Category: travel

NFB Of PA Convention and My Sweet 60th Celebration

  episode of iCantCU, I share highlights from the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania’s state convention in Erie and reflect on the experience of turning 60. The journey to Erie was an adventure in itself, with a nine-hour bus ride filled with trivia games, camaraderie, and the occasional logistical hiccup.  Once there, I […]

Pittsburgh with a Purpose

In this episode of iCantCU (#272), I dive into a whirlwind, last-minute trip to Pittsburgh.  It was a bit of an adventure, starting with a long train ride and a stay at a very questionable hotel. I mean, the smell alone deserves its own segment! But despite the less-than-ideal accommodations, I made the most of […]

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. […]

The Pressure of Being Blind

In episode 270 of iCantCU, titled The Pressure of Being Blind, I discuss my recent experiences at Podcast Movement in Washington, D.C. Despite initial hesitations, a last-minute decision led me to attend the event. I share the challenges of navigating the conference as the only blind participant, emphasizing the pressure to avoid mistakes and the […]

Tech Tests and Taxi Terror: My Latest NYC Adventure

In episode 268 of iCantCU, I take you along on my latest trip to New York City, where I tested the accessibility of a new version of a financial app. The trip had its moments, from battling some equipment issues to a chaotic cab ride that had me questioning my life choices.  I also finally […]

From Exhibit Hall Hiccups to VIP Screenings: My Busy Orlando Trip

In episode 267 of the iCantCU podcast, I talk about my recent trip to the NFB National Convention in Orlando. I start by mentioning my improved lighting setup in Studio B, hoping it looks better than last time.  The convention was a whirlwind of activity, and I had the pleasure of meeting many incredible people, […]

Tech Trials and Travel Tales

In episode 265 of iCantCU, I recount two memorable rail journeys. First, I went to Harrisburg overnight to engage with the Lions Club at their state convention. Navigating the busy, labyrinthine hotel presented challenges, but connecting with new people and sharing about the NFB was rewarding.  The second trip took me to New York City, […]

Vegas Vision

In this episode of iCantCU, I discuss my trip to Las Vegas. I just returned from an exciting trip to Vegas, where I attended the Grow With Video Live conference. I have some great updates and stories to share with you! First, a shoutout to Greg, a listener and Phillies fan, who’s made significant strides […]

In Defense of Independence: When Help Isn’t Helpful

In episode 261 of iCantCU, I dive into a heartfelt discussion, primarily focusing on an article from The Atlantic that caught my attention thanks to my sister-in-law. The piece, titled “I’m Disabled. Please Help Me.” reflects on the challenges visually impaired individuals face in navigating public spaces and prompts me to share my own experiences […]

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 […]

To Blindly Go: DC Advocacy & Capitol Adventure

In this episode of iCantCU, I explain what Washington Seminar is and discuss various aspects of my trip to Washington, D.C., for the annual event. I was part of a team from the NFB of PA that I dubbed the PA-5 Guys since we (Simon, Chip, and me) are all from Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District. […]

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 Harrisburg to Hashtags: A Blind Podcaster’s Unfiltered Experience

In this episode of iCantCU, join me as I dive into the frustrating world of social media accessibility, or the lack thereof. I’m unpacking the challenges I faced while trying to post on Instagram and the glaring accessibility gaps on TikTok. But that’s not all! I also share my experiences from the NFB of PA […]

NYC Bound: Investigating VR Accessibility in a Cornell Research Study

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to NYC to participate in a Cornell University Research Study using a VR headset and non-verbal cues. I WAS EXCITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY since I had never put on a VR headset. After finishing the study at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island, I headed […]

iCantCU at #NFB23: Houston Travel Prep

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about getting the NFB of PA website done enough to show people at the #NFB23 National Convention. There is still work to be done, but I’ve gotten to the point where I am writing content for the site, not just doing technical or design things. I also discuss […]

JAWS and Windows: A New Learning Curve

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk more about relearning JAWS and remembering how different Windows is from MacOS. Remembering is the keyword here. I also discuss episode 069 of White Canes Connect with Mike Walsh from Flight for Sight. They are giving away three $10,000 travel grants to blind and visually impaired people. You’ll […]

Blind Leaders’ Journey: Traveling to State College

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to State College for a Leadership Seminar by the NFB of PA. I explain how I had to scramble to find alternative modes of transportation when our Amtrak train was delayed for my group of seven. The final leg of our journey was handled by a […]

Blind Ambition: Navigating Washington for Accessibility Rights

  In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to Washington to lobby congress as part of the NFB’s annual Washington Seminar. In a first for me, I finally had a meeting with a congressman, not just their staff. It was a very productive couple of days in DC. While I didn’t get a […]

Are Food Ordering Kiosks Accessible?

