 May Message
The English word ‘may’ is used to indicate possibility or probability. It can also mean to have the permission, ability, or be free to do something. Additionally, may is used to express purpose or expectation. How appropriate that this month shares the same name. The month of May brings growth, promise, and opportunities. May you all have a month full of cultivating dreams and possibilities!
Announcing a New Name and Design
Welcome to The SSB Messenger! We’ve decided to set our monthly newsletter apart from general news and information you receive from SSB by giving it an official title. We believe The SSB Messenger resonates with our goal of sharing relevant, timely, and interesting information with our community. Along with the name, we are pleased to reveal a new look in our headline design.
Possibilities Fair – May 15th
Attention seniors! Registration is now open for blind and low-vision seniors and their families to join us at SSB for a free, hands-on, workshop to learn tips and gain new skills for independent living. Nationally known speaker, Glenn Crosby from Houston, Texas will share strategies for daily living that may include:
- Reading by listening
- Writing reminders you can feel
- Ordering your own groceries and transportation with a smartphone
- Walking confidently and safely in your community
- Cooking your family-favorite recipes
This fair is sponsored by the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota and Minnesota State Services for the Blind.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 9:30 am -2:30 pm FREE LUNCH INCLUDED!
Location: Minnesota State Service for the Blind, 2200 University Avenue West, Suite 240, St. Paul
Complete the online registration form here.
Olmstead Leadership Forum – May 15th
The Olmstead Plan aims to ensure that disabled Minnesotans live full, integrated lives in their chosen communities. The Plan helps state agencies set and meet goals that will improve the quality of life for Minnesotans with disabilities. The Plan covers a variety of topics including individual choice, person-centered planning, housing, education, employment, transportation, and more.
The Leadership Forum discusses progress on the Minnesota Olmstead Plan. The Leadership Forum includes people who work for the State Agencies that have goals in the Olmstead Plan. This online meeting is open to the public.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 3:00-4:30 pm
Location: Online
Click here to register.
Celebrate Aging Expo – May 15th
The Celebrate Aging Expo has a mission to empower 55+ individuals, along with their families, by offering valuable insights into wellness, financial planning, housing services, and beyond.
This event promises a delightful experience filled with games, prizes, and valuable information! Just stop by - no registration needed.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Detroit Lakes Holiday Inn, 1055 US Highway 10, Detroit Lakes, MN
Click here for more information.
May 16th is Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Digital accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities/impairments to independently consume and/or interact with digital (e.g., web, mobile) applications and content. Digital accessibility should be a core requirement across all industries around the world. Unfortunately, many websites and documents are not fully accessible. Several accessible issues frequently occur across platforms. These include:
- Low Contrast Text
- Missing Alt Text for Images
- Empty Links and Empty Buttons
- Missing Document Language
The staff at SSB works hard to ensure our website and documents meet your needs for digital accessibility. Take a moment to learn more about Global Accessibility Awareness Day and find ways you can become an advocate to improve access for everyone.
Click here to learn more.
Metro Mobility Community Conversations - May 30th & June 4th
Join one of Metro Mobility’s 2024 Community Conversations either online or in-person. The 90-minute event is designed for Metro Mobility riders. Share your feedback to help Metro Mobility better serve their customers. Expect a fun, engaging environment with refreshments and camaraderie among friends, other riders, and staff.
Date: In-person Conversation Thursday, May 30th
Time: 11 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Westwood Hills Nature Center, 8300 West Franklin Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN
or
Date: On-line conversation Tuesday, June 4th
Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
Space is limited! Complete this registration form to reserve your spot.
Blindness and Mental Health Summit – June 16th
Join the first annual Blindness and Mental Health Summit hosted by Accessible Pharmacy! The Summit is the largest online gathering of organizations and consumers sharing information, resources, and services focusing on mental health in the blindness, low vision, and disability communities. Registration is free!
The Blindness and Mental Health Summit is a 2-part event:
Part 1 – Speaker Series: Join us for a virtual discussion of mental health experiences and resources with thought leaders from the blindness and mental health communities. CE credit is available.
Part 2 – Exhibit Hall: Join us at a virtual exhibit hall to browse organization and communities’ services and resources in the blindness and mental health communities.
Date: Friday, June 14, 2024
Location: The Blindness and Mental Health Summit is 100% virtual! The week of the event you will receive an online link to access the virtual event.
Click here to register.
NFB Bell Summer Academy – July 22nd through August 2nd
Attention students! Join the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota for their summer 2024 NFB BELL Academy. In addition to Braille crafts, games, and other engaging projects, children will learn vital independent living skills, interact with blind adult mentors, and enjoy field trips to sites related to the NFB BELL Academy curriculum. Registration is free for all students.
Dates: July 22 – August 2, 2024
Times: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily
Location: Minnesota Waldorf School, 70 County Road B East, St. Paul, MN
Click this link to register.
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