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VocalEye Almost Live #147 | Storytelling Showcase with Robert Kingett


VocalEye Almost Live host Amy Amantea is joined by blind, gay, disabled author of fiction and non-fiction, Robert Kingett.

Robert returns to the Almost Live space to share a sampling of his own short stories from a variety of genres including romance, sci-fi and fantasy.

0:00 -- Title card intro
1:10 -- Land Acknowledgement
4:20 -- Pre-show Introduction with Amy and Fiona
13:50 -- Pointy Chances
43:39 -- A Deserving Conference
1:22:53 -- Super Date
1:49:50 -- Conversation and Q&A with Amy and Robert

If you enjoyed this video, please Like and Subscribe.
Buy Amy a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vocaleye
Make a donation: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/vocaleye/

For more information on Robert Kingett, visit:
https://robertkingett.com

For more information on events and programs from VocalEye, visit: http://www.vocaleye.ca/


Hi there everyone, please boost. I've been sending this around in different places to indevidual people, but I figure, now that the book has been out for a while, its about time I put it up publicly. My dad wrote a book some time ago that is essentially a resource guide that helps people with disabilities find jobs or look to find resources to maximize there benefits. It is a step by step guide on what to do, how to find jobs, how to maximize your SSI/SSDi benefits, and how to get on the job market. its completely free and available for anyone to use. If you follow this guide, I am confident that you will be able to find what you seek job-wise. I know I am a little bit biased because my dad wrote it, but I feel like its worth putting out there anyway. There is no advertising whatsoever, we aren't looking for any sort of things in return, in fact, my dad even put his own personal number in the book for those who follow the steps and read the book to call him so he can help you find a job as well because he's helped many many people find jobs who have disabilities, his most recent success being a person with a High School Diploma and nothing more going from making less than $30000 to now making just over $100000 at his job. here it is:
https://www.respectability.org/people-with-disabilities-at-work/ If you read the book, please feel free to reach out to me so I can also get you in contact as he's in Pacific time whereas I am not and its better if I text him first to let him know someone will call him, because he usually doesn't answer random calls especially with his job and his other stuff going on. #Blind #disability #Accessibility #Jobs #Employment #SSI


This is a photo I took the last time I was trying to get off a plane, but the staff refused to bring my chair to the door. I'm waiting with my wheelchair joystick, headrest, and cushion as the cleaning crew moves through the plane.

The Department of Transportation is proposing new rules to improve the experience of passengers like me. However, rules already exist—the problem is that the gate agents, flight attendants, and airport staff who should follow them either accidentally or willfully ignore them.

The new rules include training, and I'm suggesting expanding the training to all customer-facing staff. I also suggest having the rules clearly posted. If you like these ideas, please consider posting a comment to the DOT in support, either in your own words or referring to mine:

————

I thank Secretary Buttigieg, Senator Duckworth, Director Benjamin, and Disabled activists for this important proposal. As a Disabled air traveler and power wheelchair rider, I have two requests.

1. The current proposal includes "annual training, including hands-on training, of airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with mobility disabilities or handle passengers’ wheelchairs." I request that this annual training be provided to all airline and airport staff who interact with customers, not just those who physically assist or handle.

In fact, as a woman with muscular dystrophy who cannot walk at all, my best experiences have been with the people physically lifting me, and my worst experiences have been with gate agents and flight attendants who treat me with disrespect while violating the law. They have raised their voices at me while I'm instructing my assistant in preparing my wheelchair for stowage, threatened to "offload" me from the flight, repeatedly denied me and rolled their eyes when I request that my wheelchair be brought to the door, and repeatedly resisted ensuring adjoining seats for me and my assistant, who sometimes has to physically prevent me from falling forward from the airplane seat.

I request that you expand the annual training to all customer-facing airline and airport staff, including gate agents and flight attendants, because these staff members have significant power over Disabled travelers' safety and experiences.

2. While the DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection policies (which state "Your device must be returned to you in a timely manner as close as possible to the door of the aircraft") and Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights are excellent, they are difficult to call upon in the moment they're being violated. When gate agents, flight attendants, and other staff have tried to pressure me against the law, I have had to resort to finding the DOT's laws and policies on my phone (try doing that in airplane mode!). The times I can successfully excavate and point to the documentation are the only times staff have reluctantly backed down. But I believe the burden of carrying the law around shouldn't fall on each Disabled passenger.

