything. I am a deaf blind individual. I have loved being just blind, but deaf blind is a whole different ball game for me. I’m still getting used to it and I just wanna say I want more podcast with the blind speakers so I know what it’s like to live as a deaf blind individual. I am struggling with the hearing loss perspective. I love my hearing aids and I love my cane I don’t really use my hearing aids much,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kylie Shafers
    United States25 days ago
  • better audio quality would be appreciated

    I look forward to Wellness Wednesday dropping in my podcast feed. However, the audio quality is not the best. My review would be five stars if that could be remedied. I am sure, being blind yourselves, you recognize the importance of quality audio. Thanks for listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Callucin
    United States2 months ago
  • Audio and Content is Awesome!

    I really like how you have changed over the years to adjust to the needs of the community. There’s a little something for everyone. And I like how it’s not just a “Tech show“ as 95% of us live life more than play with gadgets. Keep on keeping on.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VirdieTweeTwee
    United States7 months ago
  • Unrecognizable

    I'm suffering whiplash. I feel blind abilities just does not know what it wants to be. There was once blind abilities, tech abilities, wellness Wednesday, the blind drive and announce some musical??? It's all nonsensical. Please pick a lane and drive it. The blindness community, as you know is very niche. So when there are episodes specifically geared towards Minnesota state services for the blind, you are disenfranchising most of your listeners. And with no consistent release schedule, this pod... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Callucin
    United States10 months ago
  • Good format, entertaining people, and useful information. Entertaining and interesting even when I don't plan on using a particular product.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Andy M
    2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback notes variable episode pacing and occasional topic shifts.
Fans value the focus on independence and community support for blind and low-vision audiences.
Listeners praise practical, actionable accessibility tips and inspiration.
Many appreciate diverse guest backgrounds and real-world career insights.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#80
United States/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#102
Canada/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#155
United Kingdom/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#39
France/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#34
Sweden/Education/How To
Apple Podcasts
#36
Colombia/Education/How To

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Tools for School: From High School Support to College Self-Advocacy
Q: Can you each share a time where you faced a scenario where either your class or something in the college realm was not accessible? What did you do to problem solve that, and what was the outcome?
Ben worked with his professor and State Services for the Blind to use a Windows computer for an Excel course and arrange extra instruction. Maddy described adapting to classroom activities and recommended communicating with professors to identify solutions.
Tools for School: From High School Support to College Self-Advocacy
Q: What made you choose the college that you go to and what did you find was the most or some of the most important decisions in choosing where you went for college?
Ben valued the University of Minnesota's academic reputation and tuition support, while Maddy chose Normandale for its online course options and later transferred to the University of Minnesota for its opportunities, cost, and disability services.
More Than Making Lunch: Everyday Skills That Open Doors - The Independent Living Skills Lab
Q: What are some of the types of topics that you're going to be handling?
The sessions cover laundry, clothing, hygiene, cooking, dining, kitchen technology, medication and first aid, and grocery shopping. Students practice skills together and can attend individual sessions rather than enrolling in the full series.
More Than Making Lunch: Everyday Skills That Open Doors - The Independent Living Skills Lab
Q: When did this initiative start? What's it all about?
Sadler says the lab grew from gaps she noticed in transition students' foundational daily living skills. The monthly sessions provide group instruction and practical learning opportunities that fit around students' school and family commitments.
After Sight and AwareWolf Gear Take the White Cane Project Nationwide
Q: Will there be a reduced price for these canes?
The guests clarify that the canes are free, with no shipping cost. After Sight can also provide replacement tips at no cost.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Blind Abilities

What is Blind Abilities about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show consistently centers on accessibility tech, practical independence, and career pathways for blind and low-vision individuals. Episodes span hands-on demonstrations of assistive tools (screen readers, AI assistants, VR tech), vocational rehabilitation, education, and family life with blindness. A standout thread is the emphasis on real-world skills—internships, job preparation, and adaptive strategies—often illustrated through guest experiences in schools, state services, and technology sectors. A notable strength is the breadth of guests, from VR technicians and AI program developers to care providers and parents, all contributing actionable insights for listeners pursuing independence or considering guest opportunities.

Unique a... more

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What are the audience demographics for Blind Abilities?

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How many subscribers and views does Blind Abilities have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Blind Abilities has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Blind Abilities?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Blind Abilities:

1. Mystic Access Podcast
2. Access On
3. Double Tap
4. Maccessibility
5. Eyes On Success with hosts Peter and Nancy Torpey

How many episodes of Blind Abilities are there?

Blind Abilities launched 12 years ago and published 897 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Blind Abilities?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Blind Abilities?

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What guests have appeared on Blind Abilities?

Recent guests on Blind Abilities include:

1. Sedona Dave
2. Penn Street
3. Kim Wardlow
4. Bari Azman
5. Shane DeSantis
6. Earl Harrison
7. Lindsey Escalera
8. Jesse Anderson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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