Updates & Insights from BBVS Director Dawn Sokol at the 2024 NFB of PA State Convention
Release Date: 01/09/2025
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...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 pre-employment transition services, the Older Blind Program, and agency operations. Despite these financial constraints, BBVS remains committed to outreach and staff retention to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Dawn provides updates on innovative programs such as bioptic driving guidance, revamped low-vision policies, and the successful My Work youth employment initiative. She also underscores BBVS’s dedication to assistive technology enhancements and collaboration with partners.
A passionate advocate for equitable employment and accessible services, Dawn encourages community action, including outreach to legislators to increase program funding. The episode captures BBVS's resilience and ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania’s blind and visually impaired residents.
Mark your calendars for the 2025 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Harrisburg, November 13–16, and stay connected with White Canes Connect for updates and opportunities.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/120
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