iCantCU Podcast

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about additional issues with my vision and the prospects of having a full thickness cornea transplant or partial cornea transplant. I also give step-by-step instructions on how you can help blind people enjoy Instagram more by adding the alt text to your images when you post them. I also can’t help but give a short update to how things are going for my team, FC Tunguska, in the All Blind Football League.

Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/145

Episode Title Is Clickbait, But We Need Your Help

Is the title of this episode clickbait? Absolutely. But, nothing is more frustrating to me and other blind and visually impaired people than to be scrolling through Instagram and come across an image with the caption, “This is hilarious!” What is it? I want to know. Here is how you can let us in on the secret.

How To Add Alt Text To Instagram Posts

After selecting the image(s) you’re going to post and add the filter you want, you get to the page titled New Post. It is the page where you add a caption, a location, and such. Tap Advanced Settings at the bottom of the page. At the bottom of that page is the header Accessibility. Tap Write Alt Text just below the heading. Now just type a description of the photo. Add as much as you feel will set the image for a blind person. You can add something short, like, “I’m standing in front of an evergreen tree.” Or, go in-depth, “I’m standing in front of an evergreen tree on grass. It is a beautiful day with just a few white, puffy clouds in the sky. I’m wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.” Now, when you add the caption that says, “Great day!” Blind folks will get the whole picture. See what I did there?

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about my conversation with a refrigerator repairman. While there are varying degrees of blindness, he used the word blind a little too loosely. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/144.

Accessibility In The Kitchen

While our oven and our microwave are not very accessible, the panel on our now dead four-year-old Kenmore fridge is (was?) The buttons were tactile and very easy for me to figure out whether I was on water, cubed ice or crushed ice. So, unlike the oven, I didn’t need help with the fridge.

Looking For A New Fridge

Since our Kenmore is dead, we’ve been searching for a new fridge hoping to find one that is at least somewhat accessible. There are other specifications we need, too. Our space for the fridge is limited, so that disqualifies many models. The supply chain issues of just about everything has also made getting a replacement difficult.

Preparing For Living In Europe

We’ve been using a dorm fridge that we bought for Jacob when he was a junior at Westtown School. It is about the size of fridges you see in episode of House Hunters International., so it is like a crash course for when we move to the Mediterranean coast.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about my trip to NY for the first in-person fantasy football draft of the All Blind Football League. It was great to meet everyone face to face and hang out with them. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/143.

Travel To NYC Via Amtrak Acela

I’ve travel by train to NYC many times, but this was my first experience on Acela. I’ve always thought that paying more to arrive 10 to 15 minutes sooner was a waste of money. After this trip, I have changed my tune. The seats are more comfortable and the ride is much smoother. I highly recommend it.

Blind Fantasy Football Draft

Nine of the 12 teams in the league were able to make it to the draft at a house in Orangeburg, NY. There were a few hiccups with technology, but the draft was fun. Sure, I got two kickers (due to user error,) but I am generally happy with my team at this moment.

First Solo Travel Since Podfest 2020 In Orlando

It was my first solo travel since I attended Podfest in Orlando just before the lockdowns came in mid-March, 2020. It was great to get away. It was great to meet the other guys and girls in the league. And it was great to feel independent again.

Believe You Can! Looking For Performers

If you’ve got talent, Believe You Can! 2021 might be a perfect fit! The talent show presented by  the Keystone Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is looking for performers for the show on October 16. Go to BelieveYouCan.live to grab the form. Fill it out and send it to Lisa Bryant. Did I mention there are cash prizes?

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I speak with Straight Off The Canvas documentary producers Anthony Saldana and Jason Figueira. They talk about how the documentary about blind and visually impaired artists came to be and how they captured the artists passions, struggles, and determination to create art and teach it to blind and visually impaired children. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/142

Learn More About Straight Off The Canvas

To learn more about Anthony and Jason's documentary, visit the Straight Off The Canvas website and find them on Twitter @straightcanvas

The book Anthony mentioned in the episode is Ordinary Daylight: Portrait of an Artist Going Blind. This is an affiliate link, so if you make a purchase through the link, I will earn a small commission.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about the upcoming All Blind Football League fantasy draft documentary. Between the accessibility of the forms used for on-boarding, the logistics, and my on-going email security concerns, it has been a little challenging to say the least. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/141

Blind Fantasy Football Draft IRL In NY

It is going to be great meeting the other players in our blind fantasy league face-to-face and being part of the "talent" for the production. I've only really spoken to the commissioner, Brian, and Kisiah on the phone and via email. Everyone else I've only communicated through the league message boards.

Video Production Talent

It will be fun to be part of this video production. I haven't really done anything like this since college in Miami. I've always wanted to do video production and now I'll get a taste of it.

The Actual Fantasy Draft

With all the stress of making sure alll my paperwork is completed, travel arrangements set, and PCR test scheduled, I can't forget to prepare for the draft. Away from my computer. I'll be drafting on my phone and using an iPad for research.

Believe You Can! 2021

The Keystone Chapter of the NFB of PA presents Believe You Can! 2021 on October 16. If you'd like to perform at the event, go to BelieveYouCan.live and download the Performer Application form. Fill it in and send it back to Lisa Bryant. Tickets are on sale now! Buy a $10 Individual ticket or $25 Watch Party ticket.

White Canes Connect Episode 4

My other audio project, White Canes Connect, has dropped episode 4. Listen to learn more from blind bowlers Mike Patterson and my friend Eugenio D'Olivaira. They talk about the American Blind Bowling Association.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about my appointment with a cornea specialist and the options I have moving forward. I also tell you about more email issues that goes well above the phishing scam from two weeks ago. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/140

More Steroids Or Another Cornea Transplant

My two options are either take more steroid drops or schedule another cornea transplant. For once, the choice was pretty easy. I'm going to try the drops for a couple of months and see what happens.

