Caroline Karbowski is a senior in high school with a passion for 3D imaging that led her to a 2nd place finish in the Tech Olympics. Her project is called See3D, which creates 3D images for the blind to feel and understand more clearly the shape and construct of something they never could have conceived without the added information the 3D image offered.

Caroline somehow had a passion for Braille and taught herself so she could read in the car without getting dizzy, and later she came up with See3D and although this may seem like a natural progression, Caroline is not Blind, nor visually impaired.

Caroline has pursued her passion and is now taking SEE3D to another level and bringing more opportunities for others to get involved in the See3D project. And you can too! Go to her web site at www.See3D.org and find out more and how you can request a model or how you can become part of the See3D providers.

I really enjoyed talking to Caroline and hearing her passion for what she is doing so I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did interviewing Caroline.

Be sure to check out her web page and give her some feedback on her See3D project on the web at www.See3D.org

You can find her article on the American foundation for the Blind web site at www.AFB.org

A huge Thank You goes out to CheeChau for his wonderful music!

 

Full Transcript

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Caroline Karbowski is a senior in high school with a passion for 3D imaging that led her to a 2nd place finish in the Tech Olympics. Her project is called See3D, which creates 3D images for the blind to feel and understand more clearly the shape and construct of something they never could have conceived without the added information the 3D image offered.

Caroline somehow had a passion for Braille and taught herself so she could read in the car without getting dizzy, and later she came up with See3D and although this may seem like a natural progression, Caroline is not Blind, nor visually impaired.

Caroline has pursued her passion and is now taking SEE3D to another level and bringing more opportunities for others to get involved in the See3D project. And you can too! Go to her web site at

www.See3D.org and find out more and how you can request a model or how you can become part of the See3D providers.

I really enjoyed talking to Caroline and hearing her passion for what she is doing so I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did interviewing Caroline.

Be sure to check out her web page and give her some feedback on her See3D project on the web at www.See3D.org

You can find her article on the American foundation for the Blind web site at www.AFB.org

A BIG Thank you to CheeChau for your wonderful music!

See complete transcript below.

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Transcription:

See3D – Understanding Through 3D Imagery: Meet Caroline Karbowski

Caroline Karbowski:

I asked her “What was a castle to you, before you felt the model?” and she said, “castle was just a word.”

Didn’t it mean really much. I decided that I need to do more models, because we need to make things more than just words.

I would really like to increase science education for the blind make it more accessible.

And even DNA that was a highly requested model, so you could feel the structure and also how the DNA can replicate.

How they could feel that.

Jeff Thompson:

Blind Abilities presents Caroline Karbowski.

Caroline Karbowski:

When I was in sixth grade I had an hour of free time, and so I thought I would learn Braille.

Jeff:

Understanding more from 3D models.

On the web at See3D.org

Caroline Karbowski:

When I go to the schools and I give objects to students who are blind, and I see how excited they are to feel what a snowflake is.

And have them understand concepts that they’ve heard about but never been able to understand.

I really want to help more students learn, and give them the models;

and so just seeing the impact that it has encourages me just to keep going.

Jeff:

Welcome to Blind Abilities I’m Jeff Thompson.

Caroline Karbowski is a senior in high school.

In sixth grade she taught herself Braille.

In the 11th grade she entered the Tech Olympics;

with a project that was geared towards providing 3D imagery for the blind.

It’s called See3D.

S-E-E 3-D.

Now Caroline Karbowski he is not blind, nor visually impaired.

She’s fully sighted.

This is an initiative that she took on because she felt there was a need for it something she w...

October 10th is White Cane Day in Minnesota and the Blindness community came out strong to support the awareness of the White Cane.

Speakers shared the history of White Cane day and others talked about the freedom and independence the white cane brings to them. The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Choir shared their voices and sang aloud in the Capital’s newly remodeled Rotundra.

With the support of the local Lions Clubs, MSAB, NFB of MN and Blind, Inc. the White Cane Day event was a great event with a lot of participation. From joining in on the choir songs to marching in the walk from the St. Paul Capital to the St. Paul Cathedral and bac, participants chatted and talked while enjoying the nice Autumn day in Minnesota.

 

Full Transcript

 

You can find out more about MSAB on the web.

