* 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:
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THE WHITE CANE BULLETIN
Florida Council of The Blind, Inc.
November - December 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
Winter, the Holidays, and the Feelings We Carry: by Sally Benjamin
FCB 2027 State Convention: by Kati Lear
As I Saw It by: Tom Hanson
In the Spotlight: Ricardo Salazar
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
First Florida Chapter of Achilles International Launches in Orlando by: Greg Lindberg
Jottings From Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
Blind Sailing by: Yanek Martinson
Recipe Corner Submitted by: Sheila Young
Chapter news
On the Road Activities by: Greg Lindberg
Re-introducing CALM: Chapter Any Location Members by: Peggy Carpenter
FCCLV News and Membership Drive
Tech Tips by John Richards for Technology Committee
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
FCB OFFICERS 2026 – 2028
2026-2028 CHAPTER & SPECIAL AFFILIATE OFFICER LIAISONS
Handy Telephone Number References
Winter, the Holidays, and the Feelings We Carry: by Sally Benjamin
Winter changes the rhythm of ordinary days. Evening comes earlier, sweaters return to familiar places, and a warm drink becomes a small pleasure worth lingering over. Whether the season brings snow or simply cooler air, it invites us to notice the comforts we sometimes hurry past.
The holidays add their own glow. Lights brighten windows, familiar recipes find their way back to the table, and a song can bring an old memory unexpectedly close. Much of the season’s warmth lives in these details: the smell of something baking, a handwritten greeting, or a conversation that lasts long after the dishes are cleared.
Yet this time of year does not feel cheerful to everyone, or cheerful all the time. Anticipation can sit beside weariness, and gratitude beside longing. Gatherings may remind us of people we miss or traditions that have changed. Those feelings belong to the season, too; we do not have to set them aside to appreciate a bright moment.
Perhaps the most meaningful holiday moments are the ones that leave room for life as it is. An invitation without pressure, a quiet walk, or an extra chair can matter more than a perfectly planned celebration. Winter and the holidays offer no single way to feel. They give us occasions to remember, to rest, and to find warmth in each other’s company.
Happy Holidays to ALL!
***
FCB 2027 State Convention: by Kati Lear
Before we know it, it will be time for our FCB state convention. This year it will be virtual taking place on Friday, May 21 through Sunday, May 23, 2027. We will be using one Zoom room donated by ACB media. Sponsor and chapter affiliate programs and workshops will be streamed on Friday and Saturday. We will have a virtual exhibit hall.
On Thursday evening, May 20, the virtual FCB auction will be streamed. On Friday evening, May 21, the Activities Committee will host a game night. State and chapter awards and scholarships will be presented on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, May 23, the FCB business meeting will take place.
Convention registration will cost $20 this year. All who register will receive the Zoom link and be eligible for door prizes.
Program write ups are due on or before February 14, 2027, Valentine’s Day. Send them to Kati Lear at floridacouncil@comcast.net. Convention theme suggestions need to be submitted by Valentine’s Day as well. The winner will receive a 25 dollar Amazon gift certificate from FCB.
The Convention Committee is looking forward to reading your write ups for your programs. If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address listed above or call me at (800) 267-4448 or (386) 763-3836.
***
As I Saw It by: Tom Hanson
A review of the book “As I Saw It: Memoirs of a Guide Dog”
by: Tom Hanson and Marco Hanson, Guide Dog Extraordinaire
There are many beautiful and varied stories that populate the guide dog movement, as many and as varied as the people who make the decision to take that harness in their left hand and say the word that opens the door to freedom in a most amazing way, “forward!” This is one such story. The story is told through the voice of Marco, but from its beginning it is easy to see that it comes from the bonded hearts of Tom and Marco.
As I Saw It is the story of a Golden Retriever named Marco and a retired couple, Tom and Sue, who still embrace life and all that it offers. Adventure, fun, risk taking, and the giving and receiving of love and friendship remain a part of their DNA, despite Tom having been totally blind since age six.
Tom and Sue had retired and moved to their Florida home, where they had established a life of activity, connection to many friends and the continuation of loving relationships with members of their family. They resonate with the warm, enduring traits of the Heartland, where they were born, raised, found each other and spent their working lives together.
