THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN Florida Council of The Blind, Inc. January February 2023 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:salbenjamin60@gmail.com. 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: salbenjamin60@gmail.com TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message: by Sheila Young 3 Planning for the 2023 FCB State Convention: by Kati Lear 4 Education, Leadership, and Scholarships Committee: by Gabriel Lopez Kafati 5 The Florida Council of the Blind 2023 State, Chapter, & Special Interest Affiliate Awards: by: Nancy L. Folsom 7 Project Insight News: by Nancy Folsom 8 4 Ways to Encourage Inclusion During a Meeting Dana Brownlee Senior Contributor May 19, 2022 8 Book Review 10 Recipe Corner 10 The Light Chronicles: by Cachet Wells 11 Tech Tips by John Richards 12 Royal Blessings from God: by Carol L. Koren 12 GOCB Update by Sheila Young 13 Poetry Corner 13 FCB Officers, 2022 – 2024 14 2022-2024 FCB Chapter & Special Affiliate Officer Liaisons 15 Handy Telephone Number References 17 January-February 2023 President’s Message by Sheila Young Dear FCB family and friends, As I realize we are about to begin a new year, I say Hallelujah!! Once again, we have been through another trying and difficult year, but FCB has survived it! When you look back at this year, once again, FCB has accomplished many important things! We, once again, held a successful hybrid state convention, and I feel it was extremely well-done and well-attended! We had more first-timers there than ever before, and hopefully they will come back! We should all be very proud of that! Our virtual legislative week was very nicely done, thanks to everyone’s participation, and I am sure this next one will be just as awesome! The community calls for all of our members has been educational, as well as some have been playing games, which, I, myself, have really enjoyed! It is an opportunity for many of our members, who wish to be able to connect with other members. I am always looking for suggestions for topics for those calls, so please feel free to reach out to me if you would like us to cover something in particular. Our 2023 state convention is not that far away, so if you have ideas of workshops, please reach out to Kati Lear, the chair of our convention committee. If there is a committee you might wish to join, please feel free to look at our web site, fcb.org, and reach out to that chairperson. We would love to have you take part in the inner-workings of our affiliate! I hope you have the same goal as I do, and that is to encourage independence and enhance the quality of life for people in our state who are blind or visually impaired. We need to lead the way by advocating with our local, state and federal governments, increasing awareness of and providing education around the needs of the blind and low vision community. It is also important that we be available to support each other, as we don’t know what others may be going through. I believe in giving a hand up not a handout! It is through those combined efforts that we will truly be able to make a difference in the lives of our future generations. In making your New Year’s resolutions, pray for all to be well and for us to continue to move ahead with forward thinking so we will remain the awesome affiliate that we are! *** Planning for the 2023 FCB State Convention by Kati Lear 2023 has arrived and I hope that this year will be a happy and fulfilling year for you. We are in the planning stages for our FCB Convention. The dates are Thursday, June 1 to Sunday, June 4, 2023. Our convention hotel is the Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland. Their address is 600 North Lake Destiny Drive. Room rates are $99 per night plus tax. This is your convention and the Convention Committee wants the program to reflect your interests and needs. We are gathering sponsors and exhibitors. Please talk with your committees, special interest affiliates and friends for program planning. Please send your program write ups to me by February 14. My email address is floridacouncil@comcast.net. We will put them in the convention call and convention program. We are looking forward to reading your program write ups. We hope that you have a blessed, happy and prosperous 2023. *** Education, Leadership, and Scholarships Committee Gabriel Lopez Kafati, Chairperson The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) Scholarship Program consists of awards totaling $5,000.00, offered to exemplary students who are enrolled in academic education, professional or technical training, or who have a proven record of disability-advocacy, beyond the high school level. The scholarship opportunities are: * Gayle M. Krause-Edwards Scholarship: $1,500.00– 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 * Teresa Blessing Scholarship: $1,000.00– Offered to an outstanding full-time college student * Timothy 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: $500.00– Awarded to an eligible applicant who is enrolled part-time in a college or university, or a student enrolled in a technical institute. * Nancy Burgess-Hall Advocacy Scholarship: $1,000.00– Awarded to a student who is enrolled in a Higher Education Institution and who has a proven record of engaging in in disability-advocacy. 