Check out the NFB of MN on the web at www.NFBMn.org

And be sure to see what opportunities and events are happening at Blind, Inc. on the web at www.BlindInc.org

And check out your local Lions Club and see what they are doing in your community.

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

October 10th is White Cane Day in Minnesota and the Blindness community came out strong to support the awareness of the White Cane.

Speakers shared the history of White Cane day and others talked about the freedom and independence the white cane brings to them. The Minnesota State Academy for the Blind Choir shared their voices and sang aloud in the Capital’s newly remodeled Rotundra.

With the support of the local Lions Clubs, MSAB, NFB of MN and Blind, Inc. the White Cane Day event was a great event with a lot of participation. From joining in on the choir songs to marching in the walk from the St. Paul Capital to the St. Paul Cathedral and bac,

participants chatted and walked while enjoying the nice Autumn day in Minnesota.

You can find out more about MSAB on the web.

Check out the NFB of MN on the web at www.NFBMn.org

And be sure to see what opportunities and events are happening at Blind, Inc. on the web.

And check out your local Lions Club and see what they are doing in your community.

See complete transcription below.

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Transcription:

What Does White Cane Day Mean to You? We Do the Cane Well!

[People singing and playing instruments]

Hunter:

Hi, I- I’m Hunter. From BLIND Inc, and what does Cane Day mean to you?

“The White Cane Day means a lot to me, because I know that for mys-..”

Brittney: “Something that we should celebrate every year to make people aware: ‘hey, you know, we have white canes…'”

“Just show people the safety, and the awareness.”

Jessica:

“Day to raise awareness about safety and independence.”

“Support Cane Day, yeah!”

Jeff:

Welcome to Blind Abilities I’m Jeff Thompson.

[crowd of people cheering, whistling and applauding]

[Over a PA System: I’m Rob Lawson, I’m your moderator for this…]

A lot of people gathered in Minnesota’s Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the newly remodeled rotunda.

They were celebrating White Cane day.

There are representatives from all spectrums of the blindness community.

[Rob continues over PA in background]

From the National Federation of the Blind, to the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind, and the Minnesota State Academy to the Deaf-Blind.

From the Department of Education, to students who are training at Blindness Learning in New Dimensions; BLIND Inc., as we most know it.

And from The Academy for the Blind, and also the director of State Services for the Blind, Carol Panko, and many others in attendance.

Bring an awareness to the White Cane.

Rob Lawson (over PA): Steve Jacobson, first Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind, of Minnesota.

[Crowd applauds and cheers]

Ron over PA:

The History of the White Cane Day…

Steve Jacobson (over PA):

Good Morning, everyone.

[Crowd responds]

Steve:

There’s much being said this morning about the symbolic and very real, real goal of the White Cane in the independence of Blind people.

The White Cane day means a lot to me, because I know that for my community it’s a very important day; where we recognize not only the White Cane that we use for inde...

About Molly Burke:

At just four-years‐old, Molly Burke’s world became a little bit darker: she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare retinal disease causing loss of vision. Despite this, and the ensuing obstacles and hardships she faced, it wasn’t long before she began bringing light into the lives of others. Molly began public speaking at the age of five as an ambassador for The Foundation Fighting Blindness Canada. Since then, she has inspired hundreds of thousands with her story.

Over the years, as Molly’s vision deteriorated, her confidence and optimism only strengthened; but not without struggle or adversity. As a student she was tormented by bullies, and struggled with depression and anxiety. It wasn’t until she found the strength to face her challenges, and the courage to reach out to others, that she came to find her purpose - bringing hope to others.

Find out more about Molly on her web site MollyBurkeOfficial.com

 

Full Transcript

 

AT&T Experience More is an innovative social project that celebrates how blind/low vision individuals Experience More – through their actions, passions, use of technology and more.

Join us in the movement and share how you, a friend or family member Experience More using the hashtag #ExperienceMore. Check out our video and podcast series showcasing some extraordinary individuals and their ongoing pursuits to Experience More as well as our commitment to accessibility.

You can find out more about the #ExperienceMore Campaign on the web.

Aira's goal is to develop leading technology and services that help remove remaining barriers for the visually impaired, expanding their possibilities to live with greater confidence and independence.