As advanced hearing loss and the growing popularity of quiet-running electric and hybrid vehicles made independent traveling more perilous for Tom, he decided to turn in his white cane for a guide dog. Enter Marco, who was in the final stage of training at Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan. What began as a practical mobility solution quickly evolved into a profound partnership built on unwavering trust, mutual respect and unconditional love. Marco dedicated his life to his dad and master, guiding him and, with him, bringing joy and love to all with whom they came into contact.
As you read Marco and Tom’s story, always told from Marco’s point of view so convincingly you can almost hear him speaking to you, you will move through a community of good people, playing cards in the clubhouse, participating in potlucks, boat rides, long invigorating walks, Marco snoozing through endless community Board meetings, enjoying outings with friends, family reunions back in Wisconsin and, of course, Marco’s cute antics (especially when they involve treats and squeaky toys). There is also the loss of beloved friends, family members and Marco’s surrogate brothers, cats Waldo and Buddy, and the cruelest and most ironic cut of all, the loss of his own eyesight.
Marco recounts his journey into blindness and his acceptance of Tom’s successor guide dog, Hank, from Freedom Guide Dogs, with amazing doggy grace, and how several hurricanes in quick succession finally triggered their move back to the Midwest to live near Wichita, Kansas, where he was once again able to enjoy stretching out on the soft, sweet smelling green grass he loved.
In short, this is simply the story of a loving family living their lives, and of Tom and Marco doing the freedom miracle every single day.
Marco and Tom provide a very lovely gift to their readers. The book ends with resources such as the listing of guide dog schools, a listing of what to give serious thought to when considering whether or not to bring a guide dog into your life, organizations of and for the blind and their guide dog affiliates, and the legal requirements and responsibilities for all guide dog handlers and the public accommodations to which we are entitled.
This is a very beautiful, unique and special story. Your mind and your heart will be touched and enlightened as Marco tells you about his life with his beloved family—a family of one very special couple and one magnificent guide dog—who made it through life with all its ups and downs together, sometimes because of and sometimes in spite of them.
This is indeed a beautiful read.
As I Saw It is available print and ebook from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and Xlibris.com/en/bookstore
Debbie Grubb
***
In the Spotlight: Ricardo Salazar
A Journey of Courage, Opportunity, and Advocacy: by Alicia Eidson
A Young Man With a Remarkable Story
Today, on White Cane Day, I had the honor of interviewing one of our youngest members of FCB, Ricardo Salazar. At just 24 years old, Ricardo has faced some challenging circumstances, yet he has overcome so much. Speaking with him was a joy, and I came away inspired by his story, his determination, and his dreams for the future.
Ricardo's journey is a powerful reminder that our circumstances do not have to define us. Sometimes, the most difficult roads lead us to opportunities we never imagined.
Leaving Home in Search of Hope
Ricardo was born in Maturin, a small town in the eastern part of Venezuela, in the state of Monagas. He lived there until he was fourteen years old.
As many of us have heard, Venezuela has experienced significant turmoil. Ricardo explained that the country's difficulties were beginning to affect his family when he was fourteen. They needed to find another place to live, both for their safety and to seek new opportunities. They were experiencing problems with employment, food shortages, power outages, and other services. Ricardo said, “It was just awful!”
His family was given an opportunity to move to Bolivia, another country in South America. However, Bolivia presented its own challenges. Eventually, circumstances required Ricardo and his older sister to return to Venezuela while their parents remained in Bolivia. His parents continued to provide for them financially, and Ricardo and his sister lived with their grandmother in the home where they had grown up. Ricardo had spent only three or four months in Bolivia before returning to Venezuela.
By the time Ricardo was sixteen, conditions in Venezuela had deteriorated further. He desperately wanted to leave and begged his parents to help him get out. His sister had moved to the capital to study, but Ricardo also wanted a fresh start. He returned to Bolivia to be with his parents, yet political unrest made that situation uncertain, too.
Ricardo's sister eventually suggested that the family consider the United States, where they might find better opportunities. She and her boyfriend moved to Chicago because they had contacts there, while Ricardo and his parents made their way to Orlando, Florida.
For Ricardo, this move would mark the beginning of a new chapter.
“Yes, this was my first home in the United States”, says Ricardo.
A New Country, a New Educational Journey
Once in Orlando, Ricardo's parents found jobs, and he began attending school. In Venezuela, students typically graduate at sixteen. Because Ricardo had left during his senior year, however, he had not yet completed his diploma.
