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 and insights. I emphasize the importance of independence and the unnecessary help often imposed by sighted individuals, suggesting that such interventions can sometimes be more hindering than helpful. I critique the article's portrayal of visually impaired people as constantly in need of assistance, arguing that it perpetuates stereotypes and misunderstands the capabilities and adaptive strategies of those living with visual impairments. By sharing my journey of adapting to blindness, including leveraging technology like smartphones and screen readers, I advocate for a more nuanced understanding of independence among visually impaired individuals. I challenge the article's implications, highlighting the importance of asking for help when needed rather than assuming incapacity. My reflections extend beyond personal anecdotes to address broader misconceptions about blindness, employment challenges, and the importance of mobility training. I call for a shift in perspective that recognizes the competence and autonomy of visually impaired people, urging society to listen and respond to their actual needs rather than imposing misguided assistance. This episode is a powerful testament to my advocacy for independence and empowerment within the visually impaired community, challenging stereotypes and encouraging a more inclusive and understanding approach to disability. You can read the article at https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/disability-blindness-daily-life/677742/. Show notes at https://www.iCantCU.com/261. Links Mentioned (product links are affiliate links, so I may earn a commission.) Octobuddy for hands-free selfies & vlogs with your iPhone: https://amzn.to/49kmbHZ The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight by Andrew Leland: https://amzn.to/46z0qT7Find this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iCantCUNo-jab Ambutech White Cane: https://amzn.to/3NKpD5J The new BenQ PD3420Q monitor I bought for my new Mac mini: https://amzn.to/4bAcOGv Blind Organizations US: NFB - https://www.nfb.org; UK: RNIB - https://www.rnib.org.uk/, NFBUK - https://www.nfbuk.org/; Spain: ONCE - https://www.once.es/; Canada: CFB - https://www.cfb.ca, CNIB - https://www.cnib.ca; China: Orbis - https://www.orbis.org/. 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 09 In episode 099, Simon Bonenfant speaks with Jason Gonzalez and Holly Short from the Delaware County Intermediate Unit about the upcoming transition fairs on April 9 and 10. There will be over 40 organizations to help students transition from middle school to high school and from high school to college. The pair also share what services the DCIU provides to students with disabilities. 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/33YmjktZoom ZDM Mic & Headphone Pack: https://amzn.to/33vLn2sZoom H1n Recorder: https://amzn.to/3zBxJ9O Gator Frameworks Desk Mounted Boom Arm: https://amzn.to/3AjJuBKShure 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 ...
