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Welcome

We offer tools and training for employment and for helping seniors remain independent and active. As Minnesota’s accessible reading source we also transcribe books and other materials into alternative formats, including audio and braille. We assist Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, losing vision, or who have another disability that makes it difficult to read print.

We hope you find what you need here. We've also created a Tips for Using Our New Website page.

If you’d like to apply for services, learn more, or have more questions, just give us a call. You’ll find contact information for all of our offices on our contact page, or you can call our main office at 651-539-2300.

Thanks for visiting.

Updates

Evolve: VR, a Comprehensive Plan to Strengthen SSB

SSB has has launched a multi-year initiative with the aim of better serving you, our customers. This ambitious systemic change initiative specifically focuses on our employment services, but we believe you will see positive, customer focused change across SSB. We call this plan Evolve: VR. We launched this initiative in the fall of 2022 and we will be regularly refining and revising the plan as we go in order to best capture both the scope and the specificity of this living road map.

You can read our full plan here.

Read the Latest Issue of The Spectacle

Our newsletter for students, families, and teachers. In this issue of "The Spectacle" you'll find lots of info on summer opportunities and lots of great tech tips as well.

SSB’s Online Senior Referral Form

State Services for the Blind is proud to work alongside ophthalmologists, optometrists, low vision specialists and other eyecare professionals to make sure that Minnesotans experiencing vision loss have all the tools and support they need in order to live life to its fullest. If you’re an eye care professional, you can use our secure online form to safely submit a referral. You can also download and print our referral form. Thanks to all of Minnesota’s eye care professionals for the invaluable work that you do!

Changes to Our Radio Talking Book Service

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. RTB is now available as an Alexa Skill on Amazon devices, and through an app on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. You can also listen through our online stream. Please note that we are no longer broadcasting through a radio signal to the RTB radio receivers. Find out about all the ways you can access RTB and learn more about the reasons for the changes in our service through our Frequently Asked Questions.

Upcoming Events/News

Summer Opportunities for Students

Each year our staff compiles a list of summer opportunities for students and families to explore Make sure to check back here as we will continue to update this list. Summer is a great time for discovery: for learning something new, for gaining skills, confidence and experience, and for having fun. Check here or talk with one of our SSB staff members as you make your summer plans!

Summer 2023 Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

College 101 Presentation Now Available

The recording of our November 2022 College 101 webinar is now available. In this presentation you’ll hear from current college students with their advice and recommendations for navigating college as a blind, DeafBlind, or visually impaired person. It’s a lively and informative listen with great tips from students who share from their own experience.

Follow the link below and use the password: X^5SE&d+

College 101 Presentation

Help Guide the Work of State Services for the Blind

SSB is fortunate to be guided by the work of a dynamic council, the State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind (SRC-B). Meeting six times during the year this council of consumers and advocates gives advice and recommendations on our services and programs. Each seat on the council is designated to represent a particular constituency. Currently there are several open positions as new terms begin. Learn about these open positions and submit an application by going to the Commissions and Appointments page of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Learn more about council membership by visiting the SRC-B website.

Video Makes the Case for Digital Accessibility

A video produced by Minnesota’s Office of Accessibility shows how universal design has made life easier for everyone. Making sure that documents, websites, and other digital content is accessible also benefits many of us. Included are some helpful tips and resources.

What Would I Do, if I Couldn’t See?

Lots of us ask that question from time to time. The simple answer is that with a few new skills, you’d be going about your everyday life. Three short videos showcase Minnesotans who are blind, losing vision, or DeafBlind, doing just that.

"How Could I do This Job If I Can't See" (audio described) shows Minnesotans using high tech and low tech solutions at work. It’s a nice introduction for hiring managers who might be wondering if an applicant who is blind, low vision, or DeafBlind could indeed be the best person for a job.

"How Can I do It If I Can't See It" (audio described) speaks to the experience of seniors who are wondering how to live well with vision loss.

"How Can I Read It If I Can't See It" (audio described) is for everyone who loves reading and worries that vision loss, or another disability, might take away their ability to read. This video demonstrates how our Communication Center has become "Minnesota’s Accessible Reading Source."

Latest Podcasts

Listen to our most recently released podcasts:

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