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Blind Students Talk College: Accessibility, AI & Independence
In episode 157 of White Canes Connect, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students takes the lead. PABS President Noor Khraisat, Vice President Leen Khraisat, Secretary Rose West, and Treasurer Dauad Yasar guide students through real-world scenarios they may encounter in college. The conversation begins with an inaccessible pop quiz and what students can do when a professor unexpectedly uses technology that doesn’t work with a screen reader. Students emphasize communicating with professors, being proactive about accommodations, and involving disability services when necessary. The discussion then moves to artificial intelligence. Students talk about where AI can help, where it can become an academic integrity problem, and its unique role as an accessibility tool for blind students—for example, describing an inaccessible graphic. The group stresses transparency with professors and the importance of verifying AI-generated information. Other scenarios tackle friends who try to “help” without asking and what happens when you're left alone at a party. The recurring message: communicate what you need, maintain your independence, prepare ahead, and don't be afraid to meet new people. Finally, students share advice about getting involved on campus, joining clubs, building relationships, and finding community both in person and online. PABS provides another place where blind students can connect with people who understand many of the same experiences. Key Podcast Moments The inaccessible pop quiz What happens when a professor announces a quiz on a website your screen reader can't access? Students discuss proactive accommodations, communicating with professors, and working with disability services. Is AI an accessibility tool or academic shortcut? The group explores one of the most interesting questions in the episode: blind students may legitimately use AI to access visual information while simultaneously attending schools with strict AI policies. Communication and academic integrity are critical. “Just ask.” When friends grab an arm, move belongings, order food, or otherwise “help” without permission, students explain why simply asking first is usually the best approach. Your friend disappears at the party Students talk independence, transportation, situational awareness, socializing with strangers, and making sure you always have a way home. Get involved One of the strongest pieces of college advice: join organizations, attend activity fairs, meet people, and find communities built around your interests. $1,500 scholarship opportunity The episode closes with PABS and NFB of Pennsylvania opportunities, including the Pennsylvania scholarship and State Convention in Hershey. Scholarship applications are due August 31. Apply at https://www.nfbofpa.org/scholarships/.   Top Takeaways Advocate Before There Is a Problem Accessibility conversations don't have to begin after something goes wrong. Talking with professors early about accommodations and inaccessible technology can prevent problems later. AI Is Complicated for Blind Students For a blind student, AI isn't necessarily just a writing or homework tool. It can provide access to graphics and other visual information. That creates an important distinction between using AI for accessibility and having AI do academic work for you. The students strongly recommend knowing the professor's policy and communicating openly. Help Should Start With a Question Good intentions don't automatically make an action helpful. Asking before grabbing, guiding, moving something, or making a decision for a blind person preserves independence while still allowing someone to offer assistance. Have a Plan B Whether you're dealing with inaccessible coursework or suddenly left alone socially, independence gets easier when you've thought about alternatives ahead of time. College Is More Than Class Joining clubs, meeting students with similar interests, and becoming part of campus life can create friendships and make an unfamiliar campus feel like home. Connect with PABS If you have questions for the PABS board, email them at students@nfbofpa.org. Follow PABS on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pabs_nfb/.   To read more, visit https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/157/.   Donate to the NFB of PA 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.  Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus.  It’s available on the affiliate’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday. Contact White Canes Connect Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.   Follow White Canes Connect Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast  Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.
White Canes Connect
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