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FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 73rd ANNUAL CONVENTION
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
5905 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-351-2100
May 14 – May 17, 2026
Welcome to the 73rd Annual Convention of the
FLORIDA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND (FCB)
Our convention theme, submitted by DJ Hansard, is
WE’RE IN THE MIX IN 2026
Caravan To Convention!
Plans have begun and members are already gathering and scheduling their carpool rides, tickets and reservations to ensure that they don't miss a single magical moment. Turning every corner of the state in this 73rd year just cruising down I-4 by 4 as every road points us all to Florida's world renowned favorite center destination and the sunny side of International Drive.
Thoughts of gazing upon scenery that brushes over highways and train tracks, all while pondering over memories, meetings and meet-ups you’ll soon be thrust in with friends when you arrive. Can you believe it, Mickey and friends won't be the only ones awaiting your arrival. We anxiously look for you and your presence, like the Prince and Princess entering the Disney Castle because so much has been planned with you in mind.
Like a great Universal Studios movie, our convention program is full of anticipation, action and activities for all. No matter which one of our convention theaters (Universal, Sinatra, International and Millennia) you enter into at the Sheraton, there is an informative plot and many elements of surprise via resources, products and services from our Committees, Special Interest Affiliates, Sponsors, and Exhibitors that are waiting for you to experience. While various leaders will facilitate workshops on the latest in advocacy, Meta glasses, employment, accessible web tools and puppy raising and accessible Lego bricks.
Join in the discussion with Dr. Francisco Richardson, Trina Travis, Ted Henter, Lesa Kretschmer, Chef Debra Erickson and more on specific topics and resources available with Division of Blind Services, Technology, Low Vision Rehabilitation, hands on demonstrations with assistive technology devices, and adaptable kitchen tools.
Take note of these wonderful sessions that have unique visual style, audio cues, and deliberate pacing that creates a feeling of being inclusive for all who are Blind or Low Vision and inviting you to "sit on the edge of your seat" as you listen and participate.
Convention Sponsors 2026
With extreme gratitude and pleasure, we recognize and sincerely thank our 2026 Convention Sponsors!
They will be listed in the convention program.
To make your hotel reservations at the Four Points by Sheraton
Call 407-351-2100. Room rates are $122 per night plus tax.
Our reservation code is "Florida Council of the Blind 2026".
To register online, go to:
Book your group rate for Florida Council of the Blind 2026 Convention
Convention Registration Schedule
Thursday, May 14, 2026
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Friday, May 15, 2026
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:00 am – 11:00 am
Room: Millennia
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The FCB hospitality room will be open both Friday and Saturday evenings.
Room: Sinatra
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Our FCB Convention will be exciting and educational, full of varied and informative programs and of course, time for visiting and fun! There's something for everyone here, don't miss it!
This will be our sixth hybrid convention. This means that you can attend in person at the hotel or participate on Zoom. ACB Media will be streaming some of our convention workshops and will use another one of their Zoom rooms to present other audio only workshops. The ACB Media workshops will have a video feed so that presenters in the hotel or on Zoom will be seen by all participants. The Zoom information will be sent out a few days before the convention starts.
We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to ACB Media for providing us with their Zoom rooms and streaming our convention. We know that a lot of people were involved to make this happen, but we would like to give special thanks to Rick Morin, ACB Media and IT Manager, and his team for your many hours of dedication to our FCB Convention. We would also like to thank our Zoom hosts for hosting, and Ryan Cordell and John Richards for assisting us with streaming at the hotel.
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Thursday, May 14, 2026
Thursday Night Event 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Activities Committee
Come join the Activities Committee for some fun and entertainment at the Welcome Night on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026 from 7 PM to 10 PM. This event will be an Oldies But Goodies Open Mic Talent Showcase featuring the ‘50s through the ‘80s. We invite you to perform music, spoken word, comedy, poetry, or a karaoke song from one of these decades. Feel free to dust off your poodle skirts or bell-bottoms and dress for the occasion. Maybe you’ll win a door prize too! Even if you don’t want to perform, come cheer on your fellow FCB members and enjoy music from our DJ.
Registration to attend is $20, please select this item on your registration form. The buffet includes the following items: hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, cookies, iced tea and water.
We encourage you to sign up to perform in the talent showcase by completing this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eJ2n7o1qdO0VkxwJNPj9nQwIYEBlwisBStdIM5t...
Room: Ballroom Universal 1 and 2
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The Activities Committee also invites you to help save lives! FCB is partnering with OneBlood for members to participate in the Florida Council of the Blind Janeen Lea Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9 AM to 2 PM. You can donate blood via the mobile bus on site at the hotel. You may schedule an appointment prior to arriving for convention at the following link or visit the Activities Committee table in the Exhibit Hall:
https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1749601.
