 Finding Humor
April is a month dedicated to both stress awareness and humor—an interesting contrast that actually makes perfect sense. National Stress Awareness Month highlights the importance of managing stress to maintain mental and physical well-being. Chronic stress can exacerbate health issues, making it crucial to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
At the same time, National Humor Month reminds us that laughter is one of the best stress relievers. Founded in 1976 by humorist Larry Wilde, this month-long celebration emphasizes the therapeutic value of humor. Scientific research supports the idea that laughter reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and improves overall mood. The ability to laugh at life’s challenges can make them feel a little less overwhelming.
So, while April encourages mindfulness about stress, it also invites us to embrace humor as a natural remedy. Whether it’s watching a comedy, sharing jokes with friends, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, laughter can be a powerful tool for stress management. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine—so why not take a dose?
SSB Department Spotlight – Youth Services
SSB’s Youth Services team helps students beginning at age 14 until they turn 22 build confidence, explore career possibilities, and expand horizons of opportunity. “SSB’s Youth Services is an amazing team that demonstrates passion for making a difference. Staff are creative, supportive, and positive. It is a joy to work alongside such outstanding humans,” says Sheila Koenig, Youth Services Supervisor.
As students navigate the world of high school and begin thinking about the future, we offer services and resources that provide a foundation for success. Each of the core areas highlights an essential component that teenagers need to succeed after high school:
- Basic Skills
- Role Models
- Initiative
- Discovery
- Goal Setting
- Experiences
Through SSB, students can explore each of these core components and cross the BRIDGE into the future of work, study, and living independently. In building that BRIDGE, SSB offers resources in technology, career exploration, work experience, adjustment to blindness training, and peer connections, to help youth who are blind, DeafBlind, or low vision develop the skills and confidence for a bright future.
“I enjoy working with youth over a period of time and watching their growth. It’s very rewarding to reflect on those students who came in shy, unsure of working with us or what they wanted to do, and then watch them evolve into determined young adults equipped for success. It’s also great to help one discover their potential and realize their disability does not define them,” says Shane DeSantis, Youth Services Transition Specialist.
SSB’s Youth Services Peer Ambassador program provides opportunities to collaborate with fellow students and SSB staff to promote connections, raise awareness, and aid the overall experience for blind and low vision students in Minnesota. Peer Ambassadors are responsible for helping address areas of transition student needs for individuals by developing programming and various activities for students across the state.
Many fun activities are also included in Youth Services programming including live and virtual meetups, picnics, summer camp opportunities, and outdoor learning with Wilderness Inquiry.
Shane DeSantis says, “I look forward to the summer; we collaborate with MDE for a residential program where we expect over twenty students from all over the state to come and learn together. I am also looking forward to two more experiences with Wilderness Inquiry. One is a day canoe trip and the other is a three-day camping trip.”
Discover more about SSB's Youth Services here.
For Your Listening Pleasure
As we focus on Youth Services this month, check out these podcasts by SSB Staff and the Peer Ambassadors:
Low Vision Support Group Starting in Rochester
Do You Have Vision Loss? You Are Not Alone! Join us for a new Monthly Vision Loss Support Group co-facilitated by State Services for the Blind.
Why Join?
- Connect with others who understand vision loss
- Share experiences and coping strategies in trusting and confidential space
- Find encouragement and emotional support
- Learn about helpful resources and tools
When: First Wednesday each month
Time: 10:00-11:30.
Location: SEMCIL-2200 2nd St SW, Rochester
We welcome you to join us in a supportive and understanding community!
For more information about the group or to RSVP please call Stacy Shamblott at 651-249-5118 or stacy.shamblott@state.mn.us
National Volunteer Week – April 27 to May 4
National Volunteer Week 2025 will be observed from April 27 to May 4. This annual celebration highlights the importance of volunteering and recognized the contributions of volunteers who make a difference in their communities.
SSB is immensely grateful for all the talented volunteers who make a difference in the lives of blind, low vision, and DeafBlind Minnesotans every day. Thank you, Volunteers!
If you are interested in volunteering with SSB, please check out all the available volunteer opportunities here.
Volunteers Needed in Duluth Area
Do you love to read? Are you interested in the news of the day? Do you have an interest in broadcasting? Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the Duluth area to read local newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.
Radio Talking Book (RTB) is a free news and information service that broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listeners across Minnesota and the nation. We broadcast daily newspapers, current magazines and periodicals, and a wide variety of books to appeal to a diverse range of interests. The recordings are archived on the organization's website and on the app, Minnesota Radio Talking Book, so that people can more easily access their local newspaper. These recordings are created every day, so a solid roster of volunteers is crucial to keeping this free and important service up and running!
Volunteer readers are asked to commit to one session per month—sessions last a few hours each and there is flexibility for you to select days that work with your schedule.
Please contact Michelle Juntunen at: michjunt@gmail.com or by phone at: 218-390-7323 for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.
Attention RTB Listeners - RTB Radio News Email Now Available
RTB listeners now have the option of receiving the Radio News monthly RTB schedule via email. This format makes it easier to access the listings and times of each month's featured selections on a phone, laptop, or tablet. If you're interested in receiving the RTB Radio News emails, please click this link to subscribe.
