Braille Rocks: Danielle Lubiner’s Vision for Literacy and Inclusion
White Canes Connect
In Episode 122 of White Canes Connect, listeners revisit the 2024 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie, featuring Danielle Lubiner's insightful presentation, "Braille: The Language of the Blind." Danielle, an accomplished educator and advocate, shared her journey from special education teaching to becoming a Braille expert, emphasizing the vital role of early intervention and daily Braille instruction. Drawing on her experiences at Louisiana Tech University and the Louisiana Center for the Blind, Danielle highlighted the need for high expectations, collaboration among educators, and a...
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Tech, Accessibility, and the Future of Healthcare with Andy Burstein
White Canes Connect
In this engaging episode of White Canes Connect, listeners are treated to a dynamic presentation by Andy Burstein, CEO of Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind, during the 2024 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie. Andy offers a captivating overview of his company’s innovative services, which cater specifically to individuals with disabilities. Andy shares exciting updates about Accessible Pharmacy’s nationwide expansion and groundbreaking initiatives. From low-tech solutions like talking blood pressure cuffs and medication labels to high-tech innovations such as continuous...
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Updates & Insights from BBVS Director Dawn Sokol at the 2024 NFB of PA State Convention
White Canes Connect
In Episode 120 of White Canes Connect, we revisit the 2024 NFB of PA State Convention in Erie, featuring an insightful presentation by Dawn Sokol, Director of the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS). Dawn offers a comprehensive update on the agency’s priorities, including hiring, outreach, and fiscal management, alongside an overview of key programs and initiatives. Dawn highlights BBVS's adoption of "rapid engagement" to expedite service delivery and address longstanding system delays. She also outlines the challenges posed by flat federal funding, emphasizing its impact on...
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President Lynn Heitz Delivers Presidential Report at Erie 2024
White Canes Connect
In episode 119 of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein reflects on the highlights of the 2024 National Federation of the Blind (NFB) of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie. The episode centers on President Lynn Heitz's powerful presidential report, where she draws inspiration from Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar to parallel the journey of blindness with the caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly. President Heitz poignantly compares the challenges, growth, and triumphs faced by individuals navigating blindness to the stages of the caterpillar’s metamorphosis. The report...
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Inside Erie 2024: Triumphs, Travel, and Looking to the Future
White Canes Connect
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein are joined by Lynn Heitz, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, to discuss the highlights, challenges, and successes of the 2024 State Convention in Erie. From the arduous 10-hour journey to the seamless event execution, the conversation provides an in-depth look at what made this year’s convention remarkable. Listeners will hear about the excellent hospitality provided by local Lions Clubs, engaging sessions like the Senior Possibilities Fair, and memorable moments such as the Veterans...
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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...
info_outlineWhile educating a child with a disability can be challenging, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, or DCIU, offers many tools and supports to meet that challenge head-on, preparing every student for a successful future!
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Simon Bonenfant speaks with Jason Gonzalez, DCIU Professional Development Specialist, and Holly Short, DCIU Orientation and Mobility instructor, as they discuss the wide range of service offerings the DCIU provides, each unique to every student.
The DCIU will hold two upcoming transition fairs for parents and students in Delaware County to learn more about helpful resources after graduating high school and moving into college or employment. The parent fair will take place on Tuesday, April 9, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, and the student fair will take place the next day, Wednesday, April 10, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
It all happens at the DCIU headquarters at 200 Yale Avenue in Morton, PA. Parents and students can meet and network with 43 organizations serving those with disabilities. The NFB of Pennsylvania's Keystone Chapter will be there as well!
Learn more about services that can help you live a more independent life. Contact the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services of Pennsylvania at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/bbvs/Pages/default.aspx or the Intermediate Unit in your county to see what they can do for you!
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/099
More About the DCIU
Visit their website at https://www.dciu.org/. Watch the DCIU video featuring students who are now succeeding in fulfilling careers and college educations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O59QagsAjE0. You can also follow them on your preferred social media at @dciu_at.
More About the Fairs
If you have particular questions about the upcoming transition fairs, contact Jason at [email protected]. You can also find more information on the Student Events page at https://www.dciu.org/TransitionFair.
An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA
Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect.
Donate to the NFB of PA
If you want to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.
We Want to Hear Your Story
Have you benefited from the DCIU or a similar service? We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or email us at [email protected].
Follow White Canes Connect
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