Simplifying Accessibility Advocacy with Kennedy & Karl
White Canes Connect
In White Canes Connect episode 117, co-hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Kennedy Zimnik and Karl Belanger from the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) to discuss the Accessibility Toolkit, a resource designed to empower blind and low-vision individuals to advocate for accessible technology. Kennedy, an Access Tech Specialist, and Karl, a Non-Visual Accessibility Analyst, share the story behind the Toolkit, which evolved from a 2018 Braille Monitor article to a comprehensive, step-by-step guide now available on the NFB’s website. The Toolkit equips users with practical advice...
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Introducing AmeriCorps Next Step Skills Program, Presented by the Overbrook School for the Blind.
White Canes Connect
As all blind and visually impaired people know, some of our most enriching experiences come from interactions with like-minded peers. Overbrook School for the Blind, a renowned school for the blind and visually impaired in the Philadelphia region, recognize just how important these opportunities are for blind and visually impaired youth. To fulfill this need, they created the AmeriCorps mentorship program, which connects youth mentors in higher education, or those succeeding in the workplace, to students exploring their path of possibilities ahead of them. Join White Canes Connect contributor...
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Accessible Dosing with See-Rynge
White Canes Connect
In episode 115 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein are joined by bioengineers Chiadika Eleh and Joey Wei, who share the journey of creating See-Rynge, a groundbreaking liquid measuring device designed specifically for the blind and low-vision community. Originally developed as a senior design project at the University of Pennsylvania, See-Rynge was inspired by the need for blind parents to independently administer liquid medications accurately, a need brought to light during a meeting with Lynn Heitz, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania....
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Turning the Page on Accessibility with Krystle Boateng
White Canes Connect
In Episode 114 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein sit down with Krystle Boateng, the creative force behind Inside Ability Books, a publisher of accessible, large-print children's books. Krystle, who lost her central vision due to uveitis at 19, shares how her personal journey led her to create books that prioritize accessibility through high-contrast text and large fonts. The interview explores the profound impact her books have on visually impaired parents and children, with a touching story from Federationist Simone Cooper, who met Krystle at the NFB...
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Cast Your Vote, Use your Voice: Introducing Vote That Jawn.
White Canes Connect
As we move through the fall, it’s time to prepare for election day on November 5, 2024. Join White Canes Connect contributor Simon Bonenfant, as he speaks with Carson Eckhard, Youth Director of Vote That Jawn. They discuss the importance of voting, resources for involving youth in the voting process, and introduce their community voting event happening on October 16th. Vote That Jawn was created to amplify youth voices about issues that matter to them when they submit their ballot. Through community events, featured youth writings, and educational college classes, Vote That Jawn aims...
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VisionWalk Philadelphia
White Canes Connect
In Episode 112 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Bailey Bostelman, Regional Field Director for the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB). The episode highlights the upcoming VisionWalk in Philadelphia on October 5th, where Lisa will be participating. Bailey shares insights into the mission of FFB, which has raised over $915 million to fund research for inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease. She emphasizes the importance of community education, connecting those with low vision to resources, and the organization's no-cost...
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What to Expect in Erie
White Canes Connect
In Episode 111 of White Canes Connect, co-hosts David Goldstein and Emily Gindlesperger, both Vice Presidents of the NFB of Pennsylvania, discuss the exciting details surrounding the upcoming state convention in Erie. This year marks a return to Erie after over two decades, and the event will take place at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. The venue promises accessibility and convenience, with two hotels connected directly to the center. Emily and David provide a rundown of the convention highlights, including a Veterans Celebration, talent show, and the highly anticipated auction...
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Erie 2024: Tracy Soforenko’s Path to Leadership and Advocacy
White Canes Connect
In Episode 110 of White Canes Connect, co-hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein gear up for the upcoming National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania State Convention, which will be held from November 7–10, 2024, in Erie, PA. The episode features an insightful conversation with Lynn Heitz, NFB of Pennsylvania’s president, and Tracy Soforenko, NFB of Virginia president and national representative for the event. The discussion covers the significance of hosting the convention in Erie for the first time since 1992, aiming to reach a broader audience of blind individuals across...
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Blind Social Club Receives $5000 Award for Social Initiatives
White Canes Connect
In episode 109 of White Canes Connect, co-hosts David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant engage in an enlightening conversation with Simone Cooper, founder of the Blind Social Club, and Katie Sampson, an advisor for the Sowing Excellence Awards. Simone shares her journey from starting the International Cuisine Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired in 2017 to changing the name to a more-fitting Blind Social Club, which has since evolved into a vibrant community initiative aimed at fostering social connections among blind and visually impaired individuals. Simone discusses the inspiration behind the...
