Episodes

  • Rookie Roundup to Banquet: A First-Timer's Guide to NFB National Convention

    Rookie Roundup to Banquet: A First-Timer's Guide to NFB National Convention
    Jun 28 2026
    In this episode, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students leads a Convention 101 conversation for anyone preparing to attend the NFB National Convention in Austin. The questions come from students and first-time attendees, while the answers come from leaders who have learned how to navigate the week through experience. Lynn Heitz explains why National Convention is more than a conference. It is where blind people from across the country gather, where resolutions are debated, where the organization's direction is shaped, and where first-timers can see blind people living full, successful lives. David Goldstein shares practical travel and packing tips, including the importance of layers inside cold hotel meeting rooms, comfortable shoes, accessible airport apps, Aira, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Apple AirTags, and the convention app. He also reminds attendees that they will not be able to attend everything, so choosing sessions intentionally matters. Harriet Danner talks about the size and pace of National Convention, the value of reading the agenda before arriving, the importance of the presidential address, and the usefulness of finding a convention buddy. She also explains how special-interest groups and divisions can help students and professionals build relationships in their chosen fields. Key Topics Covered What National Convention is and why it mattersWhy Rookie Roundup is a must for first-time attendeesHow resolutions, general sessions, and the Pennsylvania caucus workWhat to expect from banquet exchange and the national banquetWhat to pack for Austin and cold hotel meeting roomsHow to dress for meetings, exhibits, and banquetAirport travel tips for blind and low-vision travelersUsing Aira, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, Meta Ray-Bans, and Apple AirTagsHow to use the NFB Convention app and online agendaPlanning your schedule without getting overwhelmedFinding a convention buddy or mentorBudgeting for food and daily expensesUsing convention for career development and networkingHow parents can support young blind travelers without holding them back Suggested Resources for Show Notes National Federation of the Blind Convention information: https://www.nfb.org/convention Transportation Security Administration traveler information: https://www.tsa.gov TSA Cares: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-cares Austin-Bergstrom International Airport accessibility services: https://www.flyaustin.com Aira visual interpreting: https://www.aira.io JW Marriott Austin: https://www.marriott.com Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/155/ 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. Contact White Canes Connect Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495. 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/.
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • It Takes Foresight, Not Eyesight: Rich Crawford's Story

    It Takes Foresight, Not Eyesight: Rich Crawford's Story
    Jun 8 2026

    In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein welcomes Rich Crawford for a wide-ranging conversation about blindness, independence, work, leadership, and the power of high expectations.

    Rich became legally blind at age 10 due to retinitis pigmentosa. Rather than lowering expectations, his parents encouraged him to try things, work hard, and figure out alternative ways to get the job done. That mindset carried him from public school to college, from community action work to a 41-year career in financial services.

    Rich also discusses his longtime involvement with the National Federation of the Blind, including his years in Iowa and South Dakota affiliate leadership. He shares stories about Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, national conventions, state conventions, and the importance of blind people being active in their communities beyond blindness organizations.

    Listeners will hear powerful reflections on confidence, asking for what you need, using a white cane without shame, mentoring younger blind people, and why losing sight is not nearly as dangerous as losing hope.

    Key Podcast Moments
    • Rich Crawford explains how he became legally blind at age 10 from retinitis pigmentosa.
    • He shares how his parents raised him with independence instead of fear.
    • Rich talks about attending the school for the blind, returning to public school, and learning to advocate for himself.
    • He describes becoming a Community Action Agency executive director at just 23 years old.
    • Rich explains how a chance encounter while hitchhiking led to a 41-year career as a financial advisor.
    • He discusses taking licensing exams with readers before today's accessible technology existed.
    • Rich reflects on the influence of Dr. Kenneth Jernigan and the National Federation of the Blind.
    • He explains why confidence grows by trying new things and succeeding one step at a time.
    • Rich encourages blind people to be involved in service clubs, churches, and community organizations.
    • He closes by offering himself as a resource for young blind people seeking advice and encouragement.
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    56 mins
  • Crafting Confidence One Exercise at a Time with Cane and Able Fitness

    Crafting Confidence One Exercise at a Time with Cane and Able Fitness
    May 25 2026

    The blind and visually impaired community faces numerous considerations when undertaking a fitness program. From developing proper form to using equipment safely and more in between, Cane and Able Fitness has a solution for all your fitness goals.

    Join Simon Bonenfant in the studio as he sits down with Cane and Able Fitness Founder Evan Schwerbrock. Schwerbrock discusses his vision-loss journey, fitness background, coaching model, client testimonials, strongman competitions, and more.

    Cane and Able Fitness offers a wide variety of options depending on your needs. With personalized remote coaching, in-person public appearances, and virtual presentations, there's an option for everyone!

    To learn more and start your fitness journey today, visit their https://www.caneandablefitness.com .

    You can also follow them on
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cane-and-Able-Fitness-108864070909694
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caneandablefitness/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caneandablefitness6999
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cane.and.able.fit

    We hope you have enjoyed this interview. Do you have any fitness tips to share? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com, or call us at 267.338.4495.

    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.

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    53 mins
  • The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know

    The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know
    Apr 5 2026

    Freek van Welsenis, founder of Hable, joins the show to share how a simple idea—helping a blind grandfather use a smartphone—grew into a global company creating affordable assistive technology used in over 60 countries. With a background in engineering and a lifelong connection to disability through his family, Freek brings both technical insight and real-world empathy to everything Hable builds.

    In this episode, we dive into Hable's newest innovation: Speechlabel, a labeling system that combines a free app with physical tags to let you identify anything using audio or text. From leftovers in your fridge to clothes in your closet, this tool solves everyday challenges that AI alone can't. We also talk about the Hable One braille keyboard, the company's mission to keep accessibility affordable, and how a small team is making a global impact.

    You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how Speechlabel works, why affordability in assistive tech matters, and how small, practical tools can dramatically improve independence. Freek also shares insights into product design, real-world use cases, and what's next for Hable—including tactile solutions that could make everyday environments more accessible.

    What You'll Learn

    • How Speechlabel lets you identify everyday items using audio notes
    • The difference between NFC and QR-style labels—and when to use each
    • Why affordability is one of the biggest barriers in assistive tech
    • How the Hable One transforms smartphone use with a braille interface
    • Real-world use cases for labeling food, clothing, and household items

    Guest Links

    • Website: https://iamhable.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hableone
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hable
    • Facebook: facebook.com/HableOne
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hableone

    Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/152/.

    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.

    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.

    Contact White Canes Connect

    Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.
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    32 mins
  • Judy's League and the Battle to Save Section 504

    Judy's League and the Battle to Save Section 504
    Mar 9 2026
    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 mattersHow the lawsuit Texas v. Kennedy could impact disability rightsWhy public awareness is critical in defending accessibility protectionsHow Judy's League is organizing a cross-disability advocacy movementThe 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 WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.
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    35 mins
  • Raise Your Rackets: Sound of Tennis Comes to Philly!

    Raise Your Rackets: Sound of Tennis Comes to Philly!
    Feb 22 2026
    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 leilacolan@gmail.com 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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com 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/.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • $10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership

    $10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership
    Feb 8 2026

    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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

    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/.
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    34 mins
  • Respect, Belief, and Action: David DeNotaris

    Respect, Belief, and Action: David DeNotaris
    Jan 7 2026

    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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

    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/.
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    16 mins