NFBofPA Launches: Empowering the Blind with Information & Community
The National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania (NFB of PA) is proud to announce the launch of its new website, NFBofPA.org, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to serving the blind and visually impaired community throughout the Commonwealth. With a renewed commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment, this website aims to be a vital resource for individuals seeking information, community connections, and inspiring stories.
Fresh Content to Enlighten and Inform
At NFBofPA.org, visitors can explore fresh, up-to-date content to keep the blind and visually impaired community informed and engaged. The website serves as a virtual hub, featuring articles, guides, and resources on various topics, from assistive technologies to employment opportunities and educational resources. The user-friendly interface ensures that information is accessible to everyone.
A Calendar of Community Events
One of the highlights of the new website is the comprehensive calendar featuring events tailored to the blind and visually impaired community across Pennsylvania. From local support group meetings to workshops and cultural events, this calendar is invaluable for staying connected and engaged. Community members can now easily discover events happening in their area and plan their participation.
Stories of Empowerment and Achievement
NFBofPA.org is more than just a source of information—it’s a platform for sharing inspiring stories. The website showcases stories of NFB PA members who are living the lives they want, breaking down barriers, and achieving their goals. These personal narratives serve as a source of motivation, proving that anything is possible with determination and the right support.
As the NFB of PA continues its mission to improve the lives of blind and visually impaired individuals, the new website represents a significant step forward. NFBofPA.org embodies the organization’s dedication to fostering community, empowerment, and advocacy. With its fresh content, event calendar, and uplifting stories, the website is a digital beacon guiding individuals toward information, support, and the pursuit of their dreams. Visit NFBofPA.org today and participate in this exciting new chapter in empowerment and connectivity.
2023 Piano Bar Fundraiser:
Pianos vs. Guitars
The Piano Bar is back in 2023! This year, it’s pianos versus guitars and it is taking place on Saturday, April 1 starting at 7 pm Eastern. Please register for the event. We are suggesting a $5 donation, but feel free to give more!
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
The National Federation of the Blind of PA knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
Since 1977, the National Federation of the Blind of PA has been helping members live the lives they want! We know that the real problem concerning blindness is not blindness itself but the lack of knowledge, understanding, and opportunity from our sighted peers. Get involved in the NFB of PA, the largest organization of the blind in the nation and in the state, and help us live the lives we want!
The National Federation of the Blind of PA is a state affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind.
Our Mission:
The mission of the National Federation of the Blind of PA Is to improve the general well-being of the blind of Pennsylvania by Serving as a vehicle for collective action, to provide opportunities for blind and interested sighted persons to come together in local chapters and state meetings to plan and carry out programs to improve the quality of life of the blind; to provide opportunities for parents of blind children; to forward the interests of blind students and provide them with a means of joint action and expression; to promote the vocational, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to provide a mechanism where the blind of Pennsylvania can become equal partners in society with their sighted counterparts.
What is the NFB?
The National Federation of the Blind is an organization of the blind speaking for ourselves. Click here to learn more.
Important News
Voting in Pennsylvania
- Friends and Family, voting is one of our most important rights and duties.
- In the state of PA, you must be 18 and a US citizen in order to register.
- May 2, 2022 is the last day to register for the 2022 primary election. If you have even recently moved within the state you must update your registration by then.
- October 24, 2022 is the deadline to register for the 2022 general election. If you have even recently moved within the state you must update your registration by then.
- Visit vote.pa.gov for county election information and an online registration form.
- We do not recommend waiting till the deadline to register.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance of any kind. Your vote does count! For questions, please email Emily Gindleesperger, legislative director, at vp2@nfbp.org.
Applications for the DemocracyLive Ballots Now Available!
Voting Is Your Right Not A Privilege! The Pennsylvania Primary will be here soon and you do not want to get left out of being able to cast your ballot!!!!! The Pennsylvania Department of State in working with DemocracyLive has recently made their forms totally accessible for those using screen reader software!
Visit the link below and follow all the instructions. Do It Now Before It is too late!
National Federation of the Blind COVID-19 Policy Relating to Public Events
Please give attention to the policy directive from the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind related to the immediate postponement of public meetings of the organization. You can read the policy directive and hear an emergency Presidential Release related to this matter at https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-covid-19-policy-relating-public-events.
COVID-19 Resources
The National Federation of the Blind is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency, which is changing everyone’s lives but has unique effects on blind people. The health and safety of all of our members, colleagues, and friends is always our top priority. Information on the NFB’s COVID-19 Resources page, <www.nfb.org/resources/covid-19-resources>, provides resources that may be particularly useful to blind people facing challenges during the emergency. If you have found other resources that you believe are useful, please email the information to communicationsteam@nfb.org. For the latest happenings with the NFB surrounding COVID-19, please visit www.nfb.org.
NFB of PA Zoom Events
Members of the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania are hosting conference call meetings on a variety of topics. These meetings are conducted on the Zoom platform. To view the listing of upcoming meetings, please visit our Zoom Meeting Calendar page for a listing of the most current Zoom meetings.
You can listen to past Zoom events from our Archive page, which contains recordings of our trainings and other events.
For a full listing of Zoom events hosted either by other state affiliates or the national organization, please email communicationsteam@nfb.org and they will add you to their listing.
2023 NFB of PA White Cane Coffee Fundraiser
Helping the affiliate has now become as easy as drinking your morning cup of coffee!! As featured at the 2019 State Convention, White Cane Coffee and the National Federation of the Blind of PA are working together.
Purchase your coffee here:
www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp10% of the sales will come back to us – the NFB of PA – so we can continue to help our fellow blind and increase our programs for our seniors, students, and children! Spread the word!
National Convention
The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. Click here to learn more.
State Convention
The NFBP State Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. Click here to learn more.
White Canes Connect Podcast
White Canes Connect is a monthly audio program shining a spotlight on the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, its chapters, divisions, groups, and people. Click here to learn more or send an email to the podcast’s hosts at WhiteCanesConnect@gmail.com.
NFB BELL® (Braille Enrichment for Literacy & Learning) Academy
The NFB BELL® (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy is a one to two week summer day program that teaches confidence and independence skills through Braille, crafts, games, field trips, and interaction with blind mentors. Children ages 4 -12 learn that their blindness or low vision does not define them or their future. They can live the lives they want. Click here to learn more or contact Emily Gindlesperger, coordinator, at pabell@nfbp.org.
NFB-NEWSLINE®
NFB-NEWSLINE® is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind, low-vision, or print-disabled that offers access to 500 publications, job listings, weather alerts, and more. Access through the phone, apps, computer, Alexa, and more. Click here to learn more.
KNFB Reader
KNFB Reader is an award-winning mobile app for blind, low-vision, dyslexic, and other print-disabled users that converts text to speech or text to Braille. Click here to learn more.
We Need Your Help! Monitor Uber and Lyft Compliance with Service Animal Agreement
If you use Uber or Lyft and have a service animal or travel with someone who does, please complete our Uber and Lyft survey.
Green Drop Program
Donate clothing, household items, toys and much more to benefit the NFB. Drop off at a GreenDrop collection site, or call 888-610-4632 for home pickup. Learn more at gogreendrop.com.
NFB Vehicle Donations Program
Donate a vehicle to the NFB by calling 855-659-9314 or by making an online donation.
Additional Information
For additional information about the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania or how to send us a donation, please contact NFBP President Lynn Heitz at the following:
National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania
33 Merganser Drive
Sinking Spring, PA 19608
Phone: 215-988-0888
Email: president at nfbp dot org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblindpa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nfbpa