Entertainment Workshop & Conversation for People with Vision Loss

Date: Thursday, August 15, 2024

Time: 4 – 5:15 pm and 6 – 7 pm

Location: Online & In-Person (Lighthouse Guild Technology Center, 250 West 64th Street, New York, NY 10023)

Join Us Virtually for

Two High-tech, Highly Interactive Sessions on Accessing Entertainment Media for People Who Are Blind or Have Vision Loss!

Session 1: Assistive Tech Discussion with Spectrum Featuring Xumo • 4 – 5:15 pm

Xumo is Spectrum’s new streaming device, giving customers a modern way to access their Guide, On Demand library, and to access recorded content. Xumo comes with pre-loaded apps, but is a Spectrum Guide forward experience. Best of all, customers now have access to a voice input feature, allowing them to search for content by title, actor, network, or channel number. The stream box also includes Voice Guidance, a text-to-speech option that allows you to navigate the interface non-visually, as well as access your favorite features like audio description and other accessibility customizations.

Refreshments • 5 – 6 pm (In-Person Only)

Session 2: Interactive Panel Discussion on Accessible Entertainment • 6 – 7 pm

How can users with vision impairment access visual media? Join expert panelists for this insightful discussion! This will be an opportunity to share your experiences, and learn from others in our community.

Reception • 7 – 8 pm (In-Person Only)

Join us after our interactive conversation with expert panelists for a fun social gathering in our Technology Center. This is the perfect opportunity to meet our panelists. The reception will include:

• Food
• Wine 
• Raffle for amazing tech gifts

Due to high demand, in-person attendance is at full capacity, but you can still join us virtually!

For more information, contact Kiana V. Glanton at
212-769-7893 or glantonk@lighthouseguild.org.

Meet the Panelists

Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown is a multifaceted hip-hop entertainer and educator known for his influential work across various media. Starting as a DJ and host on Adelphi University’s WBAU in 1983, he made his mark with the rap group Original Concept and contributed to Run-DMC’s success. Dre gained fame as the co-host of “Yo! MTV Raps” with Ed Lover, a show pivotal in popularizing rap music and hip-hop culture globally. His deep music knowledge and charismatic presence helped make “Yo! MTV Raps” the highest-rated show on MTV, leading to a significant shift in the network’s programming towards diverse musical genres.

Jahron Black combines his passions for music and sports to empower others. His music career began early and now includes roles as a lyricist, audio engineer, and producer, working with artists like the Dowe Twins and Jemere Morgan, and contributing to songs addressing gun violence. Starting as a studio intern, he progressed to assisting a Grammy-winning audio engineer. Jahron is also dedicated to mentoring youth through music instruction. In sports, particularly Goalball, he has achieved MVP status in a world record game, competed internationally, and earned an invitation to represent the USA in Finland. As President of the New York Association of Blind Athletes, he values his role in coaching over thirty individuals.

Rasheta Bunting, a blind single parent from Brooklyn, N.Y., is a dedicated special educator, civic engagement organizer, entrepreneur, and disability advocate. She serves on the board of Disabled IN Action, the New York State Independent Living Council, and as a co-coordinator with Downstate ADAPT. Additionally, she holds multiple leadership roles, including Vice President and Diversity Equity & Inclusion Chair of the National Federation of the Blind of New York State, and president of the National Federation of the Blind Vanguard Chapter of Greater New York. Rasheta is also the president and co-founder of One Heart One Vision Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing support to blind and low vision women in underserved communities.

Petr Kucheryavyy is the Senior Manager of Outreach, Communications, Learning and Development, and the product owner of the Spectrum Access app for Spectrum’s Accessibility team. He leads efforts to enhance accessibility for employees and customers. Petr’s career began in hospice care and included teaching health and wellness at Emory University, earning a Wellness Coaching Certification, and working in rehabilitation and outreach at the Colorado Center for the Blind. He co-founded Socially Accessible, focusing on outreach and training. His personal experience with vision loss led him to Charter, where he influences accessibility initiatives, including developing Spectrum Mobile and the Spectrum Access app. Petr holds a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) accreditation and received the WICT Rising Star award in May 2023.

Thomas Reid is the host and producer of Reid My Mind Radio, a podcast that highlights individuals affected by blindness and disability. His annual series, “Flipping the Script on Audio Description,” delves into the art and its impact on the community. As a member of the Social Audio Description Collective and a freelance narrator, Thomas has contributed to projects for Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and PBS. He also consults for independent filmmakers and film festivals, co-facilitates workshops, and moderates discussions on audio description and content accessibility.

In Partnership with Spectrum

Notice: Photography and Filming in Progress
Please be aware that photos and filming are taking place at this event. By attending, you consent to being photographed and filmed. You also consent to those photographs or videos being shared via social media or the Internet for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be captured, please inform a staff member at the event check-in. Thank you for your understanding!