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 blind—and how that life-changing event became the catalyst for a purpose-driven career in accessibility, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

Tanner discusses the evolution of Access Ability Officer. This digital accessibility consultancy not only works with government and corporate clients but also trains and hires blind professionals through its Certified Accessibility Tester (CAT) program. This rigorous 14-week training course equips screen reader users with the technical and professional skills needed to land paid work and even launch their own businesses in the booming accessibility space.

The conversation touches on AI’s role in the future of accessibility, the importance of inclusive design, and the potential for digital equity. Tanner also shares his love for beep baseball and why adaptive sports are essential for physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re an aspiring accessibility tester, advocate, or entrepreneur, this episode is filled with actionable insights and motivation.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/139

Links Mentioned

• Learn more about Access Ability Officer: https://accessabilityofficer.com/
• Tanner Gers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannergers/
• NABS Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar: https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=6
• Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/

Tanner Gers and Access Ability Officer at National Convention

Access Ability Officer is at table B25 in the Exhibit Hall. Start a Digital Accessibility Business session is in Studio 7 Wednesday, July 9 from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM Accessibility Jeopardy in Studio 2 on Thursday, July 10 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Mid-Atlantic Student Seminar August 1 - 3 in Philadelphia

The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania is proud to support the National Association of Blind Students Mid-Atlantic Seminar taking place from August 1 through August 3 at the Hampton Inn at 1301 Race Street in Philadelphia. Register at https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=6. All of the hotel info is on that page.

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

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, programming, and plans for the upcoming National Convention in New Orleans. He reflects on the organization’s journey from its roots in the DEI Committee in 2018 to its official division status in 2022.

Shawn highlights NOBBL’s active committees, including groups for Black women, men, seniors, elected leaders, and HBCU outreach. He emphasizes NOBBL’s mission to create space for Black blind voices within both the Federation and the broader community, building partnerships with groups like the National Council of Negro Women and launching their first national convention community service project.

The conversation also touches on NOBBL’s role in supporting Black blind students through scholarships, mentoring first-time convention attendees, and building leadership pipelines for the future. With over 150 active members and packed convention meetings, NOBBL continues to grow and push for greater visibility and inclusion. Shawn closes with a tease of something big coming in 2026—and a friendly rivalry with Eagles fans.

The NOBBLmeeting at National Convention is Thursday at 6:00 PM CDT in Gallery 5. Use the #NFB25 app for any last minute changes and to create your own schedule at convention.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/138

Links Mentioned

• Interested in joining NOBBL? Email diversity@nfb.org for more information
• Have you checked out Federation Focus yet? https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa/

Women Healed For A Purpose Author Cirde

Join WHFAP "She Writes" panel discussion & bits and pieces from the panelist's work.

July 5, 2025 / 11:00am-1:00pm

Park Towers Community Room

4001 Conshohocken Ave., Phila., PA 19131 (you know the place). Invite others and share the information please.

Panelists are:

RuNett Nia Ebo - Poet

Michele A. Vann

Rebecca Rush

Delvia Berrian

Mary Washam

Click here to register:

https://forms.gle/bZntyTf9mMZk9Wnu7

Registration is free

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

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 what it takes to coordinate the Federation’s biggest annual event. From humble beginnings in 1999 building NFB-NEWSLINE® boxes to now orchestrating logistics for thousands of attendees, John shares how the convention has grown in scale, complexity, and impact.

He talks about the thoughtful planning that starts years in advance—securing venues, negotiating hotel rates, and adapting to evolving technology like AI and indoor navigation tools. John also discusses what makes New Orleans a strong host city, previews some exciting programming, and reflects on past conventions, including setting a world record in 2015.

This episode is more than a logistical rundown—it’s a tribute to community, adaptability, and leadership. Whether you're attending in person or virtually, John’s calm yet commanding presence underscores how much heart goes into making every convention unforgettable. If you’re on the fence about going, this conversation might be the nudge you need.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/137
Links Mentioned

• Everything you need to know about the 2025 NFB National Convention: https://www.nfb.org/convention
• 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