In episode 268 of iCantCU, I take you along on my latest trip to New York City, where I tested the accessibility of a new version of a financial app. The trip had its moments, from battling some equipment issues to a chaotic cab ride that had me questioning my life choices. I also finally got to visit the Jackie Robinson Museum, something I’ve been…

In episode 267 of the iCantCU podcast, I talk about my recent trip to the NFB National Convention in Orlando. I start by mentioning my improved lighting setup in Studio B, hoping it looks better than last time. The convention was a whirlwind of activity, and I had the pleasure of meeting many incredible people, especially the lively folks from the …

In episode 265 of iCantCU, I recount two memorable rail journeys. First, I went to Harrisburg overnight to engage with the Lions Club at their state convention. Navigating the busy, labyrinthine hotel presented challenges, but connecting with new people and sharing about the NFB was rewarding. The second trip took me to New York City, where I provi…

In Episode 264 of iCantCU, I share two stories about how AI has made my life easier. The first story revolves around recording our Keystone Chapter meeting. I used Descript to transcribe the recording and then ChatGPT to draft the minutes. This process saved me significant time despite needing a few corrections. The second story is about ordering m…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my trip to Las Vegas. I just returned from an exciting trip to Vegas, where I attended the Grow With Video Live conference. I have some great updates and stories to share with you! First, a shoutout to Greg, a listener and Phillies fan, who's made significant strides with the Phillies organization to provide re…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss various engaging topics that have kept me busy over the past week. I begin with a humorous anecdote about a raffle where an unsold ticket wins. I reflect on my participation in a recent podcast episode of "That Real Blind Tech Show," where Brian and Ed critiqued Michael Schuman's article in The Atlantic, I shif…

In episode 261 of iCantCU, I dive into a heartfelt discussion, primarily focusing on an article from The Atlantic that caught my attention thanks to my sister-in-law. The piece, titled "I'm Disabled. Please Help Me." reflects on the challenges visually impaired individuals face in navigating public spaces and prompts me to share my own experiences …

In this episode of iCantCU, I share some exciting updates and stories. First, I want to thank Renee, Dan, and Alex for supporting the NFB of Pennsylvania April raffle. It's been a fun ride with tickets at $5 each, offering everyone a chance to win daily throughout April. Getting those tickets out, especially to our visually impaired friends, has be…

In this episode of iCantCU, I share a mix of personal anecdotes and reflections on technology, media representation, and community engagement. My weekend outing with Liz to Brio, a restaurant in the Christiana Mall, turned into an exploration of assistive technology. I intended to pick up my Mac mini. Still, I delved into the capabilities and limit…

In this episode of iCantCU, I focus on web accessibility, the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, and a unique raffle ticket sale to support the NFB of PA. I detail the raffle, explaining the process, the prizes, and the significance of the funds raised for the NFB of Pennsylvania. This initiative highlights the podcast's commitment t…

In this episode of iCantCU, I explore everything from unique fundraising efforts to the power of community meetings and the challenges blind parents face. I begin with an exciting opportunity to support the NFB of Pennsylvania through a raffle with fantastic rewards. It's a simple way to contribute and stand a chance to win, with proceeds going dir…

In this episode of iCantCU, I explain what Washington Seminar is and discuss various aspects of my trip to Washington, D.C., for the annual event. I was part of a team from the NFB of PA that I dubbed the PA-5 Guys since we (Simon, Chip, and me) are all from Pennsylvania's 5th Congressional District. We met with Susan Wild, D-PA7. She is a big supp…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss more issues with apps and their lack of accessibility. This time, it's Uber and ASX. Both were better than Starbucks but required workarounds or the dreaded sighted help. I also recount a fantastic afternoon with our friends at the Greater Philly Chapter. Their President, Denice Brown, invited members of the Ke…

In this episode of iCantCU, I explain some problems with another app. Starbucks, I'm talking to you. How is a blind or visually impaired person supposed to place an order for a store that is now a mobile order pick-up-only location if the app isn't accessible? On the bright side, I now have an app to use as a demonstration when we meet our Represen…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my frustration with an app for doing a music survey from Alt Nation on SiriusXM. Generally speaking, the app was probably about 70% accessible. However, the most important part was not. You've got to hear the song to rate it. If you can’t find the play button, you can’t listen. This is not the only app that has…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my experience at the Wilma Theater with audio description for the play Fat Ham. I was hoping the AD device worked. I left disappointed. I also explain what is going on with Ziggy. Additionally, I mention upcoming episodes of That Real Blind Tech Show and Double Tap that I am a part of. In Just Listen, I share s…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss a trip to Harrisburg for a Blind Merchants and Business Enterprise Program Christmas party and fundraiser. Over $1000 was raised for the "little blind kids." I also explain the logistics involved for me at our Keystone Chapter meeting and Christmas party at the Penn Museum. I share my disappointment at a recent…

