 Warm Wishes & Holiday Cheer
Although winter hasn’t officially begun, Minnesota is already in full seasonal swing. The first half of December has brought a brisk and snowy start, with measurable snowfall on five to six days and totals ranging from 3 to 8 inches—some areas even topping 12 inches! Temperatures have dipped well below average, running 7°F to 12°F colder than usual, with several locations experiencing record-setting lows. It’s safe to say: winter has made its entrance loud and clear.
Despite the chill, December marks the month to embrace the season with cozy traditions—from sipping hot cocoa by the fire to enjoying twinkling lights, winter hikes, family gatherings, and festive community events. As we wrap up the year, we send warm wishes your way for a joyful, restful season filled with connection, comfort, and cheer.
SSB Department Spotlight – Facilities
At SSB's home office in St. Paul, the Facilities team plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping the agency running smoothly—from building maintenance to transportation—with dedication and heart.
Facilities: Ensuring Safety and Functionality
Jeremy Hoke, Facilities and Safety Supervisor, oversees everything from vendor contracts to emergency drills. His responsibilities span building systems, security, telecommunications, onboarding, space planning, cleaning supervision, and project management. He also coordinates with DEED’s Risk Management on safety protocols. “There’s always something,” Jeremy says, whether it’s a power outage or a kitchen remodel. What keeps him going? “I enjoy the people I work with and staying on top of things.”
Front Desk: A Warm Welcome
Davica S. has been SSB’s front desk receptionist since 2018. She greets visitors, answers questions, and supports administrative tasks. “Every day is different,” she says. One memorable moment was helping a walk-in visitor understand SSB’s services, turning frustration into hope. “It’s moments like this that make me thankful for working at SSB.”
Mailroom: Logistics Hub
Pat L. has managed the mailroom for two years, handling mail, shipping, deliveries, assistive tech, and vehicle coordination. He supports remote staff and processes donations. “Working with SSB staff and responding quickly makes the day go by fast,” he says. His biggest challenge? “Mondays,” he jokes.
Drivers: Connecting Clients
SSB’s five drivers transport staff across Minnesota. Beth H., who joined in 2023, finds joy in driving and honors her late mother through her work. Barb L. enjoys scenic routes and helping clients reach their goals. Dave N. values supporting SSB’s mission. Jeremy praises the drivers: “They go above and beyond. They love their jobs, and it shows.”
United by Purpose
These teams share a commitment to service. “Everybody comes to work because they know what they do benefits others,” Jeremy says. Thanks to their dedication, SSB staff can focus on serving Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind—knowing the building and mission are in good hands.
SSB in the Spotlight
SSB's Aging Eyes Coordinator, Stacy S., was invited to participate in the Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology Podcast. The podcast episode aired on December 10th and discussed how SSB helps individuals with vision loss adapt to life through community programs, low vision aids, and specialized training.
Click here to access this episode of the Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology Podcast.
Seeking Volunteer RTB Readers
Come and share your love of reading! Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers to read books, magazines, and 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 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!
If interested in becoming a volunteer RTB reader, please complete this application.
Other Announcements:
Empowerment Through Podcasts
Created by members of the blind and low vision community, Blind Abilities' podcasts and blogs share real-life experiences, practical tips, and inspiring stories. The podcasts are geared toward high school students, college bound students, and those seeking information about blindness. From mastering Voiceover on iPhones and iPads to learning alternative techniques for everyday tasks like cleaning a bathroom, Blind Abilities offers insights drawn directly from lived experiences. They also collaborate closely with SSB to produce and distribute relevant, accessible content tailored to the needs of their audience. These podcasters do more than just share stories. They listen, support, and offer guidance—empowering others to overcome obstacles and thrive.
Click here to access the Blind Abilities website and start listening today!
Minnesota Disability Law Center - Providing Protection and Advocacy
The Minnesota Disability Law Center (MDLC) is the federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency for people with disabilities in the state of Minnesota. Every state has a P&A in which lawyers and advocates provide free legal help to people with disabilities on disability rights issues. As a P&A, MDLC has federal access authority which allows them to monitor and investigate facilities that serve people with disabilities— any type of disability, of any age, at all income levels, across Minnesota.
Learn more about the Minnesota Disability Law Center here.
Open Position - American Printing House
The American Printing House is hiring for a RISE Transition and Career Specialist. This position will provide end-to-end leadership on training and instructional projects using research-based practices that promote self-determination, transition planning, career preparation, and meaningful career experiences for learners who are blind, deafblind, or low vision. This role will design and facilitate high-quality, innovative digital and in-person learning experiences that help Monarch RISE project participants explore the competitive integrated employment (CIE) potentials of the Monarch, collaborate with peers and experts, and translate their learning into actionable career strategies. This is a highly collaborative and impact-driven position for someone who enjoys connecting people, ideas, and opportunities to help others succeed.
Click this link for more information on the APH RISE Transition & Career Specialist position.
Free Tactile Sign Language Webinar Series
The Minnesota DeafBlind Project is sharing a FREE Tactile Sign Language Webinar Series offered by the Alaska Deafblind Project. The series consists of three sessions that will take place on January 13, 20, and 27, 2026 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. central time.
Click this link for information and registration for the Tactile Sign Language Webinar Series.
Minnesota Paid Leave Starts January 1st.
The new Minnesota Paid Leave program begins January 1st. Paid Leave helps you be there when it matters. Because no matter who you are—a friend, a neighbor, a spouse or a family member—we all need time to take care of ourselves and the ones we love. Paid Leave offers payments and job protections that make it possible to be there for life's important moments.
Learn more at the Minnesota Paid Leave website.
A Deeper Dive - How Disabled Talent is Shaping the Future of Work
New research from Disability:IN and LinkedIn’s Economic Graph Institute reveals a powerful trend shaping the global workforce: professionals with disabilities are advancing in their careers—but often by switching companies to do it. This analysis draws on anonymized and aggregated profile information from nearly 10 million self-identified LinkedIn members with disabilities across seven countries: Brazil, Canada,
France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Click this link to access the full workforce report.
Touch of Genius Prize - Apply by January 9th
The Touch of Genius Prize was developed to inspire entrepreneurs, educators, or inventors to continue the promotion of braille and tactile literacy for blind and DeafBlind people worldwide. This prize can be granted for innovative and accessible computer software applications, tactile hardware, or curriculum that promotes braille and/or tactile literacy. The National Braille Press (NBP) encourages all applicants to think outside the box for what can be used to help improve the lives of blind people. Even if you have applied in previous years, we encourage you to apply again! The winner of this prize will receive up to $10,000, which will help them to continue to innovate in the fields of technology and education for the blind community. The Touch of Genius Prize for Innovation is provided by the support of Susan Olivo and the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.
Full application details and more information can be found at www.touchofgeniusprize.org.
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