Join us for Living Your Best Accessible Life, an inspiring community gathering centered on empowerment, advocacy, and innovation for blind and low-vision individuals. Held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at New River Presbyterian Church (4159 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia), the event welcomes attendees through an accessible entrance at 1213 N. 42nd Street and offers a full day of connection, practical resources, and uplifting momentum—all for an admission of $25; if you would like to attend, send a email to John Anderson: heavymetalkidd16@aol.com. From the opening moments, you’ll feel the purpose in the room as Shirley Brotman sets a forward-looking tone and host John Luttenburger builds community with announcements, icebreakers, and an accessible roll call that makes everyone feel seen and included.
The agenda is packed with dynamic voices and real-world tools that meet people where they are—and help them move forward. Morning sessions feature Don Dunn sharing “Leadership and Scouting Without Sight,” Aimee Thrasher-Hanson highlighting accessible reading and library services, and Pam Baquero bringing updates and energy around accessible entrepreneurship. Attendees will also gain clarity on health coverage options with Jamal Blanks, learn about community support services from Mary Brucker, and hear an update on the Blind Lions Club from Shirley Brotman and Bette Passanante-Rodriguez. After lunch and merchant browsing, the afternoon turns up the excitement with comedian Zane Birnie and live audio description demos, advocacy and personal testimony from Stacie Leap, community fellowship highlights from Vivian Williams, and a keynote address from Rosemary Martin. The day continues with accessible sports led by Valdez Thomas, a sponsor spotlight featuring a Sensaball cane attachment demonstration and giveaway, accessible movement with Shirladelphia, a technology-forward conversation with Tony Ballou and Jason Miller, and powerful community advocacy shared by Yvonne Hughes—all culminating in closing remarks and grand finale prize drawings.
Another meaningful highlight is the presence of Brothers With A Vision—presented by Jason Miller and Barry Fields—bringing focused, intentional support for blind men into the heart of a community-wide celebration. BWV is a blind men’s group created to address the issues that affect blind men, and their message is both grounding and galvanizing: belonging is built on purpose, and empowerment grows when men are equipped to lead in their own lives. BWV’s workflows from a spirit of fellowship, mentorship, and leadership that strengthens confidence and individual growth; it also champions education, career development, and access-technology independence so opportunity can expand without barriers. Just as importantly, BWV stands for community and national advocacy that affects blind men and the greater blind community—because progress must be shared, protected, and pushed forward together. If you’re looking for a day that doesn’t just inspire you but connects you to people and organizations building real change, Living Your Best Accessible Life is your invitation to show up, plug in, and leave empowered.
*Written by the (PASS Power Blog Team)