The Importance of Reading

The importance of reading cannot be underestimated. Cultivating a reading habit is incredibly beneficial—it sharpens the mind, enhances comprehension and analytical skills, expands creativity, and strengthens memory.

March is National Reading Month, all thanks to Dr. Seuss. Born Theodor Geisel on March 2, 1904, Dr. Seuss spent his lifetime writing and illustrating some of the world’s most beloved stories. In fact, he published a total of 60 books, 47 of which are children’s books. Many of the themes in his books still endure today. Dr. Seuss imparted lasting lessons on respect and resilience, decency and dignity, as well as liberty and loyalty.

In honor of Dr. Seuss, let's pause our busy lives and take a moment to crack open a book and immerse ourselves in the story that takes us on a new adventure, to different places, in different times, and connects us to others through a shared narrative. Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, and old favorite, or a new read, take time this month to sit down with a book and consider all the places you’ll go!

SSB Department Spotlight – All About Reading

Following the theme of National Reading Month, we will delve into the SSB departments and partners that make reading possible for so many throughout Minnesota. 

Literacy is a pathway to maximum independence and life satisfaction. This includes braille literacy. Research shows that braille literacy directly correlates with academic achievement and employment. A survey conducted by Louisiana Tech University found that people with a visual impairment who learn to read through braille have a much higher chance of securing a job.

SSB’s Braille Unit transcribes printed material into braille for students, adults, businesses, and organizations throughout Minnesota upon request. The Braille team has transcribers whose job it is to transcribe printed text into braille and proofreaders ensure the accuracy of transcriptions. Tactile graphics are created and inserted into the books. The books are bound, cataloged, and distributed to classrooms across Minnesota and available for purchase by other agencies and school districts throughout the country. Braille Transcription Services / State Services for the Blind provides more information and links to submit transcription requests.

At school, work, or home, we’ve got you covered with books and other printed materials transcribed into audio, or electronic text. SSB’s Audio Services Department and our professionally tested and trained volunteers record textbooks, business, training, vocational, and leisure materials into a variety of audio formats. All our audio books are human-voice narrated and have digital markers for the sections commonly found in books – parts, chapters, subsections, pages, etc. This allows our customers to quickly navigate the audiobook and go directly to the section they want.

“People from all walks of life use our services to help them learn, stay on top of current events, and enrich their lives through access to the printed word. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be invited into their lives to bring the printed word to life for them,” says Jeff Behl, Audio Services Supervisor. Use this Audio Services link to learn more about audio, large print, or e-text transcription or submit a request.

Additionally, the SSB Communication Center works in partnership with the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library to bring our customers access to all materials available in their collection and through the National Library Service.

• Materials include books and magazines in braille and audio formats, braille music, foreign language titles, and more.
• Many titles are available for download; audio downloads can be played on a variety of devices including the iPhone.
• Audio titles can also be played on a custom digital audio player available for loan.

Patrons to the Braille and Talking Book Library share their enthusiasm for the services they receive. One patron says, “I couldn’t do anything for 3 days because of the talking books. It is so much better than TV.” Another recalls how much a loved one appreciated audiobooks by writing, “The player was a lifesaver for my mom. She loved to read and would have been devastated if that was no longer available to her when her sight deteriorated. We had many interesting conversations about the books she listened to.”

Attention RTB Listeners - RTB Radio News Email Available in April 

Starting next month, the RTB listeners will have the option of receiving the Radio News monthly RTB schedule via email. This format will make it easier to access the listings and times of each month's featured selections on a phone or laptop. The first Radio News email will be sent the last week of March. If you're interested in receiving the RTB Radio News emails, please click this link to subscribe. 

For Your Reading Pleasure

For this National Reading Month, the DEED librarian has handpicked some interesting articles connected to braille reading:

Meet the Researchers Innovating in Braille Research

Jan. 24, 2025 - NPR

Emily Kwong of NPR's Short Wave podcast reports on the writing system and how some researchers are working to lessen the national shortage of qualified braille educators …”

Braille Research Article Link

Transforming Braille Education Could Help Millions of Visually Impaired Americans

Aug. 19, 2024 - NPR

“… Braille literacy is directly linked to higher rates of academic success and better employment outcomes for blind and low vision adults. Every year, the Braille Challenge, a national braille literacy contest, encourages students to fine-tune their skills. But there’s a problem. The U.S. is facing a national shortage of qualified braille teachers. Each state has different requirements for braille literacy, so some students are getting less than two to three hours of instruction a week …”

Transforming Braille Education Article Link

Children Share Story Time with Dogs

Aug. 3, 2024 - BBC

“Children with low vision discovered the "magic of a great book" as they read to guide dogs at an event aimed at improving literacy and confidence.

The initiative, hosted by the Guide Dogs charity at the British Library in central London, was aimed at closing the reading gap between sighted children and their blind or low vision peers …”

Story Time with Dogs Article

Other Announcements: 

MCD 2025 Legislative Forum – March 14^th

The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) invites you to their bi-annual Legislative Forum. Join in-person or virtually on March 14, 2025, to connect with legislators and state officials and discuss issues and policies impacting Minnesotans with disabilities. The forum provides a unique opportunity to advance disability rights and shape state policies. Whether you are engaging in discussions or learning more about legislative advocacy, your presence at the forum contributes to a more inclusive Minnesota. Click here for more information about the MCD Legislative Forum.

Webinar: Mind, Body and Soul Convening...It all adds up: Community helping shape the Cumulative Impacts and Air Toxics Rulemaking process - March 18^th

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will provide an overview of Minnesota’s new Air Toxics and Cumulative Impacts rulemaking processes. Come learn about where MPCA is at in the rulemaking processes and share your ideas to help inform the shaping of these rules. 

