PODCAST · society
White Canes Connect
by Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein
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.
Episodes
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White Canes Take Atlanta: A Historic HBCU Accessibility Event
What happens when blind Black leaders bring accessibility advocacy to one of the biggest celebrations of HBCU culture and football? In Episode 161 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Shawn Callaway and Audrey Lester to discuss the inaugural Accessibility…
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Hear the View. Introducing Audio Vista
Have you ever been traveling and wanted to hear about your surroundings as you move? Well, now you can! While attending the NFB National Convention in Austin Texas, White Canes Connect host Simon Bonenfant sat down with Dirk and Neill Vander Wilt of Heritage Harmony Group, creator of Audio Vista....
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Even Though I'm Blind: Cazerny Bussey Amplifies Blind Voices
Meet Cazerny Bussey Cazerny Bussey is a recording artist, author, entrepreneur, speaker, advocate, and founder of Even Though I'm Blind. After losing his sight as a teenager, he continued pursuing music and eventually discovered a much larger community of blind people doing extraordinary things....
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Look Forward to Lunar Retreat: An Accessible Fringe Festival Performance!
Every September, Philadelphia hosts more than 1,000 performances as part of the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, presented by FringeArts. In its 30th year, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival "is a city-wide celebration of innovation and creativity in contemporary performance." On this episode, we...
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Blind Students Talk College: Accessibility, AI & Independence
In episode 157 of White Canes Connect, the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students takes the lead. PABS President Noor Khraisat, Vice President Leen Khraisat, Secretary Rose West, and Treasurer Dauad Yasar guide students through real-world scenarios they may encounter in college. The...
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Travel Tips for Any Adventure: Meet Lynn Jensen
Summer is in full swing and what better time to take a trip! Join Simon Bonenfant in the virtual studio, as he sits down with Lynn Jensen, author of Best Kept Secrets for Travelers with Sight Loss. Organized into 11 chapters and 6 appendices, topics include: traveling on a variety of…
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Rookie Roundup to Banquet: A First-Timer's Guide to NFB National Convention
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...
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It Takes Foresight, Not Eyesight: Rich Crawford's Story
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…
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Crafting Confidence One Exercise at a Time with Cane and Able Fitness
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…
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The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know
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...
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Judy's League and the Battle to Save Section 504
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...
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Raise Your Rackets: Sound of Tennis Comes to Philly!
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...
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$10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership
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...
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Respect, Belief, and Action: David DeNotaris
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…
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Believe and Build: President Riccobono's Message to Pennsylvania
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...
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Anil Lewis Keynote Address at PA State Convention
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...
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InnoSearch.ai: Redefining Accessible Online Shopping
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...
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A Statewide Beacon: How LAMP Levels the Playing Field
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...
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Envision Ally Solos Smartglasses Unveiled
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,...
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Reflections from the NFB National Convention in New Orleans
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…
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Giving Life His Best Shot: JP Williams on Coaching, Creativity, and Reinvention
In episode 141 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein speak with JP Williams, a blind mental health and life coach based in Nashville. Originally a successful country songwriter—co-writing the hit "Best Shot" by Jimmie Allen—JP shares how he transitioned from the music...
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Charting Your Course, Finding Your Fit at the Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar
The National Association of Blind Students (NABS) is an active, thriving division of the National Federation of the Blind. In addition to extensive programming at National Convention, Washington Seminar, and virtual opportunities, the division hosts two student seminars each year in two areas of...
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Creating Opportunity Through Accessibility with Tanner Gers
In this powerful episode of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Tanner Gers, founder of Access Ability Officer and Paralympian, for an inspiring and insightful conversation. Tanner shares the harrowing story of how a tragic car accident in 2004 left him totally...
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Shawn Callaway and NOBBL's National Impact
In Episode 138 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome back Shawn Callaway, President of both the National Federation of the Blind of the District of Columbia and the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders (NOBBL). Shawn shares updates on NOBBL's growth,...
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Inside NFB Convention Prep with John Berggren
In Episode 137 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome John Berggren, Executive Director for Operations at the National Federation of the Blind. With just weeks to go before the 2025 national convention in New Orleans, John offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at…
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Vision and Justice: The Story of Judge David Tatel
In Episode 136 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome retired Judge David Tatel, author of Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice. Judge Tatel reflects on his remarkable legal career—most notably, three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C....