In this episode of iCantCU, I look back at five years of the podcast. I discuss what episodes have been the most popular and what countries have the most downloads. I play clips of the very first episode and the most downloaded episode. Whether this is your first time listening or you've been along for the entire ride, I am grateful for your suppor…

In this episode of iCantCU, join me as I dive into the frustrating world of social media accessibility, or the lack thereof. I'm unpacking the challenges I faced while trying to post on Instagram and the glaring accessibility gaps on TikTok. But that's not all! I also share my experiences from the NFB of PA State Convention in Harrisburg, PA. You w…

Dive headfirst into an urban odyssey on this episode of iCantCU, where I take you on a gripping tale of navigating the bustling arteries of New York City - solo! Yes, you heard that right. I braved the iconic subway alone for the first time, embarking on a quest from an Amtrak train to the number one line, with a mission to reach my daughter's upto…

In the latest iCantCU episode, I peel back the curtain on a whirlwind week! Dive into the highs and lows of the "Believe You Can!" talent show, and get swept away by the heart and dedication of every performer. With Ziggy facing health challenges, I shed light on his journey and what's next. Plus, I grapple with global events that left me reeling, …

In this episode of iCantCU, I share the story of being put on HostGator's Blacklist. That's not the same one as the one Raymond Reddington is on. I wasn't notified, and it took support more than a day to tell me. I talk about chatting to support without using a screen reader, which is also challenging. Things might have been easier if I had Dembe t…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss several days of being out and about. While two days were only for doctor visits, one was an enjoyable, sometimes scary evening at Eastern State Penitentiary. Their Halloween Nights are legendary, and I finally got to go as part of a Philly Meetup For The Blind event. You can hear some of the fun in an extended …

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss some ups and downs with our monthly Keystone Chapter meeting at the Penn Museum. At least the trains were running to and from the Penn Medicine Station. I explain some differences in Believe You Can! 2023 over previous year's shows. I give a mini book review of The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of S…

In this episode of iCantCU, I explore three intriguing topics. First, we touch on the joys and challenges of preparing and enjoying food, a universal experience close to our hearts. Then, I discuss the "Believe You Can! Talent Show," shedding light on an exciting event presented by the Keystone Chapter. Lastly, I dive into the fascinating "Be My AI…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my experience with the BEP director job application. Despite scoring 95 out of 110 on the test, I received no interview. I also discovered that my references were not contacted. Was the process pre-planned, and the job was just posted for legal reasons? There's speculation that the acting director might have be…

In this episode of iCantCU, I share my recent experiences with the Keystone Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. I dive into my thoughts on fundraising activities, like the drawing for our Dinner for a Week fundraiser. I also talk about Cira Green, a fantastic park I visited in Philly. Picture this: It's on top of a park…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to NYC to participate in a Cornell University Research Study using a VR headset and non-verbal cues. I WAS EXCITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY since I had never put on a VR headset. After finishing the study at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island, I headed to Bryant Park to meet with Jane to grab din…

This iCantCU episode is a cross-over with Brian Fischler and Ed Plumacher from That Real Blind Tech Show. We discuss our time together at #NFB23 in Houston. We talk about going to the Astros game on July 4th and the Listen device that gets the radio broadcast in real-time. Ed tells me the difference between BeepBall and Blind Baseball. We talk abou…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the NFB National Convention in Houston. I talk about some of the sessions I attended and what I learned. I discuss General Sessions and some of the presenters who took the stage. A couple of the presenters were in unfriendly territory. Still, they had the guts to show up and tell their organization's story. …

In this travelogue episode of iCantCU, I talk about my travel experience to and from #nfb23 in Houston, Texas. There are always accessibility issues; they started when I got to PHL. If I could, I would have only traveled with a carry-on bag. When I arrived at IAH, I had to rely on someone to help me get out of the airport and into a taxi. Coming ho…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about getting the NFB of PA website done enough to show people at the #NFB23 National Convention. There is still work to be done, but I've gotten to the point where I am writing content for the site, not just doing technical or design things. I also discuss my travel plans for Houston, the convention site. I am ex…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about playing tour guide for some out-of-town NFB members. We enjoyed exploring the Franklin Institute with Eliz as our descriptive docent. It was planes, trains, and a 3D-printed motorcycle, along with the famous walkthrough heart! Then to the Liberty Bell for a tactile visit. I also discuss the position I recent…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss updating my resume using AI to apply for a job related to the BEP. I talk about how the AI helped rewrite the bullet points, making them more impressive. I also share my Instagram experience and the challenges of posting with voiceover. I explain the benefits of using Meta Creator Studio to post from a computer…

