White Canes Connect Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein

In this episode of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein speak with Laura Wolk Slavis, the first blind woman to clerk at the United States Supreme Court. Laura shares her remarkable journey, starting from her early involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) due to her childhood diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Her father's proactive engagement with the NFB's resources set Laura on a path of empowerment and opportunity.
Laura discusses her professional trajectory, including her time in Washington, D.C., her work with federal judges, and her impactful year with Justice Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court. Now working at a nonprofit focused on First Amendment constitutional law, Laura reflects on her initial career aspirations in psychology and music and how her experiences led her to the legal field.
A key highlight of the episode is Laura's testimony during the confirmation hearings of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. She recounts how Barrett's support of assistive technology during law school exemplified true advocacy. Laura also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and building communities, both within the disability sphere and beyond.
Throughout the conversation, Laura's resilience, adaptability, and dedication to her work shine through. She offers listeners inspiration and practical advice on navigating professional challenges with a disability.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/105 
More On Laura
Watch Laura’s testimony at Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Senate Judiciary Committee’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing: https://youtu.be/erIxxlB8-II?si=QyUIhY4i6-uJVPTg. Laura’s article from the Braille Monitor: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/4/fr390413.htm. The book Laura mentioned: The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World https://amzn.to/4eDIigo. 
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 episode 104 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein sit down with Ed Plumacher from the United States Blind Baseball Association (USBBA). They delve into the inspiring journey of Ed, who was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 15 and has since become a pivotal figure in adaptive sports.
Ed shares his passion for blind baseball, detailing the foundational stages of the USBBA and his dedication to growing the sport in the U.S. He recounts his extensive career in professional sports broadcasting and how he adapted to vision loss by becoming an adaptive technology specialist at the Lighthouse Guild in New York City.
The conversation explores the nuances of blind baseball, its differences from beep baseball, and the unique skills it requires. Ed also highlights the sport's international origins, its safety features, and the mixed-gender teams. He emphasizes the importance of team sports for physical and mental well-being, encouraging visually impaired individuals to stay active and social.
Listeners are invited to learn more about blind baseball through the USBBA's social media pages and upcoming events, including skill development camps in Orlando. Ed's journey and commitment to blind sports are a testament to resilience and the power of adaptive sports to transform lives.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/104
Learn More About Blind Baseball
Learn more about the U.S. Blind Baseball Association at http://www.usbba.us. Email Ed at Ed.Plumacher@usbba.us to get information on everything the USBBA is doing in Orlando during the NFB National Convention. 
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 episode 103 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein speak with Kat Bottner, the First Vice President of the Keystone Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, a along with PhD candidates Abigail Nolin and Kayla Hepler from the University of Delaware's Department of Material Science and Engineering. They delve into their groundbreaking research on tactile aids aimed at enhancing accessibility for the visually impaired.
The project, initiated through Kat's network connection and supported by a grant from the National Institute of Health, seeks to innovate beyond traditional raised bumps and lines used in Braille. Abigail and Kayla explain their focus on the material properties that affect touch perception, like surface roughness and chemistry, to create more advanced tactile stimuli. This could potentially revolutionize the accessibility of spatial information such as graphs, maps, and diagnostic tests.
Kat's role as a consultant involves recruiting participants for the research and ensuring that their work remains user-focused. She also helps make the project's communication accessible, including braille labeling and proofreading.
The research has shown promising results, with tests indicating that certain chemical coatings can be distinguished by touch, paving the way for new tactile aids. The team is excited about the potential applications, including more intuitive touchscreens and enhanced Braille displays, which could significantly improve the daily lives of the visually impaired by providing more detailed and accessible tactile information.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/103  
Participate in the Study
If you would like to participate in the University of Delaware study, reach out to the team via email DhongLabRecruitment@gmail.com.
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 episode 102 of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and Simon Bonenfant explore web accessibility for the visually impaired. Their guests, Bob Moran from Accessibility Shield and Dennis Zehner from Sites for Hope, discuss their organizations' efforts to improve website usability for people with visual impairments. 
Sites for Hope, serving the Greater Lehigh Valley and Monroe County since 1928, aims to foster independence for the visually impaired in Eastern Pennsylvania. Bob Moran highlights how most websites currently fail to accommodate disabled users, and his firm, Accessibility Shield, provides tools to diagnose and correct these oversights. 
The discussion underscores ongoing challenges and advances in making digital spaces accessible, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in web development. This episode sheds light on the technical aspects. It connects them to personal stories and the broader mission of enhancing digital accessibility for all.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/102 
Connect with Accessibility Shield
Learn more about website accessibility and the services Accessibility Shield has to offer at https://www.accessibilityshield.com. Reach out to Bob Moran via email at bmoran@accessibilityshield.com.
Connect with Sights for Hope
Learn more about Sights for Hope at https://sightsforhope.org/. Reach out to Dennis Zehner via email at Dennis@sightsforhope.org. Give them a call: Lehigh Valley - (610) 433-6018 and Monroe County - (570) 992-7787.
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 Episode 101 of "White Canes Connect," hosts David Goldstein and Lisa Bryant engage with Rabbi Lenny Sarko to discuss his pioneering work on the Braille Torah. Rabbi Sarko, who is visually impaired himself due to complications from diabetes, shares his unique journey of adapting the Torah into Braille to facilitate inclusive religious participation for the blind and visually impaired within the Jewish community.
The episode delves into Rabbi Sarko's motivation, which stemmed from his fear of losing complete sight and realizing that no Hebrew Braille Torahs existed globally. This led him to innovate and create the first Braille Sefer Torah, overcoming significant technical challenges such as ensuring the durability of Braille on parchment and complying with the Torah's stringent production standards.
Rabbi Sarko's work is not only a technical achievement but also a profound contribution to inclusivity. It allows blind individuals to receive an "aliyah" and participate fully in services. His initiative extends beyond the creation of the Torah, as he also provides resources and training in Hebrew Braille and has authored accessible religious texts.
The discussion highlights the broader implications of Rabbi Sarko's work for community inclusion and preserving religious practices. His story is a testament to overcoming adversity through faith, innovation, and community support, aiming to ensure that no one is left behind in spiritual practices due to disabilities.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/101 
Connect with Rabbi Sarko
The Rabbi’s 501(c)(3) organization: https://www.devarim.org. Email the Rabbi if you are interested in any of the books and lessons he mentioned at rabbi@rabbisarko.org. You can also call the Rabbi at (724) 963-0789. 
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 this 100th episode of White Canes Connect, Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, joins Lisa and David for a celebratory and insightful discussion. President Riccobono reflects on the podcast's journey, emphasizing its role in amplifying the voices of the blind community and fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. He shares his journey with blindness, highlighting the transformative impact of finding mentorship and a supportive community within the Federation. 
President Riccobono discusses the significance of advocacy, the evolution of technology for the blind, and the importance of challenging societal misconceptions about blindness. Through his narrative, listeners understand the Federation's mission, the value of resilience, and the collective effort to build a more inclusive society. 
President Riccobono's passion for baseball shines through his unique experiences with the sport, notably his achievement of throwing out the first pitch at two Major League Baseball games in two different stadiums. As a lifelong baseball fan, this opportunity was more than just a ceremonial gesture; it was a moment of pride and representation for the blind community. He even tells us his choice: Brewers or Orioles.
President Riccobono's achievement as the first blind person certified to independently sail a Badger Tech at the University of Wisconsin showcases his pioneering spirit. He explains that one of the tasks to get certified was to capsize the sailboat and then right the boat himself.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/100 
Links Mentioned
Article written by President Riccobono on the Presidential Release and customary endings: https://web.nfbcal.org/pipermail/brl-monitor/2018/000071.html  Apply for a Jernigan Scholarship to the National Convention in Orlando: https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan/  National Convention in Orlando July 3-8. Book it: https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention-prep  Connect with President Riccobono
On Mastodon: @president@nfb.social, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.a.riccobono, on Personal.ai: https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile. You can also email him at OfficeofthePresident@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