Spring Renewal, Community Strength

As spring settles in across Minnesota, this season of renewal offers a fitting moment to reflect on the growth happening within our SSB community. April also brings Volunteer Appreciation Month, a time when we gratefully acknowledge the individuals who share their time, energy, and expertise to support our mission. Their commitment helps our work take root and flourish—much like the first signs of spring that remind us of what’s possible when we nurture one another. This month, we celebrate the progress we’ve made together and the many ways our community continues to grow stronger.

SSB Department Spotlight – English Language Learning

For nearly two years, SSB has been home to a uniquely impactful English Language Learning (ELL) service led by instructor Abbi Mayland—a role intentionally created to support English learners who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind as they pursue greater independence and career opportunities.

Abbi’s interest in teaching English began early in life, rooted in a fascination with different cultures and languages. But it wasn’t until she moved away from home that she truly understood how essential a shared language is for building everyday connections. That experience inspired her career path and remains a driving force in her work at SSB today. “I’ve continued to stay motivated because of all the wonderful people I get to meet and work with”, says Abbi.

Established in 2024, Abbi’s position at SSB was created to close a critical service gap: accessible, intentionally designed English instruction for individuals with vision loss or combined hearing and vision loss. The goal is not just language learning, but improved workforce readiness. By focusing on tailored instruction, the program helps customers move more efficiently toward educational achievement, employment, training programs, and other next steps on their career journeys—ideally without needing an interpreter.

A typical day for Abbi blends careful preparation with hands‑on teaching. She begins each morning refining lesson plans, then travels throughout the Twin Cities metro area to meet with students for one‑on‑one, 90‑minute lessons. Her afternoons often end with documentation and communication—an essential part of supporting each customer’s long‑term goals.

Because her students come from many language backgrounds, Abbi uses a teaching approach designed to work without relying on interpreters or shared native languages. Through tools like objects, sound cues, sentence frames, and total physical response—a method that pairs physical movement with language—she ensures students can build vocabulary and confidence, even if they begin with no English skills at all.

For anyone learning English, Abbi offers simple but encouraging advice: “A little bit of language can go a long way, so don’t be afraid to use the skills you have even if you are not perfect or don’t know everything.”

New Men's Low Vision Support Group

Support groups organized through State Services for the Blind (SSB) are helping people with vision loss find encouragement, practical strategies, and community. Next month, SSB is launching a new men's low vision support group. The group will meet the second Wednesday every month. Come join us for helpful tips, new techniques, laughter, and support. 

Date: Starting April 8th - Next meeting May 13th

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: SSB's home office - 2200 University Avenue West, St. Paul

Contact: Register with stacy.shamblott@state.mn.us

ERAF Employer Webinar - Wednesday, April 22nd

Join DEED for an Employer Webinar - Unlocking Accessibility: How ERAF Can Transform Your Business. Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help Minnesota businesses thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. 

Date: Wednesday, April 22nd

Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Location: Online

Registration is required. Click this link to register and learn more about this valuable program. 

Thank you, SSB Volunteers!

As April marks National Volunteer Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who strengthen SSB’s mission every day. Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to step forward make a profound difference for the individuals and families we serve.

SSB volunteers:

• Produce braille materials
• Create tactile graphics
• Assist proofreaders
• Broadcast newspapers
• Read and record books and other print materials
• Structure audiobooks
• Repair equipment
• Represent SSB with outreach at in-person events

All our volunteers bring energy and kindness that truly embody community spirit. We are grateful for the time they give, the care they show, and the growth they help make possible across our programs.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for SSB, please click this link for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Get Involved - Join the SRC-B Council

The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC-B) acts as an advisory body to provide recommendations and a perspective from the community of the low vision, blind, and DeafBlind to State Services for the Blind on programs and services they provide to qualified Minnesotans.The council must have a majority of members who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, and who are not employed by SSB. Meetings are currently using a hybrid model with in-person and on Zoom on a bimonthly basis. Per diem reimbursement is available.

Current SRC-B seats open for application:

• American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Projects Representative
• Industry Representative #2

Be part of the advisory body to provide recommendations for SSB services and programming. Click this link to complete and submit an online Open Appointments Application on the Secretary of State website.

Other Announcements: 

Job Opportunity - Beyond Vision @ Base Supply Center

Beyond Vision @ Base Supply Center (BCS) is currently seeking applicants for a Business Development Coordinator position based at the 934th BSC in Minneapolis, MN.

