[PABlindMerchants] Watch Federation Focus Now, Join the Diabetes Action Network Meeting at 6

David B. Goldstein david at iCantCU.com
Mon May 18 20:15:55 UTC 2026


Hey there, PA Federation Family,

Summer is starting to settle in across Pennsylvania, and this week's 
Federation Focus [1] is packed with meetings, fundraisers, and important 
convention updates. I've got details on the Diabetes Action Network 
meeting (in just two hours), the Blind Merchants gathering, the latest 
leadership seminar, and the Capital Area Chapter meeting. Plus, there's 
no Greater Philadelphia Chapter meeting this Memorial Day weekend, so 
don't log into Zoom Saturday morning!

I also share updates on three major fundraisers happening at the 
national, affiliate, and chapter levels, including our brand-new 
AbsentTea campaign and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter's Dancing in 
the Dark to be Dancing in the Light fundraiser this October. I've also 
got updates on National Convention virtual registration, the convention 
app, and where things stand with registration for our 2026 State 
Convention in Hershey.

Let me know what you think of the AbsentTea song in the comments below 
the video.

Scroll down for all the links!

Meetings

Monday, May 18, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Diabetes Action Network Group
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91010106648?pwd=cTNTUlBZTSt6VGxIb0hyVUcxN3pLQT09
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,91010106648#
Questions? Email diabetes at nfbofpa.org

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM
PA Association of Blind Merchants
Via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4503152944
One Tap Mobile
+13092053325,,4503152944#
Questions? Email merchants at nfbofpa.org

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM
Leadership Seminar
Walking Alone, Marching Together Podcast Listening Session
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91885471834?pwd=SvkbkRWvtpka5nzc4FNZ3mBSk3jqls.1
One tap mobile
+13092053325,,91885471834#
Questions? Email Michelle McManus at mmcmanus at nfbofpa.org or Stacie Leap 
at nfb.stacie at gmail.com.

Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 7:30 PM
Capital Area Chapter Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/92858011027?pwd=DjMpP2nTRjmjjA6FhEFKdFJiKVCkYt.1
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,92858011027#
Questions? Email capital at nfbofpa.org

Fundraisers

Keep NFB Advancing with #Give25

Support the future of blindness advocacy through the National Federation 
of the Blind's Give Twenty-Five campaign. Donate $25 between May 15 and 
July 7, 2026, for a chance to win $2,000 cash or a trip for two to the 
2027 NFB National Convention. Become a Federation Connector by 
encouraging friends and family to give in your name for additional 
recognition and giveaway opportunities, including a chance to win a 
BrailleNote Evolve from HumanWare. Every donation helps fund programs 
that empower blind people nationwide. Call (410) 659-9314 ext 2430 or go 
to https://www.nfb.org/give25donate

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.

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.

National Convention Virtually

If you can't be in Austin for the 2026 National Convention, you can 
still participate! Learn more and register at 
https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national-convention-virtual-experience.

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.

2026 NFB of PA State Convention

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

White Canes Connect

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.

Listen on your favorite podcast player or at:

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-%2420-accessibility-hack-every-blind-person-should-know/id1592248709?i=1000759448456

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/055uQmCdvZ5z9HNQTRqcSA

YouTube
https://youtu.be/2vhYP7_uSyU?si=RbpEgiY5UVZGRKNR [3]

Website
https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/151/

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 
[4]

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/.

Stay cool and have a great week ahead!

Regards,

David

-- 
David B. Goldstein
david at iCantCU.com
   (610) 715-5020 mobile
www.iCantCU.com [5]
iCantCU Podcast
Apple Podcasts [6] | Spotify [7] | Watch on YouTube [8]
Support The Podcast When You Shop
Amazon [9]
Connect with me:
Twitter [10] | Instagram [11] | LinkedIn [12] | Facebook [13]
My Other Show: White Canes Connect
Apple Podcasts [14] | Spotify [15] | YouTube [16]

Links:
------
[1] https://youtu.be/vhzkdvbLUZM
[2] https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/1294/Hersheylodge/auth
[3] https://youtu.be/MREQW3dcqXQ?si=qaStxAk8G4sA7HsO
[4] 
https://www.millionpodcasts.com/visually-impaired-podcasts/?utm_source=smtp&utm_medium=F1_email&utm_content=template_b
[5] http://www.iCantCU.com
[6] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icantcu-podcast/id1445801370
[7] https://open.spotify.com/show/3nck2D5HgD9ckSaUQaWwW2
[8] https://www.youtube.com/@icantcu/
[9] https://www.icantcu.com/amazon
[10] https://twitter.com/davidbenj
[11] https://www.instagram.com/davidbenj/
[12] https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbenj
[13] https://www.facebook.com/davidbenj
[14] 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709
[15] https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI
[16] https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast
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