 April 2026
What’s included this month?
- Invite: Penny Forward Career Climb Workshop (April 17-19)
- MNABS Jeopardy Event (April 11)
- College Readiness Workshop (April 21)
- Save the dates: August Brainerd Event and Camping Trip
- List of additional summer opportunities!
Just for Fun
Did you know Minnesota consistently ranks among the top states for volunteerism and community involvement? That means you live in a place where people show up, work hard, and make a difference.
Those same qualities—reliability, teamwork, and initiative—are exactly what employers look for. Whether you’re exploring your first job, planning for college, or building career skills, you’re already growing up in a state that values contribution and leadership.
A Note from SSB Counselors
Hello, students!
As you begin to wrap up this school year, we hope you take a moment to feel proud of all you’ve accomplished. This year has been full of learning, growth, and new experiences—and finishing strong is something worth celebrating!
With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time to explore opportunities that excite and inspire you. Whether it’s trying something new, building skills, or gaining experience connected to your future goals, every step you take helps you grow and gain confidence.
There are many fun and meaningful ways to stay engaged—like training programs, workshops, or hands-on experiences—that can also strengthen your resume and set you up for success down the road.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out anytime—we’d love to help you make this summer meaningful and productive.
State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind – Transition Committee
The State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC-B) serves as an advisory body that provides recommendations and community perspectives from individuals who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind. The council advises State Services for the Blind (SSB) on programs and services for qualified Minnesotans. Learn more: https://mn.gov/deed/ssb/involve/srcb/
The Transition Committee meets regularly to discuss services and supports impacting students across the state.SSB is seeking students, parents, and teachers to apply and serve on this committee. This is a valuable opportunity to share your perspective and help shape programs that impact students statewide. Applications are accepted annually between June 1 and July 15. The committee year runs from September 1 through August 31.
Interested in applying? Email: shane.desantis@state.mn.us
Spring and Summer Opportunities
Penny Forward: Career Climb Workshop:
Dates: April 17-19
SSB and Penny Forward are partnering to offer Career Climb, a high-impact, in-person weekend workshop for students who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind.
Participants will:
- Build leadership confidence
- Develop resumes and LinkedIn profiles
- Practice professional communication
- Learn financial decision-making skills
- Connect with peers and mentors
Please see the Career Climb Flyer for full details.
To reserve your spot: Contact your SSB counselor or email shane.desantis@state.mn.us
College Readiness Workshop – Mastering Time Management Part 3
Whether you’re preparing for college or already enrolled, strong time management skills are essential for success.
Date: April 21, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: Virtual
Duluth Lighthouse Center for Vital Living
The Lighthouse will offer two in-person camps this summer. Both camps start at 2:00 PM on the first Sunday and run through noon on the following Sunday. The first camp is called “Kickstart Your Future with Taekwondo!” and is Sunday, June 7 – Sunday, June 14. The second camp is called “Charting Your Life Course” and is Sunday, July 5 – Sunday, July 12. Learn more online at the Lighthouse Website!
Vision Loss Resources
VLR is a nonprofit provider of training, classes, social activities, and support groups for people with vision loss living in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. They offer classes to help students learn adaptive techniques and skills that prepare them for work and independence. Subject areas include assistive technology, daily living skills, orientation and mobility, cooking, braille, and more! Chat with your SSB counselor and visit visionlossresources.org to learn more.
Envision Level Up Program
The Level Up Program partners with teachers, families, assistive technology professionals, community professionals, colleges, and universities to guide students as they set goals and achieve success. This comprehensive national program provides ongoing support and resources to students who are blind or visually impaired at every stage of their education. This program is in Wichita, Kansas, and is held Sunday, June 21 - Saturday, June 27, 2026. Visit envisionus.com/youth-programs/level-up to learn more!
Brainerd Career Exploration Weekend
Join us for a weekend of learning and fun! This is being held at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota, on August 7th, 8th, and 9th. Students will gather to learn about various careers, hear from a panel of employees about their jobs and career journey, engage in job shadow experiences, participate in accessible recreation and leisure activities, and more!
Colorado Center for the Blind – No Limits to Learning
The Colorado Center for the Blind is pleased to announce its No Limits to Learning program for blind teens and young adults for the summer of 2026, with 3-week and 6-week options. No Limits to Learning is a residential program for ages 15–21. 6-week dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026. 3-week dates: July 13 – July 31, 2026. Application deadline: Friday, April 17
Camping Trip with Wilderness Inquiry
Dates: August 11–13
Location: Carver Park Reserve, Victoria, MN
Join SSB for an outdoor adventure and community-building experience.
Resources and Activities
EMPOWER VI
The goal of EMPOWER VI is to equip transition-aged students with visual impairments living in rural communities, their families, and the transition professionals who serve them with the virtual supports to improve postsecondary education and employment outcomes. These virtual programs create opportunities for connection and support, especially for those in rural areas who may not have access to in-person resources.
EMPOWER is currently recruiting students ages 16–22 to serve on its Student Advisory Board. More information can be found at https://www.empowervi.org/advisory-boards.
EMPOWER is also recruiting for its Youth Mentorship Program. More information can be found at https://www.empowervi.org/mentorship
SSB Communication Center
The Communication Center is here to put your books into accessible formats that work for you. Custom audio, e-text, DAISY markup, and Braille – we can do it! The Communication Center is Minnesota’s Accessible Reading Source – we’re here for you. Email us at ssb.audioservices@state.mn.us
Scholarships and FAFSA Information
Check out a list of scholarships at SSB List of Scholarships. Scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year are being created and will be updated soon. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now available and can be completed at https://studentaid.gov. If you need help completing the application, don't hesitate to get in touch with your SSB counselor for assistance.
