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 journey of discovering the Federation in 1996 and how the community transformed his understanding of blindness, leadership, and collective action.

He highlights landmark achievements driven by blind-led advocacy—from advancing Braille literacy and accessible technology to expanding opportunity in education and employment—and reminds us that progress is only possible when blind people speak and act for themselves.

Looking ahead, he calls on members to lead in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, preserve our history through storytelling, and continue building a diverse, unified movement. His message is both a celebration of how far we've come and a challenge to invest in the future we are creating together.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/147

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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 as one 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

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

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 early misconceptions about rehabilitation to discovering the Federation's philosophy of high expectations, love, and accountability.

He reflects on Dr. Marc Maurer's mentorship, his leadership in Georgia, work on accessible voting and ending subminimum wages under Section 14(c), and the transformative training he received at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Throughout, Anil returns to one powerful question: are we taking more than we give? His stories of family, faith, and Federation service challenge each of us to share our own story, get into "good trouble," and help build the National Federation of the Blind together—all starting right here in Pennsylvania today.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/146

PA Association of Blind Merchants Holiday Party

The PABM invites you to the 2025 Holiday Networking Party and Fundraiser on December 6 from 5 PM to 10 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Philadelphia Airport. Enjoy food, music, our auction, and basket raffles. In addition, the Blind Merchants will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to Philabundance. Learn more and register at https://pablindmerchants.org/holiday-party/registration/. Did I mention the OPEN bar from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM? Thanks to an anonymous donor, there will be an open bar for 2 hours. Get there early, drink up, and bid on the great auction items!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org.

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus. It's available on the affiliate's YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

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 as one 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

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.

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 layer—streamlined, screen-reader friendly, and simple to use. Beyond shopping, InnoSearch now offers flight booking and is expanding into food and grocery delivery. Users can shop online or by calling 1-855-746-7478 (1-855-SHOP-GPT), making the service accessible even without internet.

The founders also highlight partnerships with Be My Eyes and the National Federation of the Blind, a rewards program offering cashback and credits, and future plans for an app release. Community feedback continues to shape development, and ambassador opportunities are available. Learn more at https://www.innosearch.ai, email support@innoSearch.ai , or call 1-855-746-7478 to experience accessible shopping made easy.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/145

NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

A la carte registration is now open for State Convention! Register at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register/. Check out the meals at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/2025-state-convention-meals/. Learn more and get other important links and phone numbers at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention/. You can make hotel reservations at the Best Western Premier by calling (717) 561-2800. If you have a product or service you want to promote at our convention register for the Exhibit Hall at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/showcase-your-products-2025-nfb-pa-state-convention-exhibit-hall. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Learn how you can support our affiliate at https://nfbofpa.org/blog/2025-state-convention-sponsorship-opportunities.

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

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.