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Accessible Voting in Pennsylvania
White Canes Connect
In episode 108 of White Canes Connect, hosted by David Goldstein, the focus is on accessible voting in Pennsylvania. Diane Gordian from the Pennsylvania Department of State joins the podcast to discuss the importance of ensuring voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The episode features a recording from the August 7th "Coffee with the President" meeting, where Diane highlights key laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Voting Rights Act, that protect voters' rights. She also provides guidance on how voters can access support and assistance at polling...
info_outlineWelcome to our January 2024 monthly Digest: a monthly newsletter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania!
The events and information listed below will be within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and any pertinent information from the National Federation of the Blind and the Pennsylvania blind community.
If you or anyone you know have any upcoming events or information that can pertain to the blind community in Pennsylvania, please send them to Stacie Leap at [email protected] by the 27th of the month so it can be added to our calendar for the following month.
Editor’s Note
Hello all:
I do apologize that December 2023’s edition never came out. I was experiencing some hardships and had to remove myself from certain obligations. Thank you to those who checked on me and kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
On a happier note, the Monthly Digest is one year old! We started this monthly newsletter in January 2023, and it was a pleasure sharing all of this information with everybody! I have received many emails with positive feedback and am glad people are reading this newsletter. That was a fear of mine: that people would not read this newsletter and delete it. However, I am happy that people are engaging with the newsletter. Thank you all!
- Stacie Leap
A Message from our State Affiliate President
Dear Members and Friends,
Happy New Year! It was wonderful spending time with you at our recent State Convention in November 2023. We had record registration, record attendance at the Banquet and the Possibilities Fair, and an overflowing Exhibit Hall. The feedback I have received about the programming has been overwhelmingly positive.
Thank you to the many hands, hearts, and minds that went into putting this together!!!
Looking forward to wonderful things in 2024!
Sincerely,
Lynn Heitz
President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
Google Calendar Links
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania also has a Google Calendar that can be viewed either through the web or subscribed to your calendar apps.
You can view the calendar at www.NFBofPA.org/calendar.
However, if you wish to subscribe to the calendar and get the events on your calendar apps, please Subscribe and go through the steps to subscribe:
Member Spotlight: David Goldstein
Each month, we will highlight someone within our affiliate. The goal is to allow us to learn about other members within the affiliate. We hope you enjoy this little spotlight!
David Goldstein was recently elected as the First Vice President of our state affiliate during our 2023 State Convention! He is also the Treasurer of the Keystone Chapter and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants. He is also one of the hosts of White Canes Connect, our official state affiliate podcast. In addition, he is also our web coordinator of our new affiliate website: www.nfbofpa.org. If you do not think that is enough, he is the President of Digital Graphics Design, LLC. David is a father of two adult children and a dog dad to Ziggy, a golden retriever. He is into technology and has his own podcast, iCantCU, where he chronicles his life and the different activities he is involved in. In his own words, “iCantCU sounds like a sentence, but it is only 7 letters long. It is like blind people for dummies.” If you ever get a chance to meet David, do not forget to say, “Hello!”
Calendar of Events
The following events are also on our Google calendar with the Zoom information or meeting location. If anyone within a chapter, division, or group sees any errors or misinformation, please contact Stacie Leap at [email protected]
The below information is correct as of the first week of the month. The information is most up-to-date on the Google Calendar. Please check back periodically to ensure the correct information is correct.
Coffee with the State President and Board
This monthly discussion meeting brings everybody together to get to know the state affiliate board members and the happenings within the state’s divisions, chapters, and advocacy efforts. This meeting is typically held on the 1st Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with State President Lynn Heitz at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Jigsaw Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who do not have a local chapter in their geographical area. This is our at-large chapter Meetings. This meeting is typically held on the first Saturday of the month.
Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10 AM
Deaf Blind Division Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who consider themselves Deaf Blind and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Chris Westbrook at [email protected]
Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6 PM.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who are or wish to be involved with the Business Enterprise Program, entrepreneurship, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the second Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Pamela Baquero at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6 PM.
Greater Berks Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Berks County of Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Friday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Rosemary Freedman at [email protected]
Friday, January 12, 2024 at 10 AM.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. This includes Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding areas. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Cheryl Frazier at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10 AM.
Keystone Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month at the Penn Museum. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Harriet Go at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:15 AM.
