In this episode of iCantCU, I share a mix of personal anecdotes and reflections on technology, media representation, and community engagement.  My weekend outing with Liz to Brio, a restaurant in the Christiana Mall, turned into an exploration of assistive technology. I intended to pick up my Mac mini. Still, I delved into the capabilities and limitations of the "Be My Eyes" app over lunch. With Liz's help reading the menu, I relied on the app to make a dietary choice, only to find its limitations when it failed to recognize nutritional info on some menu items. This experience segued into my participation in a study at the University of Texas at Austin, examining the effectiveness of AI in providing image descriptions. The study reminded me of technology's potential and current shortcomings in aiding those with visual impairments. The episode's main focus, however, was on television and the portrayal of blind characters. I discussed my disappointment with "The Equalizer" episode titled "Blind Justice," critiquing the casting of a sighted actor in a blind role and the broader implications for representation in media. This led to a wider discussion on the importance of authentic representation and the challenges faced by actors with disabilities in the industry. Additionally, I touched on the inconsistencies and quality issues with audio description services on television, sharing my frustrations with the accessibility features in shows like "SWAT" and "FBI." The variability in the availability and quality of audio descriptions highlights the ongoing struggle for equal access to entertainment. I previewed episode 098 of White Canes Connect, which featured a discussion on low vision awareness with experts and community members. This underscored the diversity within the visually impaired community and the shared goal of improving accessibility and understanding. Throughout episode 259, I weave together personal experiences with broader reflections on technology, media, and community, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities facing today's visually impaired community. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/259     Links Mentioned That Real Blind Tech Show episode 147 with The Equalizer audition: https://thatrealblindtechshow.libsyn.com/episode-147-fahrvergnugen-a-plenty  Buy raffle tickets to support the NFB of PA! Tickets are $5. Email [email protected]  Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCU Dr. Carolyn Peters's book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49hz1aA  The new BenQ PD3420Q monitor I bought for my new Mac mini: https://amzn.to/4bAcOGv  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 098 In episode 098, Lisa and I have an engaging conversation on low vision awareness. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants.    Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI IHeartRadio https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-white-canes-connect-89603482/ 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  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].

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