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: 1. With the exception of the Nancy Burgess-Hall Advocacy Scholarship, applicants for all the other Scholarships 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. 2. Applicant must be a current resident of the State of Florida. However, the college or university doesn't have to be in Florida. 3. Applicant must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply.) 4. Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical institute or be accepted for enrollment. A letter of acceptance is required. 5. Applicant must be seeking a college degree or certificate. 6. 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 $500.00 scholarship. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH MUST ACCOMPANY THIS APPLICATION INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: 1. An explanatory or descriptive statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in a chosen field. A brief description of how you heard about the Florida Council of the Blind and its Scholarship program; and how you foresee any future involvement with FCB. Additionally, 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.). 2. Two letters of recommendation. 3. Sealed or electronic official transcript from school currently or most recently attended. 4. Letter of acceptance from accredited college or university. 5. Certification of visual status from eye physician or DBS Counselor. This document MUST be sent electronically or via mail directly by certifying entity. Certification of visual status and transcript(s) MUST be postmarked no later than March 15, 2023 if sent via mail. Please forward Certification of visual status and transcript(s) to: fcbscholarships@gmail.com Florida Council of the Blind c/o Gabriel Lopez Kafati 6371 Pent Place Miami Lakes, FL 33014 All of the information can be found at fcb.org. Please e-mail application packet, all recommendation letters and supporting documents electronically to: fcbscholarships@gmail.com (No handwritten applications will be considered) All applications and documents must be received no later than March 15, 2023. The Education, Leadership, and Scholarships Committee will review all applications; will hold brief virtual interviews with each applicant; and will select the four winners. Recipients will be notified prior to the state annual convention and the winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on June 2nd, 2023, in Maitland, 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 on the following basis: $0.445 per mile. For more information about our Scholarship program, you may contact Gabriel Lopez Kafati at fcbscholarships@gmail.com or by phone at 786-547-5465. *** The Florida Council of the Blind 2023 State, Chapter, & Special Interest Affiliate Awards by: Nancy L. Folsom The FCB Awards Committee is desirous of honoring all members who deserve recognition for their devotion to improving the lives of the blind and visually impaired community. As always, the Florida Council of the Blind is honored to receive nominations for our State, Chapter, and Special Interest Affiliate Awards. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize those individuals who make an impact in our community! The deadline to submit nominations for all FCB awards is Wednesday, March 15th, 2023. The state awards are as follows: R. Henry P. Johnson, Dolly Gamble, W. A. Ouzts, William (Bill) Ferrell (Just Bill), Legislative, President’s Award, Outstanding High School Senior, and Mobility Award. Chapters and Special Interest Affiliates wishing to recognize a member, please send that person’s name to the Awards Committee by April 15, 2022. To learn more about the criteria for each award, please visit: www.fcb.org and select “Awards Criteria from the main menu. All awards will be presented during FCB’s Convention in Maitland during the Awards Banquet to take place on Friday, June 2nd, 2023. For additional questions or for assistance in submitting any nomination(s), please contact Nancy L. Folsom, Awards Committee Chair at:  bnfolsom@comcast.net or by Phone: 850-524-5026 *** Project Insight News (PIN) by Nancy Folsom The Project Insight committee is proud to share with you Project Insight News, (PIN) We would like to use the WCB to share resources that might help someone as they deal with issues related to blindness. Whether you have been dealing with vision loss for a long time, or whether you are new to this new way of life, we hope to share helpful information for making life easier. If you know of a new resource such as a great support group, a fun event or a new program for the computer or a new app for the phone, please feel to share it with the project Insight committee at nfolsom@comcast.net and we will send it in to the WCB. We will be sharing something in every issue and will look forward to anything our readers would like to contribute. *** 4 Ways to Encourage Inclusion During a Meeting Dana Brownlee Senior Contributor May 19, 2022 03:58 pm EDT Forbes.com Like it or not, most business is conducted during some sort of meeting—virtual or live, small or large—and meetings aren’t always inclusive spaces. In fact, they can sometimes be downright exclusive, and that exclusivity can unfortunately not just influence decisions and outcomes but also negatively