* Below is the online White Cane Bulletin which includes a Table of Contents with live links leading to the start of each article. You may choose those links or read down the whole publication. You may choose those links or read down the whole publication. You may also choose to download the following formats:
MS Word small print with live Table of Contents links
MS Word large print with live Table of Contents links
Text .txt file with navigation cues to skip to articles
THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
Florida Council of The Blind, Inc.
July - August 2026
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, Sheila Young, at 2304 Amherst Ave., Orlando, FL 32804, or treasurer@fcb.org.
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: editor@fcb.org
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summer is My Happy Place by Sally Benjamin
FCB 2026 Convention is Now a Great Memory by Kati Lear
FCB Awards by Cachet Wells
FCB Scholarship Winners by Sheila Young
FCB Convention by Logan Cake
On the Road Activities by Greg Lindberg
Recipe Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Jottings from Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Rock Concerts and Weird Al by Anne Mauro
Chapter News
New Name, Same CALMing Chapter
Tech Tips by John Richards for the Technology Committee
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
FCB OFFICERS 2026 – 2028
2026-2028 CHAPTER & SPECIAL AFFILIATE OFFICER LIAISONS
Handy Telephone Number References
Summer is My Happy Place by Sally Benjamin
Summer is here, and it already feels like the middle of the season. I wanted to share some thoughts about how summer makes me feel. When I was in school, summer meant being out for a couple of months. As I have gotten older, it is still my favorite time of year.
One reason I love summer is that I can go without shoes and do not have to bundle up. I feel free and happy during this time. I also love watermelon, and summer is the best time to enjoy it fresh.
Another thing I like about summer is that I can go swimming. I have always loved being outside, especially in the water. When I was small, I played in the sun whenever I could get close to a window. I think that was because I could see better in the light.
Now that I do not get in the sun as much, I sometimes feel sad. So when I get the chance, I go wherever the sunshine is. I also like the sun because it helps things grow.
Lately, I have bought flowers at Walmart two different times. I have pink, red, and yellow flowers, and they make my space feel bright and cheerful. They give me a happy place to enjoy, even when I cannot be outside as much as I would like.
Even though I do not get in the sun much anymore, I have learned to be happy without it. Still, I always come back to the sunshine because it is my happy place.
Some people think of the beach as their happy place. Others feel that way about the mountains. We are all different, and I have learned that each of us has our own gift to share with the world. If your gift is writing, then write. If it is music, then play an instrument. One of my sisters likes to sing, so she does that when she is outside.
***
FCB 2026 Convention is Now a Great Memory by Kati Lear
The FCB 2026 Convention was fun and successful. We attended interesting and enlightening programs, socialized with each other, ate good food and had a good time in the hospitality room.
A special thanks goes out to the Activities Committee for their great job in organizing the Thursday night gathering. The live performances and the karaoke songs were outstanding. The buffet choices were delicious and everybody got lots of food. On Saturday night, Activities held the Battle of the Sexes, and the ladies won, yea. Thanks to GOCB for hosting the hospitality room. It’s a great place for conventioneers to unwind and socialize.
We had over 150 people register for our convention. There were 15 people who registered on Zoom. Our meeting rooms were full. The exhibit hall had many people who were examining products and asking questions. The Thursday night party, the FCB banquet and the Awards luncheon sold more tickets than originally thought in the planning stages. It was nice to see such a great turn out of our members.
Thanks and appreciation goes to ACB Media. The use of your Zoom rooms, host, streamers and monitors provided Zoom listeners with the convention program. Thanks to Cecily Nipper for coordinating this for us. Our in-house Zoom support provided by John Richards and Ryan Cordell was necessary and greatly appreciated by all.
To our Convention Committee, there aren’t enough words to express my gratitude and thanks. Your hard work and dedication speaks volumes for the success of our convention. To Dan and Leslie thanks for your hard work in gathering sponsors and running the auction; to Wanda for a great job with the exhibit hall; to Sally for registering all of us and keeping track of the meal counts; to Cachet for writing the program and offering many suggestions; to Cassandra for helping with door prizes and giving us advice; to Mikey for handling the hotel coordination and solving all the last minute problems; to Mark for paying the bills; and to Sheila for helping us locate convention speakers and giving us much needed advice. You all are such a pleasure to work with and I couldn’t have done this without you.
In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the staff at the Four Points by Sheraton. Your assistance in the restaurants, locating meeting and guest rooms, and assisting us through the buffet lines was exemplary.
Next year our FCB convention will be virtual. This was done in hopes that our members would attend the ACB convention in Jacksonville in July. At our fall board meeting, I will tell you about our FCB virtual convention. Again, thanks to everyone who attended in person and virtually. A good time was had by all.
***
FCB Awards by Cachet Wells
COMMITTEE SUPERLATIVES:
1. Personality Guru: Julien Clement
2. Legal Eagle: Debbie Grubb
3. Community Go-getters: Leslie Spoone
CHAPTER AWARDS:
Pinellas
1. Debbie & Chuck Hietala
2. Elizabeth Mitchell
3. Sarah Markofski
Greater Orlando
Rick Eidson
Southwest
1. Paul Lewis
2. Jerilyn Higgins
3. David Jackson
Miami Metro
1. Patrick Clement -The Engine Room Award
2. Zaria Johnson -You Are My Eyes Award
Halifax
Meritorious Service Award McKenna’s Place, Port Orange
STATE AWARDS
William Alfred Ouzts- Cassandra Jessie
William Just Bill Ferrell- Charles Randy Randall
Mobility Award- Jack Coleman
Outstanding High School Senior- Syed Saifulla
Dolly Gamble- Ana Saint Fort
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Sally Benjamin
Mark Lear
Leslie Spoone
***
FCB Scholarship Winners by Sheila Young
Gayle M. Krause-Edwards: Shera Wright
Teresa Blessing: Logan Cake
Timothy Turpin: Addison Allen
***
FCB Convention by Logan Cake
Attending the annual Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) convention in Orlando was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the energy and sense of community that filled the space. One of the most powerful aspects of the convention was hearing from speakers and participants who shared their journeys of living with vision loss. Their stories were not only inspiring but also a reminder that determination and resilience can overcome even the most difficult challenges. Listening to them reinforced my belief that vision loss does not define one’s potential. It is simply one part of a larger story of perseverance and achievement. Also, while listening to those speakers and participants, I could see myself in many of their stories of life, then loss, then perseverance through determination that led to an even fuller life despite blindness.
The exhibit hall was another highlight, filled with many different vendors and booths showcasing innovative technologies and services designed to support the blind and visually impaired. Walking through the hall felt like stepping into the future, where accessibility and independence are constantly being reimagined to better help and reach us. I remember stopping at several booths where I was able to try out new pieces of adaptive technology, and it struck me how much innovation is happening to make education and careers more accessible. That moment gave me hope and excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead for all of us, especially for me in college and soon beyond.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of the convention, however, was witnessing the independence and confidence of blind individuals from across the state coming together. Seeing so many people navigate the convention with assurance and pride was deeply moving. It reminded me that independence is not just about doing things alone, but it is about being part of a community that uplifts and supports one another. That sense of belonging and shared strength is something I will carry with me long after the convention. The inspiration I gained there connects directly to the support I’ve received through the scholarship, both reminding me that my goals are achievable and attainable through this community and resilience that we all need.
Receiving one of the FCB scholarships this year is both an honor and a blessing. As a double major in accounting and finance at the University of North Florida, this scholarship will help me cover essential expenses such as tuition, textbooks, and the technology I need to succeed. It will also support my study abroad pursuits, which are especially meaningful to me. Studying abroad as a visually impaired person will not only challenge me to adapt to new environments but also allow me to spread awareness and show others that blindness is not a limitation to education and exploring the world. This opportunity will help me break down barriers while gaining a broader perspective and preparation that I can carry into my life and career. Beyond financial support, the scholarship represents encouragement and validation. It tells me that the hard work I’ve put into my education is recognized, and that there is a community standing behind me, cheering me on as I pursue my goals.
Looking toward the future, my aspirations are rooted in my passion for business and finance. I hope to build a career that not only allows me to apply my skills in accounting and finance but also enables me to make a meaningful impact in the business world. My vision is to create opportunities, foster growth, and contribute to a more inclusive and innovative environment while breaking down barriers. The scholarship strengthens my ability to pursue these aspirations with confidence, knowing that I have the support of the FCB and its commitment to empowering individuals like me.
Ultimately, the convention and scholarship together symbolize opportunity, independence, and community. They remind me that while vision loss may present challenges, it also opens doors to resilience, creativity, and connection that we may have never known without blindness. I hope to carry the lessons of resilience and community I’ve gained from the FCB into every step of my journey, and one day give back by supporting others in the blind community as they pursue their own dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Florida Council of the Blind for investing in my future, and I look forward to carrying the lessons and support I’ve received into my education, career, and beyond.
