Could driverless cars transform transportation for blind and low-vision travelers? On episode 162 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lizzy Muhammad Park and David Goldstein welcome Monica Freundlich, Northeast Public Affairs Manager at Waymo, to explore the possibilities of autonomous transportation. Monica explains how Waymo works, the company's approach to accessibility, and its interest in bringing service to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

From screen reader compatibility and haptic notifications to a vehicle-locating chime developed following feedback from an NFB member, Waymo has introduced features designed to help blind passengers travel more independently. Monica also discusses minimized walking time, audio alerts for nearby bike lanes, Braille-labeled controls in a newer vehicle, and round-the-clock customer support.

Lizzy shares personal experiences with rideshare drivers who have refused her guide dog, highlighting why a driverless alternative could make such a difference. The conversation also explores women's safety, pricing, vehicle options, and the important role the National Federation of the Blind has played in shaping Waymo's accessibility features. With potential expansion into Pennsylvania, David and Lizzy are eager to experience their first autonomous ride.

Platinum Sponsor

Waymo is a Platinum sponsor for the 2026 State Convention in Hershey. If you'd like to support the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.nfbofpa.org/give/.

Top Takeaways

• Finding your ride: Screen reader support, haptic notifications, horn signals, and a distinctive chime help blind passengers locate their Waymo.
• Accessible pickups and drop-offs: Minimized walking time and audio alerts are designed to make getting to and from the vehicle easier.
• Guide dog access: Service animals are welcome, removing the possibility of a driver personally refusing a ride because of a guide dog.
• Personalized comfort: Passengers can customize temperature, seating preferences, and music, while a newer vehicle includes Braille-labeled controls.
• Expansion into Pennsylvania: Waymo is exploring Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, with the possibility of future opportunities for NFB members to experience the service.

What You'll Learn

1. How Waymo's autonomous vehicles operate and how riders request a trip.
2. How blind passengers can locate, unlock, enter, and exit their vehicles.
3. What accessibility features help guide dog users and passengers with other disabilities.
4. How Waymo addresses passenger safety and provides 24/7 human support.
5. What Monica shared about potential launches in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

What happens when blind Black leaders bring accessibility advocacy to one of the biggest celebrations of HBCU culture and football? In Episode 161 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Callaway and Audrey Lester to discuss the inaugural Accessibility Symposium organized by the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL), its HBCU Committee, and the Blind Greek and Masonic Group. Taking place December 10–13, 2026, in Atlanta, the event combines important conversations about inclusion with the excitement of the Cricket Celebration Bowl.

Shawn explains why representation matters, especially in spaces where blind people have historically been overlooked. The symposium at Morehouse College will bring together members of historically Black colleges and universities, Greek-letter organizations, and the blindness community. Audrey, a Howard University graduate and clinical social worker, shares her experiences navigating college and building a professional career. Her story includes applying for 86 jobs and attending approximately 15 interviews before receiving her first job offer.

But this weekend is about more than accessibility discussions. Attendees will enjoy networking, fellowship, and a group outing to the Celebration Bowl, proudly representing their HBCUs, fraternities, sororities, and the blind community. Shawn and Audrey share their hopes for the event, how supporters can get involved, and why creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone.

Top Takeaways

• Representation matters: Blind Black people deserve to be included in conversations about education, employment, culture, and community leadership.
• Accessibility begins with self-advocacy: Audrey explains why understanding your needs and requesting accommodations is essential for success in college and the workplace.
• Persistence opens doors: Audrey's journey through 86 job applications demonstrates the challenges blind professionals can face and the importance of perseverance.
• Community creates opportunities: The symposium brings together the NFB, HBCU graduates, Greek-letter organizations, and Masonic groups to build relationships and encourage greater inclusion.

What You'll Learn

• Why NOBBL chose Celebration Bowl weekend for its first Accessibility Symposium.
• What attendees can expect at Morehouse College and throughout the four-day gathering.
• How Audrey navigated Howard University, graduate school, and her transition into employment.
• Why blind people must be represented within HBCU, Greek-letter, and Masonic communities.
• How Federation members and supporters can participate, provide financial assistance, and help expand the event's impact.

Event Information

NOBBL Accessibility Symposium and Celebration Bowl Weekend

Dates: December 10–13, 2026

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Symposium: Friday, December 11, at Morehouse College

Celebration Bowl: Saturday, December 12

Event costs discussed in the episode:

• Welcome reception: Free
• Accessibility Symposium: $30
• Sunday brunch: $55
• Celebration Bowl tickets: Separate purchase
• Host hotel, Origin Atlanta, a Wyndham Hotel: Group rate of $159 per night

For registration details, visit https://blackleaders.nfb.org .

For questions about the event or NOBBL, email diversity@nfb.org.

Connect with White Canes Connect

We'd love to hear whether you're planning to attend the symposium or what inclusion in your community means to you.

Call: 267-338-4495. Leave a message of up to three minutes, including your name and town.

Email: whitecanesconnect@gmail.com

Website: https://www.WhiteCanesConnect.com

Have you ever been traveling and wanted to hear about your surroundings as you move? Well, now you can!

While attending the NFB National Convention in Austin Texas, White Canes Connect host Simon Bonenfant sat down with Dirk and Neill Vander Wilt of Heritage Harmony Group, creator of Audio Vista. Using a compilation of image sources, Audio Vista extracts visual data about an outdoor location and generates AI-generated descriptions of those images, read aloud in real time.

Created by Dirk, Heritage and Harmony Group's CTO, and supported by his brother, President Neill, the conversation discusses how the idea was born, the technical nuances of how information is aggregated, and the potential for future developments.

Interested in getting descriptions of your view? Go to the Audio Vista website at https://www.audiovista.app.

You can also find more information at www.heartheview.com

Have a question or comment? Reach Dirk at info@heartheview.com, or by phone at 312-380-1120.

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

We hope you've enjoyed this interview! Do you have a comment about this episode? Reach out to us by email at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com, or by phone at 267-338-4495. We'd love to hear from you!