Risks For Both Options

With any kind of treatment, there are risks. The eye drops could cause my interocular pressure to increase. That may affect my glaucoma. Doing any kind of surgery could create a whole host of issues, like uncontrollable glaucoma and infection.

Email Hacked

The ongoing email issues I've had since the phishing scam took another turn this week. I received a reply to an email I sent to someone requesting an invoice for the Keystone Chapter t-shirts. The response I got was not from the person that I emailed (even though it looked like it was) and fortunately I could tell. Loss of funds avoided, but not sure how safe my email account is, so I shutdown the ability to send emails at the server level.

BJ's Customer Service Is Still Horrendous

Our BJ's saga continues. They would rather us return our order, a seven piece patio dining set than replace one defective chair. We are questioning whether or not to renew our membership when it expires next month.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about all of the obstacles around the house while having some home improvement work done. In this case, some were tricky and dangerous for me and some were dangerous for Ziggy. I also give updates to the All Blind Fantasy Football draft and the email scam that I was a victim of. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/139

Treacherous Home Improvements

When you are blind, just about any home improvement comes with potential issues. Moving furniture just a little could create a hazard navigating past it. When we had some electrical work done, I not only had to worry about myself, but Ziggy, too.

Ziggy Eats Just About Anything

Just because he shouldn't eat it, doesn't mean he leaves something on the floor alone. I didn't want him to eat bits of wiring, paper towels, screws, or whatever else may have ended up on the floor. We didn't want another unscheduled, expensive trip to the vet.

Fantasy Football Draft In NYC

I found out this week that our in-person, video produced All Blind Fantasy Football draft will be held in New York City. While I would've loved an all-expenses paid trip to LA, I wasn't comfortable going that distance with the conditions as they are now. I'll settle for the all-expenses paid trip to NYC, a short 90 minute train ride away.

Phishing Scam Happy Ending

I was stunned that we were able to recover all the money that I was scammed out of last week. I never thought it would end this way. I am thankful to the Ridley Township Police, TD Bank, and Venmo for making it happen.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about how I was scammed out of nearly $5000. It was an email scam that I thought originated from the President of the NFB of PA. It didn't. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/138

An Email Scam Can Happen To You

Even with my limited sight, I thought I could never be a victim of such a scam. Clearly, I was wrong. According to a report from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, people lost $57 million to email scams in one year.

Verify Before You Send Money

My wanting to help and my quick actions are what did me in. I should've called to follow up before taking action. It just sounded so legit, though.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about the Keystone Chapter t-shirt fundraiser and the problems that seem to never end. I also talk about creating podcast cover art for White Canes Connect and how I love creating graphics. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/137

Keystone Chapter T-shirt Saga

Since we decided to do a t-shirt fundraiser, we have had two vendors pull the rug out from under us. The first time it was bad, because this vendor was not only going to print the shirts, but also ship them to each end user. And at a price that would give the chapter a $7 profit.

When Price Quotes Mean Nothing

The second vendor had given us a quote, but when I went to place the order, they had increased our cost by 11.2%. No heads-up was given about the increase. Some unpleasantries were exchanged while I searched for another vendor. Here's hoping the third time is the charm...

Blind Graphic Design

While creating the first mockup of the White Canes Connect podcast cover art, I realized, like I did while editing the first few episodes, that  I really like creating graphics. My graphics are pretty basic, but I love making them in Adobe Illustrator.

White Canes Connect Episode 3

Once I have the cover art completed and the show is listed in the podcast directories, I'll stop posting the episodes here. (If time allows, there will be a White Canes Connect website in the next month or two.) Please enjoy episode 3 as Lisa and I speak with Lizzy Muhammad Park and Adison Lemmon, to scholarship winners at this years National Federation of the Blind National Convention (#NFB21.)

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about going to a Philly Meetup for the Blind event in Center City Philadelphia and the "adventure" it was getting to and from it. I also give an update about my latest eye issue and what I found out from my glaucoma specialist appointment. There is also a Ziggy update. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/136

Getting There Is Half The Adventure

I went to a blind meetup after a couple of friends told me they would also be going and one of them would be up to traveling together part of the way. I was so glad I went. As usual, getting to and from the event was an adventure in itself.

It was more of an adventure coming home than on the way there, though there were a few issues going. Coming home I nearly wiped out on vomit on the sidewalk (though I didn't know what it was as I was sliding all over the place trying to stay on my feet.) We encountered locked gates at several station entrances and hallways that we typically use to get to the trolly. And, the scariest one, nearly getting hit by a guy on a bicycle.

Eye Update

My appointment with the glaucoma specialist went better than I expected. I was given an eye drop to use on my cornea edema. Once I go to the cornea specialist in a few weeks to confirm that is all that is going on I will feel better.

The Problem With Society

When Eliz was walking Ziggy one morning, a lady walking a dog on the sidewalk ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET yelled at her for not stopping until she and her dog were behind a parked car so her dog couldn't see Ziggy. She didn't want her dog barking and going nuts while seeing our handsome boy. Why is she entitled to such treatment.

Her dog barked and barked while Eliz kept walking. Her dog stopped barking once they were behind the parked car. It is one thing if they were on the same side of the street, but they were not.

White Canes Connect Episode 3

We are proud to release episode 3 of White Canes Connect. In it, Lisa and I speak with Adison Lemmon who just attended her first NFB National Convention #NFB21 and Lizzy Muhammad Park, who won the top scholarship from the same convention. Listen below or over at http://www.nfbp.org/whitecanesconnect.

Reach Out On Social Media

Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

Get In Touch

If you've got questions, comments, or show ideas, I want to hear from you! Call (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Include your name and town and let me know if it is okay to use your voice on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected]