White Canes Connect

Could driverless cars transform transportation for blind and low-vision travelers? On episode 162 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lizzy Muhammad Park and David Goldstein welcome Monica Freundlich, Northeast Public Affairs Manager at Waymo, to explore the possibilities of autonomous transportation. Monica explains how Waymo works, the company's approach to accessibility, and its interest in bringing service to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

From screen reader compatibility and haptic notifications to a vehicle-locating chime developed following feedback from an NFB member, Waymo has introduced features designed to help blind passengers travel more independently. Monica also discusses minimized walking time, audio alerts for nearby bike lanes, Braille-labeled controls in a newer vehicle, and round-the-clock customer support.

Lizzy shares personal experiences with rideshare drivers who have refused her guide dog, highlighting why a driverless alternative could make such a difference. The conversation also explores women's safety, pricing, vehicle options, and the important role the National Federation of the Blind has played in shaping Waymo's accessibility features. With potential expansion into Pennsylvania, David and Lizzy are eager to experience their first autonomous ride.

Platinum Sponsor

Waymo is a Platinum sponsor for the 2026 State Convention in Hershey. If you'd like to support the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.nfbofpa.org/give/.

Top Takeaways

• Finding your ride: Screen reader support, haptic notifications, horn signals, and a distinctive chime help blind passengers locate their Waymo.
• Accessible pickups and drop-offs: Minimized walking time and audio alerts are designed to make getting to and from the vehicle easier.
• Guide dog access: Service animals are welcome, removing the possibility of a driver personally refusing a ride because of a guide dog.
• Personalized comfort: Passengers can customize temperature, seating preferences, and music, while a newer vehicle includes Braille-labeled controls.
• Expansion into Pennsylvania: Waymo is exploring Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with the possibility of future opportunities for NFB members to experience the service.

What You'll Learn

1. How Waymo's autonomous vehicles operate and how riders request a trip.
2. How blind passengers can locate, unlock, enter, and exit their vehicles.
3. What accessibility features help guide dog users and passengers with other disabilities.
4. How Waymo addresses passenger safety and provides 24/7 human support.
5. What Monica shared about potential launches in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

What happens when blind Black leaders bring accessibility advocacy to one of the biggest celebrations of HBCU culture and football? In Episode 161 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Callaway and Audrey Lester to discuss the inaugural Accessibility Symposium organized by the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL), its HBCU Committee, and the Blind Greek and Masonic Group. Taking place December 10–13, 2026, in Atlanta, the event combines important conversations about inclusion with the excitement of the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

Shawn explains why representation matters, especially in spaces where blind people have historically been overlooked. The symposium at Morehouse College will bring together members of historically Black colleges and universities, Greek-letter organizations, and the blindness community. Audrey, a Howard University graduate and clinical social worker, shares her experiences navigating college and building a professional career. Her story includes applying for 86 jobs and attending approximately 15 interviews before receiving her first job offer.

But this weekend is about more than accessibility discussions. Attendees will enjoy networking, fellowship, and a group outing to the Celebration Bowl, proudly representing their HBCUs, fraternities, sororities, and the blind community. Shawn and Audrey share their hopes for the event, how supporters can get involved, and why creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone.

Top Takeaways

• Representation matters: Blind Black people deserve to be included in conversations about education, employment, culture, and community leadership.
• Accessibility begins with self-advocacy: Audrey explains why understanding your needs and requesting accommodations is essential for success in college and the workplace.
• Persistence opens doors: Audrey's journey through 86 job applications demonstrates the challenges blind professionals can face and the importance of perseverance.
• Community creates opportunities: The symposium brings together the NFB, HBCU graduates, Greek-letter organizations, and Masonic groups to build relationships and encourage greater inclusion.

What You'll Learn

• Why NOBBL chose Celebration Bowl weekend for its first Accessibility Symposium.
• What attendees can expect at Morehouse College and throughout the four-day gathering.
• How Audrey navigated Howard University, graduate school, and her transition into employment.
• Why blind people must be represented within HBCU, Greek-letter, and Masonic communities.
• How Federation members and supporters can participate, provide financial assistance, and help expand the event's impact.

Event Information

NOBBL Accessibility Symposium and Celebration Bowl Weekend

Dates: December 10–13, 2026

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Symposium: Friday, December 11, at Morehouse College

Celebration Bowl: Saturday, December 12

Event costs discussed in the episode:

• Welcome reception: Free
• Accessibility Symposium: $30
• Sunday brunch: $55
• Celebration Bowl tickets: Separate purchase
• Host hotel, Origin Atlanta, a Wyndham Hotel: Group rate of $159 per night

For registration details, visit https://blackleaders.nfb.org .

For questions about the event or NOBBL, email [email protected].

Connect with White Canes Connect

We'd love to hear whether you're planning to attend the symposium or what inclusion in your community means to you.

Call: 267-338-4495. Leave a message of up to three minutes, including your name and town.

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.WhiteCanesConnect.com

Have you ever been traveling and wanted to hear about your surroundings as you move? Well, now you can!

While attending the NFB National Convention in Austin Texas, White Canes Connect host Simon Bonenfant sat down with Dirk and Neill Vander Wilt of Heritage Harmony Group, creator of Audio Vista. Using a compilation of image sources, Audio Vista extracts visual data about an outdoor location and generates AI-generated descriptions of those images, read aloud in real time.

Created by Dirk, Heritage and Harmony Group's CTO, and supported by his brother, President Neill, the conversation discusses how the idea was born, the technical nuances of how information is aggregated, and the potential for future developments.

Interested in getting descriptions of your view? Go to the Audio Vista website at https://www.audiovista.app.

You can also find more information at www.heartheview.com

Have a question or comment? Reach Dirk at [email protected], or by phone at 312-380-1120.

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

We hope you've enjoyed this interview! Do you have a comment about this episode? Reach out to us by email at [email protected], or by phone at 267-338-4495. We'd love to hear from you!

Cazerny Bussey is a recording artist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, advocate, and founder of Even Though I'm Blind. After losing his sight as a teenager, he continued pursuing music and eventually discovered a much larger community of blind people doing extraordinary things. That discovery helped inspire a mission to use media to amplify their voices.

In Episode 159, Cazerny talks with David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant about ETIB Radio, the Even Though I'm Blind Experience podcast, its growing resource directory, opportunities for blind creators, and his goal of changing public perceptions about blindness. He also discusses The Money Master: Alex's Guide to Financial Literacy, a book inspired by lessons he wanted his own children to learn about saving, investing, entrepreneurship, and making smarter financial decisions.

• Why Cazerny created Even Though I'm Blind
• How media can challenge stereotypes about blindness
• How ETIB supports blind musicians, creators, and storytellers
• Why Cazerny believes blind people need to tell their own stories
• How fatherhood inspired his work in financial literacy
• What Cazerny hopes to build next

• Representation matters. Cazerny spent years being the only blind person in many rooms before discovering how broad and accomplished the blind community really is.
• Blind people should control their own narratives. ETIB is designed to give blind people platforms to tell their stories rather than having others define blindness for them.
• Creativity comes with standards. Cazerny wants to provide opportunities while also helping creators improve their craft and reach professional quality.
• Financial literacy should start early. The Money Master grew from lessons Cazerny wanted to teach his own children.

Even Though I'm Blind https://eventhoughimblind.com

Cazerny Bussey https://eventhoughimblind.com/cazernybussey/

The Money Master: Alex's Guide to Financial Literacy https://amzn.to/4qVNyCq

2026 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention https://nfbofpa.org/2026

Call 267-338-4495 and leave a message of up to three minutes, or email [email protected]. David and Lisa specifically invite listeners to share their reaction to the song clip at the end of the episode.

Cazerny's blindness journey: He talks about attending Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and losing his remaining sight following retinal detachments and surgeries when he was 15.

Discovering the blind community: After years of often being the only blind person in the room, Cazerny began researching the community and discovered blind students, athletes, models, entrepreneurs, artists, and leaders.

The birth of Even Though I'm Blind: Cazerny explains that ETIB became a media platform and movement focused on amplifying blind and visually impaired voices.

Taking the conversation mainstream: He recounts asking Busta Rhymes about the distinction between sight and vision, creating a conversation in which the artist said he was willing to learn.

