Though rideshare has been a great equalizer for blind travelers, consistent discrimination against blind riders—especially guide dog users—has been a relentless issue that has not been meaningfully addressed by Uber and Lyft, the most popular ride-sharing services in the United States. After years of good-faith attempts at a resolution, hundreds of blind people rallied in front of the corporate headquarters of both companies in San Francisco, CA, on White Cane Awareness Day, October 15, 2024, to demand that our right to ride be upheld. In this episode, we'll hear from Lindsay Kerr and Colin Wong, two students who attended the rally. They'll share their own personal rideshare denial stories, their experiences at the rally, reactions to recent developments, including Uber's unlawful self-identification program for blind riders, and what they hope rideshare companies will take away from our advocacy.

This show was hosted by Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome. It was produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Selene Monjaraz, and Akliesia Teshome. Our editor for this episode is James Yesel. Our NABS Board Representative is Manahil Jafri. Special thanks to Marcy Carpenter and Gene Kim for their support in making this episode possible.

Follow NABS on social media, visit our website, and join our mailing list and WhatsApp community: https://linktr.ee/nabslink.

Adventures with Eve: https://www.adventureswitheve.com/.

2024 National Federation of the Blind Scholarships: https://nfb.org/scholarships.

Learn more:

October 2024 Presidential Release Live: https://www.youtube.com/live/xphq_PFDdEE.

“Uber Almost Got Me Killed!” by Ronza Othman: https://nfb.org//images/nfb/publications/bm/bm24/bm2409/bm240904.htm.

National Federation of the Blind to Raise Awareness of Discrimination by Rideshare Companies: https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-raise-awareness-discrimination-rideshare-companies.

“Rideshare Advocacy on Unlawful Implementation of Self-Identification” by President Mark Riccobono: https://nfb.org/blog/rideshare-advocacy-unlawful-implementation-self-identification.

Most students have or will have to share their living space with sighted roommates at some point. Sometimes everything's great, but what should you do when your needs aren’t being met? Initially, you might think living alone is the solution, but that may not work depending on your situation. Besides, roommates are a huge part of the college experience for many people. Whether you’re a guide dog user or a cane user, living with sighted roommates presents challenges that can be difficult to navigate. This episode will explore those challenges, how to advocate for yourself on a peer-to-peer basis, and how to turn those experiences into positive learning moments.

Thank you to our guest panelists Nikhil Dadlani and Casey Rayes.

Hosted by Noah Carver and Akliesia Teshome.

Produced by Noah Carver, Naudia Graham, Salene Monjaraz, and Akliesia Teshome.

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Are you considering taking the next step in your academic journey by pursuing a graduate degree? Join us on this episode of NABS Now podcast for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about graduate school. We’ll cover the ins and outs of applying, choosing the right program, and what to expect once you’re in the program as a blind student.

Thank you to our guest panelists.

Hosted by Isabel Rosario and Noah Carver

Produced by Seyoon Choi

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

In this episode, we'll delve into the rich history of NABS Now, exploring its origins and how it's grown into a vibrant platform for blind students, educators, and advocates. Seyoon and Kinshuk will pull back the curtain on the production process, revealing the magic (and maybe a little mayhem) that goes into crafting each episode.

Hosted by Noah Carver and sound edited and mixed by James Yesel and Seyoon Choi

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Facebook: facebook.com/nabspage/

Instagram and TikTok: @nabslink

In this episode, "Echoes of Advocacy & Empowerment: United Voices for Change," we delve into the heart of collective action and advocacy with Dr. Justin Young, a governmental affairs specialist. Join us as we explore the impactful narratives from the National Federation of the Blind Washington Seminar, highlighting the powerful convergence of voices advocating for meaningful legislative change. Discover how unity, empowerment, and collective action pushes our movement forward. From where it all began to our three current legislative priorities today, members of the Federation gather in Washington DC to meet with our elected officials at the nation's capital to advocate for change.

Learn more about Washington seminar and our legislative priorities: https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar

Hosted by Seyoon Choi and cohosted by Isabel Rosario

Produced by James Yesel and Seyoon Choi

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and Mastodon @nabslink

In this episode of our NABS Now podcast, we delve into the intricate world of living with invisible disabilities alongside blindness. Join our esteemed guest speakers, Rodger Suarez and Lina Howard, as they share their insights and personal experiences, topped with their 60 second advice, in coping with invisible disabilities and their means to live their lives to their fullest.

Hosted by Seyoon Choi and Isabel Rosario, this conversation aims to illuminate the complexities and resilience found in the lives of those navigating both visible and invisible disabilities.

Produced by Seyoon Choi and James Yesel

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Facebook: Facebook

.com/nabspage/

Instagram: @nabslink

"In this unique and heartfelt bonus episode of the NABS Now podcast, titled 'What Blind Equality Achievement Month Means to Us', we step back and turn the spotlight onto our vibrant community of blind students. As we celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and immerse ourselves in Blindness Equality Achievement Month, we hear directly from blind students from across the nation. Through their personal testimonies, discover the depth of meaning, the moments of triumph, and the spirit of unity that defines #BlindMonth for our community. Each voice brings a fresh perspective, each story adds a new layer to our collective narrative. Join us in this immersive journey and witness the diverse and powerful interpretations of Blind Equality Achievement Month."

Be sure to checkout our previous episode, where we sat down with Lauren Altman on her journey through blindness.

Created and produced by Seyoon Choi

Visit us on the web at nabslink.org

Social media: @nabslink and as the National Association of Blind Students

In this special BEAM-focused episode of the NABS Now podcast, we're joined by Lauren Altman, the newly elected President of the National Association of Blind Students. Dive deep into Lauren's powerful testimony as she recounts her journey of acceptance, empowerment, and leadership within the Federation. With candid discussions on confronting and challenging internalized ableism, to finding strength in community, Lauren's insights serve as both inspiration and guidance. Hosted by Seyoon Choi with cohost Isabel Rosario, this episode promises a deep, resonant exploration into embracing one's identity and the limitless potential of the blind community and through Lauren's powerful words of wisdom on her journey through blindness to kickoff this year's blindness, equity, and achievement month.

Produced, sound edited and mixed by Kinshuk Tella and Seyoon Choi

Find the National Association of Blind Students on Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram as @nabslink and National Association of Blind Students.

www.nabslink.org