The family arrived in 2019, before COVID-19. When the pandemic hit in 2020, schools shut down, and Ricardo continued his education virtually.
As he approached graduation, his school counselor suggested that he attend the school for the blind in St. Augustine. Ricardo had never attended a school for the blind and was curious about what he might learn there. He decided to defer his diploma so he could take advantage of the opportunity.
His counselor felt that additional time to learn Braille and develop skills for college would help prepare him for the future. Since Ricardo had been in Florida's school system for less than a year, the extra time proved valuable.
Meanwhile, his parents were ready for a change of their own. They wanted to leave Orlando and find a new environment. Ricardo was adjusting to a new school while traveling between St. Augustine and Orlando every weekend, and his parents were looking for a place that better suited their needs. Eventually, they settled in Miami.
Ricardo attended the school for the blind for only seven or eight months. The weekly bus trips became exhausting, and he decided he had had enough. But he has no regrets about attending. In fact, some of his very best friends came from that experience.
Sometimes, a chapter in our lives does not have to last forever to leave a lasting impact.
Academic Excellence and a Determination to Keep Growing
After leaving the school for the blind, Ricardo enrolled at Miami Dade College. He earned his two-year degree and graduated with honors.
But he was not finished!
He went on to Florida International University (FIU), where he earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish, with a minor in Criminal Justice and a certificate in Translation and Interpretation.
And just when you think he might slow down, Ricardo continues to amaze us. He is now pursuing a master's degree in Public Administration.
What an accomplishment for someone who has navigated international relocation, changing educational environments, and the challenges of vision loss while continuing to pursue his dreams!
Ricardo's educational journey shows us what can happen when determination meets opportunity. He has continued to move forward, building the knowledge and skills that will help him make a difference in the lives of others.
Learning to Navigate a Changing World
Let's go back a little and talk about Ricardo's blindness.
He was born sighted, but he was diagnosed with a disease called Leber’s. By the age of twelve, he noticed that his vision had deteriorated significantly. Although he had a cane, he did not use it consistently at first.
Ricardo said, “Everything was just more difficult to do”.
His vision became increasingly blurry, and getting around grew more strenuous. Interestingly, Ricardo's father is an optometrist and was able to help him by prescribing stronger lenses as his vision changed. Eventually, however, even stronger lenses could no longer correct his vision sufficiently.
Ricardo told me that it was very cool that his dad could help for free!
As his vision changed, Ricardo had to adapt little by little. He was assigned a Braille tutor, but he admits that he was stubborn and reluctant to learn Braille at the time. As a result, he was not particularly committed to learning it. He was taught to use a slate and stylus, and he explained that Perkins Braillers were not available to him in Venezuela at that time.
Learning new skills is not always easy, especially when we are young and do not yet understand how important those skills will become. Ricardo's experience reminds us that each person has their own timeline for accepting change and discovering what works best for them.
Growing Up Without the Accommodations He Needed
Before the age of twelve, Ricardo considered himself much like any other child. He enjoyed running around and playing with his cousins.
Ricardo said, “My dad used to tell me to be careful or don’t go running around too much, but I didn’t give a damn and I ran around all over with my cousins.”
Although he had low vision, Ricardo felt that his parents never held him back or placed unnecessary limits on what he could do. He remembers some challenges with sports and other activities, but things became increasingly difficult as his vision diminished.
At school in Venezuela, there were no formal services or accommodations for blind students. Ricardo often had to advocate for himself. He sometimes felt that other students knew him primarily as “The Blind Kid.”
By middle school, his vision was almost nonexistent, making it difficult or impossible for him to read, write, or do math independently. Students took turns helping him get around and navigate the stairs. Socially, he often felt excluded.
Yet even in those challenging circumstances, there were moments of kindness and creativity. One teacher found him a chessboard designed for blind players. Another introduced him to the abacus as a tool for solving math problems.
Ricardo learned to speak up for himself because there was no established system to ensure that his needs were met. At the beginning of each new school year, he would introduce himself to his teachers and explain the accommodations he needed. There was no plan already in place for him. Some teachers made adjustments more readily than others, but Ricardo continued to advocate for himself. Think about what that required of a young student. While his classmates could focus on learning, Ricardo often had to make sure he had the tools and support necessary just to participate.
His experience illustrates why accessibility, appropriate accommodations, and understanding educators matter so much. No student should have to fight alone for the opportunity to learn.