The NFB of MN Scholarship closes on 4/15! Visit nfbmn.org/scholarship-program to learn more and apply.
PACER
PACER Center “enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with all disabilities and their families so each person can reach their highest potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and working in collaboration with others.”
Disability Hub MN
“Disability Hub MN is a free resource network that helps you solve problems, navigate the system, and plan for your future. We support you in creating your best life.” This website offers resources on disability benefits via the DB101 website and many employment resources for individuals with disabilities. Visit the Disability Hub website for more information. They have a chat feature and a call-in number for questions or specific resources.
Youth in Transition Toolkit – This toolkit will introduce you to Minnesota's youth in transition framework. Explore tools and resources you can use with the youth you support to plan for their best lives.
APH
APH CareerConnect is “an employment information resource offered by the American Printing House for the Blind for job seekers who are blind or visually impaired. CareerConnect provides employment information, career exploration tools, and job-seeking guidance for individuals with vision loss and the professionals who work with them.” Visit their website at aphcareerconnect.com to learn more. Check out their new Getting Started Guides, featuring guides for families from birth to 3rd grade and 4th to 12th. Archived APH webinars are available on the APH ConnectCenter YouTube page.
Minnesota Association of Blind Students (MNABS)
MNABS is comprised of blind students from all walks of life–traditional, non-traditional, and everything in between. At their core, they’re more than just a division; they’re a community of friends supporting one another through the shared experiences of blind student life and beyond.
Whether you’re navigating academics, looking for professional development opportunities, or just seeking connection with others who “get it,” MNABS is here for you. Throughout the year, they host a variety of events—some social, such as our hot chocolate and white elephant holiday gathering, and others more focused on building confidence and advancing careers.
Jeopardy event on 4/11 at 1:30: Hello everyone! My name is Maddy (former peer ambassador), and I am reaching out to let you know about an upcoming event I am hosting with the Minnesota National Association of Blind Students (MNABS) on Saturday, April 11th. If you like fun games and prizes, you should come because we are playing Jeopardy! The event will take place at the University of Minnesota's Health Sciences Education Center, room 2-193 (located in the Health Sciences Library), from 1:30 pm-2:30 pm. If you have any questions/concerns, are having trouble finding the room, or can't get into the building, please call 763-248-8557. All are welcome and I hope to see you there!
👉Join our MNABS WhatsApp Community—come see what MNABS is all about, and how much stronger we are when we support each other. And if you’d like to learn more, have questions, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out to me at any time at students@nfbmn.org.
Blind Abilities Podcasts
Visit Blind Abilities online at www.BlindAbilities.com. Here are some of the people and topics featured on Blind Abilities recently:
If you know a student who would like to share their achievements, Blind Abilities would love to feature their perspectives. Leave a message at 612-367-6093.
Disability and Progress
Disability and Progress is the radio show that brings you insights, ideas, and discussions on disability topics, hosted each week by Sam Jasmine and Charlene Doll. Disability and Progress airs on KFAI Thursday evenings from 6 to 7 pm. You can hear it live on 90.3 during this time, on the KFAI app, or ask your smart speaker to play "Disability and Progress." Archived episodes can also be found at https://kfai.org/program/disabilityandprogress/.
Website Updates
Check out SSB’s Youth Services website to learn about upcoming events, access archived newsletters, read transition flyers, watch student videos, and more!
Tech Tidbits
Here’s a reminder of some useful apps and tools that may be helpful for both high school and college:
Bookshare is an accessible reading service that has many digital textbooks and other reading materials, and SSB highly recommends that students have access to this service www.bookshare.org
Desmos is a widely used calculator for schools, and free graphing and scientific calculator apps are available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. Students can also use Desmos on their computers from the Desmos website: www.desmos.com
Windows Calculator is a reliable, free calculator built into Windows, offering several modes, including scientific and graphing. Just type "calculator" into the Start Menu search box to find it easily.
For anyone looking for free eReader software for Windows, the Paperback app is an option. This lets blind and low vision readers open and read a variety of books and documents, including Word documents, PDFs, EPUBs, and more. It is available for free at www.paperback.dev
SSB also recently discovered a great new NVDA add-on called NVDA Coach. This free add-on adds an interactive tutorial on learning to use the NVDA screen reader. It is currently available here: NVDA Coach – Tony Gebhard
Building BRIDGEs
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 of our BRIDGE framework highlights an essential component that teenagers need in order to succeed after high school:
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Basic Skills
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Role Models
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Initiative
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Discovery
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Goal Setting
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Experiences
Vision Loss Disclosure
When should vision loss be disclosed to an employer? Every situation is different, and here are three resources that can help you decide this question:
Media and Public Opportunities
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Disability:IN Minnesota’s 2026 Virtual INclusive Career Fair. This fair brings together the hiring needs of employers and matches it with qualified, diverse and talented candidates with disabilities to drive disability inclusion results. Employers leverage this event to recruit for mentorships, internships and employment opportunities at their workplace.
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BlindNewWorld, powered by Perkins School for the Blind, is a first-of-its-kind social change campaign that empowers the blind and visually impaired community while demystifying blindness and breaking down barriers to inclusion in school, work, and the world at large. BlindNewWorld is a place for exchanging experiences, promoting advocacy, demanding accessibility, and fostering inclusion
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“The Key to Independence: 8 Life Skills for Teens” summarizes the skills teens need to live independently. This Positive Action website offers suggestions for teachers and parents to help students develop essential independent living skills.
Ideas?
We are always looking for ideas you’d like to see featured in this newsletter. Please email shane.desantis@state.mn.us with any suggestions or brainstorming.
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