Date: Tuesday, March 18

Time: 3:30-5:00 pm

Location: Online - Register for Mind, Body, & Soul Webinar

The Dignity of Work: An International Forum – March 19^th

The Dignity of Work: An International Forum will bring together employers, scholars, and disability employment service providers on March 19 for a global, online event open to anyone that will be hosted by the Institute on Community Integration.

Presenters from Ukraine, Japan, Malaysia, India, the Czech Republic, the United States, and Australia will discuss the current state of employment for people with disabilities, the use of robotics to support employment, and other topics. Presenters will share customized disability hiring initiatives by employers, along with academic analyses of employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Date: Wednesday, March 19

Time: 9:00am-1:45pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm

Location: Online – Dignity of Work Forum link to register and for more information.

Unlocking Inclusivity: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business - March 19^th

Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more inclusive workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.

Date: Wednesday, March 19

Time: 2:00-3:00 pm 

Location: Online – Register for the ERAF webinar here.

AFB Scholarships Available – Apply by March 21^st

The American Foundation for the Blind Scholars Program offers substantial scholarships for legally blind undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. Awards of $8,000 for community college students, $20,000 for undergraduate students, and $28,000 for graduate students are available. In addition to financial support, recipients will have access to mentorship from accomplished blind professionals and the opportunity to attend AFB’s annual Leadership Conference. Use this AFB Scholars Program link for information on how to apply.

Minnesota Braille Challenge – March 22^nd

Celebrating its 25th year, the Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind for students in grades 1-12 who are blind or visually impaired. Organized by the Braille Institute, the program marks a quarter century of promoting braille literacy through rigorous academic competitions across the globe. The Region 11 Low Incidence Project at BrightWorks and SparkPath are working together to coordinate the first Minnesota Braille Challenge! Find out more about the competition by visiting BrightWorks – Minnesota Braille Challenge 

Public Hearing: 2025 Housing and Community Development Action Plan – March 26^th

The State of Minnesota is developing its 2025 Housing and Community Development Action Plan and wants your feedback. This plan reflects year four of the state’s 2022-2026 Consolidated Plan, which examines the housing and community development needs of the state and sets priorities for allocating U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds. 

The State is also requesting comments on its Citizen Participation Plan. This plan establishes the processes by which citizens and local governments may be involved in the development of the above-described Consolidated Plan.

The first public hearing will gather your input on housing and community development needs, as well as how federal funding should be allocated in the state.  

Date: Wednesday, March 26 at 3:45 p.m. 

Location: In person at: Department of Employment and Economic Development Great Northern Building, Floor 12 180 E 5^th Street, St. Paul MN 55101

Virtually at: Microsoft Teams Meeting Link or via phone at 1-651-395-7448, ID 545572532#

Training: Navigate and Manage OneDrive with JAWS  - March 27^th

Do you use OneDrive to store files? Need tips on navigating and accessing your saved content? Join Freedom Scientific for a live webinar to learn how.

Date: Thursday, March 27

Time: 11:00 central time

Location: Online – Freedom Scientific link to register and for more information.

Eliminating the Subminimum Wage Series: Real Wages for Real People! – Starts April 1^st

In this webinar series hosted by the Metro Regional Quality Council, participants will learn what subminimum wages are, why they exist, and how they impact people with disabilities. Expert speakers will share real-life examples, discuss current policies, and explore ideas for fairer pay practices.

April 1: History and Current Landscape

April 8: Provider Experience Panel

April 15: Self-Advocate and Parent Experience Panel

April 22: Benefits and Planning with Competitive Employment

April 29: Audience Questions and Comments

When: April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 12:00pm-1:00pm

Registration: Eliminating the Subminimum Wage Series registration is now open

NFB Scholarships Available – Apply by April 15^th  

The National Federation of the Blind will be awarding two $3,000 scholarships to qualified applicants who are legally blind and attending school next fall in Minnesota. In addition to the monetary award, winners will have the opportunity to attend the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind during July 8-13 at NFB’s expense in New Orleans, Louisiana. To learn more and apply for a scholarship, go to https://nfbmn.org/scholarship-program.

Congratulations ERAF!

At the February, 2025 conference of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA), the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) was honored with the William J. Harris Equal Opportunity Award. This award honors a state or partnership for providing an innovative workforce-related program, project, or initiative which results in significant contributions towards the achievement of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. Award recipient Ray McCoy, ERAF Program Coordinator states, “It has been an honor and privilege to accept this award. Ever since taking this job, I knew this was going to be an innovative and groundbreaking program that would change the game by allowing people with all abilities the chance to thrive professionally.”

Minnesota was the first state in the nation to develop a unique reasonable accommodation reimbursement fund. Since its inception in 2023, the ERAF program has approved 148 applications, reimbursing employers just under $900,000 and removing financial barriers to support these hiring and retention practices. Employers have expressed that the ERAF has helped retain valued employees and fostered workplace cultures where individuals feel supported. “Working with the employees receiving the accommodations has been the most impactful for me. Hearing their individual stories tells me how important our work is in promoting ERAF across Minnesota,” says Morgan Barrett, ERAF Account Technician.

One recipient of a reimbursement is Slow Road Photo in Little Canada. According to Slow Road Co-owner David Morrow, “The ERAF program allowed our business to be much more proactive in the way we made sure our work environment was inclusive of all individuals.  This program was an incredible benefit to our team and allowed us to serve the needs of anyone working for our company without having to think twice about the costs associated.  We are so grateful!”