In this episode of White Canes Connect, hosts Lisa Bryant and David Goldstein speak with Laura Wolk Slavis, the first blind woman to clerk at the United States Supreme Court. Laura shares her remarkable journey, starting from her early involvement with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) due to her childhood diagnosis of retinoblastoma. Her father's proactive engagement with the NFB's resources set Laura on a path of empowerment and opportunity.

Laura discusses her professional trajectory, including her time in Washington, D.C., her work with federal judges, and her impactful year with Justice Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court. Now working at a nonprofit focused on First Amendment constitutional law, Laura reflects on her initial career aspirations in psychology and music and how her experiences led her to the legal field.

A key highlight of the episode is Laura's testimony during the confirmation hearings of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. She recounts how Barrett's support of assistive technology during law school exemplified true advocacy. Laura also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and building communities, both within the disability sphere and beyond.

Throughout the conversation, Laura's resilience, adaptability, and dedication to her work shine through. She offers listeners inspiration and practical advice on navigating professional challenges with a disability.

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/105

More On Laura

Watch Laura’s testimony at Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Senate Judiciary Committee’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing: https://youtu.be/erIxxlB8-II?si=QyUIhY4i6-uJVPTg. Laura’s article from the Braille Monitor: https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/fr/fr39/4/fr390413.htm. The book Laura mentioned: The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World https://amzn.to/4eDIigo.

An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA

Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect.

Donate to the NFB of PA

If you want to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/.

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Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com.

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