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White Canes Connect

White Canes Connect

By: Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein
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 The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania presents a podcast that highlights the blind and visually impaired in Pennsylvania and what is important to us.©WhiteCanesConnect.com. All rights reserved. Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Blind Birders Birdathon Breaks Barriers Nationwide

    Blind Birders Birdathon Breaks Barriers Nationwide
    May 15 2025

    In Episode 135 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Martha Steele and Natanya Sortland to spotlight the inaugural Blind Birders Birdathon happening May 18, 2025. This nationwide event invites blind and visually impaired individuals to identify birds by sound during a flexible two-hour window within a 24-hour period. No birding experience required—just a love of listening.

    Martha, a lifelong birder from Massachusetts, was inspired by an article about a blind bird guide and helped launch the event to build community and highlight that birding is, above all, an auditory experience. Natanya, an ambassador for VisionCorps and a self-described "bird-loving beginner," is leading a group walk in Malvern, PA at Brightside Farm, with expert Rick Kaiser guiding participants through the art of bird song recognition.

    Supported by Birdability and fueled by grassroots passion, the Birdathon already has 160+ registered participants. Everyone who registers is eligible for a prize drawing that includes birding gear, books, and even a guided birding tour. The event is open to anyone blind or low vision—and yes, even sighted allies are welcome to join the fun.

    Register at https://www.birdability.org/blind-birder-birdathon and be part of this first-of-its-kind movement.

    Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/135
    Links Mentioned

    • Want to join Natanya’s group in Malvern on May 18? Reach out to her at natanyasortland@gmail.com.
    • Have questions about the Birdathon? Contact Martha at marthajs@gmail.com.
    • Attend Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/
    • Exhibit at Spring Fling (sorry, blind & low vision vendors only): https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/
    • Sponsor the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/
    • Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/

    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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

    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

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    49 mins
  • Inside the Blind Vendor Showcase with Pam Baquero

    Inside the Blind Vendor Showcase with Pam Baquero
    May 9 2025

    In Episode 134 of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein is joined by Pam Baquero, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants, for a lively preview of the upcoming Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase, taking place May 17 at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg. This high-energy event celebrates blind entrepreneurship with food, music, raffles, and a marketplace of blind and visually impaired vendors from across the region. Pam details the schedule—4 PM to 10 PM—and teases the delicious hors d’oeuvres (yes, including Guinness beef) and live DJ. Guests can expect auctions featuring items like a $379 cocktail maker, a web design package valued at $2,500, and a $250 Best Western gift card.

    Vendor tables are $50, tickets are $25, and sponsorships start at $50. The event supports blind business owners, including those in and outside the Business Enterprise Program (BEP), and is open to the public. Pam also shares updates on BEP training relaunches and reiterates the need for visibility, education, and support within the blind entrepreneur community.

    Whether you’re blind, sighted, curious, or just want a solid quesadilla—Spring Fling welcomes you. Visit https://www.pablindmerchants.org/spring-fling/ for details. Bring friends. Bring cash. Bring your appetite.

    Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/134
    Links Mentioned

    • Attend Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/
    • Exhibit at Spring Fling (sorry, blind & low vision vendors only): https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/
    • Sponsor the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/
    • Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/

    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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • Federation Focus for the Week of April 28

    Federation Focus for the Week of April 28
    Apr 29 2025
    In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein plays the latest episode of Federation Focus. This weekly video mentions what is happening within the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. Make sure you visit our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/ and subscribe! Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/133 This is what the description on each episode looks like: This week's Federation Focus comes to you from Las Vegas! Don't worry, I'm not wearing one of those skimpy showgirl outfits. Liz wouldn't have been able to hold the camera steady from laughter if I were wearing one! Check out the video: https://youtu.be/2fe-R-yz1jc I mentioned two meetings (see the links below) and two fundraisers in the video. One fundraiser is tomorrow at Landmark Americana at 3333 Market Street in Philadelphia and benefits the Keystone Chapter. Keystone will receive 25% of your food and drink tab on all regularly priced menu items, including adult beverages! You need to print the Sip. Savor. Support Flyer (https://www.nfbofpa.org/sip/,) grab some friends and head to Landmark Americana for lunch, dinner, or drinks! What are you going to get? Meetings: April 29, 2025 at 7:30 PM State Convention Planning Meeting Via Zoom https://www.nfbofpa.org/planningzoom/ May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM Jigsaw Chapter Meeting Via Zoom: https://www.nfbofpa.org/jigsawzoom/ One tap mobile +13017158592,,91793332704# US (Washington DC) Fundraisers Sip. Savor. Support. Fundraiser for the Keystone Chapter The Keystone Chapter has partnered with Landmark Americana at 3333 Market Street in Philadelphia. On April 29, 2025, from open to close, 25% of your check will be donated to the chapter on all non-promotional items. You must bring a paper flyer with you for the chapter to receive the donation. Find the flyer at https://nfbofpa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sip-Savor-Support-FINAL-TROY.pdf I hope you can make it! Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase & Fundraiser The PA Association of Blind Merchants invites you to the Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase on May 17, 2025, from 4 PM to 10 PM at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg Food, fun, raffles, and auctions on some very cool stuff. Be a sponsor of the event: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/sponsor/ Are you a blind entrepreneur? Exhibit at the event: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/exhibit/ Attend the event: https://www.pablindmerchants.org/fling/ Spring Fling Blind Vendor Showcase flyer: http://pablindmerchants.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pabm-spring-fling-flyer-FINAL.png Please join us! White Canes Connect Episode 132 In Episode 132 of White Canes Connect, hosts Michelle McManus and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Welker, founder of Visual Eyes Access, a low-cost visual interpreting service with a unique approach. Shawn shares how his background in accessibility and mobility training gives him a deeper understanding of blind users’ needs, setting his service apart from other platforms like Aira and Be My Eyes. Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shawn-welkers-mission-affordable-visual-interpreting/id1592248709?i=1000704263913 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/60bg3hmo5X4uIayLzhVv6A YouTube https://youtu.be/E7fT9O4g5PE?si=affJ34ubt9B2NrXL White Canes Connect #19 on Best 100 Visually Impaired Podcasts We’ve been listed on the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcasts for a few months now, currently sitting at #19! Check out the list: https://podcast.feedspot.com/visually_impaired_podcasts/. Check out the list, you may find your new, favorite podcast on it! NFB National Convention Join over 2500 blind people in New Orleans from July 8 through July 13 for the National Federation of the Blind National Convention! Learn more at https://www.nfbofpa.org/nola/ 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 whitecanesconnect@gmail.com. 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
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins

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