If you or someone you know is blind or disabled the last thing you may think of tackling is woodworking. Think again—a woodshop for the blind and disabled can be a valuable resource for individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities, providing a space for woodworking and other creative endeavors. These workshops can offer adapted tools, techniques, and guidance to make woodworking accessible and enjoyable. Additionally, they can provide a sense of community and social interaction for those with disabilities. At the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Woodshop instructor Ray Wright says there are so many benefits to woodworking. In this podcast Ray explains how adaptive tools, techniques, and training can make woodworking possible for  individuals with visual impairments or other disabilities. It is a great way to empower blind or disabled people to see what the are capable of and lead to personal and other vocational opportunities.

In this Utah Libraries Have You Covered episode, Ray talks about his journey to becoming the Woodshop Instructor.

Ray Wright - Guest

In this episode we chat with David Wicai, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement (CCE). CCE and its divisions are the heart and soul of Utah government. David talks about his role in CCE, CCE's nine divisions, and how we serve Utah residents.

Originally Recorded: December 2024.

David Wicai - Guest

In this episode we chat with Cara Rothman, the Utah State Librarian and Division Director at the Utah State Library. Cara talks about the Utah State Library and Utah's public libraries.

Originally Recorded: December 2024.

Cara Rothman - Guest

In this episode we chat with Lisa Nelson, Program Manager with the Utah State Library Program for the Blind and Disabled and the library services provided to the blind and visually impaired. The Library houses the world's largest braille collection and the largest audiobook collection for the blind. 

Individuals who cannot read or use conventional printed materials as a result of visual or physical limitations, i.e. blind, visual disability, physical disability, and/or reading/learning disability are by law eligible. This also includes persons in private homes, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other institutions.

Originally Recorded: November 2024.

Lisa Nelson – Guest

In this episode we chat with Merrily Cannon, Library Development Program Manager with the Utah State Library (USL). Merrily chats about what the Library Development Program provides to Utah’s libraries and hygge, the Danish art of coziness.

Originally Recorded: November 2024.

Merrily Cannon – Guest

In this episode we chat with Adam Rushforth, Training & Adjustment Services Coordinator with the Utah Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the services provided to the blind and visually impaired.

Originally Recorded: October 2024.

Adam Rushforth – Guest

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Utah Libraries Have You Covered Podcast! 

In this episode we chat with local author Julia Lyon about her children’s book A Dinosaur Named Ruth: How Ruth Mason Discovered Fossils in Her Own Backyard. Her book is available in our KLAS catalog. It will soon be available in braille.

Please visit the https://blindlibrary.utah.gov for more information about the Utah State Library Program for the Blind & Disabled.

Originally Recorded: August 2024.

Julia Lyon – Guest & Utah Author