 Embracing Possibility in the New Year
As we step into a new year, January offers a fresh canvas filled with possibility and promise. It’s a time to reflect on lessons learned, embrace new opportunities, and move forward with hope. The challenges of the past remind us of our resilience, and the future invites us to dream bigger, act boldly, and support one another along the way. Let’s make this year a season of growth, connection, and optimism—because together, we can turn hope into progress.
SSB Department Spotlight – Outreach
The SSB Outreach team is comprised of two staffers; Lisa L. and Lisa R. Often collectively referred to as 'the Lisas' by SSB staff, the Outreach team may be small but strives to create a large impact.
The duties of this team are broad and varied. They work with every unit at SSB - Workforce Development, Senior Services, and the Communication Center. Their main goal is to spread the word about all the services we provide to Minnesotans who are blind, low vision, and DeafBlind. They employ many methods to accomplish this task - including hosting vendor booths at conferences and health fairs and presenting to senior living facilities and community groups. They also collaborate with DEED's Office of Public Engagement to reach a broader audience.
“I love that this job connects us with every corner of SSB. Maybe people know that we are a resource for employment, but they don’t know that we can help their senior mom or dad with their vision loss. Maybe they know about our Communication Center but don’t know that we serve folks who can’t access print because of disabilities that aren’t related to vision loss. Maybe folks think we’re only in the Twin Cities. It’s a great pleasure letting people know about all that we offer and how it can make a difference throughout Minnesota," says Lisa L.
The Outreach team is responsible for SSB communications and marketing materials including producing 4 different newsletters, assisting with departmental brochures and printed materials, and managing website content. They also work with DEED's media team for media requests and promotional marketing.
One favorite task of the Outreach team is connecting with SSB customers to hear about their accomplishments and achievements. The Outreach team conducts interviews and writes the stories of success that are shared with others. Nothing is more impactful than first-hand accounts of how SSB services have made a difference in people's lives.
"I enjoy the variety in my job and how it takes me in so many different directions. We juggle many exciting and engaging projects. There's never a dull day for the SSB Outreach team," says Lisa R.
January is Braille Literacy Month
January marks Braille Literacy Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of braille in promoting independence and equal access for individuals who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. Braille, a tactile writing system developed by Louis Braille in the 19th century, continues to be a vital tool for literacy, education, and communication.
According to the National Federation of the Blind, braille remains essential for academic success and employment opportunities. While technology has introduced new accessibility tools, braille provides a foundation for reading and writing that digital solutions alone cannot replace.
This month, we encourage everyone to learn more about braille and explore ways to support braille literacy—whether through advocacy, education, or simply understanding its significance in creating an inclusive world.
Other Announcements:
Go MN! Service Provider Grants
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.
Request for Proposals
Deadline
All applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. Central Time, on Friday, January 30, 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The applicant will incur all costs incurred in applying to this RFP.
Technical Assistance
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to tyler.sadek@state.mn.us. All answers will be posted within three business days. Please submit questions no later than 4:30 p.m. Central time, on Friday, January 23, 2026.
NLS Webinar - That All May eRead - Jan. 27th
The topic for the January 27, 2026, That All May eRead online program will be Using Your eReader with Your iPhone. In the remaining time, they will answer any questions you have about the NLS Braille eReader.
The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. EST and will last for one hour. The meeting will be recorded. To access the meeting, go to https://loc.zoomgov.com/j/1603971745?pwd=AAyByFXmbZ94WHMCroPt1Iw28Se5mU.1.
OSERS Listening Session - Jan. 28th
Please join in a virtual listening session with the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS):
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) invites parents, students, teachers, paraprofessionals, school staff, individuals with disabilities, and other disability stakeholders across the nation to participate in a virtual listening session. You are invited to share your personal experiences with special education and vocational rehabilitation, including stories of success and challenges and any matters you would like the Department to hear as they work to empower parents, teachers, and local leaders and return education to the states.
OSERS leadership will be in attendance to hear from participants. The Department intends only to listen to feedback; no information will be shared, and Department staff will not engage in discussion. Please note that opportunities to speak are on a first-come, first-serve basis, and will include a 3-min max time per speaker. For registered participants unable to participate due to time constraints, listening session remarks may be submitted by email to a designated inbox. Consistent with the structure of the listening session, the Department will not respond to emailed session remarks.
This session will be closed to the press and strictly off the record.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 12:00 – 3:00 pm EST
WHERE: Zoom Registration Link
They are looking forward to hearing from you personally. Thank you for your time, your care, and commitment.
Civil Rights Survey for Persons with Disabilities
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council is currently conducting a Civil Rights Survey designed to gather information about civil rights experiences of persons with disabilities.
The study focuses on important areas such as education, employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and public life.
The purpose of this survey is to collect meaningful data that can help inform future advocacy efforts, policy development, and accessibility improvements within our state.
All responses are strictly confidential and will be used only for research and advocacy purposes. No personally identifiable information will be shared.
Click here to access the Civil Rights Survey.
Event: Let's Talk About Disability Services in MN
Disability services in Minnesota are at a crossroads. Disruptions tied to fraud investigations are creating uncertainty for many people with disabilities and their families, sometimes resulting in service gaps for people who have done nothing wrong.
The Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) will host "Let’s Talk About Disability Services in Minnesota," a virtual statewide discussion bringing together Minnesotans with disabilities, caregivers, state agency leaders, county representatives, and legislators to explore how the state can protect public dollars without interrupting essential services.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Time: 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (statewide)
This event will feature lived experiences from Minnesotans with disabilities, updates from state and county leaders, and a bipartisan legislative discussion focused on people-centered solutions.
Fill out the registration form to attend. We will email the Zoom link after you register.
Accommodations
MCD will provide:
- American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation
- Live CART captioning
If you need additional accommodations, please email Joel Runnels.
AFB Research Study
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is conducting a research study seeking U.S.-based adults 55 and older who are experiencing changes in their vision. The aim of the study is to understand what it’s like for older adults to adjust to vision changes and what services can help them. Participants can choose between a 60-minute
interview and a 90-minute focus group, either in-person or virtually. Transportation support will be available for in-person sessions, if needed.
If you are interested, please call AFB researcher Angie Whistler at 202-469-6834 to sign up.
Click this link for more information about the AFB Research study.
Know Your Rights
There's a lot going on throughout the state right now. Did you know that the Mid Minnesota Legal Aid Center has an extensive library to help all Minnesotans know their rights? This may be a time when more people are looking for information, and these resources can be helpful.
Know Your Rights - Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Reporting Impacts
Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison has launched a form on his office website that Minnesotans can use to share information about the impacts that federal actions in Minnesota, including those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have had on them personally or someone close to them, or that they have personally witnessed.
Click this link to access the Attorney General's reporting form.
Casting Call for Martin Scorsese Movie
Grant Wilfley Casting is seeking background talent for various scenes in a feature film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Still seeking people to portray:
- Blind / Low Vision Individuals
- All types, ethnicities, and genders welcome
Filming in New York City in May, 2026
Click this link for more information on applying for this casting call.
For Your Reading Pleasure
A recent article from the American Printing House for the Blind delves into the emotional adjustment to declining vision. This article provides useful information on the seven steps of adjusting to blindness/low vision. It also includes helpful tips on how families and advocates can assist individuals experiencing deteriorating vision.
Read the article at the link below:
Emotional Adjustment to Declining Vision: It's A Family Matter - ConnectCenter
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