To conclude our convention activities on Saturday evening, the Activities Committee will host a Game Night in the Sinatra hospitality room from 9 PM to 10 PM. We invite you to come out for some fun and laughs! There is no cost to attendees for this event.
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Friday, May 15, 2026
REGISTRATION
8:00 am – 12:00 pm AND 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Room: Millennia
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EXHIBIT HALL
As always, one of the highlights of convention is our Exhibit Hall that will be open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm . Come browse, purchase goods or learn about new technology to assist you in living a more productive and independent life.
Room: International Ballroom
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8:30 – 9:30 am
Wake up with Get Up and Get Moving!
Join Koni Sims and Leslie Spoone on Friday, May 15 at 8:30 am for some stretching and some Aromatherapy to get your day started. You will feel energetic and relaxed for the whole day for all of your sessions.
Room: Universal Ballroom 2 Not On Zoom
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9:30 – 10:30 am
Guide Dog Users of Florida (GDUF)
Many factors go into the development and continued work of successful guide dogs, including education, matching and training, but other important components should be examined as well. How are future guide dog puppies chosen and what skills and behaviors are involved in the development of these wonderful companions and future important mobility assistants? Prior to a short business meeting, A panel will discuss puppy-raising programs and address concerns of raisers and handlers. This will be a great opportunity to share information and discuss various concerns.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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9:45 – 10:45 am
FCB Employment Committee Program
The Employment Committee Program will be held on Friday, MAY 15th, 2026 facilitated by Barbara Brown, Chair of the Employment Committee.
Employers will discuss the point of contact to encourage employees to communicate any issues they have with their accommodations, and the employer's effective approach is to simply follow up with the employee and confirm the accommodations are working as intended.
Employees will discuss any accommodation reporting issues or changes.
Employees will also discuss if they feel comfortable reporting, if the accommodations are still effective.
Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Zoom Audio
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11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presenter Debra Erickson, MS
Executive Chef and Founder of the Blind Kitchen
Welcome to The Blind Kitchen where adaptive tools, helpful strategies, and specialized knowledge are provided to blind and vision-impaired people who want to cook safely, confidently, and independently. Chef Debra will discuss safe cooking techniques and products that The Blind Kitchen sells to make your culinary experience meaningful and provide you with confidence. She will entertain questions. Please come join us.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Braille Revival League of Florida (BRLF)
Bricks for the Blind
Have you ever played with Lego bricks as a child, or built Lego items for your children or grandchildren? Do you find it much too difficult to create Lego sets without being able to read the instructions? And would you like to buy Lego sets for a blind child, but think it might be too complicated to put them together? Come to the BRLF workshop. Matthew Shifron will be demonstrating the Accessible bricks for the blind Lego sets and how to make creations with them. There will be a time for questions and answers and you will be able to touch and feel and put some of the pieces together. Matthew will also have a table at the exhibit area if you decide you may want to buy a set. Come on in and let's play with Lego bricks together!
Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Zoom Audio
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12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch On Your Own
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1:00 – 2:30 pm
The 2026 FCB Legislative Seminar
Moderated by Debbie Grubb
This year's legislative seminar will present a program outlining a crucial turning point in the process by which the organization conducts its work with the Florida Legislature and the Florida Congressional Delegation. This process began with our one-year experiment of conducting our Capitol Hill visits virtually with proven leaders in FCB chosen to lead teams through every component of arranging for and conducting these meetings. The hoped for outcome is that FCB will have a core group of people prepared to carry on the work of the Governmental Affairs committee in a more effective and inclusive manner with leadership and members trained and ready to support this effort. You will be hearing from program leaders and team members chosen by them about the effectiveness of this experiment and what they took away from it.
The program will conclude with a discussion about the necessity of working with people for whom we did not vote, why it is important, especially in a democracy, some meaningful examples of how this collaboration has moved our country forward in a positive way, and how to conduct these discussions in a manner that will move our issues forward without, in any way' violating our right to support the party and candidates of our choice.
The panelists bringing their expertise to this conversation are: Koni Sims, FCB's ACB Officer Liaison, member of the Board of Directors of the American Council of the Blind, and advocate on behalf of people with low vision, as well as anyone who seeks her assistance, Paul Edwards, immediate Past President of FCB and ACB, whose writing style and laser sharp understanding and great knowledge permeate the tone and content and intent of the work of FCB, and Mark Richert, an attorney and nationally recognized advocate, creator of the Cogswell Macy Act and force for good in the recognition of and carrying out of policies and programs that are a light and a path to our equal access to opportunity that looks like us.