Check out Aira on the web and find out more about gaining instant access to information!

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

 

About Molly Burke:

At just four-years‐old, Molly Burke’s world became a little bit darker: she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare retinal disease causing loss of vision. Despite this, and the ensuing obstacles and hardships she faced, it wasn’t long before she began bringing light into the lives of others. Molly began public speaking at the age of five as an ambassador for The Foundation Fighting Blindness Canada. Since then, she has inspired hundreds of thousands with her story.

Over the years, as Molly’s vision deteriorated, her confidence and optimism only strengthened; but not without struggle or adversity. As a student she was tormented by bullies, and struggled with depression and anxiety. It wasn’t until she found the strength to face her challenges, and the courage to reach out to others, that she came to find her purpose – bringing hope to others Read more on Molly’s About Page and be sure to check out her entire web site MollyBurkeOfficial.com.

AT&T Experience More is an innovative social project that celebrates how blind/low vision individuals Experience More – through their actions, passions, use of technology and more.

Join us in the movement and share how you, a friend or family member Experience More using the hashtag #ExperienceMore. Check out our video and podcast series showcasing some extraordinary individuals and their ongoing pursuits to Experience More as well as our commitment to accessibility.

You can find out more about the #ExperienceMore Campaign on the web.

Aira’s goal is to develop leading technology and services that help remove remaining barriers for the visually impaired, expanding their possibilities to live with greater confidence and independence.

Check out Aira on the web and find out how you can subscribe and learn more about getting instant access to information.

See complete transcription below.

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an emailGet the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Transcription:

AT&T and Aira Present: Molly Burke – YouTuber and Motivational Speaker #ExperienceMore

Molly:

Advocating for yourself is number 1, and making yourself your biggest priority.

You should care about you more than anybody else cares about you.

Jeff:

AT&T and AIRA present Molly Burke.

Molly:

I always want to prove, not to others but to myself that blindness has not stopped me from achieving the goals that I set out for myself.

Jeff:

Part of the hashtag Experience More campaign.

Experiencemore.att.com.

[Music]

Molly:

I believe you are only limited by what you tell yourself.

you’re only limited by your own thoughts and your own disbelief in your self.

It’s an amazing thing that AT&T is doing, and AIRA, because it’s not often that big commercial companies thinks about our community.

Jeff:

Brought to you by AT&T and AIRA, and produced by the Blind Abilities team, and now, here is your host Pete Lane and Jeff Thompson.

[Music]

JEff:

Welcome to Blind Abilities, I’m Jeff Thompson.

Pete:

And I’m Pete Lane.

Today we’re speaking with Molly Burke.

Molly, welcome to Blind Abilities.

Molly:

Ahh, thank you,

My Weekend with Emmitt Smith, Compliments of #ExperienceMore @AT&T @Aira

The AT&T ExperienceMore Campaign and Aira present “My Weekend with Emmitt Smith”. Join Pete Lane as he and his son Patrick travel to Dallas, Texas to attend a Cowboys NFL game courtesy of AT&T and Aira. Pete takes us through his weekend, from jumping on his flight from Jacksonville to DFW Airport in Fort Worth, to “Game Day”.

Enjoy the sounds of AT&T stadium, from the field level to the Ring of Honor Suite and special seats on the 50 yard line.

Best of all, join Pete as he connects to his very special Aira Agent, Emmitt smith: NFL Hall of Famer, all-time NFL leading rusher, and former star of the University of Florida Gators. Hear Emmitt call the plays of the game in real time, his knowledge of the game of football and his understanding of what a blind fan wants to hear while viewing the game.

Finally, join Pete and Patrick as they enjoy a special tour behind the scenes of AT&T Stadium the day after the game. Sit back and relax as Pete presents this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a way that only Blind Abilities can offer! Check out the experience More Campaign at ExperienceMore.ATT.Com and learn more about the fabulous Aira service on the web.

You can find more podcasts with a blindness perspective at www.BlindAbilities.com.

Susan Robinson’s Ted Talk just surpassed 1 million views and is still going strong. Susan’s humor and unique presentation about her experience with vision loss is educational to all, not just the Blind and Visually Impaired community, as her intent reaches out to the world wide community to broaden their thinking and to reshape their philosophy and to transform their philosophy on “What Is” possible.