Discovering the Freedom of Accessibility
Moving to the United States brought a world of difference.
Ricardo was introduced to Section 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Instead of having to explain his needs entirely on his own, he began participating in meetings specifically designed to discuss his education and the accommodations that would help him succeed.
Suddenly, there were accommodations right there before his very eyes! How freeing that must have been for Ricardo.
At Oakridge High School in Orlando, he continued learning Braille and received orientation and mobility (O&M) training. These skills helped him learn to travel independently around his school and prepared him for greater independence beyond the classroom.
Access to the right training and resources can open doors that once seemed impossible to reach. For Ricardo, these opportunities helped him build the foundation for the educational accomplishments and leadership experiences that would follow.
From Wanting to Hide to Becoming a Leader
One of the most inspiring parts of Ricardo's story is how he found his way into advocacy.
While browsing a blindness forum on the internet, Ricardo came across the then-president of the American Council of the Blind Students. She explained the organization and its affiliate to him.
Ricardo's father had encouraged him to become more involved in advocacy because he believed his son's story could inspire others. At the time, however, Ricardo was not interested in being in the public eye. He did not want attention or recognition.
“I wanted to be in hiding!”, says Ricardo.
The president explained that he could volunteer and earn volunteer hours, which could help him qualify for scholarship money. Ricardo had not known about those scholarship opportunities or the committee, so he became curious and decided to explore the possibilities. He paid his dues and began connecting with other people who were blind or had low vision.
Before long, Ricardo was voluntold to become treasurer!
He was not convinced that he had done a particularly good job. In his own humorous words, “Now that we have a really good treasurer, I realize how bad I was. “
When the president of ACB Students left the position, others recognized Ricardo's potential for leadership and encouraged him to run for president. He was hesitant because he had never been president of anything before.
Still, he took a chance on himself.
Last year, he ran and won. This year, he ran again and was re-elected. Today, Ricardo serves as president of the affiliate.
What a transformation! The young man who once wanted to stay out of sight has stepped into a leadership role, using his voice and experiences to contribute to a community that matters to him.
Sometimes, others recognize our potential before we recognize it ourselves. With encouragement, opportunity, and a willingness to take a chance, we may discover strengths we never knew we had.
Finding His Voice Through FCB and Advocacy
Over the past year, Ricardo has also become involved with the Florida Council of the Blind (FCB), particularly its activities committee, where he has been doing an excellent job.
He has developed friendships with Clair Stanley and our current president, Mikey Wiseman. His first FCB convention was in 2025. He also attended the leadership conference in Washington, D.C., which sparked a deeper interest in legislation and advocacy. In addition, he is involved with FCCLV.
These experiences have helped Ricardo see how he can make a difference beyond his own immediate circle.
He hopes to move out of his parents' home and establish greater independence soon. He loves Miami and would like to remain there.
Between his job, graduate studies, responsibilities with ACB Students, and growing involvement with FCB, Ricardo already has a very full schedule. Nevertheless, he hopes to take on more legislative work in the future.
The leadership conference taught him a great deal, and understanding the legislative imperatives has become increasingly important to him. One of his dreams is to become a leader who speaks out on legislative issues affecting blind people.
His journey from self-advocacy in the classroom to leadership in the blindness community is a powerful example of how personal experiences can inspire a commitment to helping others.
Beyond Leadership: The Person Behind the Accomplishments
Of course, Ricardo is much more than a student and advocate!
He enjoys watching television and is passionate about his favorite shows. He plays guitar, enjoys video games, and likes listening to audiobooks, although his busy schedule has left him with less time for reading lately.
He also loves traveling and hiking, especially when it allows him to connect with nature.
And what about food? Ricardo enjoys Italian dishes, including pasta and pizza, along with fish, sushi, and Mexican cuisine. When I asked about his favorite foods, he made his enthusiasm perfectly clear: “I love to eat! If it’s delicious, I will love it!”, he giggles.
As for colors, Ricardo remembers them and lists black, light blue, and navy blue among his favorites.
It was fun to discover these personal details. Behind the degrees, leadership positions, and advocacy goals is a young man with hobbies, friendships, interests, and dreams of his own.
Getting to know people beyond their disabilities or accomplishments helps us appreciate the full picture of who they are.