ETIB's growing platforms: Cazerny describes a radio station featuring dozens of blind and visually impaired artists, a podcast, blog, and directory of organizations and services.

The Money Master: He explains how teaching his children about money led to a financial-literacy book aimed at helping younger people understand saving and smarter money decisions.

His long-term vision: Cazerny talks about expanding ETIB into larger media projects and creating spaces where blind people can develop creative and technical skills.

Stay through the credits: The episode closes with a clip from Cazerny's music and an invitation for listeners to respond to the lyrics.

Every September, Philadelphia hosts more than 1,000 performances as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, presented by FringeArts. In its 30th year, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival "is a city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance."

On this episode, we spotlight a multi-sensory experience called Lunar Retreat, which will be performed as part of this year's Fringe Festival!

Presented by Nichole Canuso | Branching Paths and FringeArts, Lunar Retreat features audio description, interactive activities, and multi-sensory exploration. Join Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio, as he speaks with Lunar Retreat creator Nichole Canuso, dancer Shannon Brooks, and audio description coach Natanya Sortland.

They discuss the creation and evolution of the piece, preview what to expect, share personal reflections, and engage in an insightful conversation about their philosophies toward life.

Ready to buy your tickets? Read all the details below!

Nichole Canuso | Branching Paths

and FringeArts present

Lunar Retreat

as part of the 30th Annual Fringe Festival

"Lunar Retreat is a multi-sensory performance installation inspired by the gravitational push and pull between the Earth's oceans and the Moon. Audiences enter the experience in groups of 12 people at a time and are guided through gentle invitations from dancers, pre-recorded prompts on headphones, and a tactile set design.

The slow, rhythmic inevitability of the growing distance between the Earth and Moon, known as the "lunar retreat," is the poetic motor for this work, which uses the powerful patterns found in nature to invite people into exchanges that juxtapose tender, personal experiences alongside the vastness of global, environmental, and cosmic phenomena. Lunar Retreat creates opportunities for participants to settle their nervous systems and explore meaningful exchanges that touch on loss, grief, healing, and transformation. Lunar Retreat reflects on our deep evolutionary ties to the ocean and the moon, reminding us that we are all interconnected with the natural world.

With Lunar Retreat, we are extending an expansive invitation—inviting all of us, no matter how we identify—to come together and reflect on our relationship to cycles and grief and the natural world. To increase the accessibility of the work, we have built relationships in the Blind and Low Vision communities, through workshops, showings, explorations, and conversations. As a result of the feedback from our workshops, we have built audio description and tactile elements into the design of the show. As part of our set design, we created alternative, tactile props specifically for Blind and Low Vision audiences, to ensure that the sensory world of the piece is fully available to those experiencing it through touch. Audio description, a touch tour, performance docents and a post-show talk-back will be available to Blind/low vision participants at the following performances:"

Saturday, September 12th at 2:00pm

• TICKET LINK for Saturday, September 12 at 2pm

https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?acode=ac26e22e43357d49f461320273befe68&#/instances/a0FUO00000CAhWD2A1

Sunday, September 13th at 4:45pm

• TICKET LINK for Sunday, September 13 at 4:45pm

https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?acode=ac26e22e43357d49f461320273befe68&#/instances/a0FUO00000CAhWD2A1

Saturday, September 19th at 6:45pm

• TICKET LINK for Saturday, September 19 at 6:45pm

https://fringearts.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?acode=ac26e22e43357d49f461320273befe68&#/instances/a0FUO00000CAhT02AL

Location: The Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, 3401 Filbert St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Tickets: 12 tickets available at each performance.

$35 per person, discount 20% off with code Lunar20

Groups of 10 25% off, $26 per person, call the box office to purchase. Access tickets: $2, max 4

Contact: Simon Bonenfant, Accessibility Consultant, [email protected]

or Lee Etzold, Accessibility Coordinator, [email protected]

To purchase tickets via phone, call the FringeArts box office at 215.413.1318.

We hope you have enjoyed this interview. Do you have a comment to share about this episode? Send us an email at [email protected], or give us a call at 267-338-4495. We would love to hear from you!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

In episode 157 of White Canes Connect, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students takes the lead. PABS President Noor Khraisat, Vice President Leen Khraisat, Secretary Rose West, and Treasurer Dauad Yasar guide students through real-world scenarios they may encounter in college.

The conversation begins with an inaccessible pop quiz and what students can do when a professor unexpectedly uses technology that doesn't work with a screen reader. Students emphasize communicating with professors, being proactive about accommodations, and involving disability services when necessary.

The discussion then moves to artificial intelligence. Students talk about where AI can help, where it can become an academic integrity problem, and its unique role as an accessibility tool for blind students—for example, describing an inaccessible graphic. The group stresses transparency with professors and the importance of verifying AI-generated information.

Other scenarios tackle friends who try to "help" without asking and what happens when you're left alone at a party. The recurring message: communicate what you need, maintain your independence, prepare ahead, and don't be afraid to meet new people.

Finally, students share advice about getting involved on campus, joining clubs, building relationships, and finding community both in person and online. PABS provides another place where blind students can connect with people who understand many of the same experiences.

Key Podcast Moments

The inaccessible pop quiz What happens when a professor announces a quiz on a website your screen reader can't access? Students discuss proactive accommodations, communicating with professors, and working with disability services.

Is AI an accessibility tool or academic shortcut? The group explores one of the most interesting questions in the episode: blind students may legitimately use AI to access visual information while simultaneously attending schools with strict AI policies. Communication and academic integrity are critical.

"Just ask." When friends grab an arm, move belongings, order food, or otherwise "help" without permission, students explain why simply asking first is usually the best approach.

Your friend disappears at the party Students talk independence, transportation, situational awareness, socializing with strangers, and making sure you always have a way home.

Get involved One of the strongest pieces of college advice: join organizations, attend activity fairs, meet people, and find communities built around your interests.

$1,500 scholarship opportunity The episode closes with PABS and NFB of Pennsylvania opportunities, including the Pennsylvania scholarship and State Convention in Hershey. Scholarship applications are due August 31. Apply at https://www.nfbofpa.org/scholarships/.

Top Takeaways

Advocate Before There Is a Problem

Accessibility conversations don't have to begin after something goes wrong. Talking with professors early about accommodations and inaccessible technology can prevent problems later.

AI Is Complicated for Blind Students

For a blind student, AI isn't necessarily just a writing or homework tool. It can provide access to graphics and other visual information. That creates an important distinction between using AI for accessibility and having AI do academic work for you. The students strongly recommend knowing the professor's policy and communicating openly.

Help Should Start With a Question

Good intentions don't automatically make an action helpful. Asking before grabbing, guiding, moving something, or making a decision for a blind person preserves independence while still allowing someone to offer assistance.

Have a Plan B

Whether you're dealing with inaccessible coursework or suddenly left alone socially, independence gets easier when you've thought about alternatives ahead of time.

College Is More Than Class

Joining clubs, meeting students with similar interests, and becoming part of campus life can create friendships and make an unfamiliar campus feel like home.

Connect with PABS

If you have questions for the PABS board, email them at [email protected]. Follow PABS on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pabs_nfb/.

To read more, visit https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/157/.

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

Contact White Canes Connect

Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show 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

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

Summer is in full swing and what better time to take a trip! Join Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio, as he sits down with Lynn Jensen, author of Best Kept Secrets for Travelers with Sight Loss.

Organized into 11 chapters and 6 appendices, topics include: traveling on a variety of transportation methods, packing and unpacking, orienting to a hotel, and much more!

Throughout the conversation, Lynn discusses her sight-loss journey, work as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist and registered nurse, and previews her upcoming virtual series, Best Kept Secrets for Living with Sight Loss, scheduled to launch in September.

Interested in learning more? Visit Lynn's website at https://www.blindtraveltips.com, where you can purchase the book in several formats, as well as stay up-to-date with Lynn's endeavors.

We hope you have enjoyed this interview. Do you have a travel experience you think we should know about? Send us an email at [email protected], or call us at 267-338-4495. We'd love to hear from you!

Do you like what you hear in this episode? Please consider supporting the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. Go to https://nfbofpa.org/donate-now to make a donation.

In this episode, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students leads a Convention 101 conversation for anyone preparing to attend the NFB National Convention in Austin. The questions come from students and first-time attendees, while the answers come from leaders who have learned how to navigate the week through experience.