Therefore, I request that these laws and policies be easily visible and available in accessible formats, such as: (a) being posted prominently at gate terminals and check-in desks, (b) being available in print at gate terminals and check-in desks, and (c) being included in onboard brochures at every seat.

I believe these two additions to the proposal will greatly enhance its ability to accomplish its mission to ensure airline passengers who ride wheelchairs can travel safely and with dignity.

————

Link to my comment: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2022-0144-0074
Submit your own comment: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/DOT-OST-2022-0144-0005
Press announcement: https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/secretary-buttigieg-announces-proposed-rule-ensure-passengers-who-use-wheelchairs-can
Full text download of the proposed rule: https://www.regulations.gov/document/DOT-OST-2022-0144-0005
Aviation Consumer Protection policy on wheelchairs and other assistive devices: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/wheelchairs-and-other-assistive-devices
Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/disabilitybillofrights
Tags: #Disability, #DisabilityJustice, #DisabilityRights, #ableism, #travel


Just tried to pay a bill online and couldn't. Assuming it was a screen reader accessibility issue, I called in my sighted wife. But she said the form just wasn't working at all, even for her. So then I had to wait 45 minutes on hold on the phone just to pay a $35 bill, but I was way less mad about it than when I thought it was discrimination. There is a certain serenity to something being completely useless and frustrating for everyone equally. #blind #disability


"If a document isn’t accessible, it’s unfinished.

If a video doesn’t have captions, it’s unfinished.

Finished content and documents are accessible. They reach more people. They give people choices. They win more fans."- Meryl Evans, CPACC (deaf)

#Disability #a11y #Technology #DigitalAccessibility #Diversity #Equity


Sharing for a friend. Please boost/repost!

Parent or teacher interested in a Covid safe school?! Centered in disability justice. One is forming in MA/RI, location TBD. Email for more info or with questions!

@disability @mcas
@chronicillness
@disabilityjustice
@education @neurodivergents

#Covid #MaskUp #LongCovid #Education #disability #justice #school #k12


What are #Blind people expecting when there instant response to a fellow Assistive Technology user expressing a struggle with, disappointment in or even lack of accessibility in a website/service/app is “it works fine for me?”
I saw this behaviur again today and it pisses me off! If you’ve nothing useful to add or to ask, keep quiet. #Accessibility #Blind #Disability


I can't contact #Microsoft's #Disability helpdesk on #BeMyEyes. so what's happening is, when i tap on contact microsoft, the new intigrated #BeMyAI tries to help. and then, there is a call Microsoft button there in case the AI is unable to help. when I tapped on that button, it is not connecting to Microsoft, it is connecting me to a regular sighted volunteer. #Blind #Blindness #Accessibility


Just splurged on a Rabbit R1! 🐰🤖 As a blind user, I'm curious about its #Accessibility. Can't wait to explore its AI capabilities and see how it integrates with my world. 🌐👁️ #AI #Blind #Disability #TechAdventure


Thomas Was Alone PS3 review


Read the review here. This was my highest rated game review ever. Everybody loved it and even though I am no longer doing gaming reviews these days, this was in my trunk so I thought I would share.


If you are #disabled, and have ever been on #ODSP (the Ontario #disability support program) I would like to hear your thoughts on it. Did the program offer meaningful assistance to you, or did it hinder more than it helped? Do you believe it's designed and implemented in a reasonable way, or does it leave a lot to be desired?
If you know anyone who's ever been on it, please share this post with them or boost it for reach, as I am taking the first steps in gathering data for future use.
#OnPoli


"Is #SuperNova on its way out? 🤔 Wondering if there's a comeback in store or if it's time to move on. Technology evolves, but should we let go of the oldies? What do you think, folks? #Accessibility #Blind #Disability #TechDebate #ScreenReaderFuture #TechEvolution 🚀💬


Has anyone actually tried out the WeWALK cane? I keep hearing about it, but I'm curious about real experiences from real people. Is it as groundbreaking as they say, or just another high-tech gadget? #BlindCommunity #WeWalk #Accessibility #Blind #Disability


After a nice conversation with the village Engineer, we’re making some progress.

