Help Guide the Work of State Services for the Blind

SSB is fortunate to be guided by the work of a dynamic council, the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC-B). Meeting six times during the year this council of consumers and advocates gives advice and recommendations on our services and programs. Each seat on the council is designated to represent a particular constituency. Currently there are several open positions as new terms begin. Learn about these open positions and submit an application by going to the Commissions and Appointments page of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Learn more about council membership by visiting the SRC-B page of our website.

Let’s Talk Forum: A Conversation About COVID-19 Vaccines & Disabilities

The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Persons with Disabilities Unit will be hosting regular Zoom sessions in partnership with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MNCCD). At these sessions, MDH and others will give information on COVID-19-related efforts that impact persons with disabilities. This will be an opportunity to hear the latest information and share your input and questions.

 

This month’s session is on January 12 from 11:00 am to 12:30pm.

Learn more and register for this Zoom event at

https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwocuipqTMiHtQegrNuvY9Kzhy9VDESKYmV

A Webinar for Coping with the Pandemic while Living with Disability

“The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD), as part of the Minnesota Disability Action Partnership, invites you to join us for a webinar.

 

Coping with COVID-19 and Community Input: A webinar for persons Living with the trauma of the pandemic

• Monday, January 25th, 10 am – 12 noon
• Saturday, January 30th, 10 am – 12 noon

(Same sessions on both days).

"Limitations and disruptions caused by COVID-19 have made everyday tasks more complicated for everyone, especially for people with disabilities. The added stress of dealing with new challenges in addition to your daily life can be difficult and sometimes overwhelming.” Dr. Karyn Harvey will be the keynote speaker at this event that will be structured for discussion. The event will take place on Zoom.

Go to the website for the Council on Disability for more details and Zoom info.

 

U.S. Access Board’s January Meeting to Address Access to Virtual Platforms

“The widespread transition to telework due to the coronavirus pandemic has made use of virtual meetings and conferences commonplace. It is important that platforms for remote events are inclusive of everyone.

The U.S. Access Board’s January meeting, which is open to the public, will feature a presentation on conducting virtual meetings and events that are accessible to persons with disabilities. Guest speakers from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission will explain what makes virtual platforms accessible and highlight common access issues. They will also cover best practice recommendations and resources for platform accessibility.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting that will take place on January 13 from 2:00 – 4:00 (ET). For further information, contact Rose Marie Bunales at bunales@access-board.gov.

Meeting of the U.S. Access Board (Virtual)

January 13, 2:00 – 4:00 (ET)

Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610020084

Meeting ID: 161 002 0084

Call-in numbers: (669) 254-5252 or (646) 828-7666 or (551) 285-1373

 

Don’t Let a Little Winter Stop You

It’s a wintry wonderland out there, ready-made to explore and enjoy. Get inspired for your next winter adventure with books from our library collection.

Here’s just a sampling of books in braille and audio on winter adventuring for kids and adults.

The Kids Book of Canadian Exploration.

By Ann-Maureen Owens and Jane Yealland.

“Did you know that Arctic explorers trapped in winter ice were forced to eat their shoes to avoid starvation, or that French adventurer la VeÌrendrye was convinced that Lake Winnipeg led to the Pacific Ocean? From Natives looking for hunting grounds to Europeans searching for fish, gold, or the Northwest Passage, explorers have always been drawn to Canada. And now, with no unmapped lands left, present-day explorers focus on outer space, the ocean, and the preservation of the Earth. Grades 3-6. Available in braille.

The Kids Winter Handbook.

By Jane Drake and Ann Love.

“Outdoor and indoor activities to celebrate winter. Covers weather forecasting, snow sports, crafts projects (most call for inexpensive, easy-to-find materials), games, fireside stories, and recipes. Parental involvement is encouraged.” For grades 3-6. Audio book available on BARD.

The Quiet Season, Remembering Country Winters.

By Jerry Apps.

“Jerry Apps recalls winters growing up on a farm in central Wisconsin during the latter years of the Depression and through World War II. Before electricity

came to this part of Waushara County, farmers milked cows by hand with the light of a kerosene lantern, woodstoves heated the drafty farm homes, and “making wood” was a major part of every winter’s work. The children in Jerry’s rural community walked to a country school that was heated with a woodstove and had no indoor plumbing. Wisconsin winters then were a time of reflection, of planning for next year, and of families drawing together. Jerry describes how winter influenced farm families and suggests that those of us who grow up with harsh northern winters are profoundly affected in ways we often are not aware.” Audio, produced by the Communication Center.

Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod.

By Gary Paulsen.

“Recounts the author's survival adventure: running the 1,180-mile Iditarod dogsled race across the Arctic wilderness. Enduring frostbite, sleeplessness, moose attacks, and countless trail hazards, he finishes the race eager to run another.” Audio, available on BARD.

 

Have questions about books in accessible formats? Give us a call at 1-800-722-0500.

 

 

Have Questions for SSB?

Give us a call at 651-539-2300

Or email ssb.info@state.mn.us

We look forward to hearing from you!