Lynn Heitz explains why National Convention is more than a conference. It is where blind people from across the country gather, where resolutions are debated, where the organization's direction is shaped, and where first-timers can see blind people living full, successful lives.

David Goldstein shares practical travel and packing tips, including the importance of layers inside cold hotel meeting rooms, comfortable shoes, accessible airport apps, Aira, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Apple AirTags, and the convention app. He also reminds attendees that they will not be able to attend everything, so choosing sessions intentionally matters.

Harriet Danner talks about the size and pace of National Convention, the value of reading the agenda before arriving, the importance of the presidential address, and the usefulness of finding a convention buddy. She also explains how special-interest groups and divisions can help students and professionals build relationships in their chosen fields.

Key Topics Covered

• What National Convention is and why it matters
• Why Rookie Roundup is a must for first-time attendees
• How resolutions, general sessions, and the Pennsylvania caucus work
• What to expect from banquet exchange and the national banquet
• What to pack for Austin and cold hotel meeting rooms
• How to dress for meetings, exhibits, and banquet
• Airport travel tips for blind and low-vision travelers
• Using Aira, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Meta Ray-Bans, and Apple AirTags
• How to use the NFB Convention app and online agenda
• Planning your schedule without getting overwhelmed
• Finding a convention buddy or mentor
• Budgeting for food and daily expenses
• Using convention for career development and networking
• How parents can support young blind travelers without holding them back

Suggested Resources for Show Notes

• National Federation of the Blind Convention information: https://www.nfb.org/convention
• Transportation Security Administration traveler information: https://www.tsa.gov
• TSA Cares: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport accessibility services: https://www.flyaustin.com
• Aira visual interpreting: https://www.aira.io
• JW Marriott Austin: https://www.marriott.com

Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/155/

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

Contact White Canes Connect

Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show 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

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein welcomes Rich Crawford for a wide-ranging conversation about blindness, independence, work, leadership, and the power of high expectations.

Rich became legally blind at age 10 due to retinitis pigmentosa. Rather than lowering expectations, his parents encouraged him to try things, work hard, and figure out alternative ways to get the job done. That mindset carried him from public school to college, from community action work to a 41-year career in financial services.

Rich also discusses his longtime involvement with the National Federation of the Blind, including his years in Iowa and South Dakota affiliate leadership. He shares stories about Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, national conventions, state conventions, and the importance of blind people being active in their communities beyond blindness organizations.

Listeners will hear powerful reflections on confidence, asking for what you need, using a white cane without shame, mentoring younger blind people, and why losing sight is not nearly as dangerous as losing hope.

• Rich Crawford explains how he became legally blind at age 10 from retinitis pigmentosa.
• He shares how his parents raised him with independence instead of fear.
• Rich talks about attending the school for the blind, returning to public school, and learning to advocate for himself.
• He describes becoming a Community Action Agency executive director at just 23 years old.
• Rich explains how a chance encounter while hitchhiking led to a 41-year career as a financial advisor.
• He discusses taking licensing exams with readers before today's accessible technology existed.
• Rich reflects on the influence of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan and the National Federation of the Blind.
• He explains why confidence grows by trying new things and succeeding one step at a time.
• Rich encourages blind people to be involved in service clubs, churches, and community organizations.
• He closes by offering himself as a resource for young blind people seeking advice and encouragement.

The blind and visually impaired community faces numerous considerations when undertaking a fitness program. From developing proper form to using equipment safely and more in between, Cane and Able Fitness has a solution for all your fitness goals.

Join Simon Bonenfant in the studio as he sits down with Cane and Able Fitness Founder Evan Schwerbrock. Schwerbrock discusses his vision-loss journey, fitness background, coaching model, client testimonials, strongman competitions, and more.

Cane and Able Fitness offers a wide variety of options depending on your needs. With personalized remote coaching, in-person public appearances, and virtual presentations, there's an option for everyone!

To learn more and start your fitness journey today, visit their https://www.caneandablefitness.com .

You can also follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cane-and-Able-Fitness-108864070909694 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caneandablefitness/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caneandablefitness6999 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cane.and.able.fit

We hope you have enjoyed this interview. Do you have any fitness tips to share? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected], or call us at 267.338.4495.

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.