Summer Wrap Up

As Minnesota’s summer begins its gentle wrap‑up, we’re soaking in those last golden evenings, cool lakeside breezes, and the familiar hum of fairs and festivals that make this season so special across our state. Any day now we'll see the big yellow buses transporting students to a new year of learning. The evening air will become crisper, and the sunlit summer days continue to shorten as we march towards the equinox in September. 

In August 2024, we began a series of SSB departmental spotlights in each monthly SSB Messenger newsletter. Two years later, we wrap up this series with our final spotlight highlighting SSB's Leadership Team. Look for new spotlights in upcoming newsletters featuring SSB customers, volunteers, and council members. If you are interested in contributing your story to our monthly spotlights, please reach out to: lisa.rogers@state.mn.us

SSB Department Spotlight - SSB Leadership Team

SSB is fortunate to be led by 3 hardworking, dedicated professionals – Director Natasha Jerde and Deputy Directors Jon Benson who leads SSB’s Workforce Development and Senior Services, and Brianna Holeman, who helms SSB’s Communication Center and Operations. For the leadership team, the path into public service has been shaped by community, purpose, and a deep commitment to advancing independence for Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision. Director Natasha Jerde recalls being encouraged early on to consider employment at SSB, sharing, “I loved how varied my work was, and I met some of the coolest people ever.” Deputy Director Jon Benson admits his journey started more unexpectedly—“I desperately needed a job and got hired as an entry-level counselor,” he says—but notes that what keeps him motivated decades later is “the challenge of continually looking for ways to enhance and improve the way Program Services can serve its customers.” Deputy Director Brianna Holeman adds that she’s driven by the opportunity to support staff and help Minnesotans gain independence: “I love removing barriers for staff who do the hard work every day.”

Across all three leaders, pride in innovation and partnership stands out. Jerde highlighted the national recognition SSB has earned through its groundbreaking Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant, noting, “We are the first blind vocational rehabilitation agency to be a primary awardee… which is a HUGE deal.” Benson echoed this sentiment, calling the DIF initiative “an outstanding experiment, already seeing innovative approaches” that strengthen Minnesota’s Workforce Development Unit. Holeman notes that the power of volunteerism and community storytelling connects SSB’s mission to purpose. “It really reminds us why we do what we do. It’s incredibly motivating.”

The challenges facing the community are significant—from social and cultural barriers to shifting national policies and budget constraints—but SSB’s leaders remain steadfast. Benson emphasizes the ongoing work of educating employers and empowering customers, stating, “We address this by supporting our customers in developing skills, confidence, and pride.” Jerde underscores the importance of transparency, proactive planning, and staying engaged nationally so SSB can “move quickly and address things before they become an issue.” Holeman adds that awareness remains a hurdle: “One challenge is getting people to know we are available to help and that we exist.” Yet she, like her colleagues, sees SSB’s creativity and collaboration as key strengths. As Jerde shared, “I am so dang proud of all the work the SSB team does each and every day.”

2026 SSB Customer Satisfaction Survey Out Now

Head's up Workforce Development customers! The 2026 SSB Customer Satisfaction Survey has been emailed to all open cases between January and June 2026. This short online survey provides the data we need to evaluate how well SSB delivers services and supports.

You can help State Services for the Blind (SSB) improve the services that SSB staff deliver to blind, DeafBlind, and low vision clients in our state by taking a few minutes to complete the survey.

Accommodations are available to those with limited internet access. 

Come Visit Us at the State Fair

SSB staff will be filling some shifts at a table in conjunction with the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD).

The MCD booth is located in the Education Building. Swing by to meet staff and community partners, explore disability and accessibility resources, and share what access looks like in your community.

This year’s booth will also feature artwork by Minnesota artists with disabilities and the new Community Access Survey.

Find out what’s happening at MCD’s 2026 State Fair booth

Volunteer with Us! Opportunities in St. Cloud and Fergus Falls

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that can have a deep and lasting impact on the lives of others?  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 organization's 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!

We are especially looking for volunteer broadcast readers in the St. Cloud and Fergus Falls areas. Outstate newspaper volunteers are asked to commit to one session per month—sessions last a few hours each and there is flexibility for you to select days that work with your schedule.

If interested in becoming a volunteer RTB reader, please complete this application.

Low Vision Support Groups

If you are interested in joining a Low Vision Support Group or starting one of your own, please contact Stacy S. at stacy.shamblott@state.mn.us

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 SSB provides 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 bimonthly and currently offer the option of joining in-person or via Zoom. 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: 

ERAF Information Webinar - Wednesday, Aug. 26

Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities.

Date: Wednesday, August 26th 

Time: 2:00 - 3:00 pm central time

Location: Online

Pre-registration is required. Click this link to register for the ERAF info webinar.

WebAIM Screen Reader Survey

This survey is primarily intended to collect new information and track updates/trends from previous surveys. By completing this survey you will help inform development choices for those creating accessible web content and web standards. All screen reader users, even those who use screen readers only for evaluation and testing, are invited to participate.

The survey will remain open through August 31, 2026. No personally identifying information is collected. Click this link to access the WebAIM Screen Reader Survey.

New Blind and Low Vision Service at the Minnesota State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair, also known as "The Great Minnesota Get-Together" and "The Twelve Best Days of Summer" continues to enhance their accessibility services. New this year is a human guide service offering short-term personalized, one-on-one assistance to guests who are blind or have low vision, as well as others who may benefit from navigational support while visiting the fairgrounds. Human guides receive training in sighted guide techniques, effective communication, and respectful customer service to provide safe, reliable, and individualized assistance. Guides are available upon request by contacting the fair’s accessibility department at 651-288-4448 or accessibility@mnstatefair.org.

Click this link earn about all state fair services available to visitors who are blind or low vision.

2026 Community Access Survey

AFB Report on AI in the Workplace

A new report from the American Foundation for the Blind, Working with the Machine: AI’s Expanding Role in Employment for People with Disabilities, examines how people with and without disabilities are using AI throughout the employment process and explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents in the workplace.

Blog - The Problem with Blanks

Sheri Byrne-Haber is a prominent global subject matter expert in the fields of disability and accessibility in the business and educational settings. Sheri is the author of a popular Medium blog called “This Week in Accessibility” where she summarizes legal cases and issues facing people implementing accessibility programs.

In a recent Blog, Sheri writes about the problem with empty spaces on a document, table, presentation, or website and gives great ideas on fixing the problem. 

Click here to access The Problem with Blanks blog.