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.

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

See complete transcription below.

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Transcription:

Meet Rakeb Max: Successfully Navigating the Transition from High School to College

[Music]

Jeff:

State Services for the Blind Success Stories.

[Music]

Transitioning from High School to College to the Workplace.

Working together with the Department of Education, school districts, TVI’s, parents, training centers, with a collaborative effort and one goal in mind, success.

[Music]

Rakeb:

I began exchanging emails with the head of the disabilities services, back and forth making sure they understood what my needs where.

So when it does come to Science and Mathematics, and dealing with visual concepts, I do need Braille and I do need tactile graphing.

[Music]

So when you are dealing with people who aren’t as familiar with accommodations, you have to speak up and you have to learn to express what you needs are, which as a kid is very annoying, but you have to do it.

Jeff:

For more podcasts with the blindness perspective check us out on the web at www.blindabilities.com, and download the free Blind Abilities app from the app store.

That’s two words, Blind Abilities.

Welcome to Blind Abilities, I’m Jeff Thompson.

We’re talking to Rakeb Max, she is a senior high school student here in Minnesota, and she is planning her transition to college.

She has just been appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to the Young Woman’s Initiative Cabinet, she’s attended George Washington University this last summer in an intensive summer program.

She’s here to talk about her journey through high school, her plans to transition to college, and some tips and tricks that has helped her along the way.

How ya doing Rakeb?

Rakeb:

I’m good, how are you?

Jeff:

I’m good, and thank you very much for taking the time to come on to Blind Abilities.

Rakeb:

Thank you for having me.

Jeff:

Congratulations on your appointment to the Young Woman’s Initiative.

Rakeb:

Oh, thank you.

Jeff:

Can you tell our listeners what that is, and how that came about?

Rakeb:

I had been notified that the Governor was looking for people to...