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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
  • Crafting Confidence One Exercise at a Time with Cane and Able Fitness

    Crafting Confidence One Exercise at a Time with Cane and Able Fitness
    May 25 2026

    The blind and visually impaired community faces numerous considerations when undertaking a fitness program. From developing proper form to using equipment safely and more in between, Cane and Able Fitness has a solution for all your fitness goals.

    Join Simon Bonenfant in the studio as he sits down with Cane and Able Fitness Founder Evan Schwerbrock. Schwerbrock discusses his vision-loss journey, fitness background, coaching model, client testimonials, strongman competitions, and more.

    Cane and Able Fitness offers a wide variety of options depending on your needs. With personalized remote coaching, in-person public appearances, and virtual presentations, there's an option for everyone!

    To learn more and start your fitness journey today, visit their https://www.caneandablefitness.com .

    You can also follow them on
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cane-and-Able-Fitness-108864070909694
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caneandablefitness/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caneandablefitness6999
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cane.and.able.fit

    We hope you have enjoyed this interview. Do you have any fitness tips to share? We want to hear from you! Send us an email at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com, or call us at 267.338.4495.

    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.

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    53 mins
  • The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know

    The $20 Accessibility Hack Every Blind Person Should Know
    Apr 5 2026

    Freek van Welsenis, founder of Hable, joins the show to share how a simple idea—helping a blind grandfather use a smartphone—grew into a global company creating affordable assistive technology used in over 60 countries. With a background in engineering and a lifelong connection to disability through his family, Freek brings both technical insight and real-world empathy to everything Hable builds.

    In this episode, we dive into Hable's newest innovation: Speechlabel, a labeling system that combines a free app with physical tags to let you identify anything using audio or text. From leftovers in your fridge to clothes in your closet, this tool solves everyday challenges that AI alone can't. We also talk about the Hable One braille keyboard, the company's mission to keep accessibility affordable, and how a small team is making a global impact.

    You'll walk away with a clear understanding of how Speechlabel works, why affordability in assistive tech matters, and how small, practical tools can dramatically improve independence. Freek also shares insights into product design, real-world use cases, and what's next for Hable—including tactile solutions that could make everyday environments more accessible.

    What You'll Learn

    • How Speechlabel lets you identify everyday items using audio notes
    • The difference between NFC and QR-style labels—and when to use each
    • Why affordability is one of the biggest barriers in assistive tech
    • How the Hable One transforms smartphone use with a braille interface
    • Real-world use cases for labeling food, clothing, and household items

    Guest Links

    • Website: https://iamhable.com
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hableone
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hable
    • Facebook: facebook.com/HableOne
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hableone

    Read more at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/152/.

    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.

    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.

    Contact White Canes Connect

    Email us at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at (267) 338-4495.
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    32 mins
  • 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
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