Category: Business Enterprise Program

The Value of Time & the Blind Merchants Big Fundraiser

  In this episode of iCantCU, I share my experience traveling to Harrisburg for the Blind Merchants Holiday Party and fundraiser, reflecting on the challenges of navigating public transportation as a person with very limited sight. Timing was a major hurdle, from the unpredictable delays with CCT to coordinating a group of 17 people on […]

Train Challenges and BEP Setbacks

In episode 271 of iCantCU, I talk about two state-level meetings I attended and the adventure of navigating a new train station without any help from Amtrak. First up was an OVR meeting where, despite being focused on disabilities, they had nothing accessible for blind folks—no Braille, no large print, nothing. Frustrating, but not surprising. […]

To Blindly Go: Ice Cream, Leadership & the BEP

In this episode of iCantCU, I share some exciting updates and stories. First, I want to thank Renee, Dan, and Alex for supporting the NFB of Pennsylvania April raffle. It’s been a fun ride with tickets at $5 each, offering everyone a chance to win daily throughout April. Getting those tickets out, especially to our […]

Karaoke Survival for Non-Singers

In this episode of iCantCU, I explore everything from unique fundraising efforts to the power of community meetings and the challenges blind parents face. I begin with an exciting opportunity to support the NFB of Pennsylvania through a raffle with fantastic rewards. It’s a simple way to contribute and stand a chance to win, with […]

Harrisburg Holiday Trek for the Little Blind Kids

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss a trip to Harrisburg for a Blind Merchants and Business Enterprise Program Christmas party and fundraiser. Over $1000 was raised for the “little blind kids.” I also explain the logistics involved for me at our Keystone Chapter meeting and Christmas party at the Penn Museum. Away Suitcase Disappointment […]

From Business to Blindness: My BEP Director Journey

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my experience with the BEP director job application. Despite scoring 95 out of 110 on the test, I received no interview. I also discovered that my references were not contacted. Was the process pre-planned, and the job was just posted for legal reasons? There’s speculation that the acting […]

Playing Tactile Tour Guide in Historic Philadelphia and The Franklin Institute

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about playing tour guide for some out-of-town NFB members. We enjoyed exploring the Franklin Institute with Eliz as our descriptive docent. It was planes, trains, and a 3D-printed motorcycle, along with the famous walkthrough heart! Then to the Liberty Bell for a tactile visit. I also discuss the […]

Disappointed with Alt Tags: The Missing Piece in Meta Creator Studio

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss updating my resume using AI to apply for a job related to the BEP. I talk about how the AI helped rewrite the bullet points, making them more impressive. I also share my Instagram experience and the challenges of posting with voiceover. I explain the benefits of using […]

Uncovering the Dark Side of the Business Enterprise Program

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about a Business Enterprise Program Zoom meeting that has soured my outlook on the program. I also mention how Ziggy’s actions in the car reminded me of several events I’ve attended when I faced where I thought the person giving a speech was located. I discuss the successful […]

Piano Bar: Keys to Inclusion

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about filling in on hosting duties for the Third Annual Piano Bar event. It was short notice, so I had to learn about the event and the participants quickly. I also had to figure out how to retrieve the script/info since it was a live event with no […]

Pennsylvania Journeys: Health, Business, and History

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to Harrisburg for a Business Enterprise Program meeting that was canceled at 9PM the night before it was due to be held. Hours after I arrived in the State Capital and checked into the hotel. I also mention my glaucoma doctor appointment, where the specialist couldn’t […]

Lost in the Music: The Challenge of Entering a Concert During a Live Performance

  In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about having trouble entering Winter Jawn since the music had started and I needed earbuds. I also had trouble getting the tickets when they became available to download. I tell you about my conversation with Brandi from American Express. She was following up on some problem I […]

Learning At A BEP Vending Business

  In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about working at a Business Enterprise Program vending business at a huge US Post Office distribution facility in Northeast Philadelphia. I also talk about my fantasy football drafts and how they differed from last years’ when our league was featured in a short documentary. I also finally […]

The Last Days Of The Blind Bodega

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the final days of the blind bodega. Now I’ll get to see how a BEP vending business works. I also talk about Believe You Can! 2022 and the Gold Star Sponsor we’ve landed. I also decode an item from last week’s episode and how one listener did, […]

A Familiar Phrase From A Doctor

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about a very familiar phrase I’ve heard before from doctors, lawyers, mechanics, and the rest of the Village People. This time it was from my rheumatologist. I will also tell you a couple of funny, in a strange way, stories from the blind bodega. I will also tell […]

These Are The Days Of Our Lives At The Blind Bodega

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about the drama that went on this past week at the blind bodega. It got pretty ugly. I also share some exciting news about a past guest of the podcast. I also recap the fantasy football accessibility workshop at the New York Public Library. Jasmine Eiland Releases First […]

iPad Focus Issue On Point-of-Sale System

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about some focus issues causing me trouble at the blind bodega. It’s not me; it’s the iPad POS system. I will also tell you about another workshop I’m participating in at the NYPL. There’s also another Hot Dog/Cool Dog story. That Real Blind Tech Show Episode 93 Listen […]

Providing Feedback On Accessibility Of New ICT Trains

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about our time viewing the Amtrak ICT mock-up and giving accessibility feedback. I also discuss beginning the process of getting my GSA badge, which was painful. I also mention my trip to the DMV, which was a different kind of painful. Congratulations To My Friend & White Canes […]

You Can’t Trust This Process

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about a couple of issues I had while working at the blind bodega (called Grab and Go in the Business Enterprise Program.) I’ve worked retail for most of my life, starting when I was 10 or 11 at one of my parent’s supermarkets. I also discuss […]

Working At A Blind Bodega

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about starting work at a blind bodega inside the Green Federal Building in Philadelphia to learn how to run the business that is part of the Business Enterprise Program. The hours are long, but if it is helpful in getting me into the program, it will […]

Blind People CAN Fly

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about the Memorial Day service honoring my Dad. I spoke for a couple of minutes, thanking the Rabbi for honoring him. Jane did an excellent job in the reading I was afraid to do. I also talk about Bill Cosby not being able to fly because […]

I’m Blind, How Do I Vote In The Primary

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about an email I received about voting in the upcoming Pennsylvania Primary from the acting Secretary of State of Pennsylvania. It gave all sorts of different ways to vote if you are sighted, but none if you’re blind. I also talk about the final presentations from […]

Remembering Grandmere

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about Felicia, my mother-in-law, who passed away on 26 April. I always referred to her as the A-Team when it came to watching our kids when they were little. She was so kind to everyone.   White Canes Connect Podcast Listen to another podcast that I […]