[NFBP-Talk] Federation Focus is On From Austin

David B. Goldstein david at iCantCU.com
Mon Jul 13 16:50:19 UTC 2026


Hey there, PA Federation Family and Friends,

I am back from Austin, but before I left, I recorded this week's 
Federation Focus. It was a fantastic convention, in a great hotel, with 
plenty of delicious food nearby. I hope you'll make plans to attend next 
year!

Federation Focus [1] is on from Austin, Texas, following the close of 
the 2026 National Federation of the Blind Convention. I share highlights 
from the week, look ahead to our return to Austin in 2027, and explain 
how Pennsylvania members can seek financial assistance to attend.

I also cover several upcoming fundraisers and movement activities, 
including Dancing in the Dark, the Greater Philadelphia cabaret, 
Keystone's August 8 Coast to Coast Movement Challenge walk, and 
opportunities to run or volunteer during Philadelphia Marathon Weekend.

Registration and hotel reservations are now open for the 2026 National 
Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania State Convention, November 5-8 
at Hershey Lodge.

Breaking News

Accessible Pharmacy Services' next Diabetes Prevention Program begins at 
the end of July. This year-long, fully virtual lifestyle-change program 
is covered by insurance and helps adults at risk of developing type 2 
diabetes improve their eating habits, increase physical activity, 
overcome barriers, and work toward healthy weight loss. The 22-session 
program is led by Diabetes Lifestyle Coaches and is also available in 
American Sign Language. To sign up or learn more, email 
info at accessiblepharmacy.com.

Scroll down for all the links!

Fundraisers

AbsentTea

Support the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania without 
ever leaving your home through the AbsentTea--the most charming event 
you'll never attend. This unique fundraiser celebrates all the elegance 
of a traditional tea party without the travel, crowds, or scheduling 
stress. Your participation helps older adults experiencing vision loss 
across Pennsylvania gain access to mentoring, resources, independence 
training, and opportunities to remain active and engaged in their 
communities. Join the AbsentTea by October 15, 2026, and make a 
meaningful difference for blind Pennsylvanians while enjoying the 
easiest event you'll never attend. Give at 
https://www.nfbofpa.org/absenttea and read more at 
https://nfbofpa.org/blog/most-charming-event-youll-never-attend

Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge

Join the 2026 Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge--a nationwide effort for 
NFB chapters and affiliates to raise awareness, deepen connections, and 
generate support for our mission. Learn more at https://nfb.org/movers.

Support both the Keystone Chapter and the Greater Philadelphia Chapter 
by going to https://nfb.org/contribute/c2c/ and making a donation. At 
the bottom of the form, there is a field called notes. Enter either NFB 
of PA Keystone Chapter or NFB of PA Greater Philadelphia Chapter in the 
field so the chapter gets credit for your donation. If you want to 
support both chapters, you must make two donations.

Philadelphia Marathon

For the first time, the NFB is a Silver charity partner of the 
Philadelphia Marathon, with marathon, half-marathon, and 8K races. Join 
Team NFB Dreamers and run in support of the NFB. To get involved, 
contact Rachel Held at rheld at nfb.org  or 410-659-9314, ext. 2423.

Dancing in the Dark to be Dancing in the Light

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter is holding its annual event at the 
Northampton Country Club in Easton on October 10, 2026. Contact Jemmie 
Jones at pidgeon1212 at gmail.com for more information.

Greater Philadelphia Chapter Cabaret Fundraiser

Join the Greater Philadelphia Chapter for a night of music, fun, and 
community at our Cabaret Fundraiser on Friday, October 30, from 7:00 to 
11:00 PM at 800 W. Olney Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120. Tickets are $40, 
and this 21-and-over event is BYOB. No coolers or ice, please, but a 
setup with an ice bucket and cups will be available for purchase. Enjoy 
raffles, door prizes, limited food, and the option to bring your own 
food. Tickets are available only through Greater Philadelphia Chapter 
members, so connect with a member today to reserve your spot.

2026 NFB of PA State Convention Registration is Open

Register now for our annual State Convention in Hershey from November 5 
- 8. Register at https://www.nfbofpa.org/register.  Learn more about it 
at https://www.nfbofpa.org/state-convention.

State Convention Hotel Room Block

Secure your stay for the National Federation of the Blind of 
Pennsylvania State Convention at the Hershey Lodge! Guest rooms are 
available from November 4-9, 2026, at a special rate of $149 per night 
(plus taxes and fees). To book online, please copy and paste 
https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/1294/Hersheylodge/auth [2] into your 
browser; enter Group ID: 10524996 and Passcode: NFBLODGE26 (both are 
case-sensitive). If you prefer to speak with a representative, call 
855-729-3108 between 8 AM and 8 PM and mention the National Federation 
of the Blind room block. Since this is a new booking system, ensure you 
search for your specific dates to see accurate availability.

White Canes Connect

In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein welcomes Rich 
Crawford for a wide-ranging conversation about blindness, independence, 
work, leadership, and the power of high expectations.

Rich became legally blind at age 10 due to retinitis pigmentosa. Rather 
than lowering expectations, his parents encouraged him to try things, 
work hard, and figure out alternative ways to get the job done. That 
mindset carried him from public school to college, from community action 
work to a 41-year career in financial services.

Listen on your favorite podcast player or at:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/it-takes-foresight-not-eyesight-rich-crawfords-story/id1592248709?i=1000771650731

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/30WPeckItdQahRYBymXl7F

YouTube
https://youtu.be/TvfVzLKp5Ak?si=mQ3dbk1bAOEFl4yb

Website
https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/154/

White Canes Connect is on Two Best Visually Impaired Podcast Lists

FeedSpot: https://podcast.feedspot.com/visually_impaired_podcasts/.

Million Podcasts: 
https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visually-impaired-podcasts/?utm_source=smtp&utm_medium=F1_email&utm_content=template_b 
[3]

NFB-NEWSLINE(R)

Learn more about NFB-NEWSLINE(R) at https://nfbofpa.org/nfb-newsline. 
Want to subscribe? Call (866)504-7300.

Braille Monitor

The Braille Monitor is the NFB's flagship publication. Learn more about 
it at https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor.

Independence Market Online

The Independence Market is available online! Explore their product 
offerings and make a purchase at https://catalog.nfb.org/.

Seems like we've got another heatwave coming this week. Stay cool!

Regards,

David

-- 
David B. Goldstein
david at iCantCU.com
   (610) 715-5020 mobile
www.iCantCU.com [4]
iCantCU Podcast
Apple Podcasts [5] | Spotify [6] | Watch on YouTube [7]
Support The Podcast When You Shop
Amazon [8]
Connect with me:
Twitter [9] | Instagram [10] | LinkedIn [11] | Facebook [12]
My Other Show: White Canes Connect
Apple Podcasts [13] | Spotify [14] | YouTube [15]

Links:
------
[1] https://youtu.be/PWEL_otz3WA
[2] https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/1294/Hersheylodge/auth
[3] 
https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visually-impaired-podcasts/?utm_source=smtp&utm_medium=F1_email&utm_content=template_b
[4] http://www.iCantCU.com
[5] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370
[6] https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2
[7] https://www.youtube.com/@icantcu/
[8] https://www.icantcu.com/amazon
[9] https://twitter.com/davidbenj
[10] https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj/
[11] https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj
[12] https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj
[13] 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709
[14] https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI
[15] https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast
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