They are looking for a candidate with experience in customer service or retail, along with strong computer skills. This role offers a great opportunity to support their mission while contributing to business growth and customer engagement. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate!

Beyond Vision is an equal opportunity employer and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. 

Click this link to apply for the Business Development Coordinator position.

Joybubbles Documentary - April 12th & 16th

Explore Minnesota Film has directed and produced a documentary film called Joybubbles about a  Minnesota innovator formerly known as Joe Engrassio, who was born blind. This is an open access screening featuring open audio description and open captions.

Joybubbles developed a fascination with telephones by age four and figured out how to manipulate them by whistling. In doing so, the young man found a calling and a way to connect with other people. From his abusive childhood to being underestimated in his work in technology, Joybubbles took charge of his own life, renouncing his past, and declaring himself a perpetual 5-year-old (and legally changing his name to Joybubbles). He landed in the Twin Cities where his work as a “phone phreak”, using telecommunications technology to spread joy, was legendary.

Click this link for information, show times, and tickets for the Joybubbles movie.

Inclusive Employment Connections - April 13th

Hennepin County is hosting an in-person event to help people with disabilities build employment connections. Event highlights include professional headshots, opportunities to connect with employment service providers and local businesses, presentations on employment-related topics, and more.

Date: Monday, April 13

Time: 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport, 7901 34th Avenue S, Bloomington

Learn more: hennepincounty.gov/cmtysupport

Register online: forms.office.com/g/mQasq1SBQ0

NFB of Minnesota Scholarships - Apply by April 15th 

Attention Students! The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota announces the Joyce and Tom Scanlan 2026 scholarship program is now open. This year NFB - MN will be awarding two scholarships for $3,000 to qualified applicants. In addition to the monetary award, winners will have the opportunity to attend the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind in Austin, Texas on July 3rd-8th with expenses paid by NFB of Minnesota. 

Applications must be received by April 15th. Click here for information on the NFB - MN scholarship application program.

Volunteers Needed - MN Cane Quest, April 25th

Disability Advocacy Day at the Capitol - April 29th

Join others from across the state at the Minnesota State Capitol to advocate for disability rights and protect community resources. The theme this year is Disability Justice: Safety in Community. 

Date: Wednesday, April 29

Pre-Rally & Check-In: 9:00 - 10:15 am

Rally: 10:30 - 11:30 am

Location: Minnesota Capitol Rotunda

Meetings with Legislators: All day!

Use this link to register in advance.

Olmstead Public Comment Period

This spring, the Olmstead Implementation Office (OIO) is hosting a public comment period on the draft Olmstead Plan. They need your feedback!

https://mn.gov/olmstead/plan-update/public-comment.jsp

There are two ways to participate in public comment: 

1. Sign up for a public comment online meeting organized by our partners at the Dendros Group.  

• The meetings are organized by the topic areas in the draft plan. They have meetings for: Housing, Transit & Transportation, Education, Crisis Services, Health & Safety, Transition (including waivers), and Employment.  
• These meetings will be on Zoom throughout April. 

2. Submit written public comment organized by OIO.  (Open in early April through early May)

• You can submit written comment using an online survey. 
• The survey will be available on the OIO website in early April.

Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon - May 3rd & 4th

Registration is officially open the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon happening May 3 and 4, 2026. This global celebration is designed with and for birders who are blind or have low vision. It centers birding by ear, community connections, and the understanding that birding is for everybody and every mind.

Participants who are blind or have low vision can bird anywhere in the world during at least two hours of a 24-hour window on either May 3 or May 4. Birding can take place in a backyard, park, balcony, accessible trail, neighborhood sidewalk, or wherever listening to birds is possible. Count the species you detect by sound or sight and submit your list to the Bird-a-Thon Compiler so your birds can be part of the global total. 

You may also consider organizing one or more outings throughout Minnesota in coordination with local bird clubs who can provide expert guidance on identifying birds by ear.

There is no cost to participate. The focus is community, joy in birds, awareness, and access.

Full details and registration are available at:
https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon

Article: A service dog named Alfred sparked a Lyft settlement in Minnesota with nationwide reach

“The ride-sharing company Lyft will ensure the rights of blind and other disabled passengers across the country to travel with their service animals under a settlement announced in Minnesota …”

Click here to read the full AP News article.