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The White Cane Bulletin January - February 2025
Articles for the White Cane Bulletin must be submitted to Sally Benjamin no later than the 15th of the month before it is published. Sally’s email is: editor@fcb.org.
If you do not have access to a computer and email, please find someone in your chapter to help you. We want to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to our newsletter, so if you cannot find a way to submit your article, call Sally and she will be glad to assist you.
Articles published in The White Cane Bulletin are in compliance with Public Law No. 104197, Copyright Law Amendment of 1996. This law allows authorized entities to distribute copies of previously published non-dramatic literary works in specialized formats, including Braille, audio or digital text that are exclusively for use by Blind people or those with disabilities. Any further distributing of such articles in another than a specialized format is an infringement of copyright.
Those much-needed contributions, which are Tax-deductible, can be sent to the Florida Council of the Blind Treasurer, Mark Lear, at *** P.O. BOX 214235
Daytona Beach, FL 32121.
To remember the Florida Council of the Blind in your Last Will and Testament, you may include a special paragraph for that purpose in your Will or Trust. If your wishes are complex, please contact the FCB at
800-267-4448.
The FCB is a 501(c)(3) organization.
For other ways to support the Florida Council of the Blind, visit our Fundraising page found at www.fcb.org.
ARE YOU MOVING? – Sally Benjamin
If you are moving, please notify me of your new address so you will continue to receive your White Cane Bulletin. Also, if you know of anyone interested in joining FCB and who would like to receive the White Cane Bulletin and the Braille Forum, please contact me at: (850) 980-0205 or E-mail: membership@fcb.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President's Message: by Mikey Wiseman
FCB Convention 2025 by Kati Lear
FCB Education, Leadership, & Scholarships Committee by Sheila Young; Chairperson
Book Review Submitted by: Sheila Young
Remembering Ida Schwerzel from the Pinellas Council of the Blind by Greg Lindberg
Jottings From Jacksonville by: Paul Edwards
Florida Happenings! by Greg Lindberg
On the Road Activities! by Greg Lindberg
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Submitted by: Sheila Young
Chapter News
COMMITTEE UPDATE:
GOCB Update January-February 2025 by Martha James
New Officers for Pinellas by Debbie Downey
Tech Tips by John Richards: for the Technology Committee
Poetry Corner Submitted by: Shelley Sawyer
FCB Officers 2024 - 2026
2024-2026 FCB Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Handy Telephone Number References
***
President’s Message by: Mikey Wiseman
Well here we are again FCB! Another white cane article and this one kind of represents the alpha and the omega as we put to bed 2024 and look forward to 2025. I personally am dealing with a hodgepodge of emotions. I am not necessarily a person to spend too much time reflecting on the could have, would have or the should have. I try to move forward and look forward taking with me lessons learned and best practices. I am hoping that 2025 will bring the Florida Council of the Blind and really the Entire American council of the Blind community together. My hope and objective for FCB is to be at the forefront of demonstrating growth and forging good collaborative relationships within our state community as well as encouraging our members to build bridges to some of the many national special interest, affiliate, and groups that are made available to us as members of the Florida Council of the Blind.
I would like our members to be good ambassadors of good information, such as opportunities for scholarships, jobs and even social or special interest groups, and have the resources to share that information or contact within the community.
A few things for all of you to be aware of and possibly share within your groups, chapters or affiliates are:
The FCB scholarship committee is up and running and accepting applications for all of our wonderful scholarships.
The opportunity to submit your letter of interest to our legislative committee for participation/attendance at the upcoming American Council of the Blind leadership conference in Washington DC is on the table and the deadline is fast approaching.
Opportunities for scholarships at the national level with American Council of the Blind will be opening up or some are open for members to apply.
Our upcoming state convention in Jacksonville during the month of May is just around the corner, we will let you know when the room block is open for reservations.
The ACB national convention will be held in Dallas, Texas in July and their room block is open for reservations already.
Watch for information from our highly engaged and highly successful activities committee for upcoming events in 2025.
For those of you who were looking for my current book read in this article, I decided to start reading the book series that the musical wicked is based on. So far I’m about halfway through the first book and it is significantly different than what I was expecting. Not sure if I’m jumping up and down over it.
On a sidenote, I’m still also trying to wrap my head around how much incredible talent we were able to showcase at the FCB activities committee holiday concert Call. I was truly blown away by the talent that was shared with us and I’m hoping that next year will be just as good if not better. Thank you all for participating and thank you to the committee for putting that on.
In closing, I hope that whatever and however, you have celebrated during this holiday season was wonderful. I wish all of you a successful, blessed, happy and healthy 2025.
***
FCB Convention 2025 by Kati Lear
First and foremost, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. May 2025 fill you with blessings, happiness, love, laughter and prosperity.
Now we are getting ready for our annual 72nd FCB Convention. It will be in Jacksonville at the same hotel, the Southbank Riverwalk at 1515 Prudential Drive. Our room rates will be the same as last year, $109 per night plus tax. The dates are Thursday, May 15 through Sunday May 18, 2025. Please make your plans and join us.
Your thoughts and ideas for programs and workshops are always welcome. Get together with your chapters and committees and plan your programs. Our convention is successful because of the programs you submit and conduct. The program write ups are due on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025.
We are also looking for a convention theme so be creative and send them in. The winner will receive a $25 gift card from Amazon. Please send your program write ups and convention theme suggestions to me at floridacouncil@comcast.net. The Convention Committee is looking forward to reading your submissions. Stay in touch.
***
FCB Education, Leadership, & Scholarships Committee by Sheila Young; Chairperson
The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Scholarship Program consists of awards totaling $7,250.00, offered to exemplary students who are enrolled in academic education, professional or technical training beyond the high school level.
The scholarship opportunities are:
-
Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship: $2,000.00– Available to an eligible applicant who is enrolled full-time, and has completed one semester of college, in a course of study which will increase advancement potential in his/her chosen field
-
Nancy Burgess-Hall Advocacy Scholarship: $2,000.00
Awarded to a student who is enrolled in a Higher Education Institution and who has a proven record of engaging in disability-related advocacy (this is the only FCB Scholarship for which it is not required to be blind or visually impaired in order to be considered)
-
Teresa Blessing Scholarship: $1,500.00– Offered to an outstanding full-time college studentTimothy
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Turpin Scholarship: $1,000.00– Offered to a high school student graduating and exhibiting academic and leadership excellence planning to attend college full-time
-
Bobbie Probst Scholarship: $750.00
Awarded to an eligible applicant who is enrolled in a technical or vocational institute.
Applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) with the exception of the Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship.
The prestigious Gayle M. Krause-Edwards scholarship requires a 3.2 GPA and completion of one semester in a college or university. This scholarship is awarded to a student exhibiting outstanding academic and leadership achievements.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS:
-
Applicant must be legally blind. Specifically, the applicant must have vision in the better eye of no more than 20/200 with corrective lenses OR may have vision greater than 20/200 in the better eye, but with a restricted field of vision of no more than 20 degrees.
-
Applicant must be a current resident of the State of Florida. However, the college or university doesn't have to be in Florida.
-
Applicant must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply.)
-
Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical institute or be accepted for enrollment. A letter of acceptance is required.
-
Applicant must be seeking a college degree or certificate.
- Applicants who are full-time must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the full-time scholarships. Those who are part-time must carry a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $750.00 scholarship.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
-
An explanatory or descriptive statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in a chosen field. Please include any awards or scholarships received or that are pending. Part-time students must include an explanation for part-time status (e.g., employed student, family responsibilities, etc).
-
Two letters of recommendation.
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Sealed official transcript from school currently or most recently attended.
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Letter of acceptance from accredited college or university.
- Certification of visual status (detailed physician’s eye report) MUST be mailed by certifying entity.
Certification of visual status and transcript(s) MUST be postmarked no later than 11:59 PM March 1st, 2025.
Please forward Certification of visual status and transcript(s) to:
Florida Council of the Blind
c/o Sheila Young
2304 Amherst Ave.
Orlando, FL 32804
All of the information can be found at fcb.org.