  In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about shopping at Ikea with Eliz and Jane and how ordering a soft serve at the kiosk before leaving the store would’ve been difficult for me. I also discuss going to NYC for a third time to help Jane get situated in her new apartment. Finally, I […]

Another NYC Move For Jane With An Unplanned Trip To Brooklyn

  In this episode of iCantCU, Jane joins me in Studio B to talk about our Christmas Eve trip to NYC to pick up the keys to her new apartment. It was the first time I was at the new Moynihan Train Hall with someone sighted, so I got a better feel for the layout […]

Issues With IOS 16.1.1, Are There Solutions?

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about a ton of issues with my iPhone after updating my IOS to 16.1.1. Is that why I had trouble using the Amtrak app to book travel to NYC? I’m due for a new phone, so maybe that’s the answer. In Just Listen, I play a short clip […]

Blood And Drama In Pittsburgh

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about traveling to Pittsburgh for the NFB of PA State Convention. Besides the regular sessions and presentations, there was a fantastic tactile astronomy presentation. There was also some drama during resolutions. And let’s not forget the blood. My blood led to a trip to the ER. I’ll tell […]

I Can’t See You But I Can Hear You So Why Don’t You Ask Me Directly

In this episode of iCantCU, I talk about voting in the mid-term elections and what a poll worker said to Eliz while I was standing right next to her and in front of him. I also talk about getting ready to travel to Pittsburgh for the NFB of PA State Convention. Ziggy is talked about […]

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 […]

When You’re Blind You Can’t Do Anything

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about attending the NFB of PA Leadership Seminar in State College, PA. The title of this episode is a direct quote from my Uber driver Curtis, who said it to me while taking me to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia on my way to the seminar. […]

Traveling By Train To Harrisburg

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about traveling to Harrisburg, PA for the NFB of PA State Convention. It was nice to be with friends from around the state after not going last year. I also talk about celebrating Ziggy’s first birthday. Traveling To The State Capital It is pretty easy to […]

Travel To NY For In-Person Fantasy Football Draft

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about my trip to NY for the first in person fantasy football draft of the All Blind Football League. It was great to meet everyone face to face and hang out with them. Travel To NYC Via Amtrak Acela I’ve travel by train to NYC many […]

1st Local Travel On My Own Since March

In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about heading out on my own for the first time since early March to go to a doctor’s appointment. It was my first visit to this doctor and in an unfamiliar building. Comments or show ideas? Call (646) 926-6350. While I’ve made the short walk from […]

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Blind People For Dummies In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about a tip that I received in the Podfest Facebook group about the design of my business cards and how I acted on it. Eliz came up with a great tagline (even though she has never listened to the show.) I also […]

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Traveling While Blind In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about traveling and what I learned at a recent Philly Meetup For The Blind presentation from a couple of seasoned travelers who happen to be blind. I talk about some of my fears about traveling on my own to Podfest in Orlando in […]

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A Trip To Washington To Advocate For The Blind In this episode of the iCantCU Podcast, I talk about traveling to Washington, DC to advocate for the blind by lobbying congress. And you know, I can’t go anywhere without trying new restaurants, so I talk about them, too. Thanks for the tip, Guy Fieri! I […]

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NYC On My Own As I’ve mentioned so many times before, I love traveling to New York City. For this trip, I traveled to celebrate Jane’s birthday with her. She was working a normal day and I just didn’t want her leaving work and just going home without doing anything on her special day. She […]

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Into Philly To Lead A NFB Chapter Meeting While I do talk a little about the meeting, this episode focuses on getting to and from the meeting in Center City Philadelphia on my own. There were a few things I should have done differently, but in the end, I made it to Starbucks, then the […]

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We Made It To Vegas! It took three days, but we finally made it to Las Vegas. American Airlines said they were really sorry, but wouldn’t do anything to help. They basically said, you’re flying to Las Vegas on Tuesday. We can’t help you on Sunday or Monday. Take it or leave it.

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Over 6 Hours On A Plane And Didn’t Leave The Airport I was so excited to go to Las Vegas to attend my first National Federation of the Blind National Convention. Seven nights at Mandalay Bay. The first few days there was only a couple of events each day, so Eliz and I would get […]

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Vegas In July For Work And Fun Eliz and I are going to the National Federation of the Blind National Convention in July and we are looking forward to it. We will both be working some booths/tables on the exhibit floor during the convention. We are also looking forward to trying a few of the […]

Traveling To NYC and Back

What is the fastest, cheapest, easiest way for me to travel from my home in Swarthmore, PA to New York City on my own? Jane and Eliz were my guides on two recent trips into the city.

A Long Weekend in London

We've taken our kids for the first day of school every year since they started preschool. Why should it be different when our daughter started at Regent's University London? It was a fast-paced long weekend in London.