Erie 2024: Tracy Soforenko’s Path to Leadership and Advocacy
Release Date: 09/09/2024
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_outlineIn 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 Pennsylvania. Tracy shares his personal journey with the NFB, from initially feeling reluctant to accept his vision loss to becoming an advocate and leader in the community.
Excitement builds around this year’s convention, with a focus on inclusivity, community outreach, and engaging programming, including the Thursday pasta dinner, Friday’s bingo night, and live auction. Tracy emphasizes the importance of fostering connections and supporting new attendees, while Lynn highlights Erie’s unique charm and delicious banquet options, such as the locally famous Lake Erie perch. Attendees are encouraged to register early and experience the Federation’s positive impact firsthand.
Contact Tracy via email at [email protected] and via phone at 202-285-4595.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/110
2024 NFB of PA State Convention
Registration is open for this year’s State Convention in Erie from 11/7 to 11/10. Learn more at https://www.NFBofPA.org/2024/. Links are there to register as an attendee, exhibitor, and sponsor. Other links include meal option descriptions, Senior Possibilities Fair registration, and phone numbers to make your hotel reservations.
Teching Care of Business Session
Chef Debra Erickson from The Blind Kitchen (https://www.theblindkitchen.com) will join David for a segment of the business and technology Thursday afternoon session to talk about becoming a chef, setting up her store on the web, and teaching other blind individuals how to prepare delicious meals without sight. Listen to episode 081 via direct download at https://traffic.libsyn.com/whitecanesconnect/white_canes_connect_081_post.mp3 to learn more about Debra and her business.
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
Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at [email protected].
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