Words of Wisdom: A Message for Anyone Facing Vision Loss
As I do with many of the people I interview, I asked Ricardo one final question. If he met someone who was in the process of losing their vision, what would he say to encourage them or offer support?
His answer was heartfelt and powerful:
“It’s not the end of the road. It’s just the beginning. There are so many possibilities because of technology and other resources available. It’s not the 1900’s so we have so much. In spite of everything going on in the United States Alicia, this country has been overwhelmingly good for me. A mountain of opportunity even though I was a migrant, blind, and being a young person who wants to go to school there is so, so, so many possibilities and opportunities here. You can do so much now as a blind person. Don’t feel limited. There are so many things out there that will give you even the emotional support you need to push through. Follow your dreams. I want to one day be a leader for the blind and advocate for them.”
Those words capture so much of what Ricardo has learned through his own experiences. His journey has included leaving his homeland, adjusting to new environments, learning to live with changing vision, pursuing higher education, and discovering his own capacity to lead.
He understands that losing vision can be frightening and that the road forward may not always be clear. But he also knows that technology, education, training, supportive communities, and the encouragement of others can help people discover new possibilities.
Most importantly, he believes that blindness does not have to put an end to our dreams.
The Road Ahead Is Full of Possibilities
It was a pleasure speaking with Ricardo and getting to know him in this way. His story is one of resilience, growth, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path is uncertain.
Ricardo has already accomplished so much at a young age, yet he is still working toward his goals. He wants to become more independent, continue his education, deepen his involvement in advocacy, and one day become a leader who speaks up for the blind community.
I believe he is well on his way.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of Ricardo's journey is not simply what he has accomplished, but how his outlook has changed. He once wanted to hide from the public eye. Now, he is stepping forward, accepting leadership responsibilities, and finding ways to use his voice to help others.
His story reminds us that we should never underestimate the potential of a young person, the power of encouragement, or the difference that access and opportunity can make.
And if Ricardo's words leave us with one lasting message, it is this: losing vision does not mean losing hope, purpose, or the ability to dream. Sometimes, a new beginning is waiting just beyond the challenges we fear most.
Ricardo, thank you for sharing your story with us. I look forward to seeing where your determination, compassion, and passion for advocacy take you next. You have so much to offer, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make a difference. You are going places, for sure!
***
Book Corner submitted by Sheila Young
Serendipity
DB139652: 11 hours 28 minutes
Cathy Marie Hake
Religious fiction, Romance
Narrated by Laurie Birmingham
"When Todd travels to Virginia to bring his widowed mother to his Texas farm, illness alters his plan. Maggie makes a living by selling soaps and perfumes, using old family recipes. Marriage is the farthest thing from her mind -- until Todd shows up on her porch, seeking help for his ailing mother. Maggie's heart skips a beat. And when the handsome Texan proposes to her, life suddenly begins to change for the dark-haired beauty." -- From publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
***
First Florida Chapter of Achilles International Launches in Orlando by: Greg Lindberg
Achilles International, a global nonprofit that provides opportunities to people with disabilities to walk, run, and roll, recently launched its first chapter in Florida.
The Orlando chapter held its first event in August. The group meets every Thursday at 6:30 PM at the West Orange Trail in Winter Garden. They offer a few different options – walking, running, or cycling. I’ve had the chance to attend several of their events and have opted for the two-mile walk, and I’m always paired with a guide. We use a tether where we each hold onto one side of it, so it’s kind of like sighted guide, but without actually having to make contact with each other. The guide also provides verbal cues about any turns or changes in terrain. The tethers are commonly used for running, and I’m hoping to work up to running a little at some point. For those interested in tandem biking, they are working on providing this as an option.
The chapter has also held some social events, such as an ice cream social after one of our workouts, and they’re planning a holiday party in December. Plus, they offer opportunities to participate in local races. As the group expands, they hope to have additional meetups so that those who can’t attend on Thursdays will have a chance to participate.
While I’ve been the only attendee who is visually impaired so far, I’ve enjoyed meeting the welcoming group, and it’s been refreshing to get outside for a decent walk on a nice trail. I’m grateful that Orlando was chosen as the first location in Florida for a group like this. I hope it will catch on in other areas around the state. The good news is that if you don’t have a local Achilles chapter, you can still register on their site, and they can match you with a walking/running guide or tandem bike captain through their United in Stride database.