impact morale and team cohesion. Just like high school, meetings can be impacted by a hierarchy of sorts. At the top are those who clearly feel included because they tend to be more heard, valued and influential while those at the bottom tend to have less impact and oftentimes feel less included in the discussion or decision process. A range of factors might impact who feels included and who doesn’t. These factors could include overt, front of mind DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) elements like race, cultural background and gender, but other qualities like age, tenure, academic background, salary grade and personality/extroversion level can also impact whether someone feels included and valued. The good news is that if you’re intentional, there are clear strategies that leaders or any meeting participant can use to make meetings more inclusive. Creative Introductions For those team members who don’t feel like they’re part of the “cool kids’ table” in the meeting, it can be more difficult to build relationships. Oftentimes, there is pre-meeting banter that they’re simply not part of which can painfully highlight the fact that the space doesn’t feel inclusive. One small way to help everyone build stronger relationships is by incorporating tiny relationship building elements into standard agenda items, like introductions. Instead of asking each person to just share their name and title, ask them to also share an interesting fact that might reveal unexpected areas of commonality or connection. Consider prompt questions like these: - What was your first paid job? - What is something on your bucket list? - What is your proudest personal achievement? - What was your favorite band, singer or television show growing up? - What is an interesting fact that no one on the team knows about you? Use A Round Robin Style Approach To Encourage Balanced Input Too many meetings are dominated by the loudest, most extraverted voices in the room, but unfortunately just because someone is loud—or even persistent—doesn’t mean that they’re right or that their perspective is shared by others. This is a key reason why it’s important to use practical techniques to encourage more balanced participation. One great way to do just that is to avoid the reflexive impulse to allow free-for-all discussion on all topics and instead selectively use a more structured (round robin style) process to ensure everyone is heard. With this process the leader (or facilitator) would go “around the table” (either literally or virtually) asking each person to offer brief feedback on the topic at hand. Obviously, this wouldn’t be practical for large meetings, but as long as the group is small to mid-sized, it can be a powerful tool. Ask Participants To Document Ideas Before Speaking This is another great technique that can create a more level playing field for meeting contributions. Before discussing an important topic, ask each attendee to simply write down their points. For example, if the meeting goal is to identify ways to improve customer satisfaction (or reduce costs/defects, etc.), give each participant a sticky pad and ask them to write down their top 2-3 ideas (or if the meeting is virtual, ask them to write it in the chat). This only takes a couple minutes, but it provides a way for everyone to contribute equally. It also creates a space for participants to form their own, independent ideas without being impacted by others’ views. Once participants have jotted down their own ideas, each person can share one of their ideas verbally. Even if the group opts to have a more free-wheeling open discussion at that point, the leader can gather/document everyone’s ideas for consideration. Close The Meeting With Peer Kudos One great way to build team cohesion and inclusiveness is by encouraging meeting participants to acknowledge others’ ideas. While quieter participants may not speak as much, they may have profound ideas, and they should be acknowledged. While those who dominate discussions receive a type of validation through the process of contributing and being heard (e.g. quantity of contribution), this practice recognizes quality of contribution as well by encouraging acknowledgement of the most interesting and innovative ideas. Indeed, peer recognition can be a powerful way to not just reward contributions real time but also provide building blocks for relationship building within the team. Meetings can be powerful tools that don’t just help teams get things done. They also help define organizational culture and can create opportunities for real connection. While some may leave meetings feeling energized, validated and supported, others may leave feeling ignored, minimized and devalued. Indeed, inclusive leaders will not just care about what gets accomplished but also how it gets done. *** Book selection Mills, Kyle Rising Phoenix DBC08187 Reading time: 12 hours, 11 minutes. Read by Michael Lowndes. A production of Florida Bureau of Braille and Talking Book Library Services. Adventure Bestsellers On learning that his son is hooked on drugs, a rich evangelist declares war on drug dealers. John Hobart hires an ex-DEA agent to poison their supplies. As thousands die and society applauds, both the FBI and the drug dealers go after Hobart. Strong language and violence. *** Recipe Corner Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles 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. *** The Light Chronicles:  A Cosmic View by Cachet Wells Closing my eyes, I try to envision that which is above and beyond. The thing that separates the here and now, from the mystery of that which is considered to be the unknown out there. The feelings of nothing graspable in my hand, but you know it’s present. Feeling the very being of who I am, being transported and catapulted to a place unreachable by my steps, untouchable by my own hands and sightless even with eyes wide open.  