Happy Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in or surrounding State College, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the second Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Michelle McManus at [email protected]
Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 1 PM.
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or are at risk for developing diabetes. This group typically meets on the third Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Christine Palmer at [email protected]
Monday, January 15, 2024, at 7 PM.
Pennsylvania Organization of Parents of Blind Children (PAOPBC) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for parents of blind children and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Emily Gindlesperger at [email protected]
Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 1 PM.
Pittsburgh Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Pittsburgh area. This meeting is typically held on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter Revitalizing Team Members Emily Gindlesperger at [email protected] or Denice Brown at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6 PM.
Capital Area Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Greater Harrisburg area. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For More Information, please get in touch with Chapter President Jason Polanski at [email protected]
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 10 AM.
Erie County Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in Erie County, Pennsylvania. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Connie Scheu at [email protected]
Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2 PM.
Blind Parents Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for blind parents, grandparents, and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the third Saturday of the month. For more information, please contact Group Chair Stacie Leap at [email protected].
Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 7 PM.
Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students (PABS) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for blind students of all ages and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Monday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Simon Bonenfant at [email protected]
Monday, January 22, 2024 at 7 PM.
Blind Seniors Group Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who are seniors or almost seniors as well as their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Group Chair Connie Scheu at [email protected]
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM.
Brandywine Valley Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Brandywine Valley area of PA. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Lynn Heitz at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who live in the Philadelphia area. This is one of two local chapters in the Philadelphia area. The other chapter is the Keystone Chapter. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Chapter President Denice Brown at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
Pennsylvania Association of Guide Dog Users (PAGDU) Monthly Meeting
A monthly meeting for those who have or are considering getting a guide dog and their supporters. This meeting is typically held on the fourth Saturday of the month. For more information, please get in touch with Division President Becca Weber at [email protected]
Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 4 PM.
White Canes Connect Podcast
Did you know the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania has a podcast? It is hosted by members David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant, as well as some guest hosts. It features interviews with our PA members and interviews and resources for the blind community. The monthly Digest is also on the podcast for those who wish to hear a human’s voice instead of a screen reader. You can listen to it wherever you listen to podcasts.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, IHeartRadio, and YouTube @PABlindPodcast. Contact White Canes Connect at [email protected] if you have any show ideas or wish to be on the podcast.
State Convention 2023
We had our state convention in November 2023 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Here are some highlights!
- We had 28 people register for our Senior Possibilities Fair. This was our 2nd year having it at the convention, and this was our highest number of registrants!
- 10 people attended the state convention as a first-timer! Welcome to our NFB of pA family!
- A total of 125 people registered for the convention!
- We had our state board elections, and the following people have been elected:
- President: Lynn Heitz
- First Vice President: David Goldstein
- Second Vice President: Emily Gindlesperger
- Secretary: Harriet Go
- Treasurer: Brian Mackey
- Board Director: Denice Brown
- Board Director: Kirk Hunger
- Board Director: Michelle McManus
Diabetes Action Network (DAN) Group formed in Pennsylvania!
We are delighted to have a new group join our NFB of PA family! This group, Diabetes Action Network (DAN), aims to educate and provide peer support for those living with diabetes or for those who are at risk for developing diabetes. The group plans to meet quarterly on the second Monday of the month at 7 PM. For more information, please get in touch with the Group Chair, Christine Palmer, at [email protected]
Washington Seminar 2024
At our Washington Seminar, members of the National Federation of the Blind convene to learn about and advocate for legislative initiatives that will improve the lives of blind Americans.
Dates: Monday, January 29 through Thursday, February 1, 2024
Location: Holiday Inn Washington Capitol – National Mall
550 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
If you want more information on what the NFB of PA is doing regarding Washington Seminar, please get in touch with our Legislative Director, Emily Gindlesperger, at [email protected]
For more information on Washington Seminar, please visit www.nfbofpa.org/washington-seminar.
Shout-Outs and Announcements!
Birthday Wishes
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania wishes all those born in December & January a very happy birthday!
Fundraisers
Blind Parents Group T-Shirts Fundraiser
The T-shirts come in either black with white lettering or white with black lettering. Both shirts say “I Support #BlindParents” with the NFB of PA Logo and “Blind Parents Group” at the bottom. Funds raised will start a financial fund to assist blind or visually impaired parents and their families through financial life hardships. To purchase a t-shirt, please contact Stacie Leap at [email protected]
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind; to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
NFB Message
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
Many thanks to everybody for all they do within the Federation!
Thanks!
the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania team