White Canes Connect Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein

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
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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 
 

While educating a child with a disability can be challenging, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit, or DCIU, offers many tools and supports to meet that challenge head-on, preparing every student for a successful future!
In this episode of White Canes Connect, Simon Bonenfant speaks with Jason Gonzalez, DCIU Professional Development Specialist, and Holly Short, DCIU Orientation and Mobility instructor, as they discuss the wide range of service offerings the DCIU provides, each unique to every student. 
The DCIU will hold two upcoming transition fairs for parents and students in Delaware County to learn more about helpful resources after graduating high school and moving into college or employment. The parent fair will take place on Tuesday, April 9, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, and the student fair will take place the next day, Wednesday, April 10, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 
It all happens at the DCIU headquarters at 200 Yale Avenue in Morton, PA. Parents and students can meet and network with 43 organizations serving those with disabilities. The NFB of Pennsylvania's Keystone Chapter will be there as well!
Learn more about services that can help you live a more independent life. Contact the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services of Pennsylvania at https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/bbvs/Pages/default.aspx or the Intermediate Unit in your county to see what they can do for you!
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/099 
More About the DCIU
Visit their website at https://www.dciu.org/. Watch the DCIU video featuring students who are now succeeding in fulfilling careers and college educations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O59QagsAjE0. You can also follow them on your preferred social media at @dciu_at.
More About the Fairs
If you have particular questions about the upcoming transition fairs, contact Jason at jgonzalez@dciu.org. You can also find more information on the Student Events page at https://www.dciu.org/TransitionFair.
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
Have you benefited from the DCIU or a similar service? We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or email us 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 episode of White Canes Connect, presented by the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania and hosted by Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein, listeners are treated to an enlightening conversation on living with low vision, commemorating February as Low Vision Awareness Month. The episode featured insights from Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists Lachelle Smith from Salus University and Steve Kelley from Hadley, alongside Pam Baquaro, a blind vendor and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants.
The discussion highlighted the challenges and misconceptions those with low vision face, particularly the spectrum of visual impairment that often goes unrecognized by the sighted community. The guests shared their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the importance of awareness, education, and tools and technologies to navigate life with low vision.
Key takeaways included the critical role of early and regular eye examinations, the value of connecting with vocational rehabilitation services, and the empowering impact of assistive technology. The conversation also underscored the importance of advocacy and support networks. Pam Baquaro shared her journey as a visually impaired entrepreneur, demonstrating that vision loss is not a barrier to achieving one's goals.
This episode of White Canes Connect sheds light on the realities of living with low vision. It celebrates the resilience and capabilities of the low-vision community, encouraging listeners to seek support, embrace adaptive solutions, and live fully despite visual challenges.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/098 
Links & Phone Numbers Mentioned
Foundation Fighting Blindness website: https://www.fightingblindness.org/  White Canes Connect Episode 057 about Foundation Fighting Blindness: https://whitecanesconnect.libsyn.com/a-conversation-with-michelle-glaze-eric-bennardo-from-the-foundation-fighting-blindness  Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services: https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Disability-Services/bbvs/Pages/default.aspx  APH Connect Center Phone Number: (800) 232-5463  Webinars from Freedom Scientific: https://www.freedomscientific.com/training/  Contact Lachelle Smith
Lachelle Smith is a Professor at Salus University and operates a non-profit called Blind Blessings Inc. Contact Lachelle via email at lasmith@salus.edu or (215) 266-5020 via phone. 
Contact Steve Kelley
Steve Kelley has been at Hadley for five years. Contact him via email at stevenk@hadleyhelps.org. Call him at (800) 323-4238. Check out Steve's website at https://hadleyhelps.org/. Learn more about Hadley at https://www.hadleyhelps.org. 
Contact Pam Baquero
Pam Baquero is a vendor in the Business Enterprise Program and President of the Pennsylvania Association Of Blind Merchants. Contact Pam via email at oneblindhippie@yahoo.com. Call or text her at (215) 200-3696.
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, go to https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.
Give Us A Call
We'd love to hear from you! We've got a phone number for you to call, ask us questions, give us feedback, or say, "Hi!" Call us at (267) 338-4495. You have up to three minutes for your message, and we might use it on an upcoming episode. Please leave your name and town as part of your message. 
Follow White Canes Connect
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Connect With Us
If you've got questions, comments, or ideas, reach out on Twitter. We are @PABlindPodcast. You can also e

In this episode of White Canes Connect, hosts  Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein explore the Diabetes Prevention Program with special guests Joani Schmeling from the Health Promotion Council and NFB of PA President Lynn Heights, a diabetes coach. The program, developed by the CDC, is designed to support individuals with prediabetes through lifestyle changes over a year, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and stress management. 
Lisa shares her commitment to participating in the program, highlighting its potential to prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes, a leading cause of blindness. The episode also addresses the flexibility and accessibility of the program, including virtual options and support for a wide range of participants. 
Success stories from the program illustrate its effectiveness in improving health outcomes, such as significant A1C reductions. The discussion emphasizes that while the commitment may seem daunting, the potential health benefits far outweigh the perceived challenges, encouraging listeners to consider joining the program to take control of their health.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/097   
Join the Program
If you are interested in joining a Diabetes Prevention Program, reach out to Alexandra at info@accessiblepharmacy.com.
More on Health Promotion Council 
Call or text the Referral Hub at (215) 608-1477. You can also email programinfo@phmc.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 would like to make a monetary donation to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, go to https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.
Give Us A Call
We'd love to hear from you! We've got a phone number for you to call, ask us questions, give us feedback, or say, "Hi!" Call us at (267) 338-4495. You have up to three minutes for your message, and we might use it on an upcoming episode. Please leave your name and town as part of your message. 
Follow White Canes Connect
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube
Connect With Us
If you've got questions, comments, or ideas, reach out on Twitter. We are @PABlindPodcast. You can also email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com.

 In this episode of White Canes Connect, Lisa and David speak with Dr. Carolyn Peters and Sabrina Rice from the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders. They discuss the importance of the organization and when it became a division of the National Federation of the Blind. 
They review all the planned Black History Month events the organization presents (see the listing below, along with the Zoom links.) The ladies also explain how important it is to simply show up and the difference that it makes.
Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/096   
Links Mentioned
Learn more about Eye Learn at https://www.eyelearnmi.com. Purchase Dr. Peters's book at Amazon: https://amzn.to/49mYAXw. This is an affiliate link. The NFB of PA participates in the Amazon Associates Program and may earn a small commission from your quilting purchases. Share this general link with your friends: https://www.nfbofpa.org/amazon/.
Black History Month Events
February 12 – Black Women's Group 
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Eastern
 This meeting will feature a presentation entitled "Voting Matters About Voting Rights and Accessibility." The presenters will be Joann Kingsley, Delaware Disability Law Program, and Carol King-Ries, National Federation of the Blind of Delaware Legislative Director.  
 Join the meeting: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=97771117625 
February 15 – HBCU Committee 
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Eastern
 The meeting will feature a panel discussion on blind students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The four panelists are graduates or current students of HBCUs, and they will share their experiences attending these prestigious academic institutions. The facilitator Will be Sabrina Rice, 2nd Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan and a North Carolina A&T University graduate.
 Join the meeting: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=97771117625  
 February 19 – Black Elected Leaders Group 
Time: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Eastern
 The presenter for this meeting will be Ever Lee Hairston, former board member of the National Federation of the Blind and civil rights advocate. This meeting will be facilitated by Chairwoman Denise Avant. 
 Join the meeting: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=97771117625 
 Time: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Eastern
 The presenter for this meeting will be Janice Bright, President of the NFB of South Carolina's Association of Black Leaders Division, and Kenneth Jernigan, a participant in the In-Service Leadership Program. The title of the presentation will be "Overcoming Naysayers, Shifting Your Mind Set." The facilitator for this presentation will be Dr. Lashawna Fant, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Mississippi, Jackson Chapter, and board member of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders. 
 Join the meeting: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=97771117625 
 February 27 – Seniors Group Chat and Chew 
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. eastern 
 This meeting will feature a panel discussion on being a senior in leadership. The panelists will be Denise Avant, 1st Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois and 1st Vice President of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, Barbara Manuel, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Alabama and National Federation of the Blind board member and Ever Lee Hairston, former national board member of the National Federation of the Blind. 
 Join the meeting: https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=97771117625 
For more information
For information on joining the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, Please contact Denice Brown at dbrown8827@aol.com. Expanded Zoom information is available at https://nfb.org/national-organization-blind-black-leaders-black-history-month-events. 
An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA
Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at W