Am I a Creep for Wearing Smart Glasses?

Smart glasses have a reputation problem.

Recent stories and public comments have portrayed people wearing camera-equipped glasses as creeps, weirdos, or walking surveillance systems. I understand where some of those concerns come from. People have used smart glasses to record strangers without their knowledge, and no one should dismiss the privacy concerns that arise from that behavior. Here is the article that sparked the discussion on That Real Blind Tech Show episode 210: https://tech.yahoo.com/ar-vr/articles/giving-fascism-not-fashion-activists-110000689.html?guccounter=1

However, labeling everyone who wears smart glasses as creepy ignores an important community: blind and low-vision people who use them as assistive technology.

Smart Glasses Give Me Access

My first-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses can help me read signs, find an exit, locate a restroom, identify a store, and better understand what is in front of me.

I have used them to navigate airports, hotels, and convention spaces. Sometimes I take a picture so I can examine it later on a larger monitor. Other times, I can share the image with Be My Eyes and ask what I am looking at.

For me, the camera is not about secretly recording strangers. It is about gaining access to visual information that sighted people receive automatically.

That does not mean privacy concerns should be ignored. Recording indicators, responsible use, and clear social expectations all matter. But people should judge inappropriate behavior instead of condemning an entire category of technology—especially when that technology helps blind people travel and live more independently.

I also finally put my Ray-Ban Meta glasses on during the episode after a YouTube viewer complained that I discussed them in another video without wearing them. My regular blue sunglasses work better under the Studio B lights because glare is still a major problem for me, even though I do not see very much.

Comments are always welcome, including comments about the glasses, the messy studio, or whatever Ziggy might have deposited in my remaining hair.

An Austin Convention Recap

Earlier in July, I traveled to Austin for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention.

I was not especially excited before leaving. Liz remained home with Ziggy, and I knew that managing the NFB of Pennsylvania exhibit table would involve more work without her help. Fortunately, several people volunteered to cover shifts, and everything worked out.

We sold chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut brittle, hats, scarves, and shawls handmade by NFB of Pennsylvania President Lynn Heitz. The shawls were especially popular because the hotel was unbelievably cold. We also sold all the pretzels and peanut brittle by the end of our second full day.

Outside the exhibit hall, Austin delivered plenty of memorable food. I ate at the JW Marriott’s Corner Restaurant, visited Tacodeli, and tried both Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Terry Black’s Barbecue. Terry Black’s was my favorite.

We also spent about 90 minutes waiting near the Congress Avenue Bridge for Austin’s famous bats. The bats apparently had other plans and never emerged.

One convention purchase that did come home with me was a FEELDOM backpack. Much of its black-and-white exterior is covered in Velcro, allowing it to be personalized with removable patches. I plan to add an iCantCU logo patch before putting it to regular use.

My favorite convention comment came from artist and disability advocate Lachi during a discussion about euphemisms such as “special needs.” Her response to that particular expression produced one of the biggest laughs of the convention and will probably stay with me forever.

The National Federation of the Blind will return to Austin for its 2027 National Convention from July 2 through July 7. Even people who are not currently NFB members can attend, explore the exhibit hall, participate in seminars, and learn more about the organization.

Ziggy Approaches the End of Chemotherapy

Ziggy is now in his sixth and final round of chemotherapy treatments for lymphoma.

At the time of recording on July 29, he had completed the second of three treatments in that round. His final treatment is scheduled for the following week.

The chemotherapy helped put the lymphoma into remission, but the side effects have been extremely difficult. Ziggy has dealt with stomach problems, a low white-blood-cell count, changes in appetite, an elevated temperature, and one overnight stay at the veterinary hospital.

His weight has also fluctuated considerably. At his latest appointment, he weighed 35.2 kilograms, or approximately 77 pounds.

There are encouraging moments. He is once again jumping up to investigate the kitchen counter, looking for food, and attempting to eat things such as paper towels. Those are recognizable Ziggy behaviors.

Still, we know the cancer is expected to return. After chemotherapy ends, he will receive maintenance treatment for the rest of his life. We are trying to appreciate the good days while preparing ourselves for what will eventually come.

The logistics will also become more difficult when Liz returns to school full-time. We do not feel comfortable leaving Ziggy alone for long periods, particularly when he might become sick in his crate.

Lancaster, Hershey, and the State Convention

I will be representing the NFB of Pennsylvania at an exhibit table in Lancaster on August 5 and 6. Later in August, I will visit the Hershey Lodge as we continue preparing for the 2026 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention.

The State Convention will be held November 5 through November 8 at the Hershey Lodge. Registration is open, with an all-inclusive package costing $225 and including convention registration and eight meals.

Businesses and organizations can also support the convention through sponsorships, auction items, raffle prizes, and door prizes. High-value items such as smart glasses, tablets, gift certificates, and travel packages would be especially helpful.

Visit https://www.nfbofpa.org to learn more, register, or support the convention.

Celebrating Episode 300

I did not plan an elaborate celebration for episode 300. At this point, simply recording and publishing another episode feels special.

Thank you to everyone who has watched, listened, commented, emailed, called, or followed along during the past 300 episodes.

You can reach me at icantseeyoupodcast@gmail.com, find me on social media at @DavidBenj, or leave a voicemail at 646-926-6350. Please include your name and town when leaving a message.

LINKS

That Real Blind Tech Show:
https://blindtechshow.com

National Federation of the Blind National Convention:
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention

NFB of Pennsylvania:
https://www.nfbofpa.org

Sponsor the State Convention:
https://www.nfbofpa.org/donate-now

FEELDOM Adaptive Gear:
https://www.feeldomlife.com

Tacodeli:
https://www.tacodeli.com

Terry Black’s Barbecue:
https://terryblacksbbq.com/austin

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que:
https://coopersbbqaustin.com

Blue sunglasses (affiliate link):
https://amzn.to/4uoBES