Won't you join us seeking how to learn what role you might play in FCB's continuing efforts to educate and convince our political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, about the barriers that hinder us and the endless possibilities that we can bring when they are eliminated?
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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1:15 – 2:15 pm
Florida Vision Technology
Lesa Kretschmer, founder of Florida Vision Technology is proud to showcase the latest innovations designed to empower individuals and support success in school, the workplace, and daily life. During this technology presentation, attendees will experience hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge solutions across several categories of assistive technology. We will highlight the latest in multi-line braille tablets and braille-first computing that enhance literacy and digital access, navigation tools that promote independence and confident travel, and advanced video magnification systems that improve reading, writing, and everyday tasks. We will also demonstrate head-mounted devices designed specifically for intermediate and distance viewing, allowing users to clearly see activities such as crafts, hobbies, television, presentations, and computer screens. In addition, attendees will experience the newest smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence, which can read text, identify objects, and provide real-time information about the surrounding environment. Each technology is selected for its ability to help individuals gain greater access, independence, and opportunity through the power of assistive technology.
Room: Universal Ballroom 2 ACB Zoom Audio
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2:45 – 3:15 pm
Credentials Workshop
Register your onsite delegates for the convention. Each chapter or affiliate must be represented in person by an FCB member to receive your credentials.
Room: Universal Ballroom 2, Not on Zoom
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3:00 – 4:00 pm Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (CCTB)
Join the Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind on Friday, May 15 from 3 to 4pm, along with Patrick Long from InnoSearch, for what we think will be a very informative and helpful program.
While many everyday online services—such as shopping, travel booking, and customer support—remain difficult or impossible to use with screen readers, InnoSearch AI works to bridge those gaps with practical, real-world solutions.
Through accessible web tools, voice and phone-based services, and human-supported assistance when needed. InnoSearch AI enables blind and low-vision users to independently search for products, place orders, and complete tasks that would otherwise require sighted help. All services are designed with direct input from the blind community and are focused on usability, dignity, and independence rather than basic compliance alone.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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3:30 – 4:15 pm First-timers Workshop
Is this your first time attending an FCB Convention? WELCOME! We have a special workshop just for you, co-hosted by long-time members and FCB experts: Sally Benjamin, Mark Lear and Cassandra Jessie. This workshop will tell you who we are, what we do and what we have to offer. Come check it out and let us get to know each other.
Room: Universal Ballroom 2 Not on Zoom
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4:25 – 4:45 pm Executive Committee Meeting
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Zoom Audio
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4:50 – 5:15 pm Pre-Convention Board Meeting
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Zoom Audio
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5:45 – 6:30 pm Nominating Committee
Room: International 3 Not on Zoom
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7:00 pm The FCB Banquet
Scholarships and Live Auction and a guest speaker
Join us on Friday evening to celebrate and recognize our FCB scholarship students at a special dinner hosted in their honor by Sheila Young, committee chair for Education, Leadership and Scholarships.
Our banquet speaker will be Ted Henter, co-founder of Freedom Scientific. He will tell us of his vast life experiences from motorcycle racing, and water skiing. Ted has two daughters and two grandchildren.
The FCB Live Auction will consist of donated items auctioned by our esteemed auctioneer. At the conclusion of the banquet, there will be a drawing of the Chapter Revenue Tickets.
Our banquet food this year will be a buffet with choices of Caesar salad, garlic bread, mixed vegetables, cheese tortellini with Alfredo sauce, sauteed chicken breast in marsala wine mushroom sauce on a bed of penne pasta, and Tiramisu for dessert. The cost is $50. Please mark your registration form. If you are attending the Awards Luncheon, the cost for both events is $85.
Cash bar for drinks; cash and credit cards will be accepted.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media
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Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:00 – 11:00 am Convention Registration
Room: Millennia
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9:00 am – 3:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open
Room: International Ballroom
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9:00 am – 2:00 pm
FCB Memorial Janeen Lea Blood Drive
As you plan to join us in Orlando, Florida for our Annual FCB Convention in May, the Activities Committee invites you to help us save lives.
The Florida Council of the Blind is partnering with OneBlood at this year's convention for members to give back onsite, one donor at a time. Donors can contribute via the mobile bus on May 16, 2026 from 9 am – 2 pm. You can schedule an appointment prior to arriving for convention by clicking the following link.
Florida Council of the Blind Janeen Lea Blood Drive:
https://donor.oneblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/1749601.
Thank you for your continued support!
