 Back to It…
September ushers in another glorious Minnesota autumn. The temperatures begin to dip and we can open our windows to let in the comfortable, fresh air. Students board big yellow buses and return to their classrooms armed with fresh pencils and notebooks. Families store away their summertime gear and get back to the schoolyear routines of homework, fall sports, and bedtimes. September is a good time to evaluate to our own personal routines and begin the fall season with purpose. We still have 4 more months to accomplish our 2024 New Year’s resolutions, after all!
Governor Walz Declares September as Workforce Development Month
Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation declaring September as Workforce Development Month stating in part that:
- Investing in the education, training, and career advancement of Minnesota's workforce is crucial to our state’s ability to compete in the global economy and achieve economic equity.
- Welcoming all people in Minnesota into the labor force in a meaningful way is critical to the strength of Minnesota’s employers and workers.
- Shifts and growth in our state demographics mean Minnesota’s industries must align to create an inclusive labor force where all are welcome.
- Aligning our workforce development systems to meet the demands of our modern economy will help reduce employment and economic disparities based on race, ethnicity, disability, age, gender, veteran status, national origin, or justice-system involvement.
If you are seeking employment or looking to advance your career opportunities, please reach out to SSB's Workforce Development Unit for guidance and support.
SSB Department Spotlight – Development
The Development Department handles all charitable giving contributions to State Services for the Blind. SSB relies on generous gifts from individuals, as well as foundation grants and public sector funds to serve Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, or have a print-related disability. The Development Department works with individuals and foundations to provide the information they need to make a financial contribution. "Every gift is really important, no matter the size,” says Angela Bodensteiner, SSB’s Development Director. Angela connects with internal and external constituents for donations from individuals, community foundations, and faith-based organizations to leverage philanthropic support for our Annual and Endowment Funds. People feel comfortable giving to SSB because all donations are kept private. We do not sell or share names or information on our contributors.
Why Donate?
For the blind and low vision, our services are nothing short of life changing. They help people be more independent, continue their education, and to be a fully connected part of their communities.
Your financial gifts to the Communication Center help ensure that Minnesota's blind and low vision citizens have access to the same newspapers, novels, textbooks, manuals, and other materials as sighted Minnesotans have.
Seniors are our largest and fastest-growing population of consumers. About 80 percent of our consumers will be age 55 and older. We raise extra money to serve this growing population, because most of the federal dollars we receive are designated for job training for working-age clients.
Students with learning disabilities also increasingly need our services. State and federal funds available to cover services for the blind and low vision are not available for those with learning disabilities.
How Can I Contribute my Financial Support?
We've established a special fund at The Saint Paul Foundation to accept your tax-deductible contributions.
- Check with your employer to see whether your company will match your gift.
- Make a gift by check or credit card.
- Honor a loved one or family member.
- Remember us in your will or estate.
If you would like to donate to SSB online, click this link. If you would like more information on SSB’s charitable giving program, email angela.bodensteiner@state.mn.us
November 21st is Give to the Max Day. Please consider SSB in your contributions this year.
Webinar - Sept. 10: Psychological First Aid
Join M Health Fairview as they host a free virtual class on Psychological First Aid (PFA).
PFA is an evidence-informed two-hour virtual training for all community members and professionals. Trainees will learn how to support healthy recovery in individuals following a traumatic event, public health emergency, natural disaster, or personal crisis. The curriculum integrates public health, community health and individual psychology by drawing upon skills the trainees already have. The goal of PFA is to teach trainees how to reduce distress and negative health behaviors by providing practical help and promoting resilience.
Date: Tuesday, September 10th
Time: 2 p.m.
Register for PFA.
Webinar - Sept. 18: Individualized Education Plan Process Demystified: Support for Newcomer Families
The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting a webinar to help immigrant families work through the IEP process. Navigating the American education system is a significant challenge for newcomer families and the advocates who support them. For families with children who have, or may have, a disability, this process is even more complex. Newcomer families may be reluctant to pursue special education services for fear their children may face stigma.
Date: Wednesday, September 18th
Time: 12:00 (noon)
Register for IEP process demystified.
AFB 2024 Leadership Conference - September 23-25
Join the American Foundation for the Blind for their 2024 Leadership Conference (AFBLC), which will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis, from September 23rd - 25th!
AFB is delighted to hold this year’s conference in Minneapolis. The motto for this great American city is “Avant,” which is French for “Forward.” This motto plays a key role as they convene leaders and future leaders from every aspect encompassing the field, offering an engaging program that will look to the future of leadership impacting not just the millions of Americans who are blind, but the more than 42 million Americans who live life with vision loss each day.
Click here for conference and registration information.
Free Movie Screening – September 23rd
As part of the AFB Leadership conference, a screening of the new documentary movie, Possibilities, will be free and open to the public. You must pre-register to receive a ticket.
Description: Possibilities is a documentary film celebrating the legacy of Helen Keller as told through the shared stories of 21st-century voices. Possibilities is a co-production of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and BeachGlass Films. The film’s director, Bill Sarine, brought together a collaborative team comprised of both blind and sighted individuals. The full-length documentary proudly stands as the first widely released film to offer open audio description, ensuring accessibility for all audiences.
Screening details and registration information will be available on September 9th. Click this link to find out more.
Learn more about the movie and view the trailer here.
NFB Minnesota’s 2024 Annual Convention – November 3-5
The National Federation of the Blind Minnesota affiliate is hosting their annual state convention November 3-5. Each year’s convention is an opportunity for the blind of our state to come together to celebrate our successes, plan for the future, educate ourselves and others, and strengthen our bonds of friendship. During this conference, they will share public services and other resources for the blind, exchange ideas, and formulate plans and policies for the coming year.
Dates: November 3-5
Location: Rochester, MN
Registration information coming soon. Check this link for more details.
Take the 2025 Legislative Survey
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We want your feedback! Each year, the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) develops a policy agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Input from the public determines what goes into that agenda.
If you would like to suggest policy ideas for MCD to consider for our 2025 Policy Agenda, please fill out our survey. Your thoughts and suggestions are valuable in shaping policies that affect the disability community in Minnesota. We look forward to hearing from you!
Take the 2025 MCD Legislative Survey.
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Calling All Actors
Anderson Hughes Productions, a video production company based in St. Cloud, is looking for a middle-aged man who is blind for a role in a disabilities awareness campaign. They are creating a video in coordination with Independent Lifestyles in Sauk Rapids. The goal of this campaign is to encourage the public to think differently about people with disabilities. If you or someone you know is interested in this role, please contact Brady Hughes at Anderson Hughes Productions – phone: 320-292-3784.
New name for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division
The Minnesota Legislature recently updated the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Act. Two changes took effect Aug. 1.
- The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Act changed to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Services Act.
- The DHS Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division name changed to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division.
These changes were made to reflect the services and supports the division is already providing to people who are DeafBlind and the community. The scope of work is not changing.
For services and other information, visit mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing
AI Usage Among Individuals who are Blind or Low VisIon
Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continue to move at a rapid pace. Many individuals who are blind or low vision are beginning to take advantage of the features AI provides. The American Federation for the Blind conducted a telephone survey of blind and low vision participants to determine their awareness and use of ChatGPT in their daily lives. The survey, conducted between April and October 2023, comprised seven questions related to the use of computers, smartphones, Internet search tools, and ChatGPT. Read the full report here.
If you are wondering how you can use AI in your daily life, contact an SSB Technology Specialist for guidance.
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