Other Announcements:
Help with Book Research
For a new book titled How to See the Sky, author and Hamline University professor Paul Bogard would like to hear from people who are blind or low vision about how (or if) they are able to "see" the sky. Paul's book will be published worldwide by HarperCollins in 2026. What is your experience of seeing the sky? Paul would love to know. Please contact Paul at pwbogard@gmail.com, or (763) 568-0409.
ADA Changes
In March, the Department of Justice rescinded five COVID-19 related documents and six older guidance documents designed to educate businesses on the requirements of the ADA, claiming that the recission will reduce the burden on businesses to review them.
Read more about the ADA changes here.
Mind, Body, & Soul Convening – Tuesday, April 22nd
SSB outreach team is pleased to be part of this month’s informative Mind, Body, and Soul Convening as we explore How the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is Powering Minnesota’s Workforce and Economy!
DEED will be highlighting economic mobility programs and workforce development opportunities for underrepresented communities designed to break barriers and build pathways to success.
In addition to the main presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to join smaller, focused breakout rooms tailored to specific topics.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Time: 3:30 – 5:00 pm central time
Location: Online – Mind, Body, & Soul information and registration link.
Olmstead Plan Update Community Conversation – Tuesday, April 22nd
Join the Olmstead Implementation Office (OIO) and the Dendros Group for an update and conversation about the planning process for Minnesota's new Olmstead Plan!
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd
Time: 3:00 – 4:40
Location: Online – Click this link to register for virtual Olmstead community conversation.
Disability IN Virtual Inclusive Career Fair – Friday, April 25th
Join Disability IN for a virtual career fair focusing on:
- Employer presentations
- Career fair networking
- 1:1 informational interviews
- Resume reviews
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 pm central time
Location: Online – Click this link for the career fair information and registration.
National Assistive Technology Awareness Day – Wednesday, April 30th
This day recognizes the transformative role AT plays in the lives of people with disabilities and older adults. It’s a moment to celebrate the tools, services, and support systems that help people live, learn, work, and thrive independently.
Learn more about AT Awareness Day here.
Blind Birder Bird-a-thon – Sunday, May 18th
Save the Date! The Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon is a 24-hour birding event designed for participation by birders who are legally blind. This inaugural event encourages participants to identify as many bird species as possible by sound (or sight, as able), celebrating accessibility and the joy of birding. Any legally blind individual in the US - of any age and any level of experience - is welcome to participate. The event takes place anywhere one birds on Sunday, May 18, 2025, 12:01 A.M. to 11:59 P.M. (local time). Participants can bird solo, with a team, or alongside a sighted assistant. Backyard birding, traveling teams, an outing on a trail and more are all welcome! To foster community, increase participation in birding for people who are legally blind, and embrace birding by ear—a skill that often makes legally blind birders exceptionally adept. No experience necessary! Whether an experienced birder or new to birding, this event is for you.
Registration is free!
Date: Sunday, May 18th
Time: All Day - 12:01 am until 11:59 pm
Location: In your own community
For more details including the registration link, go to the website at https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon and sign up & receive updates.
Calling All Birders – Seeking Volunteers in Rochester Area
Are you an avid birder in the Rochester area? Some folks would like to get a local group of blind individuals involved in the Blind Bird-a-Thon, but they need a birder or two to help them out. If you are interested, please email Michael Hurben at: hurbenm@gmail.com to get connected.
Bird Watching While Blind Podcast
Philip Lowry explores the growing number of people with blindness or vision loss who become enthusiastic birders. He interviews three blind birders; Michael Hurben, Martha Steele, and Jerry Berrier. Michael, Martha, and Jerry all have excellent advice about becoming birders, and share some memorable and heartfelt stories.
Click this link to listen to the Bird Watching While Blind Podcast.
NFB BELL Summer Academy – June 16-27, 2025
The NFB BELL Academy—which stands for National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning®—helps blind and low-vision children develop the literacy skills that will empower them to achieve their academic goals and live the lives they want.
Click this link for the NFB BELL Summer Academy information and registration.
Social Events at Lighthouse in Duluth
The Lighthouse Center for Vital Living in Duluth is hosting free social events for people with disabilities, their friends, and families.
Mondays 9:00 am -10:30 am Brunch and Board Games - Play board games, card games, or video games. They’ll have adaptive switches, joy sticks, switch-operated dice rollers, adapted board games, and more! Discover how assistive technology and devices can enhance your ability to play games with family and friends.
Fridays 11 am – 12:30 pm Cooking or Crafting – Join in preparing a meal or trying out a craft. Learn how adaptive tools and technologies can help. Cooking will take place every ‘odd’ numbered Friday; crafting events will be held on ‘even’ numbered Fridays.
Every Third Monday 9:00 am -10:30 am Tech Topics – Topics may include cellphone accessibility, sensory solutions, and smart home devices.
Advanced reservations are recommended but not required. Call 218-624-4828 for more information and to register.
|
