In this episode of iCantCU, I share a jaw-dropping moment when the director of a Pennsylvania state agency called me a four-letter word. Yes, really. It all ties back to my ongoing fight for transparency and inclusion in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which provides blind entrepreneurs with opportunities to run vending and food service businesses on government properties.

Despite promises of reopening the program, Pennsylvania hasn’t trained a new blind vendor in over five years. With the number of operators dwindling from 200 to just 20, and many nearing retirement, the program’s future is in jeopardy. I break down the bureaucratic roadblocks, potential conflicts of interest, and the resistance to allowing public attendance at key meetings—including my own.

I also discuss the upcoming PA Association of Blind Merchants Spring Fling on May 17 in Harrisburg. It’s a chance to support blind entrepreneurs, network, and raise awareness. Tickets are available now! Blind entrepreneurs exhibit opportunities and sponsorship opportunities are also available. See all the links below in the Links Mentioned section.

I tease my recent trip to Baltimore and a behind-the-scenes look at my OnlyFans page… I’m not kidding. Tune in for the full story!

Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/282  

Links Mentioned (product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission.)

• Ziggy loves this ball and your dog will too! : https://amzn.to/3ZpuLTO
• I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/
• Attend the Blind Merchants Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https:www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/
• If you are a blind entrepreneur and would like exhibit at the Spring Fling: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/
• Be a sponsor of Spring Fling: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/
• Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/ 
• Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/ 
• Index of That Real Blind Tech Show episodes: https://www.icantcu.com/trbts/ 
• Watch iCantCU episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU

Support iCantCU

When shopping at Amazon, I would appreciate it if you clicked on this link to make your purchases: https://www.iCantCU.com/amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associate Program and earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The best part is, you don't pay extra for doing this!

White Canes Connect Podcast Episode 127

In Episode 127  of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and I welcome Stacie Leap and Marva Hall from the Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents. This newly chartered division of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania  is only the second of its kind in the entire NFB, marking a historic moment for blind parents nationwide.

Find the podcast on

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709 

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube

Https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

White Canes Connect On Twitter

Https://www.twitter.com/PABlindPodcast

My Podcast Gear

Here is all my gear and links to it on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

• Zoom Podtrak P4: https://amzn.to/33Ymjkt
• Zoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2s
• Zoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O 
• Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBK
• Shure SM58 S Mic: https://amzn.to/3JOzofg 
• Sony ZV-E10 camera : https://amzn.to/4fFBSxM 
• Sennheiser Headset (1st 162 episodes): https://amzn.to/3fM0Hu0 

Follow iCantCU on your favorite podcast directory!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2 

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/iCantCU-Podcast-Podcast/B08JJM26BT 

IHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-icantcu-podcast-31157111/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/davidbenj 

Reach out on social media

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/davidbenj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj

Are You or Do You Know A Blind Boss?

If you or someone you know is crushing it in their field and is also blind, I want to hear from you! Call me at (646) 926-6350 and leave a message. Please include your name and town, and tell me who the Blind Boss is and why I need to have them on an upcoming episode. You can also email the show at [email protected].