***
On the Road Activities by Greg Lindberg
With so many great things happening around the Sunshine State, 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
***
Recipe Corner submitted by Sheila Young
All American Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad
2 large tomatoes diced in ½ inch pieces
8 slices crispy, cooked bacon, crumbled
1 10-ounce bag mixed salad greens
¾ cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Layer tomato, bacon, lettuce, dressing, and cheese in large serving bowl.
Toss just before serving.
***
Jottings from Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
Does Language Matter?
I am currently reading two books at the same time about resistance by people who had been imported from Africa and who were "owned". They were property who could be bought and sold just like horses or lumber. Both books made the point that language must change if we are ever going to see slavery in a different way! One book clearly said that its author would not use the word slave to describe the person in bondage. Instead the word "enslaved" is substituted. At least part of the idea is that the person had slavery "imposed" on him or her and was actively placed in that situation by others.
I think we take for granted the language we use without considering the consequences of what we say. Plantation owners or others who owned people, according to this book, to be called "enslavers". They were actively depriving those they enslaved of freedom and their action, by agreeing to own people, was actively "enslaving" folks. This is just one example from many that is altering the way "people of color" want the institution of enslavement to alter the language that is used. While I certainly find this substitution both comprehensible and appropriate, it has caused me to think about the way that we blind people describe ourselves and the way we want ourselves to be described.
If we go back to the "dark" ages virtually every piece of literature called us "the blind". If the word was an adjective there was no concern what noun it described. Many who wished us well had no problem using a term that many now find derogatory. There was good reason to think this was true. We talk about somebody being "blind drunk"; we harangue against "blind justice"; and we yell about being robbed "blind"! I every one of these cases the word "blind" connotes inferiority and incompetence and has nothing good to say about people who may happen to have less sight than normal. It doesn't matter much that recently we have chosen other ways to speak about ourselves! There are lots of examples of language that is used in everyday speech that perpetuates negative connotations. "as blind as a bat", "groping blindly" or "sticking blindly to an opinion" all convey nothing very positive.
And yet both of the largest national consumer organizations call themselves "of the blind"! Curious!
As the 1980s came along our notion of correct language changed. Suddenly, for many of us, "the blind" was no longer okay. Instead we wanted to be referred to as "people who are blind". The idea was that our personhood should precede the one characteristic that blindness is of our humanity. We weren't just "blind"; we were people who had children; people who drank; people who worked! On the face of it, this notion made sense. Too many of us defined ourselves by our disability and not by all the other things that make us who we are. It wasn't a bad thing either if those folks not lucky enough to be blind saw us that way too!
I think it would be fair to say that "people first" language has become politically correct. If we are writing about ourselves we are likely to use that language. If we are writing resolutions or documents we are sharing with our unblind brethren we will almost certainly employ it! Recently there has been a move to eliminate "people first" language because it misrepresents who we are and diminishes the importance of our vision loss!
Who says blindness is just one of many characteristics? It is the heart of who we are whether we like to admit it or not! Society doesn't see us as "people who are blind" and no amount of tiptoeing around the issue will persuade them to change their notion of who we are! We're blind!!!! That is who we are to them. Perhaps that is who we ought to be to ourselves. When we focus on other characteristics we lessen our emphasis on our vision loss. When we do this, we invite others to trivialize the center of what and who we are! It's not just how others see us! It's also how we should see ourselves! If we are truly "blind" and want to succeed, perhaps we need to make our blindness the center of how we "see" ourselves. If that is right then language that makes blindness peripheral to our identity has to be discarded! Is "people first" language enabling those with sight to get away with lessening the impact that blindness has on our lives? Does it allow them to focus on our other characteristics and ignore our central difference?
Language matters! Whatever we decide about the way we choose to speak about ourselves, let us not forget that the decisions we make about language have an impact! There are derogatory terms like "blinks" that we can use among ourselves but are insulted when others use them! Is that okay? Our organization and the blindness movement both argue that our physical differences don't matter! It is society's prejudices and misconceptions that limit our ability to succeed! If that's true we need to think seriously about how we describe ourselves and how we want others to speak about us!
This is a perfectly good place to end this article but there is one more issue that is even more intractable than those we have already talked about. How do we describe people who are not sighted and not completely blind. Currently the most common approach is to include them in the phrase "people who are blind or have low vision". That's pretty obnoxious, you know! I know lots of people who are somewhere on the blindness spectrum who have lots of "vision": they just don't have a lot of sight! Is "partially blind" better or "partially sighted"? Perhaps worst of all is "vision impaired". What is "low vision" anyway? Could we say "blind and medium vision" or "blind and some vision". Aside from anything else the word "impaired" is just atrocious!