Please e-mail application packet, all recommendation letters and supporting documents electronically to:
Fcb-scholarships@fcb.org
(no handwritten applications will be considered)
All applications and documents must be received no later than 11:59 PM March 1st, 2025.
The Education and Leadership Committee will review all applications and select the five winners. Recipients will be notified prior to the state annual convention and the winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on May 16, 2025, in Jacksonville, FL. All scholarship winners will be invited to attend the annual convention and will be given hotel accommodations for one night for two persons and two tickets to the Awards banquet. Additional banquet tickets may be purchased by the scholarship recipients.
The Florida Council of the Blind will pay transportation costs by train or bus for the scholarship recipient and one guest. Mileage by automobile to the convention will be reimbursed according to the Florida state reimbursement policy.
For more information about our Scholarship program, you may contact Sheila Young at fcb-scholarships@fcb.org
***
Book Review Submitted by: Sheila Young
DBC12740 If It Takes All Summer: Martin Luther King, the KKK, and States' Rights in St. Augustine, 1964.
U. S. History
Government & Politics
A memoir chronicling the Civil Rights drama in early 1960s St. Augustine, Florida detailing the constant tactics required to bring an end to the social unrest. Some strong language and violence.
***
Remembering Ida Schwerzel from the Pinellas Council of the Blind by Greg Lindberg
Ida Teresa Restaino Schwerzel, a longtime member of the Pinellas Council of the Blind, passed away on November 18, 2024, at the age of 108.
“She was strong-willed, hence how she lived to 108,” said her daughter, Linda Nicodemus.
Schwerzel was born at home in Astoria on Long Island, New York on May 31, 1916. She had four siblings, and her mother raised all five children. She worked as a seamstress and even met First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt while working at Lord & Taylor in the 1930s. She and her husband, Harold, were married for 60 years. Harold served in the Army, including stints at the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Normandy, and the Battle at Patton’s Run during World War II.
They had two children, Brian and Linda. They moved to Pasadena, Florida in 1962. Schwerzel had four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
In retirement, she enjoyed gardening and watching Law & Order, America’s Got Talent, and The Weather Channel. She also attended events at Pinecrest Community Center, a senior living community near her home.
Due to cataracts and macular degeneration, she experienced vision loss in her late 80s. She attended the Watson Center (now the Lighthouse of Pinellas) to receive vision rehabilitation, and someone there referred her to the Pinellas Council of the Blind. She joined PCB around 2004. By all accounts, she was the oldest member in the history of the Florida Council of the Blind at the time of her passing.
And what did she believe the keys to longevity are?
“There is no secret to living a long life. To me, attitude means everything. You can survive a lot of things. As humans, we are all stronger than we think we are. Once you’re put to the test, you realize this, but you won’t understand this until you’re tested.”
Throughout her lifetime, she lived through 19 presidential administrations. Upon reaching 100 years of age, she received a card from the White House that was signed by the Obamas. Her family threw a party for her with nearly 40 family members in attendance.
And how did she sum up her personality?
“I am a ball of fire, and I have no plans to let that ball stop rolling!”
(Editor’s Note: To read a two-part, in-depth story on Ida Schwerzel in recognition of her 100th birthday, check out the 2016 issues of the White Cane Bulletin.)
***
Jottings From Jacksonville by: Paul Edwards
HELP! Help! Horrible Hospitals??
Sometimes we ride hobby horses! I know I have one and that is how people who are blind are treated in the hospital. At the end of November 2024 I ended up in the hospital in need of emergency gallbladder removal. I ended up arriving on Tuesday afternoon and leaving early on Thursday afternoon. So I was there for only 48 hours or so. During that time I experienced many incidents that were annoying. I have to say that I was spared most indignities because my daughter was allowed to be there. She is a nurse practitioner and also happens to know her father very well. She was able to persuade me that I was over-reacting in some cases and was also able to be a part of necessary training of hospital folks.
One of the most immediate expectations after my surgery was that I walk as far and as quickly as I could. There were hospital therapists who were supposed to help me with that. They had no notion of sighted guide techniques. When my daughter and I demonstrated them, they understood and, I think, would have used them in the future.