A collection of feelings and emotions gather together like constellations, circulating around the cosmic atmosphere. With infinite depth of the issues of life I face, like they are traveling and travailing the planets of the solar system of this world of mine. Looking out into nothing, seeing something without seeing nothing at all, but viewing everything that space has to offer differently. The incomprehensible imagery of weightless matter coagulating together like the stars lighting up the nights sky.  That special space that gives us place, a place of space where we feel like we belong. Free to just be, with no limitations, and dance upon the stars singing twinkle, twinkle because even in the galaxy of three dimensional, we matter. Not trying to give an account of what we can see or not see. Not questioning how much light is really out there, in this space or how much is entering into these pupils. Not having to identify any perceptions of depth, no determining of colors; primary or bright, red, yellow, green or what because it's all about the dark. Vivid visions giving validity to its existence.  Like ET phoning home, you can just imagine the galactic conversation circulating in your mind. The warm thoughts and beams of light sprinting across from space's space. As I open my eyes from the illuminous adventures of where space has taken me, through dark depths, weighted waves of the wisdom beyond, as far as the unblinded eyes can see.  To awaken from what seemed to be a long night’s dream in space, but it’s in fact a daily glimpse of my actuality. That the light of day has come and is almost gone from these eyes of mine. That the beauty that rest in far away spaces are now the daily close, closed circuit view that is before me of my reality. Seeing the view of stars and constellations come in through sporadic spots and floaters that come and go as they so please. Clouds of heavenly bliss that block the images of space and spaces. It is in this time, that I travel beyond what the peripheral or central vision can see to remember, reflect and revisit that beautiful space between my eyes view. *** Tech Tips by John Richards: for the Technology Committee Is Fast Charging Detrimental To Your Cell Phone Battery!! While reading the specs of many of the newer smart phones, fast charging capabilities are most likely mentioned as a selling point. However, does fast charging diminish the overall battery life? Fast chargers operate at a higher wattage; the higher the wattage, the shorter the charging time. The heat generated to the battery as a result of the higher wattage is harmful to the life cycle of the battery. Cell phone manufacturers realize this and have devised ways to curtail heat during the charging cycle. in some chargers, power management is handled in the charging brick not in the phone, thus minimizing heat; some use parallel charging, splitting the battery in to two cells while adding power management hardware to split the incoming power; accelerating the charging time with less heat. they are also adding cooling hardware to the phone itself in the form of heat shields, vapor chambers, or fans; all to minimize heat. In short, modern phones have hardware and sensors inside to measure temperature and regulate charging; in addition, on board software for the user to actively maintain the battery. Furthermore, the user can minimize heat around the device by simply using common sense. Do not leave the device on the dash board directly in the sun in a hot vehicle; or better yet, leaving it on top of a toaster oven at 450 degrees as I once did. Believe it or not, the phone is still working. Generally, your battery should maintain 80% battery health after 800 charges, about two years or so. Consequently, many consumers will upgrade to a newer phone anyway, in about two to three years. *** Royal Blessings from God by Carol L. Koren I think God provided me with a different kind of gift- which is called AMD, short for Age related Macular Degeneration. It clouds my vision and greatly reduces my ability to see things like oncoming vehicles and pedestrians, so I no longer drive myself anywhere. However, what I have noticed, is that through the haze, I can see God better! I can see Him through the morning sunlight streaming into our living room as I break fast at breakfast time. I see and feel His unfailing love as nearly every morning, there's a ride from a willing friend waiting in my driveway to get me to whatever appointment(s) I have that day. I see my friends in a new light, as I experience their compassion, patience and prayers, while I come to terms with more than just this limitation. And I no longer see the battle scars, wrinkles, and