In this episode of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein speaks with Kaleigh Brendle, founder and president of Judy's League and a recent graduate of Villanova University preparing to begin law school. Kaleigh is a passionate disability rights advocate dedicated to protecting the civil rights of disabled Americans through education, outreach, and grassroots organizing.

Kaleigh joins the show to discuss Judy's League, a cross-disability advocacy organization she founded in response to legal challenges threatening Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—one of the foundational civil rights protections for people with disabilities. The conversation explores the ongoing lawsuit Texas v. Kennedy, why Section 504 matters, and how advocacy groups are working to ensure these protections remain intact.

Key Takeaways

Kaleigh explains what Section 504 actually requires, why current legal challenges could weaken disability protections nationwide, and how public awareness plays a crucial role in defending civil rights. She also shares how Judy's League is mobilizing advocates across the country through research, social media outreach, and grassroots engagement. Plus, stick around to hear the story behind the National Federation of the Blind song "Who Are We? NFB," which Kaleigh helped write and perform.

What You'll Learn

• What Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 does and why it matters
• How the lawsuit Texas v. Kennedy could impact disability rights
• Why public awareness is critical in defending accessibility protections
• How Judy's League is organizing a cross-disability advocacy movement
• The story behind the NFB song "Who Are We? NFB"

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Judy's League

Website https://www.judysleague.org/

Contact Judy's League https://www.judysleague.org/contact-us/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JudysLeague

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judysleague?igsh=a2xyMHJhZWx4eGNn&utm_source=qr

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@judysleague?_r=1&_t=ZT-94KrcqYS4Pl

Media Coverage

USA Today article on the Section 504 lawsuit https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/12/texas-lawsuit-students-disabilities-protections/79085182007/

Music Mentioned

Listen to "Who Are We? NFB" https://open.spotify.com/album/6uwPmlEjzPBoJyjPacRCeb

Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/151/.

Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin

This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.

Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention

If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

Contact White Canes Connect

Email us at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.

For over a decade, blind and visually impaired people throughout New York City have had the opportunity to play the game of tennis. Launched in 2015 and presented by Court 16, Sound of Tennis offers once-per-week sessions, enabling blind and visually impaired people to learn, practice, and play full games of tennis through sound.

Now, in 2026, Sound of Tennis partnered with a Court 16 location in Philadelphia, offering the same opportunity for Philadelphia residents as well!

Join Simon Bonenfant, on this inaugural episode of his new series entitled Simon's Studio, as he takes you through all the details.

You'll hear from Maureen Holtz, Community Relations and Events Manager at Court 16, as well as Hildy Morales, an administrative assistant and avid tennis player. Maureen and Hildy share how both Court 16 and Sound of Tennis were founded and have evolved, their unique journeys of involvement in the program, the strong bond of camaraderie amongst players, and how you can become involved here in Philly!

To learn more about Sound of Tennis at https://www.court16foundation.org/sound-of-tennis.

Sessions will take place weekly on Monday's from 12 to 1 PM, at Court 16, 1400 n. Howard Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122. To learn more about participating, please direct all inquiries to Leila Mueller by sending an email to [email protected]

Have you attended any Sound of Tennis events? We want to hear from you! Give us a call at 267.338.4495, or send us an email at [email protected]

Read notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/150.

Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin

This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.

Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention

If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein sits down with Noor Krraisat, a national scholarship finalist and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students. Noor shares her journey as a blind college student, future law school applicant, and emerging leader within the National Federation of the Blind.

Noor walks us through the entire National Federation of the Blind scholarship experience—from applying and getting the call, to traveling independently to National Convention and navigating a packed, high-stakes week as a finalist. With the scholarship now valued at $10,000, this conversation offers an inside look at what applicants can expect and why this opportunity is about far more than money.

You'll hear how the scholarship opens doors to mentorship, community, confidence, and leadership—and how one week at convention can redefine what's possible. Noor explains why every eligible student should apply, how the experience accelerated her involvement in NABS and affiliate leadership, and why the real return on this scholarship lasts long after the check is cashed.

What You'll Learn

• What the NFB scholarship application process is really like
• What happens after you get the call and become a finalist
• Why National Convention is a transformative experience for blind students
• How the $10,000 scholarship can be used—and why the money isn't the best part
• How scholarships can launch long-term leadership within the Federation

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149

Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin

This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.

Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention

If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In episode 148 of White Canes Connect, we share the powerful General Sessions remarks of David DeNotaris from the 2025 National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania State Convention in Harrisburg.

Speaking from a lifetime of experience, David reflects on growing up with Braille, discovering the Federation, and the profound influence of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan on his understanding of blindness and self-respect. Through humor and deeply personal stories, he explores what it truly means to believe that it is respectable to be blind—and how that belief unlocks confidence in using Braille, mobility tools, technology, and advocacy skills without apology.

David also recounts a pivotal advocacy victory that demonstrates the real-world impact of collective action and organized effort. His message is both a challenge and an invitation: get involved, stay involved, and believe in one another. This episode is a reminder that when blind people work together, barriers fall, opportunities expand, and lives are changed.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/148

Connect with David DeNotaris

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.denotaris
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-de-notaris-237b476/
• Sky's the Limit Communications on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/877.TAP.HOPE.

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

White Canes Connect episode 147 features a powerful address from National Federation of the Blind President Mark Riccobono, delivered to the NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Harrisburg. Reflecting on the eve of the organization's 85th anniversary, President Riccobono shares his personal journey of discovering the Federation in 1996 and how the community transformed his understanding of blindness, leadership, and collective action.

He highlights landmark achievements driven by blind-led advocacy—from advancing Braille literacy and accessible technology to expanding opportunity in education and employment—and reminds us that progress is only possible when blind people speak and act for themselves.

Looking ahead, he calls on members to lead in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, preserve our history through storytelling, and continue building a diverse, unified movement. His message is both a celebration of how far we've come and a challenge to invest in the future we are creating together.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/147

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In this episode of White Canes Connect, we share the 2025 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention banquet keynote delivered by National Federation of the Blind Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives, Anil Lewis. With humor, honesty, and warmth, Anil traces his journey from sudden blindness and early misconceptions about rehabilitation to discovering the Federation's philosophy of high expectations, love, and accountability.

He reflects on Dr. Marc Maurer's mentorship, his leadership in Georgia, work on accessible voting and ending subminimum wages under Section 14(c), and the transformative training he received at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Throughout, Anil returns to one powerful question: are we taking more than we give? His stories of family, faith, and Federation service challenge each of us to share our own story, get into "good trouble," and help build the National Federation of the Blind together—all starting right here in Pennsylvania today.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/146

PA Association of Blind Merchants Holiday Party

The PABM invites you to the 2025 Holiday Networking Party and Fundraiser on December 6 from 5 PM to 10 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Philadelphia Airport. Enjoy food, music, our auction, and basket raffles. In addition, the Blind Merchants will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to Philabundance. Learn more and register at https://pablindmerchants.org/holiday-party/registration/. Did I mention the OPEN bar from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM? Thanks to an anonymous donor, there will be an open bar for 2 hours. Get there early, drink up, and bid on the great auction items!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In Episode 145 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Patrick Long and Bryan Vuong, co-founders of InnoSearch.ai, a groundbreaking platform making online shopping accessible for blind and low-vision users. They built InnoSearch to serve as an accessibility layer—streamlined, screen-reader friendly, and simple to use. Beyond shopping, InnoSearch now offers flight booking and is expanding into food and grocery delivery. Users can shop online or by calling 1-855-746-7478 (1-855-SHOP-GPT), making the service accessible even without internet.

The founders also highlight partnerships with Be My Eyes and the National Federation of the Blind, a rewards program offering cashback and credits, and future plans for an app release. Community feedback continues to shape development, and ambassador opportunities are available. Learn more at https://www.innosearch.ai, email [email protected] , or call 1-855-746-7478 to experience accessible shopping made easy.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/145

NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

A la carte registration is now open for State Convention! Register at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/. Check out the meals at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/2025-state-convention-meals/. Learn more and get other important links and phone numbers at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. You can make hotel reservations at the Best Western Premier by calling (717) 561-2800. If you have a product or service you want to promote at our convention register for the Exhibit Hall at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/showcase-your-products-2025-nfb-pa-state-convention-exhibit-hall. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Learn how you can support our affiliate at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/2025-state-convention-sponsorship-opportunities.

