Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that can have a deep and lasting impact on the lives of others? Take a closer look at the fun, challenging and useful ways you can donate your time and talents at State Services for the Blind (SSB).

Overview

Without the generous contribution of time and talent from our energetic volunteers, we could not produce the 750,000 pages of Braille that we do each year; record nearly 1,000 books into audio; prepare and record thousands of hours of programming for the Radio Talking Book, or repair thousands of audio players and other accessible devices. In any given year, our volunteers contribute close to 2 million dollars of in-kind contributions. Thank you for considering joining us as a volunteer!

Volunteer Positions

Click on the toggles below to learn more about our volunteer positions.

Structure Audiobooks

Apply to Volunteer

Do you enjoy a fun challenge?

Do you enjoy physically handling books?

Can you use a computer?

The Audio Services section of the Communication Center at State Services for the Blind is looking for volunteers to help us set up the digital structure of the audiobooks we record. Learn how to set digital markers for the sections commonly found in books – parts, chapters, subsections, pages, etc. This allows our customers to quickly navigate the audiobook and go directly to the section they want. This position involves up to 3 hours per week at our University Avenue location in St. Paul. Please contact Jami at 651-539-1421 or jami.snodie@state.mn.us for more information.
Produce Braille

Apply to Volunteer

The Braille Unit at SSB has an ongoing need for volunteers who have National Library Service (NLS) certification in braille. They can also use volunteers who do not know braille for other important tasks.

Braille Transcription

A volunteer must have or be working on certification as a braille transcriber by the National Library Service in Washington, D.C. The training for certification takes about a year to complete; it is available in many local areas. Upon certification, additional training is available in transcribing textbooks. Volunteers use computers, either their own or one provided by SSB, to produce braille in their homes. At least one braille volume of about 70 pages must be transcribed each month.

Tactile Graphics

Tactile graphics (raised pictures, maps, or diagrams that can be felt rather than seen) volunteers assist in producing the illustrations that are used in many types of braille books. Graphics are prepared by tracing, freehand drawing, or by using a computer design program. Training is provided and the time commitment varies with the project being worked on. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille.

Proofreading Assistant/Copy Reader

A proofreading assistant/copy reader works as a team with a braille proofreader; the volunteer will read print material aloud while the proofreader checks the braille copy for accuracy. Volunteers read for approximately three hours at a time, with frequent breaks. It is not necessary to be familiar with braille, and no reading test is required.

How to Apply

For more information and an application, fill out the volunteer services form.
Outreach
Apply to Volunteer

State Services for the Blind (SSB) is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us expand our community outreach efforts across Minnesota. If you are passionate about disability inclusion, accessibility, and connecting people with resources that make a real difference, we would love to have you join us.

What Outreach Volunteers Do:
- Represent SSB at community events, resource fairs, and presentations
- Share information about our services in a positive, engaging way
- Help connect individuals, families, and organizations with the support they need
- Support SSB’s mission to promote independence, opportunity, and access for Minnesotans who are blind, DeafBlind, or experiencing vision loss
Who We’re Looking For:
- Friendly, reliable communicators
- People comfortable engaging with the public
- Volunteers with an interest in accessibility, public service, or community engagement
- Bilingual in Spanish, Somali, or Hmong – not necessary, but a plus
- Volunteers with experience in ophthalmology and optometry (doctors, clinicians, technicians) – not necessary, but a plus
- No prior experience required — training and resources will be provided!
Why Volunteer with SSB? You’ll be helping Minnesotans access life-changing services while strengthening community awareness of accessibility and inclusion. Plus, you’ll join a welcoming team that values your time and unique contributions.

If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please complete this volunteer application. Feel free to share this invitation with others who might be interested! Thank you for helping us broaden our reach and impact.
Broadcast Readers

Apply to Volunteer

Do you love to read?

Are you interested in the news of the day?

Do you have an interest in broadcasting?

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!

Twin Cities volunteers are asked to commit to two hours a week and may record from home or at the station. 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.

Twin Cities

Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the Twin Cities area to read books, magazines, and newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.

Please contact Tom Conry, thomas.conry@state.mn.us, 651-642-0880, for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.

St. Cloud

Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the St. Cloud area to read local newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.

Please contact Sandra Williams, readersfortheblind@gmail.com, for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.

Duluth

Radio Talking Book is looking for volunteers in the Duluth area to read local newspapers for blind and low vision listeners across the region.

Please contact Michelle Juntunen, michjunt@gmail.com, 218-390-7323 for more information about this exciting volunteer opportunity.