National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania

02/11/2026

It's NFBofPA State Convention Week! 🎉Watch: https://youtu.be/D37zH97T1zg
I'm heading to Hershey Lodge November 5–8 for four days of Federation fun!
This week's Federation Focus previews the Tech Seminar, Federation Feud, auction, student seminar, general sessions, and banquet. I'll also explain how to find the agenda, watch remotely if streaming cooperates, and register on-site.
Plus, highlights from the Boldly Blind Cabaret, Coast to Coast Movement Challenge updates, the December 12 PABM holiday party, and White Canes Connect episode 162 with Waymo!
Don't forget to vote November 3 and report any accessibility barriers!
Watch this week's Federation Focus. Hope to see you in Hershey!

It's NFB of PA State Convention Week! I'm heading to Hershey Lodge ...

31/10/2026

Our State Convention begins on Thursday at the Hershey Lodge. Here is the agenda.
Welcome To Our State Convention!

Registration will be held Thursday, Nov. 5th from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and on Friday, Nov. 6 from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the Cocoa Pre-Function Area outside Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.
A table featuring materials of the National Federation of the Blind will be available in the Cocoa Pre-Function area outside of Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

There are dog relief areas outside the Hershey Lodge. For further information, contact David Goldstein or Veronica Quinn.

There will be an Exhibit Hall located in Cocoa 1, Lobby Level. The Exhibit Hall will be open on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and on Friday, Nov. 6 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Registration; Cocoa Pre-Function area outside Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall; Cocoa 1, Lobby Level.

12:00 P.M. Box lunches will be available in the back of Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4, and 5, Lobby Level. You must have a ticket OR BRACELET to get one.

1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Technology Seminar; David Goldstein, 1st Vice President, NFB of PA, and Simon Bonenfant Moderators, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4, and 5, Lobby Level.

6:00 P.M. Mexican Buffet; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level You must have A BRACELET OR ticket. There will be an Open Bar available.

7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Federation Feud; Pamela Baquero, President, PA Association of Blind Merchants, Host. Come, join the fun as Pam challenges members of the Affiliate on their knowledge of the Federation, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level. Open bar available.

Friday, November 6, 2026

7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. Continental Breakfast for Early Bird Registrants; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level. You must have your bracelet.

8:30 A.M. to 10:15 A.M. Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants; Pamela Baquero, President, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Exhibit Hall; Cocoa 1, Lobby Level.

9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. PA Association of Guide Dog Users; Veronica Quinn, Acting President, Vice President, Capital Chapter Cocoa 6, Lobby Level.

9:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Blind Seniors Group; Connie Scheu, Facilitator, Member Board of Directors NFB of PA, President Erie County Chapter. Cocoa 2, Lobby Level.

10:15 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. Blind Parents Division; Stacie Leap, President, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

11:45 A.M. Box Lunch Pick-up in back of Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level. You must have your bracelet or a ticket!

12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. NFB of PA Board of directors Meeting; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

1:15 P.M. to 2:15 P.M. DeafBlind Division Meeting; Chris Westbrook, President, Cocoa 2, Lobby Level.

1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Come meet Our National Representative and Enjoy an Ice Cream Social sponsored by the PA Association of Blind Merchants; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

2:15 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Diabetes Group; Come learn Some Updates and Ideas on How to Manage Your Diabetes; Christine Palmer and Marva Hall, Facilitators, Members Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Cocoa 6, Lobby Level.

2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Jigsaw Chapter Meeting; Chris Westbrook, President, Cocoa 2, Lobby Level.

2:45 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. Resolutions Committee Meeting: Michelle McManus, Chairperson, 2nd Vice President, NFB of PA, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

3:45 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. Would you like to learn how to make jewelry? Join Rachael Hudson for some tips and tricks on doing this! Cocoa 2, Lobby Level.

3:45 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. Travel and Technology Focus Group; Moderated by Lizzy Muhammad-Park. What will structured discovery (independent travel) look like as AI becomes more prevalent? Join the discussion to think through problems before they arise and help others by sharing your travel tips, tricks, technology and experiences. Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. PA Association of Parents of Blind Children; Cocoa 6, Lobby Level.

6:00 P.M. Italian Buffet; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level. Bring your bracelet or ticket. An Open bar will be available.

7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Get ready for some friendly competition and big fun at our Auction; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level

7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students Division; Noor Khraisat, President. Cocoa 6, Lobby Level

10:05 P.M. Nominating Committee; David Goldstein, Chairperson, Room TBD. Only those notified may attend.

SATURDAY, November 7, 2026
NFB PLEDGE

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.

General Session, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

8:30 A.M. Invocation; Noor Khraisat, President, PA Association of Blind Students.

8:35 A.M. Tribute to our Nation and the National Federation of the Blind.

8:40 A.M. Welcoming; Rachael Hudson, Member Board of Directors, NFB of PA, President, Capital Chapter.