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

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and 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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In episode 144 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome an incredible team from the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) in Pittsburgh. Joining us are Mark Lee, Library Administrator; Mary Beth Parks, Patron Services Manager; Laura Hughes, Youth Services Librarian; and Jeff Wright, Manager of Technology and Materials Fulfillment.

The LAMP team shares how their mission to make reading and media accessible has grown stronger, culminating in their recognition as the Library of Congress Network Library of the Year—an honor they've now received three times. Mark explains LAMP's history, their statewide reach, and how they're leveling the playing field for Pennsylvanians with print disabilities. Mary Beth details the vital work of reader advisors, guiding patrons through book selections, technology, and resources. Laura highlights engaging youth programs, from in-person and virtual story times to partnerships with schools and families. Jeff walks us through their tech support initiatives, from monthly open tech sessions to tactile programming and innovative use of 3D printing.

This inspiring conversation showcases LAMP's creativity, collaboration, and genuine commitment to empowering people through accessible media. If you're not yet connected with LAMP or BARD, now is the time!

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/144

Connect with the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians

Learn more about LAMP on their website at https://www.mylamp.org. Email the team at [email protected] or call them at (800) 242-0586. Listen to LAMP on episode 042 at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/042/.

NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention in Harrisburg from November 13 to November 16 at the Best Western Premier! Learn more at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. Go directly to the registration form at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/. Exhibit Hall table registration: https://nfbofpa.org/blog/showcase-your-products-2025-nfb-pa-state-convention-exhibit-hall.

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

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and 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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In episode 143 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome back Karthik Kannan, co-founder and CTO of Envision, for an exciting update on accessible technology. Karthik last joined the podcast four years ago to discuss Envision Glasses, then partnered with Google. Today, he returns to introduce the brand-new Ally Solos, a next-generation wearable that pushes accessibility to new heights.

Karthik explains how Ally Solos builds upon the original concept of AI-powered glasses by combining sleek design, advanced performance, and affordability. Unlike many mainstream devices adapted after the fact, Ally Solos was created specifically for blind and low vision users, with features designed to improve independence and everyday life. From real-time text recognition and object description to seamless integration with a smartphone, Karthik highlights how the device's enhanced speed, voice output, and intuitive interface make it truly empowering.

The conversation also touches on the importance of community feedback in shaping Envision's innovations, ensuring that products meet the real needs of blind users. With its accessible price point and thoughtful design, Ally Solos represents a major step forward in inclusive technology.

Listen to discover how Envision continues to transform possibilities for the blind community. Preorder your Ally Solos at https://www.ally.me/glasses/.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/143

NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention in Harrisburg from November 13 to November 16 at the Best Western Premier! Learn more at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. Go directly to the registration form at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/.

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

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and 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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

In episode 142 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant takes the lead to interview co-host David Goldstein and NFB of PA President Lynn Heitz about our experiences at the 2025 NFB National Convention in New Orleans. We share highlights from Pennsylvania's strong showing — 56 attendees, 10 first-timers, four national scholarship finalists, and a Jernigan Leadership graduate. Lynn and David reflect on the energy of the general sessions, memorable speeches, and some lively debates during resolutions. We also talk about the bustling — and slightly oddly laid-out — exhibit hall, where Pennsylvania sold out of chocolate-covered pretzels.

From the opening ceremony's brass band and very cool Whozit beads to reconnecting with Federation friends and meeting new ones, the week was packed with learning, networking, and a few surprises — including a fire alarm that cleared the ballroom mid-vote. We also touch on standout presentations on AI, Social Security, and blindness research, plus the banquet speech from President Mark Riccobono.

You'll also hear reflections from first-time attendees Denise, Clarence, and Parri, each sharing their most memorable convention moments. Whether you were there or not, this episode captures the energy, camaraderie, and purpose that make national convention such a powerful experience.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/142

NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 NFB of PA State Convention in Harrisburg from November 13 to November 16 at the Best Western Premier! Learn more at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. Go directly to the registration form at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/.

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

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Support us and 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].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked at #13 of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.