You can learn more about the Orlando chapter at http://achillesinternational.org/orlando. Contact chapter lead Catherine Besand with any questions at orlandofl@achillesinternational.org.
***
Jottings From Jacksonville by Paul Edwards
What Have We Lost?
Covid changed everything! That's what many people are saying! It created "community" on ACB Media! If we are honest, it has probably been blamed for lessening the effectiveness of local chapters in ACB and perhaps state affiliates as well. By far the fastest-growing affiliates in ACB are special interest affiliates. BITS, our computer-oriented affiliate; the Braille Revival League; and Library Users of America have all gained membership. Our diabetic affiliate is growing as is our affiliate devoted to the concerns of older folks.
Most state affiliates are either shrinking or remaining static. ACB, with the assistance of an anonymous donor, has embarked on a five year exploration of where ACB should go and how it should get there. Clearly one poor old curmudgeon in Jacksonville cannot compete with their superior infrastructure and expertise. What he can do, though, is think about where ACB and organizations like it may be. I can also speculate about some of the reasons we are where we are and I can suggest some ways we might change our trajectory if we decide we want to do that!
I have for most of my life been a fan of science fiction and fantasy. I incidentally share that trait with Kenneth Jernigan, former President of the National Federation of the Blind. When I visited his house he had a complete collection of Galaxy Magazines which used to be published in braille properly arranged in his basement. I was quite jealous, I can tell you! The point of all this is that I read pretty early in my science fiction life a story that caused me to stop in my tracks with awe. The story was written before the first world war by an author named e. m. Forster who was one of the preeminent novelists of the first third of the last century. Works like "a Passage to India" and "A Room with a View" were justly famous and have both been turned into movies and tv and radio series. The particular story that blew me away is called "the Machine Stops". It's in the public domain now but it's also on BARD as a part of a collection of Forster's short stories. There are two versions with the same material but one is not well recorded. The one to choose is "The Collected Tales of E M. Forster" narrated by John McDonald. The story imagines a time when virtually everyone on earth is confined to a tiny room which many never leave. All their needs are met by a machine and virtually no one goes to the surface of the earth any more. Eventually people come to worship the machine and then it stops!
I don't think I have to draw pictures for any of you. What amazed me about the story was that it could see isolation and impotence and loss of independence before machines truly became a part of our lives. It's a very strange story and, of course, I hope lots of you will read it but you may well be asking what it has to do with the future of a blindness organization. The answer to that question is neither simple nor certain and I will crawl toward answering it at the end of this article. Here are some things we know to be true. It isn't just ACB or FCB that are having trouble recruiting members! Lions clubs and Rotary clubs and scout troops and women's organizations and volunteer firemen's groups and lots of other organizations are losing members and influence as quickly as blind groups are!
Some individuals claim that this problem goes further and that local communities are themselves becoming less tenable. People are tending to be more isolated and less involved with those around them! Do you know all your neighbors like you did when you were a kid?
Perhaps more significantly most of us get information from the internet and that has unquestionably had the effect of creating a huge cultural divide with liberals on one side and conservatives on the other. I freely admit that I am not using the more common terms here. I could say right wing and left wing! I could say right wing extremists and socialists and communists! I could talk about how our nation is divided between those who support and those who dislike our current President! The point is that we are locked into a bubble on the internet which feeds us what we want to hear by looking at what we read and giving us more stuff like it. I looked at one article about Elon Musk and, for the next several weeks, got message after message about him.
It is not surprising that FCB is doing better than many state affiliates. We have an Activities Committee that encourages us to get together. We have monthly calls and often calls more often than that where we share not just issues but each other. I am not sure just how this happens at local chapter levels. Many still meet in person but many allow folks to attend by zoom. Our Board meeting will happen virtually over Halloween and has probably already happened by the time you read this. Our convention next year will be virtual! Much of what ACB is doing now and during its convention is virtual! Many have rightly claimed that ACB Community has brought new members and new opportunities for learning to our organization. I agree. It has. But it has also made it easy for people to decide they don't need to attend conventions in person. It has also meant that many of the new members of "community" have no idea what the old ACB was like. We gathered in person! We caucused together privately! We took resolutions very seriously and worked all night, most nights of convention week to make sure they were ready. Now, at the national level if we are not careful, resolutions will be as extinct as the dodo bird. Everyone can now vote at national but how many of those voting know anything much about the people they are electing? We have sometimes elected folks with very little experience. Conventions used to be the times when special interest affiliates saw each other! Now most special interest affiliates meet virtually pretty often and most of their convention meetings are virtual. Special interest affiliate business meetings are always virtual now.