8:45 A.M. Housekeeping – David Goldstein, Convention Chairperson, 1st Vice President and Michelle McManus, 2nd Vice President, NFB of PA, President, Happy Valley Chapter.

8:50 A.M. Presidential Report; Lynn Heitz, President, National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania.

9:15 A.M. Report From Our National Representative; Everette Bacon, 2nd Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, President, NFB of Utah.

9:45 A.M. 2026 NFB of Pennsylvania State Scholarship Finalists: Noor Khraisat and Daud Yassar

10:00 A.M. What’s New at The Library for Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians?; Tara Murphy, Director, LAMP.

10:15 A.M. An Update from the Bureau of Special Education; Carole Clancy, EdD, Bureau Director, Bureau of Special Education, Department of Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

10:35 A.M. Questions?

10:50 A.M. Update on Blindness Services in Pennsylvania; Chris Cowan, MA, CRC, LPC, Bureau Manager, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Labor and Industry, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

11:10 A.M. Questions?

11:20 A.M. Accessibility Challenges of Digital Content For Blind; Kerry S. Lueders, EdD, COMS, TVI, CLVT, Associate Professor, Director, Low Vision Rehabilitation Program, Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Drexel University, Elkins Park Campus.

12:00 P.M. to 1:30 P.M. Lunch, Cocoa 1, Lobby Level. You must have a bracelet or ticket.

1:30 P.M. Our Partners At PATTAN; Greg Garhart, M.Ed., TVI-COMS, Educational Consultant and Jen Edgar, M.S., COMS, Educational Consultant, Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network.
1:45 P.M. Why I Am a Federationist; Harriet Go Danner, Secretary, NFB of PA, President, Keystone Chapter; Elizabeth Mohamed Park, National Scholarship Finalist 2022 and David Denotaris, CEO, Skies the Limit LLC.

2:15 P.M. When Should I Engage With CAP?; Andrew Pennington, Director, PA Client Assistance Program.

2:30 P.M. Questions?

2:45 P.M. What is PATF?; Wendy Davis, Director of Marketing and Outreach, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation.

2:55 P.M. Report of the Nominating Committee and Elections; David Goldstein, 1st Vice President, NFB of PA.

3:20 P.M. The Inner Workings of a Chapter; David B. Goldstein, 1st Vice President, NFB of PA.

3:35 P.M. What is AIRA and How Do I Become a User?; Everette Bacon, Chief, Blindness Initiatives, Aira Tech Corp.

3:50 P.M. My National Convention Experience; Veronica Quinn, Vice President, Capital Chapter, NFB of PA and Julian Silecky, 2026 National Scholarship Finalist.

4:05 P.M. Why Should I Go to an NFB Training Center?; Yvonne Hughes, Member, Greater Philadelphia Chapter; Rachael Hudson, Member, Board of Directors NFB of PA, President Capital Chapter; Chip Johnson, 2nd Vice President, Keystone Chapter.

4:35 P.M. What’s New With NABS?; Joshua Olukanni, National Association of Blind Students.

4:45 P.M. What’s Up with PABS and How Can We Help?; Noor Khraisat, President, PA Association of Blind Students.

4:55 P.M. Housekeeping; Michelle McManus and David Goldstein, Convention Co-Chairpersons.

5:00 P.M. Adjournment of General Session.

6:00 P.M. Cash Bar; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

7:00 P.M. Banquet; David Goldstein, Master of Ceremonies, 1st vice President, NFB of PA, Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

SUNDAY, November 8, 2026

8:00 A.M. Breakfast; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

8:15 A.M. Chapter Breakfast; Harriet Go-Danner, Facilitator, Secretary, NFB of PA and President, Keystone Chapter.

Business Meeting; Cocoa Ballroom 3, 4 and 5, Lobby Level.

9:00 A.M. State Financial Report; Jason Polansky, Treasurer, NFB of PA

9:40 A.M. Funding at the State level; Lynn Heitz, President, NFB of PA

9:50 A.M. Funding at the National level; Everette Bacon, National Representative, 2nd Vice President, National Federation of the Blind, President NFB of Utah.

10:10 A.M. Funding at the Local Level; David Goldstein, 1st Vice President, NFB of PA, Treasurer, Keystone Chapter and PA Association of Blind Merchants, NFB of PA.

10:20 A.M. Resolutions; Michelle McManus, Chairperson, 2nd Vice President NFB of PA, President Happy Valley Chapter.

11:00 A.M. Legislative Report; Michelle McManus, Legislative Chairperson

12:00 P.M. Adjournment.

The National Federation of the Blind is not an organization speaking for the blind, it is the Blind speaking for themselves.

26/10/2026

Just 10 days until Hershey! 🍫 In this week's Federation Focus at https://youtu.be/rWy4QEZfz2g, I cover three upcoming meetings: Seniors Division on October 28, convention planning on October 29, and the students' convention soirée on November 1.
Then it's all about the November 5–8 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention! Get a preview of the tech seminar, Federation Feud, auction, student seminar, general sessions, banquet, and more.
Plus, find out how you can volunteer during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend and support our four 8K participants.
Whether you join us for one day or all four, I hope to see you in Hershey!