He said they make accessibility improvements as part of big capital projects, but not really as one offs. He thinks the area I’m asking about might have too steep a slope for an accessible spot, but he said he’s actually going to look into what he can do.

#accessibility #disability


It’s so frustrating how inaccessible it is *everywhere*. I’m currently trying to convince the village I live in to add accessible parking to their downtown area. You’d think there would be some laws about that.

Oh wait, there are laws, and there are always excuses as to why places feel they don’t apply. So you know, that’s always a good feeling to find out when places will only be accessible if they are forced, and even then still try to avoid it.

#accessibility #disability


I bought a domain name. I’m considering starting a website with the intent that it could contain resources for individuals seeking better accessibility from their village, businesses, schools etc.

I can start with the things my family has learned from some of our successes. I’m hoping others could contribute as well the things that have worked for them.

#accessibility #disability #disabilityJustice


Hi Mastodon, hi Tweesecake instance, this is @Elfinpyjamas
I'm blind, queer, a dog lover, bookworm and interested in all things #disability and LGBTQUIA+ rights.
Since I left Twitter, I pretty much lost touch with the international blind community, so I hope I can reconnect with people here. I'm hoping to meet #blind people, #disabled people in general and just be in touch again. :)
#introduction #firstpost


People realize the #AltText is for visually impaired Fedi members right?

Not clout, not virtue signaling, not to accuse people who *add* missed alt text of passive aggression. Not to seem superior.

ITS FOR. #Accessibility

Jesus fucking christ what an ableist shitty take.

Stop excluding the disabled, or dont, idc, just shut the fuck up about it being "passive aggressive" if someone adds AltText in a reply.

Narcissists in their small self-centered world.

#Ableism #Disability #fediverse


Mortified2021: How I'd Make the World Better.


Produced by WBEZ in Chicago, this clip from the Mortified event in 2021 showcases an essay Robert Kingett wrote in the second grade about how old people can save the world by paying their taxes.

Mortified is a show where people showcase their most embarrassing art on stage they made when they were children.

Robert Kingett is an author and you can find him online at https://robertkingett.com


I can honestly say that #OpenAI has made my life better this year in a small, but significant way. 💖 I can ‘share’ any image on my iPhone to #BeMyEyes and almost instantly get a very detailed description back in seconds. 📱✨
It might not always be completely accurate, but believe me when I say it is the single biggest thing to help in 38 years of being blind! 🌟 #Accessibility #AI #AISoftheBlind #Blind #ComputerVision #Disability #GPT4 #Innovation #MachineLearning


We should rehabilitate, not execute.


Read the blog post here

This blog post talks about what I've learned over the course of writing to prisoners, narrated by a Blind narrator.

Narrated by Tanja Milojevic

Financially support me


Artificial Divide, edited by Robert Kingett and Randy Lacey (Audiobook Excerpt)


This is a preview of the digital audiobook of Artificial Divide, edited by Robert Kingett and Randy Lacey, available on Libro.fm at https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781990086199?cmp=libroyoutube_2021.

Artificial Divide
By: Robert Kingett, Randy Lacey, Alice Eakes, Anita Haas, Ann Chiappetta, Ben Fulton, Eunice Cooper-Matchett, Felix Imonti, Heather Meares, Jameyanne Fuller, Jamieson Wolf, Lawrence Gunther, M. Leona Godin, Melissa Yuan-Innes, Niki White, Rebecca Blaevoet & Tessa Soderberg
Narrated by: Nathan Frechette, Jameyanne Fuller, Alice Eakes, Anita Haas, M. Leona Godin & Niki White
Length: 6 hours 32 minutes

Description:
Step into a world of rogue screen readers, Braille in fantasy worlds, a friend meeting an acquaintance after several years, and more.

This #OwnVoices anthology features fiction by Blind and visually impaired authors showing readers how they thrive, hurt, get revenge, outsmart bullies, or go on epic adventures. Artificial Divide is an own-voices story collection that captures the many layers of Blindness and, for once, puts visually impaired protagonists in the driver's seat, letting us glimpse their lives.

When we think about it, we're not really divided.