Susan authors the Oh Fabled One blog on the web which continues her experiences she shared on her Ted Talk. Be sure to check out the blog and leave your comments as Susan wants to hear from you.

This podcast is based on her vision loss experiences; however, there is so much more as Susan talks her talk the way only Susan Robinson can. You will learn a lot as she talks about her experiences and her views from a perspective only she can tell. But remember, Susan failed at being disabled!

You can find her blog on the web at Oh Fabled One. Subscribe and don’t miss any of her posts!

Follow Susan on Twitter @OhFabledOne

And be sure to check out Susan Robinson on TedTalk!

 

Full Transcript

 

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Susan Robinson’s TEDTalk just surpassed 1 million views and is still going strong. Susan’s humor and unique presentation about her experience with vision loss is educational to all, not just the Blind and Visually Impaired community, as her intent reaches out to the world wide community to broaden their thinking and to reshape their philosophy and to transform their philosophy on “What Is” possible.

Susan authors the Oh Fabled One blog on the web which continues her experiences she shared on her Ted Talk. Be sure to check out the blog and leave your comments as Susan wants to hear from you.

This podcast is based on her vision loss experiences; however, there is so much more as Susan talks her talk the way only Susan Robinson can. You will learn a lot as she talks about her experiences and her views from a perspective only she can tell. But remember, She failed at being disabled.

You can find her blog on the web at Oh Fabled One. Subscribe and don’t miss any of her posts!

Follow Susan on Twitter @OhFabledOne

And be sure to check out Susan Robinson on TedTalk!

See complete transcription below.

Thank you for listening!

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.

Transcription:

Susan Robinson: Consultant, Business Owner, TED Talk 1 Million Club – How I Fail at Being Disabled

[Music]

Susan:

As an organizational leader, a business leader and a boss, I’ve had to terminate people from their jobs, and I’ve not ever terminated someone because they were fully sighted.

Vision is a way of processing the world.

So just because I process the world differently, doesn’t mean that my skill set is diminished.

[Music]

Susan:

I’ve started looking at people very differently that way to say I don’t really care what you can’t do, I want to know what you can do, and let’s talk about that.

You might get this too, I see just like you when I take my glasses off, now I understand that that’s coming from a good place, and people are just trying to relate to someone else and build a human to human connection and I totally appreciate it.

However it is the equivalent of saying to someone who uses a wheelchair, I’m just like you when I sit down, it just doesn’t make any sense.

[Music]

Jeff:

That’s the voice of Susan Robinson, she’s a consultant entrepreneur, blog writer, and yes, this is a podcast with the blindness perspective, and there’s a lot more.

It’s about achieving goals, reaching your highest potential, and proving to yourself that you’re doing the best that you can.

Susan’s TED talk just went over million views.

Susan:

I’m uninterested in being pitied.

I’m interested in being the best person that I can be and to be successful in the endeavors that I go after and somebody pitying me is really an unfortunate obstacle that is unsolicited.

I think this was my way of trying to get folks to broaden their thinking and reshape their philosophy, transform their philosophy on what is possible.

Jeff:

Susan is probably more comfortable talking to corporate executives and business leaders, and here she is on Blind Abilities, where you can get podcast with a blindness perspective on the web at www.

The State Services for the Blind Success Series continues as Rakeb Max sits down with Blind Abilities Team member Jeff Thompson and talks about preparing to transition from high school to college and the workplace.

Rakeb was recently appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to the Young Women’s Initiative cabinet where she will assist the Governor and the Women’s foundation to develop initiatives and policies to close opportunity and disparity gaps between men and women, specifically women of color.

Last summer Rakeb attended George Washington University for a summer intensive program giving her some experience that will help her make decisions for her transition to college next year.

Rakeb has already began the process and has some good advice for others as she talks about her experiences and successes.

 

Full Transcript

 

You can find out more about State Services for the Blind on the web.

Or call the main office at 651-539-2300.

Outside of Minnesota? Check out the State Agency Directory on the American Foundation for the Blind web site at www.AFB.org

Thank you for listening.

You can follow us on Twitter @BlindAbilities

On the web at www.BlindAbilities.com

Send us an email

Get the Free Blind Abilities App on the App Store.