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 Ceremony and the banquet featuring a heartfelt keynote. Lynn shares insights into leadership changes and plans for next year’s convention in Harrisburg, emphasizing lessons learned—like improving registration processes and maximizing volunteer participation.

David reflects on his new role as Convention Chair for the 2025 State Convention in Harrisburg, sharing goals to increase sponsorships and ensure a smoother attendee experience. Whether you attended or missed Erie, this episode offers a glimpse into the camaraderie and commitment of Pennsylvania’s blind community while setting the stage for an even brighter future.

David outlines his plans on releasing recordings of the convention, including many of the General Sessions presentations as podcast episodes over the next few weeks.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/118

Erie Media Coverage of the Convention

Unfortunately, it seems that most of the video that aired isn’t available any longer. Here are a couple of links with stories about our presence in Erie:

• From Erie News Now: https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/51759814/national-federation-of-the-blind-host-state-convention-at-ambassador-conference-center-in-erie
• WJET/WXFPYour Erie .com: https://www.yourerie.com/news/local-news/national-federation-of-the-blind-hosts-annual-conference-at-the-ambassador-conference-center/

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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

Follow White Canes Connect

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

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 on reporting accessibility issues to companies, emphasizing professionalism and collaboration. Karl and Kennedy highlight the importance of clearly describing problems without needing technical jargon. For example, users can report that a screen reader reads "edit, edit, edit" instead of identifying form fields. They stress that most companies are open to accessibility improvements but often lack awareness, making user feedback essential.

The episode also explores the growing role of AI in accessibility, the persistent challenges with PDFs, and the importance of self-advocacy. Listeners are encouraged to use the Toolkit, share feedback through the NFB’s Inaccessibility Tracker, and engage with Karl and Kennedy for guidance. Whether you're part of the NFB or not, this episode is a valuable resource for making technology more inclusive.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/117

Learn More About the Accessibility Toolkit

Find the toolkit at https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-accessibility/self-advocacy-toolkit-and-tracking-form. Call Kennedy and Karl at (410) 659-9314, option 5. Have a look at the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Accessibility at https://www.nfb.org/cena. Email them at access@nfb.org or individually, reach Kennedy at kzimnik@nfb.org and Karl at kbelanger@nfb.org.

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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

Follow White Canes Connect

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

Contact White Canes Connect

Have you benefited from a mentorship experience that’s helped you grow to the person you are today?? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com or give us a call at: 267-338-4495