When my daughter was not there, my dinner such as it was, arrived. I was not informed it was there. I was only allowed clear liquids so, by the time I found out it was there, my Italian Ice was melted, my broth was ice cold and my juice was warm. My daughter quite rightly suggests that a nurse may have been there when dinner happened which explains why nothing was said. It was nevertheless annoying!
My daughter also makes it clear that what I am about to write about cannot be blamed on my blindness. When a new nurse arrived when my daughter was not there, I was told not to get up without calling the nurse's station. What I was not told was that an alarm had been set so that when I got up it went off. My daughter tells me that many patients are injured in post-surgery falls and that blindness is irrelevant. I think I should have been told the alarm had been set so I would have known what the consequences of my actions were likely to be.
I have had lots of inappropriate things to say so far. Here are some good things! Virtually all of the time, doctors and nurses spoke to me, not to my daughter. In a large proportion of cases, when someone entered the room they spoke! Most of the time I did not perceive that I was being spoken down to by hospital staff. In a couple of cases I was asked if I needed help which, of course, is very appropriate.
I have had stays in hospital that have been better (once). I have had stays that were much worse. There is at least one instance where a change for the worse was made better by the actions of a nurse. Many of you who have been in hospitals in the past may remember that older versions of the combination call button and television control actually had a braille n where the call button was located. That is now gone. A nurse put a dot on the correct button which made it very easy to identify. I was not told how to operate the tv and had to ask my daughter how it worked!
So, what is the point of all of this! Whether we like it or not, we will end up in hospital! Clearly there are still issues surrounding how people who are blind or have low vision are treated, in my view. What should we do about it? I think I should have been more assertive than I was! When my dinner was not identified as being there, I should have called someone to see if it was there! Instead, I was looking to find fault, I think. I was not very hungry! The food options were not very exciting! I now think it is hard to draw a line between being assertive and being a pain. There were times when I could hear other patients behaving inappropriately. I think I wanted to be seen as the "model patient". I think not wanting to rock the boat is a way many of us who are blind operate! So, first and foremost, I will own getting angry several times for reasons that could have been avoided if I had behaved better.
There are clearly issues, though I would love it if, at the national level, we could get more training mandated into hospital accreditation practices. It would be good to know how much or little training happens for nurses and other hospital personnel in terms of dealing with folks who are disabled. I suspect that not a lot of it happens. If the training is passive, I am not sure how much good it does. Maybe we need to figure ways of incentivizing training or disincentivizing bad behavior.
Some of ACB'S affiliates have prepared documents that can be used in hospitals but how many copies would each of us need? When my wife Gayle went into the hospital, we put up a poster that mentioned that people should identify themselves when they entered the room! Speaking reasonably and offering teachable moments helped me!
We are not feeling well when we are in the hospital. That makes it hard to act as ambassadors of the country of the blind. I continue to think we need to continue to think about ways to improve the experiences of people with vision loss. We have made a difference elsewhere. Doctors' offices are getting a little better though medical portals are not! We are already suing both the major providers of blood testing because of their inaccessible check in process. We continue to advocate for medical equipment that we can use independently. There has been progress. Blood pressure devices, thermometers and oximeters are available. No insulin pump is accessible and many other medical devices can't be used by folks who are blind without help! It's also worth noting that the price of those pieces of equipment that are accessible is going down, not up.
I suppose my final point would be that we need to prioritize what we work on! More and more people who are older will become blind. That means a larger and larger proportion of the overall population of people with visual impairments will have other issues that will require hospitalization. This is not a new problem! We have passed resolutions in the past! There has been change but there is no guarantee that really bad experiences will not happen! What shall we do to change things!
***
Florida Happenings! by Greg Lindberg
From the northern line of Florida to the shores of its southern beauty, extending as far west as the panhandle to its eastern borders, there is lots to do in the Sunshine State. Looking for more ways to connect with other members? Just need a quick getaway to relax and recharge? Here is a roundup from the Activities Committee of what's happening within the Florida Council of the Blind and communities near you.
-
December 20: 7:30 PM – A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol (with audio description). Osceola Arts, Kissimmee, FL. Box office: 407-846-6257.
-
December 21: 2 PM – Some Like it Hot (with audio description). Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center – Orlando, FL. Box office: 844-513-2014.
- December 22: 1 PM – Some Like it Hot (with audio description). Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center – Orlando, FL. Box office: 844-513-2014.
***
On the Road Activities! by Greg Lindberg
With so many great things happening along the Florida coastlines, we don’t want you to miss out on any of them. No matter if it's to celebrate a special cause, gather to honor White Cane Day, or a fundraising event, we want to help provide an avenue to advertise to a wider audience of members to increase engagement in your planned events.
The Florida Council of the Blind Activities Committee invites you to share your upcoming Chapter and Special Interest Affiliate events with us that are being held throughout the month. This allows members to review and plan ahead to attend other local area events. We want to help you by supporting and promoting your efforts to raise awareness about what you're doing and maximize participation.
For each event, please provide the following:
-
A detailed summary of the event (who, what, when, where, and cost)
- Contact information for the event (contact person’s name, phone number and/or email address)
The deadline to submit this information is the 5th of each month by sending to Activities@fcb.org to have it included in the FCB Activities Committee communications channels.
Thank you, and we look forward to helping support your activities!
The FCB Activities Committee
***
Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles Submitted by: Sheila Young
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (can be frozen)
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 stick butter
2 15 oz cans chicken broth
1 24 oz frozen egg noodles
Cook chicken, soup, butter, and broth in crock pot on low for 6-7 hours.
Take chicken out and shred.
Put chicken back in crock pot and add noodles.
Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
***
Chapter News
COMMITTEE UPDATE:
The Activities Committee has decided to postpone the Friendship Cruise originally planned for February 8, 2025, due to increased hotel pricing in the month of February. Stay tuned for updates on a date to be determined later in the year.
-
It is the responsibility of each individual member to secure event costs, travel, transportation, accommodations, and meal expenses that may be involved and incurred in order to participate in any of the advertised and supported events listed.
- Any event specifically coordinated by the FCB Activities Committee will require a deposit or full payment to secure your ticket to the event.
***
GOCB Update January-February 2025 by Martha James
In November, GOCB held elections. The officers for the next year are as follows: Sheila Young for president, Dan Spoone for first vice president, Alicia Eidson for second vice president, Asli Goncer for membership secretary, Martha James for recording secretary, and Marcia Bukala for treasurer. Congratulations to all the officers.
On December 7, the chapter held a luncheon activity at the Castle Pub in Orlando. We will be having our holiday luncheon in January, instead of December. It will be at the home of Alicia and Rick.
In February, we will get back to work.
We want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
***
New Officers for Pinellas by Debbie Downey
On November 16th 2024, The Pinellas Council of the Blind held its election for new officers.
Grant Downey is our new President
Walter Meyer Vice President
And the following were reelected:
Joanne Zucker Secretary
Sharon Youngs Treasurer
And Debbie Downey Membership Secretary
Congratulations to all!
We sincerely thank our outgoing President Jim Warman and Vice President Eugene Batke for their many years of service, dedication and hard work and wish them the best. We hope they will still remain active members as their expertise and knowledge will be greatly appreciated.
***
Tech Tips by John Richards: for the Technology Committee
eSIM, Do You Have One Embedded In Your Phone?
Unlike physical sim cards that can be removed, an eSIM or (Embedded Subscriber Identity Module) performs the same as a removable SIM card; however, it is permanently embedded in your phones hardware. Both a removable SIM and an eSIM store customer information as well as your phone number; the eSIM also connects your device to your carrier. ESIMS also allow carriers to activate and change your service remotely. You can use multiple phone numbers on an eSIM either from the same carrier or two different carriers. Even though your device has an eSIM, the carrier you are using may not support eSIMS. You can use a removable sim instead.
Pros of eSIM:
Convenience: No need to fiddle with tiny SIM cards. You can activate a plan remotely.
Flexibility: You can have multiple carrier profiles on a single device, making it ideal for travelers or those who want separate work and personal lines.
