 Summer Travel
July in Minnesota is a season of lakeside laughter, winding roads through lush countryside, and cherished moments under the open sky—and this month, we're embracing the spirit of summer travel with accessibility front and center. So, go ahead and get out there - whether you're traveling to the North Shore, enjoying a museum or festival in the Twin Cities, or simply relaxing at a local park. Minnesota summers are fleeting, and now's the time to take advantage of the best that summer has to offer.
SSB Department Spotlight – Business Enterprises Program (BEP)
Summer travel brings bustling rest stops, busy transportation hubs, and increased foot traffic across public facilities—prime opportunities for the Minnesota Business Enterprises Program (BEP). The BEP provides profitable vending business opportunities to qualified licensed, legally blind Minnesotans to broaden their economic opportunities. BEP has a long history. It was established by the 1936 Randolph-Sheppard Act, a federal law which mandates a priority to blind persons to operate vending facilities on Federal property. Minnesota started BEP in 1938, two years after the federal law was passed. Today, there are 22 BEP businesses in 100 locations in 44 cities across the state.
As travelers explore the state’s highways and landmarks, they often encounter vending services and snack bars operated by blind entrepreneurs through the BEP. According to John Hulet, SSB's BEP Supervisor, "The Business Enterprises Program provides exposure. When people see our vendors out in the public, they are intrigued by them and learn more about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it. It provides more opportunities for the public to learn about what’s possible for individuals with vision loss."
This program not only enhances convenience for tourists during the busy summer months but also empowers individuals who are blind by providing meaningful employment and business ownership opportunities in high-traffic government buildings and roadside facilities. In this way, summer travel helps spotlight the vital role of accessibility and inclusion in Minnesota’s economy. On your next road trip, consider supporting a BEP vendor by grabbing a beverage or snack at a rest area.
Visit the BEP webpages to learn more about the program. For questions, contact John Hulet: john.hulet@state.mn.us
Accessible Destinations Across Minnesota
Exploring Minnesota is an enriching experience, offering everything from vibrant cities to serene natural landscapes—and accessible travel options are making it possible for everyone to enjoy it. Here is some essential information and helpful resources to assist you in planning an accessible journey throughout the state.
Greater Minnesota
Twin Cities Metro Area
While it's impossible to list every destination in Minnesota that provides great accessible experiences, it's worth checking out your favorite local sites and seeing what they provide. With all places, it's best practice to call ahead and explain what accommodations you may need to make your visit most enjoyable.
For Your Reading Pleasure
Using Tactile Maps to Teach Risk Analysis at Street Crossings
June 9, 2025
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness
“The role of an orientation & mobility specialist is essential to provide professional training and recommendations to promote safe, independent street crossings for people who are blind or have low vision. The outlined strategies in this Practice Perspective are a novel approach to teaching crossing strategies to individuals with visual impairments in a sequential manner to allow them to generalize the strategies across multiple intersections, when controlled by Stop or Yield signs …”
Click this link to read the full article on Using Tactile Maps.
Other Announcements:
Clinics at the Capitol - Tuesday, July 15th
The Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility in collaboration with leaders across the state are offering hands-on-help for those seeking opportunities in the State of Minnesota. Our goal is to ensure Minnesotans are not only seen and heard at the Capitol but also meaningfully connected to the programs designed to support their journey toward financial independence and opportunity.
July’s event will be on Employment and Economic Development in partnership with MN Management and Budget (MMB), and the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), including staff from SSB.
Date: Tuesday, July 15th
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Minnesota State Capitol
Learn more about this Clinics at the Capitol event.
Register for the Clinics at the Capitol event.
July is Disability Pride Month
More than one in four adults in the United States has a disability. Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that celebrates people with disabilities, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and promotes disability culture and visibility.
Date: Thursday, July 17th
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Minnesota State Capitol
Learn more about the Disability Pride Festival here.
The One Minnesota History Makers convening in July will celebrate Disability Pride! More information coming soon! Check back at this 1MNHM link to learn more when the event is posted.
