Lackawanna Blind Association

10/15/2026

Today is White Cane Safety Day! We celebrate the independence, confidence, and accomplishments of people who are blind or visually impaired.

The white cane is more than a tool for getting around. It’s a symbol of freedom, independence, and the ability to navigate the world with confidence. Did you know?

**An all-white cane indicates that the user is completely blind and has no usable vision.
**A white cane with a red bottom indicates that the user has low vision and some usable sight.
**A red and white cane indicates that the user is deafblind, experiencing both vision and hearing loss.

Since 1964, White Cane Safety Day has been recognized across the United States as a time to honor the contributions of people who are blind or visually impaired and to promote accessibility and inclusion.

It's also a reminder that all 50 states have laws protecting white cane users and requiring drivers to yield the right-of-way, helping to make our communities safer for everyone.

Today, take a moment to celebrate the strength, determination, and achievements of white cane users everywhere. Together, we can create a more accessible, welcoming, and inclusive world.

10/14/2026

SCRANTON, PA – The Lackawanna Blind Association (LBA) has been awarded a $100,000 Community Support Initiative grant over two years from the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
The funding will provide critical operational support as the organization works to meet growing demand for services and strengthen its long-term sustainability. "For more than
100 years, the Lackawanna Blind Association has been helping people with vision loss maintain their independence and remain connected to their communities," said Mary Ann
Iezzi, Executive Director. "We are deeply grateful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for this investment in our mission and in the people we serve every day."
The Lackawanna Blind Association conducts more than 2,000 children’s vision screenings annually and serves hundreds of individuals through advocacy, education, support, assistive
technology resources, vision health programs, and community outreach initiatives. The Community Support Initiative grant will help the LBA invest in key organizational priorities, including fundraising capacity, service continuity, and strategic growth. These investments will position the organization to continue delivering essential services while laying the groundwork for future expansion. The Lackawanna Blind Association extends its sincere thanks to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its commitment to strengthening local nonprofits and improving quality of life throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Pictured: David J. Price, Melissa Kirtley, Mary Ann Iezzi, Laura Ducceschi, Jerry Musheno

10/14/2026

CASH, CASH & MORE CASH! 🎉💵

Who’s ready to yell BINGO and walk away with some serious winnings?

--16 regular games with $100 cash prizes each
--4 special games paying $250, $300, $500, and $750
--White Cane Bonus Game with a $200 prize
--Plus 50/50 drawings, raffles, food, and drinks!

That's thousands of dollars in cash prizes up for grabs during one exciting afternoon!

--Sunday, October 25, 2026
-- Holy Cross High School, Dunmore
--Doors Open: Noon | Games Start: 1:00 PM
--Admission: $30 pre-sale | $35 at the door

Gather your lucky friends, bring your bingo daubers, and join us for an afternoon of fun, prizes, and community support benefiting the Lackawanna Blind Association!

To register visit: https://lackawannablind.org/events.html -bingo

10/13/2026

Exciting news! Our Ham Radio Program is getting some attention. Thanks to the University of Scranton for highlighting how amateur radio is creating connections, building skills, and opening new opportunities for our clients at the LBA!

Check out the story here:

W3USR, the University’s amateur radio station, is exploring the connections and relationships that can be built over amateur radio with Lackawanna Blind Association clients.

10/12/2026

The Squishy Craze Has Hit BINGO! Everyone's talking about Squishies... and now you could take home an entire Squishy Raffle Basket packed with these soft, squishy favorites!

Whether you're collecting them, gifting them, or just can't resist giving them a squeeze, this basket is sure to be a crowd favorite!

--Special Raffle Tickets: $5 each
-- Winner takes home the ultimate Squishy collection!

Don't miss your chance to get in on the newest craze while supporting a great cause. Grab your raffle tickets at Bingo and get ready to squish your way to a win!

Visit: https://lackawannablind.org/events.html -bingo

10/12/2026

Learning, collaborating, and planning for the future! That's why we are honored to join fellow nonprofit leaders in the Scranton Area Community Foundation "Margins & Mission" program. Friday's session focused on meaningful discussions, collaboration, and strategic planning, as we explored ways to build sustainable revenue streams that support long-term growth and mission impact.

We're grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside so many dedicated organizations working to make Northeast Pennsylvania a stronger place for everyone.

10/09/2026

Yesterday our advocacy group welcomed representatives from the city of Scranton. We had the opportunity to continue discussions on the walkability study, safely navigating downtown, and learn more about the updates to the city's landscape.

10/08/2026

Another fun visit with therapy dog, Riley Ray! Her visits always being so much joy!

10/06/2026

Scholarship monies are available!

Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment.

Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. To learn more visit: https://www.pheaa.org/funding-opportunities/other-educational-aid/blind-deaf.

The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027.

PHEAA is a national provider of financial aid services, serving millions of students and thousands of schools through a variety of student aid programs.

10/05/2026

Woohoo!!! We are proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement by several of our clients, who have successfully earned their amateur (ham) radio licenses and received their individual call signs!

Over the past year and a half, they worked closely with volunteers from the University of Scranton, led by Dr. Nathaniel Frissell, Ph.D, to prepare for and pass their licensing exams. Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to learning have opened the door to a new world of communication, technology, community service, and lifelong learning.

Ham radio provides an accessible and engaging way for individuals who are blind or visually impaired to connect with others across the country and around the world while building technical skills and confidence.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Frissell, the University of Scranton volunteers, and everyone who helped make this opportunity possible. Most importantly, we congratulate our newest licensed operators on this outstanding accomplishment!