Durability: Since it's embedded, there's no risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
Cons of eSIM:
Limited Compatibility: Not all devices and carriers support eSIM, so check compatibility before purchasing a device or switching to eSIM.
Setup Process: The initial setup process can be more complex than inserting a physical SIM card, especially if you're new to the technology.
Reliance on Device: If your device is lost or damaged, you may lose access to your eSIM profiles.
Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers may have limitations on eSIM usage, such as restrictions on switching between profiles or porting numbers.
Below is a list of phones that have embedded eSIMS.
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
A55 5G
A54 5G
X Cover 7
S20
S20+
S20+ 5G
S20 Ultra
S20 Ultra 5G
S21
S21+ 5G
S21+ Ultra 5G
S22
S22+
S22 Ultra
S23
S23 FE
S23+
S23 Ultra
S24
S24+
S24 Ultra
Note 20
Note 20 Ultra 5G
Fold
Z Fold2 5G
Z Fold3 5G
Z Fold4
Z Fold5 5G
Z Fold6
Z Flip
Z Flip3 5G
Z Flip4
Z Flip5 5G
Z Flip6
Pixel 2 (Google Fi only)
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel 3 (Google Fi only)
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3a (not including phones purchased through Verizon)
Pixel 3a XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 4a
Pixel 4 XL
Pixel 5
Pixel 5a
Pixel 6
Pixel 6a
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel Fold
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Motorola Razr
Motorola Razr 5G
Motorola Razr 40
Motorola Razr 40 Ultra
Motorola Razr+
Motorola Edge+
Motorola Edge 40 Pro
Motorola G52J 5G
Motorola G52J 5G ?
Motorola G53 5G
Motorola G53J 5G
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Sony Xperia 10 IV
Sony Xperia 10V
Sony Xperia 1 IV
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Sony Xperia 1 V
Sony Xperia Ace III
The phone list was provided by an article, What Is an eSIM? 5 Things To Know, Written by Dallas Cox | November 27th, 2024
***
Poetry Corner Submitted by: Shelley Sawyer
The Road Not Taken
by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
***
FCB Officers 2024 - 2026
President, Mikey Wiseman
Miami, president@fcb.org (305) 331-4870
1st Vice-President, Cassandra Jessie
Tallahassee, vp1@fcb.org (850) 567-4288
2nd Vice President, Shelley Sawyer
Tallahassee, vp2@fcb.org (407) 403-2099
Treasurer, Mark Lear
P.O. BOX 214235
DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32121
treasurer@fcb.org (386) 788-0463
Membership Secretary, and White Cane Bulletin Editor, Sally Benjamin
Tallahassee, (850) 980-0205
Membership Email: membership@fcb.org
White Cane Bulletin Email: editor@fcb.org
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowden
Tallahassee, recordingsec@fcb.org (850) 345-0822
Immediate Past President, Sheila Young
Orlando, sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200
FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear
(800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836, floridacouncil@comcast.net
***
2024-2026 FCB Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons
Please contact your officer liaison if we can be of assistance or if you need anything from the Executive Committee.
CALM (Chapter At Large Members) Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Mark Lear
treasurer@fcb.org
(386) 788-0463
Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin
membership@fcb.org
(850) 980-0205
Miami Metro Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Sarasota Council of the Blind: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
sheilayoung125@att.net
(407) 425-9200
Tampa Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Braille Revival League of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(850) 345-0822
Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision International: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org
(850) 567-4288
Guide Dog Users of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
***
Handy Telephone Number References
Project Insight: (800) 267-4448
Bureau of Braille & Talking Book Library: (800) 226-6075
Division of Blind Services, State Office: (800) 342-1828
American Council of The Blind: (800) 424-8666
(Available 3:00 to 5:30 P.M. EST Mon - Fri only)
ACB Legislative Hotline: (800) 424-8666
(Available evenings 8:00 P.M. to 12:00 Midnight EST and weekends 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. only)
AT&T Disability Services: (800) 872-3883
(Press 00 and speak with your long-distance carrier, or Florida only: (800) 982-2891)
BellSouth Disability Services: (800) 982-2891
(From anywhere)
Social Security: (800) 772-1213
(24-hour voice and touch tone accessibility)