Blind Justice? TV's Vision of Blindness

iCantCU Podcast

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 [e-mail]
• 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

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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.

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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 [phone] 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 [e-mail].