In episode 293 of iCantCU, I take you along for a cold—but memorable—day trip to New York City with Jane, where holiday chaos, quality time, and cutting-edge tech collide.

The highlight was our visit to Meta Labs, where I spent hands-on time testing the new Ray-Ban Meta Display Smart Glasses to see what they might offer the blind community. I walk through what worked, what didn't, and why the built-in screen reader both impressed and frustrated me—especially when it came to non-standard gestures and demo limitations. We talk about navigation, open-ear audio, live translation, and why hands-free directions could be a game-changer for independent travel.

I also share some real talk about accessibility etiquette, crowded holiday sidewalks, frozen train doors, and why earbuds still make me nervous. This episode is part tech review, part travel diary, and the beginning of a longer journey with the Meta Ray-Bans.

Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/293

Links Mentioned

Product links are affiliate links so that I may earn a commission.

• Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, Wayfarer: https://amzn.to/42EU0Sy
• Like the sunglasses Jane bought for me? https://amzn.to/4oGWLfx
• Another big dog toy that may be on Ziggy's list: https://amzn.to/4nWcib1
• Federation Focus on the NFB of PA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa
• I edit the show with Descript and love it!: https://www.iCantCU.com/descript/
• Be My Eyes app (free): https://www.bemyeyes.com/
• Seeing AI app (free): https://www.seeingai.com/
• Year-end Spectacular! That Real Blind Tech Show ep 194: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-194-that-real-blind-tech-show-year-end-spectacular-its-real-and-its-spectacular
• 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 146

In Episode 146 of White Canes Connect, we share the 2025 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention banquet keynote delivered by National Federation of the Blind Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives, Anil Lewis. With humor, honesty, and warmth, Anil traces his journey from sudden blindness and early misconceptions about rehabilitation to discovering the Federation's philosophy of high expectations, love, and accountability.

Find this episode at:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/anil-lewis-keynote-address-at-pa-state-convention/id1592248709?i=1000738772303

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1uUuORnubQC3pCa9sOYUqR

YouTube

https://youtu.be/M_fjMoBG5tE?si=nnJl7cU1kUmdYOBe

White Canes Connect Website https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/146/

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
• GoPro Hero 11 Black: https://amzn.to/3SKI7WX
• Rode Video Micro (used on GoPro): https://amzn.to/4kVMJWI
• 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/

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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].