poorly placed moles on my face and body- meaning my makeup may not always be perfect. But then, my friends and family are also blessed with that God-given mirage, and they are truly, so beautiful and handsome, to my heart! God blesses me to see the purer, truer quality of each, as I am gifted by their company going to and from. It seems that as these wonderful people extend the use of their vehicle and time, I get to witness the best of their character and integrity, as well! In a relationship with Jesus, Legally blind, illegally blonde- and married to the man who completes my dream-- I am blessed beyond measure, and I know that God, and my faith in Him will always reign in my heart, even as the passing of the years and the ebb and flow of life carry me closer to my final home, beyond Heaven's gate. Carol L. Koren I am so Grateful for You! May God Richly Bless You and keep You! *** Chapter News January-February 2023 GOCB Update by Sheila Young In November, our chapter held elections of the officers for the coming year.  They are as follows:  Craig Marquis for president, Tom Babcock for first vice president, Dan Spoone for second vice president, Martha James for recording secretary, Sheila Young for treasurer, and Asli Goncer for membership secretary.  Congratulations to all the officers.  We look forward to the coming year. We held our Christmas luncheon this year at the home of Sheila Young. It was catered by Sonny’s, and we all had a wonderful time! Our chapter may be meeting in person for the first time since February of 2020! We are all looking forward to 2023! *** Poetry Corner Dave Steele, The Blind Poet Submitted by Sheila Young Trying not to panic for the way my eyes now see I maybe almost blind but must remember I’m still me I’ve overcome each obstacle that I’ve already faced and anything that I have lost I know will be replaced I’m constantly adjusting to this little left I’ve got one minute I feel strong and then the next minute I’m not But I must keep my focus be the light to lead the way my children look to guide them if one day their vision pay But sometimes I feel overwhelmed by what’s already gone It’s hard to step outside my door when clarity is none Yet out my door I’m heading I will not admit defeat my pride has took a beating but by this I won’t be beat So please don’t give up on me I just need some time to breathe for all I’ve lost and what’s to come my mind’s designed to grieve For I am only human and it’s true I’m sometimes weak but I will share it all with you through poetry I speak *** FCB OFFICERS, 2022 – 2024 President, Sheila Young 2304 Amherst Ave., Orlando, FL 32804 sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 1st Vice-President, Mikey Wiseman 591 E. 15th St., Hialeah, FL 33010 wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 2nd Vice President, Cassandra Jessie 408 White St., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Treasurer, Mark Lear P.O. BOX 214235 DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32121-4215 learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Membership Secretary, Sally Benjamin 1009 Concord Road, Apt. 116, Tallahassee, FL 32308 Salbenjamin60@gmail.com (850) 980-0205 Recording Secretary, Mary Tyson 291 Eddie Ave., Holly Hill, FL 32117 mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Immediate Past President, James Kracht 9901 SW 138th Street, Miami, FL 33176 jameskkracht@gmail.com (305) 251-6983 or (407) 378-3477 Editor of White Cane Bulletin, Sally Benjamin 1009 Concord Road, Apt. 116, Tallahassee, FL 32308 Salbenjamin60@gmail.com (850) 980-0205 FCB Administrative Assistant, Kati Lear (800) 267-4448 (386) 763-3836     floridacouncil@comcast.net *** 2022-2024 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) Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Greater Orlando Council of the Blind: Mark Lear learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Halifax Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Jacksonville Council of the Blind: Cassandra Jessie cassandrajessie@gmail.com (850) 980-0177 Manatee County Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin Salbenjamin60@gmail.com (850) 980-0205 Miami Beach Council of the Blind: James Kracht jameskkracht@gmail.com (305) 251-6983 Miami Metro Council of the Blind: James Kracht jameskkracht@gmail.com (305) 251-6983 Northwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 Palm Beach Council of the Blind: Sally Benjamin Salbenjamin60@gmail.com (850) 980-0205 Pinellas Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Sarasota Council of the Blind: Mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Mikey Wiseman wisemanmikey@gmail.com (305) 331-4870 Tallahassee Council of the Blind: Sheila Young sheilayoung125@att.net (407) 425-9200 Tampa Council of the Blind: James Kracht jameskkracht@gmail.com 305-251-6983 Braille Revival League of Florida: Mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Mark Lear learm52@icloud.com (386) 788-0463 Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision: Sally Benjamin Salbenjamin60@gmail.com 850-980-0205 Guide Dog Users of Florida: Mary Tyson mtyson541@bellsouth.net (386) 212-9496 Randolph Shepherd Vendors of Florida: James Kracht jameskkracht@gmail.com (305) 251-6983 *** 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 2