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Blind Birders Birdathon Breaks Barriers Nationwide
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…
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Inside the Blind Vendor Showcase with Pam Baquero
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...
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Federation Focus for the Week of April 28
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…
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Shawn Welker's Mission: Affordable Visual Interpreting
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...
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Designing for Accessibility
In Episode 131 of White Canes Connect, host David Goldstein shares highlights from a powerful panel on digital accessibility and the expanded scope of ADA Title II, which now includes websites, mobile apps, and digital documents of publicly funded institutions. Moderated by Thomas DiAgostino and...
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Five Years at the Bar: Music, Community, and Connection
In Episode 130 of White Canes Connect, hosts Stacie Leap and David Goldstein spotlight the fifth annual Piano Bar virtual fundraiser—Five Years at the Bar. This musical event brings together blind performers from across the U.S. to raise funds for the Pennsylvania Parents of Blind Children and...
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Accessible Outdoors. Bartram's Garden Debuts Recorded Audio Descriptions
To make the beauty and grandeur of nature accessible to everyone, Bartram's Garden teamed up with a local audio describer and visually impaired accessibility consultant to produce audio descriptions of three gardens on their grounds. Join White Canes Connect contributor Simon Bonenfant, as he...
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Passing the Torch: Gary Wunder & Chris Danielsen Talk Legacy and Vision
In episode 128 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome longtime National Federation of the Blind (NFB) leaders Gary Wunder and Chris Danielsen for a rich conversation about legacy, transition, and storytelling. Gary, former editor of the Braille Monitor, shares his...
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Blind Parents Take Center Stage with Stacie Leap and Marva Hall
In Episode 127 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Stacie Leap and Marva Hall from the Pennsylvania Organization of Blind Parents. This newly chartered division of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFB of PA) is only the second of its kind in...
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Challenged for His Blindness, Not His Words: Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette
In Episode 126 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, Director of Government Affairs at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO) and a proud member of the National Federation of the Blind of Maryland. Dylan shares his experiences as a…
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Advocacy in Action: Jesse Shirek on Washington Seminar
In Episode 125 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Jesse Shirek, a government affairs specialist with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This episode focuses on the recently concluded Washington Seminar, an annual advocacy event where blind individuals...
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Patti Cox & Glenda Such: Voices of Low Vision Advocacy
In Episode 124 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein sit down with Patti Cox, President of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI), and Glenda Such, head of Low Vision Now! The discussion, which takes place during Low Vision Awareness Month…
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Audiom: Revolutionizing Navigation for the Blind
In Episode 123 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein welcome Brandon Biggs, CEO and co-founder of XR Navigation. Biggs introduces Audiom, a groundbreaking digital map designed for non-visual users. As a blind individual, he shares his journey from opera singing to…
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Braille Rocks: Dr. Sheena Rancher's Vision for Literacy and Inclusion
In Episode 122 of White Canes Connect, listeners revisit the 2024 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie, featuring Dr. Sheena Rancher's insightful presentation, "Braille: The Language of the Blind." Dr. Rancher, an accomplished educator and advocate, shared her journey from special…
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Tech, Accessibility, and the Future of Healthcare with Andy Burstein
In this engaging episode of White Canes Connect, listeners are treated to a dynamic presentation by Andy Burstein, CEO of Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind, during the 2024 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie. Andy offers a captivating overview of his company's innovative...
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Updates & Insights from BBVS Director Dawn Sokol at the 2024 NFB of PA State Convention
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,...
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President Lynn Heitz Delivers Presidential Report at Erie 2024
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...
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Inside Erie 2024: Triumphs, Travel, and Looking to the Future
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...
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Simplifying Accessibility Advocacy with Kennedy & Karl
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...
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Introducing AmeriCorps Next Step Skills Program, Presented by the Overbrook School for the Blind.
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...
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Accessible Dosing with See-Rynge
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...
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Turning the Page on Accessibility with Krystle Boateng
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...
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Cast Your Vote, Use your Voice: Introducing Vote That Jawn.
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...
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VisionWalk Philadelphia
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…
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does White Canes Connect have?
White Canes Connect currently has 159 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is White Canes Connect about?
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.
How often does White Canes Connect release new episodes?
White Canes Connect publishes regularly with 159 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to White Canes Connect?
You can listen to White Canes Connect on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts White Canes Connect?
White Canes Connect is created and hosted by Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein.
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