Celebrating 35 Years of the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that was signed on July 26, 1990. The ADA represents a powerful commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity for millions of Americans with disabilities, breaking down barriers to employment, education, transportation, and public life. It laid the foundation for a more accessible and just society by recognizing that people with disabilities deserve the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. While we honor the progress made, we also reaffirm our responsibility to continue advocating for full inclusion, accessibility, and respect in every aspect of life.
Learn more about the ADA here.
As part of its American Experience series, Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has an episode on story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The episode titled Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act gives historical background on this landmark legislation.
Click this link to watch the PBS episode.
Mind, Body, & Soul Convening - Tuesday, July 22
Following the theme of summer travel, the July Mind, Body, & Soul discussion is Explore Minnesota – Star of the North: How Travel and Outdoor Recreation Strengthen Mind, Body and Soul.
Join the webinar for an energizing and inspiring conversation with Explore Minnesota Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty and Outdoor Recreation Deputy Director Randolph Briley. Together, they’ll explore how tourism and outdoor recreation contribute to wellness, connection, and equity across Minnesota.
Date: Tuesday, July 22nd
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am
Location: Online
Click this link to register for the July Mind, Body, & Soul discussion.
Register Now - SSB Listening Sessions July 28-30
SSB will be holding three hybrid listening sessions to gather information for our annual Needs Assessment report. The sessions will be held in-person at SSB (2200 University Avenue West, Suite #240, St. Paul) and on Zoom.
Session 1:
General Audience & Youth Services/Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Date: Monday, July 28th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Session 2:
Adult DeafBlind
Date: Tuesday, July 29th
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Session 3:
Youth Services/Pre-ETS DeafBlind
Date: Wednesday, July 30th
Time: 7:00-8:30 pm
Click this link for more information on the listening sessions.
Click this Listening Session Registration form to register.
Registration Open! New DA2 Talking Book Player Introduction - Thursday, August 28th
Learn about the new digital talking book player, the DA2. Hear about its features, including built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to BARD, Bluetooth connectivity, internal storage, and more. DA2 players will be available for participants to try hands-on, along with other equipment. Attendees can receive a cartridge to assist in setting up a new DA2 at home. Please bring your BARD log-in credentials and Wi-Fi network name and password if you want them saved on the cartridge. This will be an in-person only event held at the Minnesota Department of Education in partnership between the Minnesota Braille and Talking Book Library and SSB.
Date: Thursday, August 28th
Time: 1:00 - 2:30
Location: 400 NE Stinson Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55413, in lower-level conference rooms 101 and 102
Registration is required due to room capacity. Registration limited to 40 participants.
Attention Radio Talking Book Listeners
Minnesota State Services for the Blind is collecting listener feedback on your RTB experience. Please take a moment to answer this short survey. Your responses will be kept confidential. Thank you for helping us make Radio Talking Book a valuable service in our communities.
Click this link to access the RTB Feedback Survey.
Share Your Story
MN StoryCollective is a way for you to share your experiences, generate ideas for change, and help support the state’s many communities. Their mission is about caring for the wellbeing of all who live here. MN StoryCollective connects the voices of residents with those making decisions.
Click this link to share your story.
Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing Community Needs Survey
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, & Hard of Hearing board members are seeking your feedback to help shape the Commission’s big picture goals. This survey will help immensely to shape the Commission’s big picture goals! You can take the survey in light mode here! Or in dark mode here! Prefer a conversation instead? You can request an interview by calling Darlene Zangara at 612-405-5611.
Take an Autonomous Ride
If your summer travels take you to other cities, you may want to consider experiencing a ride with Waymo, which offers a driverless ride-share service. Currently, Waymo services Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta with tests beginning in New York City and Philadelphia.
Waymo’s driverless ride experience is sparking a wide range of reactions. Here’s a snapshot of what people are saying:
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Smooth and quiet rides: Many users say Waymo feels like a luxury experience, with smooth driving and a peaceful cabin—ideal for working or relaxing.
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Mobile office vibes: Riders appreciate the ability to take calls or get work done without distractions, thanks to the calm environment and gentle driving style.
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Cost-effective: Some report that Waymo rides are competitively priced, even cheaper than Uber or Lyft in certain cities like Phoenix.
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Privacy perks: Tinted windows and no driver mean you can sing, chat, or just chill without feeling watched.
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