I don't have a solution but I would urge people who are somewhere between total blindness and total sight to give serious thought to how they want to be described. I have not seen an approach that works for me! I am convinced that all of the terms currently being used are unsatisfactory and mostly demeaning!
I grew up before "people first" language came to dominate the way we claimed we wanted to be perceived. I have never been able to fully identify with its tenets. I am comfortable being a "blind man" or just being "blind". I know that blindness issues have lost traction because they are associated with those of other disabilities and other minorities. I am absolutely convinced that blindness is categorically and fundamentally different from all the other disabilities. Those who are blind not only have to learn more! They also have to learn lots of things again if their vision changes or if they move! I raise this issue because I truly believe that blindness must be at the center of who we are! We must recognize that, whether we like it or not, each different disability is out for what it can garner at the local, state and Federal level! We know our value! We know we created disability rights before the term even existed but we have allowed ourselves to be subsumed and diminished because we have been prepared to buy the notion that "we are all people with disabilities". We showed for decades that we could make people understand blindness! Now we are in the middle of a lawsuit that was filed primarily because a bunch of folks put us in the same category as transgender folks who they didn't like!
There are not a lot of blind people in this country! There are other disabilities who have a lot more people, a lot more money and a lot more support! Let's think about recognizing both the centrality and the special character that blindness has for all of us! It's great to be blind and don't you forget it!
***
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Andersonville
Mackinlay Kantor
Historical fiction
Narrator: Roy Avers
DB 25241
Reading time: 36 hours 37 minutes
Brooding, vivid chronicle of man's tragic inhumanity to man, based on events taking place in and around Georgia's Andersonville prison during the Civil War. The prison has been built on the land of humane planter Ira Claffey; together with his daughter he witnesses the misery, despair, heartache, and brutality of a wartime prison. Violence, strong language. and some descriptions of sex. Pulitzer Prize 1955.
***
Rock Concerts and Weird Al by Anne Mauro
When I lived in New York I attended Rock Concerts and listened to Weird Al. I have been a fan for many years. On my Birthday my sisters took me to his concert as a gift. I enjoyed it and sang every song with him. He was really loud and funny. In the future if he comes
back to Florida I would go to his next show again.
***
Chapter News
New Name, Same CALMing Chapter
by Peggy Carpenter
The CALM Chapter recently had their new name and updated Constitution and Bylaws approved at the Florida Council of the Blind convention. Don’t worry, be calm, our name is still CALM!
Our new name is Chapter of Any Location Members Florida Council of the Blind. The previous name, Chapter At Large Members led to confusion regarding being a member of our chapter and being an At Large member of FCB which is an option specified in the FCB Constitution.
We wanted to keep our acronym as CALM so simply change the At Large to Any Location which clearly was the intention of the chapter from the beginning.
Our goal is to provide an opportunity for anyone in Florida to be able to join. A chapter even if they don’t live in an area where there is an existing chapter. Florida is a large state and there are many areas not easily accessible to one of our existing FCB chapters. We hope anyone interested in participating in a chapter will reach out and join CALM. If you would like more information or to join CALM, send an email to
We also welcome anyone from outside of Florida to join us, but obviously many of our advocacy efforts are Florida specific.
So if you are looking to become more involved in advocacy and peer support or just want to keep current with what is going on in FCB or ACB, give us a try. Our meetings are held via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month at 8PM.
***
Tech Tips by John Richards for the Technology Committee
Charging Your Smart Glasses While In use
Sometimes your smart glasses will give you a low battery announcement when you still have quite a few tasks yet to be performed.
The KONAFEI Wearable Charger is specially designed for Ray-Ban Meta Gen1(2023)/Ray-Ban Meta Gen2(2025)/Wayfarer/Skyler/Headliner & Oakley Meta HSTN smart glasses(Not suitable for Ray-Ban Meta display and Ray-Ban Stories). This small charger, Weighing only 16g or 0.564 oz, clips to the arm of your glasses; you can charge them with this mini compact charger while wearing them. Pre-Charge the Battery Pack Approximately 45–60 minutes Before clipping it onto your frames for the first time.
This charger is equipped with multiple safety protection features, over-current, over-voltage, over-power, over-temperature protection. The battery Capacity: is 370mAh; (Provides roughly 1 to 1.5 full charges to your glasses).
Be sure to periodically clean the metal contacts on both the glasses and the charger. Take a completely dry microfiber cloth or a firm cotton swab and vigorously buff the metal contacts. Avoid Solvents: Do not use isopropyl alcohol.