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my preparations for the upcoming NFB convention. I kept forgetting to make my hotel reservation, which led me to miss the first spillover hotel. I also share anecdotes about accidentally setting off the panic button on our security system that freaked Ziggy out, receiving information about OVR's new business fu…

In this episode of iCantCU, I share my experience completing JAWS training and the challenges I faced with distractions during the last day. I also discuss an interview with Ann Cunningham, an artist who taught art to blind individuals at the Colorado Center. Ann created the Sensational Blackboard device, allowing blind children to draw and feel th…

iCantCU, I continue to share my JAWS training experience. I recount an incident during a practice civil service exam where I encountered difficulties due to inaccessible graphics that JAWS couldn't read. This raised my concerns about the accessibility of such exams for blind or visually impaired folks. I took a picture of the screen to seek assista…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about a Business Enterprise Program Zoom meeting that has soured my outlook on the program. I also mention how Ziggy's actions in the car reminded me of several events I've attended when I faced where I thought the person giving a speech was located. I discuss the successful Keystone Chapter Spin Fundraiser. Show …

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about touring Bestwork Industries for the Blind in Cherry Hill, NJ. I learned how the company hires and trains blind people to work in manufacturing, customer service, and other positions in the company. In Just Listen, you'll hear about training from the training room and know what is manufactured and for whom. T…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about doing more web design projects, especially once I am more proficient with JAWS. I've been told that WordPress and JAWS play nice together. I discuss the Be My Eyes app using Open AI, currently in beta, and how my friend was featured on NBC using the app around NYC. I also update an audio description and audi…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk more about relearning JAWS and remembering how different Windows is from MacOS. Remembering is the keyword here. I also discuss episode 069 of White Canes Connect with Mike Walsh from Flight for Sight. They are giving away three $10,000 travel grants to blind and visually impaired people. You'll hear a clip from M…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about returning to CBVI for JAWS training. I discuss a couple of funny moments from our Keystone Chapter meeting. One during the meeting and one at our post-meeting lunch at New Deck Tavern. I have a two-part Just Listen. The first is a clip from the Piano Bar with Eddie Salcido introducing his song Six Foot Under…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about filling in on hosting duties for the Third Annual Piano Bar event. It was short notice, so I had to learn about the event and the participants quickly. I also had to figure out how to retrieve the script/info since it was a live event with no editing like I do with this podcast. It all worked out in the end,…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to Harrisburg for a Business Enterprise Program meeting that was canceled at 9PM the night before it was due to be held. Hours after I arrived in the State Capital and checked into the hotel. I also mention my glaucoma doctor appointment, where the specialist couldn't determine my recent vision los…

ntCU, I talk about traveling to State College for a Leadership Seminar by the NFB of PA. I explain how I had to scramble to find alternative modes of transportation when our Amtrak train was delayed for my group of seven. The final leg of our journey was handled by a one-legged Uber driver. I also tell you about my first visit to the Overbrook Scho…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the side effects of a new medicine that has worsened my vision. I also talk about accessibility issues with Instagram. Yes, blind people take pictures and want to show the world, too. In Just Listen, you'll hear a clip from the movie Revolution (from the Museum of the American Revolution) and a clip from a v…

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about how AI can help blind people. I'll tell you exactly how it assisted me in getting an episode of White Canes Connect out very quickly. And in Just Listen, I'll show you the finished product. I also talk about some outstanding customer service I received from a specialty pharmacy when refilling a prescription.…

In this premiere episode of Blind Bosses, I learn about Mobile Accessible Games from Aaron Spelker. Aaron tells us about the freak accident that left him blind about three years ago. He talks about how a conversation with a blind man on a commuter train years before he went blind helped him get started with the accessibility features on the iPhone …

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about jumping the turnstile at Penn Medicine station to help my blind friends get to our Keystone Chapter meeting. I also talk about taking part in a Zoom meeting about Audio Description for live theater in the Philadelphia area. I discuss my work with Vision Council, which is currently reviewing and giving feedba…