VocalEye Almost Live #92 | Artificial Divide


VocalEye Almost Live host Amy Amantea is joined by special guests Robert Kingett, Lawrence Gunther, Niki White, and Tessa Soderberg.

Artificial Divide is a new anthology of short fiction by Blind and partially-Blind authors showing readers how they thrive, hurt, get revenge, outsmart bullies, or go on epic adventures. Artificial Divide is an own-voices story collection that captures the many layers of Blindness and, for once, puts blind protagonists in the driver’s seat, letting them take the lead in guiding us on new adventures.

0:00 -- Title card intro
1:19 -- Land Acknowledgement
5:06 -- Robert Kingett, co-editor
24:55 -- Lawrence Gunther, "Getting Back Alive"
1:02:40 -- Niki White, "How is it You Sing?"
1:45:29 -- Tessa Soderberg, "Mishipizheu"
1:59:25 -- Conversation and Q&A with Amy, Robert, Lawrence, Niki, and Tessa

To purchase or borrow a copy of Artificial Divide, visit:

https://robertkingett.com/artificial-divide/

For more information on events and programs from VocalEye, visit: http://www.vocaleye.ca/


My tribute to Andrés Gallegos, disability rights lawyer, national leader, hell of a nice guy, who died this weekend: https://www.lflegal.com/2023/12/andres-gallegos-disability-rights-champion-dies-too-soon/ #disability #disabled #DisabilityRights #HealthCare


Hola Titánicos , me he topado con unos datos del INE (Instituto Nacional de Estadistica del Gobierno de España) que quiero compartir con vosotros.

Los datos los podéis encontrar en la pagina 8 de este pdf: https://www.ine.es/revistas/cifraine/1009.pdf

Pero os los he sacado una captura de imagen para que podáis leerlo mas fácil, para lo que tengas problemas de visión tenéis todo el texto en ALT de la imagen

Me gustaría saber si sois tan amables de compartir, tanto los que tengáis una discapacidad, un familiar con algún tipo de discapacidad o hayáis presenciado alguna situación de alguien con discapacidad ... que se haya sentido discriminado alguna vez por ello.

Y si lo podéis acompañar de la situación.. mejor que mejor gracias

#discapacidad #Disability #disabilities #discriminacion #empatia #faltaderespeto #respeto #civismo #normasdecivismo #genteTitanica #somosdisca


Disability Bias in Artificial Intelligence - #id24 2023, with Chris Land https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2z4V5gltJA #AI #disability #bias


Apparently I got reported today for using the #Alt4me tag and not being blind. I was told by multiple people on Mastodon that if I didn't have the energy to do alt text for every image I could use this tag and someone would do it for me.

Instead I got reported to my instance owner. You all need to make up your fucking minds what is acceptable and what isn't if you want people to stay on mastodon. As it stands, I don't feel comfortable posting images anymore because if I don't have the energy to write alt text then I get shamed, if I used #Alt4Me I get reported

You people make it so tiring that for someone like me with ADHD and Executive Dysfunction it is much easier to just not use Mastodon to post any images!!!!

I'd also like to touch on how people always shame others with "invisible" illnesses. I cannot escape it. Just because I am sighted does not mean I am not disabled in some ways. But people can't see ADHD and executive dysfunction, so I just get their personal diagnosis of 'LAZY'.

I can tell why artists aren't flocking here in droves.

I don't know what I am going to do going forward but I feel pretty fucking uncomfortable posting any images to Mastodon now lest I be shamed or reported or fediblocked because someone didn't like whatever about my posts.

Thanks for that.

Boosts highly encouraged I think everyone should see this.

#disability #adhd #InvisibleDisabilityRights


On October 4 the United States Supreme Court will hear a case about who can file lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Opinion (not expected until 2024) may impact digital accessibility lawsuits. My article about the case is here. It includes links to the audio and transcript of the argument that will be posted. https://www.lflegal.com/2023/10/acheson-tester-standing-case/ #accessibility #disability #disabled #a11y


TIL there were guide dogs in medieval Europe!

This image from a 13th century French manuscript in the British Library shows a blind man being lead by a dog.

Hooray for Dr Krista Milna, who researches this topic and has just been awarded a grant to do more!

#GuideDogs #Dogs #Disability #Medieval #History