Package List includes: 1 pcs Portable charger compatible with RayBan Meta/Oakley Meta, 1 pcs USB-C cables and 1 pcs User Manual, 1pcs Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 2 pcs Nose Pads.
***
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Greetings, Dear Reader:
Here’s a little something just for fun. This has always been a favorite poem of mine. I have absolutely no idea why, but I love it. Please red and enjoy.
THE WALRUS AND THE CARPENTER
By Lewis Carroll
The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright —
And this was odd, because it was
The middle of the night.
The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done —
"It's very rude of him," she said,
"To come and spoil the fun."
The sea was wet as wet could be,
The sands were dry as dry.
You could not see a cloud, because
No cloud was in the sky:
No birds were flying overhead —
There were no birds to fly.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
We’re walking close at hand;
They wept like anything to see
Such quantities of sand:
“If this were only cleared away,”
They said, “it would be grand”!
If seven maids with seven mops
Swept it for half a year,
Do you suppose,' the Walrus said,
That they could get it clear?'
I doubt it,' said the Carpenter,
And shed a bitter tear.
O Oysters, come and walk with us!'
The Walrus did beseech.
A pleasant walk, a pleasant talk,
Along the briny beach:
We cannot do with more than four,
To give a hand to each.'
The eldest Oyster looked at him,
But never a word he said:
The eldest Oyster winked his eye,
And shook his heavy head —
Meaning to say he did not choose
To leave the oyster-bed.
But four young Oysters hurried up,
All eager for the treat:
Their coats were brushed, their faces washed,
Their shoes were clean and neat —
And this was odd, because, you know,
They hadn't any feet.
Four other Oysters followed them,
And yet another four;
And thick and fast they came at last,
And more, and more, and more —
All hopping through the frothy waves,
And scrambling to the shore.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
Walked on a mile or so,
And then they rested on a rock
Conveniently low:
And all the little Oysters stood
And waited in a row.
The time has come,' the Walrus said,
To talk of many things:
Of shoes — and ships — and sealing-wax —
Of cabbages — and kings —
And why the sea is boiling hot —
And whether pigs have wings.'
But wait a bit,' the Oysters cried,
Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!'
No hurry!' said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.
A loaf of bread,' the Walrus said,
Is what we chiefly need:
Pepper and vinegar besides
Are very good indeed —
Now if you're ready, Oysters dear,
We can begin to feed.'
But not on us!' the Oysters cried,
Turning a little blue.
After such kindness, that would be
A dismal thing to do!'
The night is fine,' the Walrus said.
Do you admire the view?
It was so kind of you to come!
And you are very nice!'
The Carpenter said nothing but
Cut us another slice:
I wish you were not quite so deaf —
I've had to ask you twice!'
It seems a shame,' the Walrus said,
To play them such a trick,
After we've brought them out so far,
And made them trot so quick!'
The Carpenter said nothing but
The butter's spread too thick!'
I weep for you,' the Walrus said:
I deeply sympathize.'
With sobs and tears he sorted out
Those of the largest size,
Holding his pocket-handkerchief
Before his streaming eyes.
O Oysters,' said the Carpenter,
You've had a pleasant run!
Shall we be trotting home again?'
But answer came there none —
And this was scarcely odd, because
They'd eaten everyone."
***
FCB OFFICERS 2026 – 2028
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, Sheila Young
Orlando, treasurer@fcb.org (407) 425-9200
Membership Secretary, Chantale Napier
Cape Coral, (810) 288-4116
Membership Email: membership@fcb.org
White Cane Bulletin Editor, Sally Benjamin
Tallahassee, (850) 980-0205
White Cane Bulletin Email: editor@fcb.org
Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowden
Tallahassee, recordingsec@fcb.org (850) 345-0822
FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear
(800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836 floridacouncil@comcast.net
***
2026-2028 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 of Any Location Members): Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(305) 331-4870
Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Shelley Sawyer
2ndvp@fcb.org
(407) 403-2099
Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie
vp1@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(810) 280-4116
Miami Metro Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(305) 331-4870
Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 345-0822
Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jesse
vp1@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Sarasota Council of the Blind: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org
(810) 288-4110
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 345-0822
Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young
treasurer@fcb.org
(407) 425-9200
Braille Revival League of Florida: Shelley Sawyer
vp2@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org(link sends e-mail)
(850) 567-4288
Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Mikey Wiseman
president@fcb.org
(305) 331-4870
Guide Dog Users of Florida: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org
(810) 280-4116
***
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 Monday-Friday 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 accessible)