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<p>Hey there PA Federationists,</p>
<p class="p1">In this week’s Federation Focus for February 2, 2026 available at <a href="https://youtu.be/jRLtmg-iKtY">https://youtu.be/jRLtmg-iKtY</a>, I share four important meetings and a critical call to action for our affiliate. We begin with an urgent update on the McCarthy family and a letter-writing effort led by NFB attorney Sanho <span class="s1">Steele-Louchart</span>, including details on how to support the upcoming public hearing in Carlisle. I also preview the first 2026 State Convention planning meeting, Coffee with the President, and the Jigsaw Chapter meeting. In addition, I highlight raffle ticket sales, the PABM Spring Fling fundraiser, Jernigan Scholarship applications, National Convention in Austin, and an upcoming Pennsylvania Rehab Council meeting.</p>
<p class="p2">Scroll down for all the links!</p>
<p class="p2">Help Tim and Rebecca McCarthy today at 5 PM:</p>
<p class="p2"><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96234199448?pwd=cEtjbmRoV1hteVhVSXdwV2FDVGJUdz09"><span class="s4">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96234199448?pwd=cEtjbmRoV1hteVhVSXdwV2FDVGJUdz09</span></a><span class="s4"><br /></span></p>
<p class="p2">There is a deeply troubling situation involving Tim and Rebecca McCarthy, parents of four young children and members of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania. In September 2025, Children and Youth Services, accompanied by law enforcement, removed all four children—each under the age of six—from their home and placed them in separate foster homes. While nothing has been provided in writing, all indications suggest this action was taken solely because Tim and Rebecca are blind.</p>
<p class="p2">As we know—and as our movement has proven time and again—blindness does not prevent anyone from being a capable, loving, and responsible parent. Blind parents raise sighted children successfully every day, facing the same challenges and joys as any other family. After months of working with CYS, Tim and Rebecca were scheduled for a January 2026 hearing that was expected to begin the reunification process. Unfortunately, that hearing did not go well, and there is currently no clear path or timeline for their family to be reunited.</p>
<p class="p2">We must act. On Monday, February 2, 2026, there will be a Zoom call with attorney Sanho Steele-Louchart to launch a coordinated letter-writing campaign affirming that blind people can and do parent successfully. If you are a blind parent—or the child or grandchild of a blind parent—we urge you to participate and lend your voice. In addition, a critical hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and it is imperative that we show up in numbers. Our presence matters, and our collective advocacy can make a difference.</p>
<p class="p2">If you can join us at the hearing on February 9 at 2:15 PM, please email our President, Lynn Heitz, at <a href="mailto:president@nfbofpa.org"><span class="s2">president@nfbofpa.org</span></a>, to let her know.</p>
<p class="p2">National Convention in Austin</p>
<p class="p2">This year’s National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at <a href="https://nfb.org/convention"><span class="s2">https://nfb.org/convention</span></a>. 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.</p>
<p class="p2">Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention</p>
<p class="p2">If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to <a href="https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan"><span class="s2">https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan</span></a>. Good luck!</p>
<p class="p2">Register for PA Rehab Council Meeting 2/11</p>
<p class="p2">The Rehab Council is having their meeting on Wed., Feb. 11. at 10:00 AM. Individuals who wish to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>join via Zoom need to register to get the information. Here is the link to get the Zoom for the meeting: <a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9aQJRqfeTYKV2e5cWV9cxQ"><span class="s2">https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9aQJRqfeTYKV2e5cWV9cxQ</span></a></p>
<p class="p2">Meetings</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s3">Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM<br /></span><span class="s1">Sanho Steele-Louchart Meeting for Tim and Rebecca McCarthy<br /></span>Join Zoom Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96234199448?pwd=cEtjbmRoV1hteVhVSXdwV2FDVGJUdz09"><span class="s4">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96234199448?pwd=cEtjbmRoV1hteVhVSXdwV2FDVGJUdz09</span></a><span class="s4"><br /></span>One tap mobile<br />+16468769923,,96234199448# </p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s3">Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 7:30 PM<br /></span>State Convention Planning Meeting<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/93740003678?pwd=VlJIYm5MNWJHdXdHSTNtOGlnL0xKdz09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/93740003678?pwd=VlJIYm5MNWJHdXdHSTNtOGlnL0xKdz09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+16468769923,,93740003678#</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p4">Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 