White Canes Connect Podcast By Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein cover art

White Canes Connect

White Canes Connect

By: Lisa Bryant and David B. Goldstein
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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.©National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Judy's League and the Battle to Save Section 504

    Judy's League and the Battle to Save Section 504
    Mar 9 2026
    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 of disabled Americans through education, outreach, and grassroots organizing. Kaleigh joins the show to discuss Judy's League, a cross-disability advocacy organization she founded in response to legal challenges threatening Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—one of the foundational civil rights protections for people with disabilities. The conversation explores the ongoing lawsuit Texas v. Kennedy, why Section 504 matters, and how advocacy groups are working to ensure these protections remain intact. Key Takeaways Kaleigh explains what Section 504 actually requires, why current legal challenges could weaken disability protections nationwide, and how public awareness plays a crucial role in defending civil rights. She also shares how Judy's League is mobilizing advocates across the country through research, social media outreach, and grassroots engagement. Plus, stick around to hear the story behind the National Federation of the Blind song "Who Are We? NFB," which Kaleigh helped write and perform. What You'll Learn What Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 does and why it mattersHow the lawsuit Texas v. Kennedy could impact disability rightsWhy public awareness is critical in defending accessibility protectionsHow Judy's League is organizing a cross-disability advocacy movementThe story behind the NFB song "Who Are We? NFB" Links Mentioned in the Episode Judy's League Website https://www.judysleague.org/ Contact Judy's League https://www.judysleague.org/contact-us/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JudysLeague Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judysleague?igsh=a2xyMHJhZWx4eGNn&utm_source=qr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@judysleague?_r=1&_t=ZT-94KrcqYS4Pl Media Coverage USA Today article on the Section 504 lawsuit https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/03/12/texas-lawsuit-students-disabilities-protections/79085182007/ Music Mentioned Listen to "Who Are We? NFB" https://open.spotify.com/album/6uwPmlEjzPBoJyjPacRCeb Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/151/. Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026. NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate. Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck! 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. 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/. Contact White Canes Connect Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.
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    35 mins
  • Raise Your Rackets: Sound of Tennis Comes to Philly!

    Raise Your Rackets: Sound of Tennis Comes to Philly!
    Feb 22 2026
    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 full games of tennis through sound. Now, in 2026, Sound of Tennis partnered with a Court 16 location in Philadelphia, offering the same opportunity for Philadelphia residents as well! Join Simon Bonenfant, on this inaugural episode of his new series entitled Simon's Studio, as he takes you through all the details. You'll hear from Maureen Holtz, Community Relations and Events Manager at Court 16, as well as Hildy Morales, an administrative assistant and avid tennis player. Maureen and Hildy share how both Court 16 and Sound of Tennis were founded and have evolved, their unique journeys of involvement in the program, the strong bond of camaraderie amongst players, and how you can become involved here in Philly! To learn more about Sound of Tennis at https://www.court16foundation.org/sound-of-tennis. Sessions will take place weekly on Monday's from 12 to 1 PM, at Court 16, 1400 n. Howard Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122. To learn more about participating, please direct all inquiries to Leila Mueller by sending an email to leilacolan@gmail.com Have you attended any Sound of Tennis events? We want to hear from you! Give us a call at 267.338.4495, or send us an email at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com Read notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/150. Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026. NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate. Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck! 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. 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/.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • $10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership

    $10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership
    Feb 8 2026

    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 National Federation of the Blind.

    Noor walks us through the entire National Federation of the Blind scholarship experience—from applying and getting the call, to traveling independently to National Convention and navigating a packed, high-stakes week as a finalist. With the scholarship now valued at $10,000, this conversation offers an inside look at what applicants can expect and why this opportunity is about far more than money.

    You'll hear how the scholarship opens doors to mentorship, community, confidence, and leadership—and how one week at convention can redefine what's possible. Noor explains why every eligible student should apply, how the experience accelerated her involvement in NABS and affiliate leadership, and why the real return on this scholarship lasts long after the check is cashed.

    What You'll Learn

    • What the NFB scholarship application process is really like
    • What happens after you get the call and become a finalist
    • Why National Convention is a transformative experience for blind students
    • How the $10,000 scholarship can be used—and why the money isn't the best part
    • How scholarships can launch long-term leadership within the Federation

    Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149

    Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship

    The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

    NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin

    This year's National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.

    Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention

    If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck!

    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/.
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    34 mins
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