We're just 10 days away from the National Federation of the Blind o...

19/10/2026

🍫 Hershey is almost here, and there's an important deadline you don't want to miss!
This week on Federation Focus at https://youtu.be/k5lKV1tzVD4, we're counting down to the NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention, November 5–8. Sunday, October 25 is your last day to order convention meals!
🎭 The Greater Philadelphia Chapter's Boldly Blind Cabaret is October 30, with payments due October 24.
🎄 The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants Networking Holiday Party is December 12. Get your early-bird ticket and a T-shirt!
We've also got five meetings this week, convention highlights, and a look at White Canes Connect episode 161.
Watch Federation Focus and stay connected!

Five meetings, two fundraisers, and one important convention deadli...

18/10/2026

White canes are heading to Atlanta, and this is about much more than football! 🦯🏈
🎧 Listen at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/161 or wherever you get your podcasts.
In Episode 161 of White Canes Connect, Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein talk with Shawn Callaway and Audrey Lester about the first NOBBL Accessibility Symposium, taking place at Morehouse College during Celebration Bowl weekend, December 10–13.
Shawn explains why blind Black leaders need to be visible in HBCU and Greek-letter spaces. Audrey shares how she navigated college and the workforce, including 86 job applications before landing her first position as a licensed social worker.
Hear how this weekend will bring together advocacy, community, and HBCU pride.

12/10/2026

🏃 We need YOU for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend!
Federation Focus is on at https://youtu.be/lblMpXaahLQ.
Volunteers are needed November 20–22 at the Convention Center and along the race routes. We're also making a final push for runners to support the National Federation of the Blind!
🍫 The NFBofPA State Convention is just weeks away! Join us November 5–8 in Hershey for technology demonstrations, Federation Feud, our annual auction, student activities, and much more.
📅 Plus, five affiliate meetings are happening this week, and I've got updates from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter's recent fundraiser.
Get all the details in this week's Federation Focus!

05/10/2026

🍫 We’re officially one month away from the 2026 NFBofPA State Convention in Hershey!
This week’s Federation Focus at https://youtu.be/Qqp4y8YAmug is packed with updates, starting with an important deadline: today is the final day to reserve your Hershey Lodge room under our convention room block.
I also have details on Coffee with the President, Greater Lehigh Valley’s Dancing in the Dark, to be Dancing in the Light gala, Greater Philadelphia’s Boldly Blind Cabaret, and the growing Coast to Coast Movement Challenge.
🏃 We’re also talking Philadelphia Marathon Weekend and the NFB members taking on the 8K, half marathon, and marathon while raising money for the National Federation of the Blind.
Plus, get a preview of what’s coming at State Convention and hear about the latest episode of White Canes Connect featuring Audio Vista.
Watch this week’s Federation Focus and get caught up on everything happening across the NFBofPA!

The countdown to the 2026 NFBofPA State Convention is on, and today...

28/09/2026

Federation Focus is on at https://youtu.be/K1o3zTKkhOA
I signed up for something I never expected: my first-ever 8K! I’ll take part in the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend on November 21, which also happens to be my 62nd birthday.
This week’s Federation Focus also covers Wednesday’s State Convention planning meeting, Saturday’s Jigsaw and special Keystone Chapter meetings, October fundraisers from Greater Lehigh Valley and Greater Philadelphia, and the Capital Chapter joining the Coast to Coast Movement Challenge.
Plus, I have Hershey State Convention updates, Federation Feud details, and news about White Canes Connect episode 160 featuring Audio Vista.
There’s a lot happening across NFBofPA as we head into October!

I signed up for something I never expected: my first-ever race! I’l...

21/09/2026

This week on Federation Focus at https://youtu.be/mOEpWHrP02E , we remember Patricia Antonacci and send our condolences to Jim and his family.
I also cover the NFBofPA scholarship raffle, recruiting runners for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, and three meetings this week: the Diabetes Action Network, Seniors Group, and Greater Philadelphia Chapter.
Plus, get updates on Dancing in the Dark to be Dancing in the Light, the Boldly Blind Cabaret, and the 2026 NFBofPA State Convention in Hershey, including registration, hotel rooms, sponsorships, and exhibit hall space.

Federation Focus for the week of September 21, 2026 begins with con...

15/09/2026

The National Federation of the Blind is still looking for runners for the Philadelphia Marathon, Half Marathon, and 8K this November! https://mailchi.mp/nfbofpa/run-philadelphia-with-team-nfb Join Keystone Chapter President Harriet Danner and Greater Philadelphia Chapter President Emerita Denice Brown to run the 8K.

The Philadelphia Marathon and Half Marathon are sold out, but Team NFB still has a limited number of charity bibs available for Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, November 21–22, 2026. Blind and sighted runners are invited to join the team and help raise expectations, eliminate barriers, and create op...