Room: Mobile Bus on site at the hotel
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8:00 – 9:45 am
73rd ANNUAL STATE CONVENTION
8:00 – 8:30 Announcements and Sponsor Presentations
Opening Ceremony moderated by Debbie Grubb
In this time of great division in our country, it seemed most appropriate to discuss grassroots advocacy, an action that throughout our history, has brought unity, solidarity and the birth of the core principles and policies that have made possible the best that this country has to offer to its citizens and to people around the world.
We will discuss a bit of the history of grassroots advocacy in this country, why it was and continues to be important, rules of the road that lead to best outcomes, the importance of bringing our own unique strengths and personal experiences to it when the need requires, which it certainly does today, and protecting members and the organizations that they represent from the legal ramifications of advice they may give to those who come seeking it.
Koni Simms, FCB Officer Liaison from ACB, Mark Richert, attorney and nationally recognized advocate, and Paul Edwards, Immediate Past President of both FCB and ACB, will bring their experiential knowledge and expertise to this discussion.
Won't you come with open hearts and minds prepared to consider what you may do to right wrongs and bring about a renewed respect for and interest in the true reinstatement of the best that diversity, equity and inclusion truly means?
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media
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9:45 – 10:00 am Break
10:00 – 10:50 am
Ted Henter’s Forty Year Career
Join Ted Henter as he discusses his career prior to technology, working at Maryland Computers, and his extensive and exceptional career at Freedom Scientific. You will be amazed!
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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10:50 – 11:00 am Break
11:00 – 11:50 am
FCB Technology Committee Program
Meta Smart Glasses
Smart glasses for people who are blind or have low vision are opening new doors to independence, access, and participation in our communities. Using built-in cameras, audio feedback, and artificial intelligence, these wearable devices can read printed text aloud, identify objects and people, and describe surroundings in real time. Designed to be hands-free and discreet, smart glasses support everyday tasks at home, at work, and while traveling throughout Florida’s cities and neighborhoods. Come join Cindy Hollis, Manager of Membership Engagement, American Council of the Blind, and the technology committee at the Florida Council of the Blind State Convention for this presentation. You will learn about this evolving technology and how it represents an exciting step forward in expanding opportunities, empowerment, and informed choice for blind Floridians.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 ACB Media Stream
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12:15 – 1:45 pm
FCB Awards Luncheon
Please come and join our FCB Awards Luncheon and honor those who are receiving state and chapter awards. The Awards Committee, chaired by Cachet Wells will conduct the presentations.
Our luncheon will be a buffet consisting of the following choices: garden salad, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, green beans, barbecue pulled pork, barbecue chicken sliders, cheesecake, iced tea and water.
The cost is $40. If you are attending the FCB banquet, the cost for both is $85. Please mark your registration form.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media
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2:00 – 3:00 pm FCB Annual Town Hall Meeting
Plan to attend this exciting and informative meeting moderated by President Mikey Wiseman. You will hear from the Director of the Division of Blind Services, (DBS) Trina Travis, regarding the current status of the goals and mission of the agency including specific news that she wishes to bring to us. Nicole Saunders, from the DBS Talking Book Library will tell us about their new projects. After their presentations, they will answer questions from the audience.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media
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3:15 – 4:30 pm Low Vision Information from Dr. Francisco Richardson
Florida Council of the Blind welcomes back Dr. Richardson for his second presentation about low vision. He is the founder of Eyes on Winter Park which specializes in comprehensive eye care, specialty contact lenses, and low vision rehabilitation. Dr. Richardson is a graduate of Southeastern Nova University with a degree in Doctor of Optometry. He will discuss aging with IRD, macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, testing and treatment and resources.
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Media
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Sunday, May 17, 2026
8:30 am – Noon
Bright and early on Sunday morning, you can claim your right and responsibility as an FCB member by participating in the organization's annual business meeting. Hear from leaders about progress made and work yet needing to be done and discover what important role you can play in advocacy.
Business Meeting Outline
Call To Order: Mikey Wiseman, President
Roll Call: Sally Benjamin
Minutes: Elizabeth Bowden
Treasurer’s Report: Mark Lear
President’s Report: Mikey Wiseman
Awards Committee: Cachet Wells
Scholarships Recipients: Sheila Young
Convention Committee: Kati Lear
Resolutions Committee: Paul Edwards
Other Committee Reports: (as needed)
Unfinished Business:
New Business:
Announcements:
Room: Universal Ballroom 1 and 2 ACB Zoom Audio
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Proposed Amendment to FCB Constitution Article III New Section E and
Proposed Amendment to Article VI FCB Bylaws
Approved by FCB Constitution & By Laws Committee (02/09/2026)
ARTICLE VI Officers
PROPOSED - ADD Section H:
H. Any individual wishing to hold any office within FCB, its chapters, or Special Interest Affiliates, except for the Secretary and Treasurer position, must reside in the State of Florida.