7:30PM<br />Coffee with the President and NFB of PA Board<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96349504843?pwd=Tk5zL3RRRnd4QjRiRzl2ODM0bEJmQT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/96349504843?pwd=Tk5zL3RRRnd4QjRiRzl2ODM0bEJmQT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+16469313860,,96349504843#</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p4">Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM<br />Jigsaw Chapter<br /><a href="https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91793332704?pwd=a3dnVXdKeGJ2UEtscGNBbnpCU1BtUT09">https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91793332704?pwd=a3dnVXdKeGJ2UEtscGNBbnpCU1BtUT09</a><br />One tap mobile<br />+13017158592,,91793332704#</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Fundraisers</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">April Raffle Tickets on Sale Now</p>
<p class="p2">It’s time for one of our most exciting fundraisers of the year—and it could put cash in your pocket all April long. Grab raffle tickets to sell, buy a few for yourself, or do both, and give yourself a chance to win every single night. Drawings happen nightly in April just before 7:00 PM, with $50 winners Sunday through Friday and a $100 winner every Saturday. Even better, every ticket sold directly supports our general fund, helping members attend State and National Conventions, Washington Seminar, and other essential programs. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s a win for you and for our Federation.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Spring Fling 2026</p>
<p class="p2">The Pennsylvania Association of Blind Merchants (PABM) invites you to its highly anticipated Spring Fling Blind Vendors Showcase on April 11, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport. Part fundraiser, part vendor showcase, this signature event celebrates the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of blind business owners from across the Commonwealth. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under, and include a buffet meal, a two-hour open bar for adults, and two raffle tickets per attendee. For more information and to register, go to <a href="https://www.pablindmerchants.org/springfling2026"><span class="s2">https://www.pablindmerchants.org/springfling2026</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">NFB-NEWSLINE®</p>
<p class="p2">Learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE® at <a href="https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline"><span class="s2">https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline</span></a>. Want to subscribe? Call (866)504-7300.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Braille Monitor</p>
<p class="p2">The Braille Monitor is the NFB’s flagship publication. Learn more about it at <a href="https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor"><span class="s2">https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p3"> </p>
<p class="p2">Independence Market Online</p>
<p class="p2">The Independence Market is available online! Explore their product offerings and make a purchase at <a href="https://catalog.nfb.org/"><span class="s2">https://catalog.nfb.org/</span></a>.</p>
<p class="p2">Regards,</p>
<p class="p2">David</p>
<div id="signature">-- <br />
<p class="p1">David B. Goldstein<br /><a href="mailto:david@iCantCU.com"><span class="s1">david@iCantCU.com</span></a><span class="s1"><br /><a href="mailto:iCantCUPodcast@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a></span>(610) 715-5020 mobile<br /><a href="http://www.iCantCU.com"><span class="s1">www.iCantCU.com</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>iCantCU Podcast<br /><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370"><span class="s1">Apple Podcasts</span></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2"><span class="s1">Spotify</span></a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@icantcu/"><span class="s1">Watch on YouTube</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>Support The Podcast When You Shop<br /><a href="https://www.icantcu.com/amazon"><span class="s1">Amazon</span></a><span class="s1"><br /></span>Connect with me:<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/davidbenj"><span class="s1">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj/"><span class="s1">Instagram</span></a> | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj"><span class="s1">LinkedIn</span></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj"><span class="s1">Facebook</span></a> <br />My Other Show: White Canes Connect<br /><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709"><span class="s1">Apple Podcasts</span></a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI"><span class="s1">Spotify</span></a> | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast"><span class="s1">YouTube</span></a></p>
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