Certainly there are advantages to all of this but I think there are concerns too. People care less and less about the core values that ACB had twenty or thirty or forty years ago. Much of ACB comes from the center. We don't often hear about initiatives coming from states. Our organization is shrinking! I clearly remember when we had fifteen thousand members and when well over a dozen affiliates had 25 votes which is the maximum any affiliate can have under our constitution. I think it's likely in the next five years that the affiliate vote will go away. When that happens the center will truly have become most of the organization and I am not sure why affiliates would want to work hard to keep functioning!
At the heart of what this article is trying to say is that our world is fracturing and self-interest and isolation are replacing community and common cause. FCB and ACB are just symptoms of the malaise of a wider world. I am truly frightened by the loss of agency that operates for people, for organizations, for political parties and for countries! We appear to live at a time where values have been replaced by absolute notions which divide us rather than being universal. We know what those universal values are! Most of us practice them every day no matter which side of the political spectrum we inhabit! We care for people; we want to see wrongs righted; we want to share who and what we are with others! It is just that our communities, our media and our country are making it very hard to do those things!
I would argue that our isolation and our dependence on machines is partly responsible for the general dissatisfaction of our world. We can change that by picking some issues that we are passionate about and working with others to make things better! There are lots of blindness issues out there waiting for us to take them on! Right now blind people are not very well regarded by leaders in Washington! Let's show them what we can do and how valuable we are! There are lots of places where insulin is too expensive! Let's change that! Transportation between cities is virtually gone if you can't drive! Let's fix it! The government has slashed programs that protect the rights of children and adults with disabilities! What are we waiting for?
If we as a society are going to climb out of the morass of isolation and selfishness into which we have all fallen it has to start with each of us! Get together with a friend in person! Find issues to work on! There are lots!
Our country has survived for two and a half centuries by valuing democracy, liberty and each other! We will be here when our country is five hundred years old if we practice the values we preach! If justice is blind then maybe ACB and FCB are the places where demands for justice should begin!
***
Blind Sailing by: Yanek Martinson
Shake-A-Leg Miami, on Biscayne Bay in Coconut Grove, is taking names for a new blind sailing program, taught by ASA-certified instructors with spoken guidance from sighted crew. The organization first sailed with blind and low-vision sailors in the 1990s and hosted the World Blind Sailing Championships in 1999. Its free Sunday Social runs every week, year-round, open to people with and without disabilities. Sail Florida's guide to adaptive sailing covers this program and the others around the state, and how a first sail is arranged: https://sailflorida.com/guides/adaptive-sailing-florida/
Fair winds,
Yanek Martinson
hello@sailflorida.com
***
Recipe Corner Submitted by: Sheila Young
CHRISTMAS CAKE COOKIES
1 lb. chopped dates
1/4 lb. chopped candied pineapple
1/2 lb. chopped candied cherries
2 cups nut meats
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
Cut up fruits and stir 1/4 cup flour into them to keep them from sticking together, set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs and mix well.
Stir in dry ingredients and all fruit and nuts.
Drop by spoonful in ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 400 degrees for 10 minutes.
***
Chapter news
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
***
Re-introducing CALM: Chapter Any Location Members by: Peggy Carpenter
CALM is a chapter of the Florida Council of the Blind(FCB) that operates and has the same benefits any of FCB’s local geographic chapters except that it serves the entire state of Florida. CALM was created for those members of the blind and low vision community in Florida, who would like to be part of a member driven organization. it follows the principles and tenants of the FCB and ACB. Simply put, CALM provides support, advocacy and social networking for members, just like any other chapter in the FCB.
Just a few questions for you?
Do you live in Florida?
Do you have low vision or meet the legal definition of being blind?
Do you want to be part of a group of individuals like yourself having the same or similar challenges and concerns that you do? If you are already a member of FCB, do you travel more than an hour or more to get to a meeting or an event?
If you answer yes to any of the above, then CALM might be for you!
For further information contact CALM at Calmfcb@gmail.com or go to
WWW.fcb.org for more information.
You may also contact Paul Lewis:
941-841-9640 (voice or text)
or email: lewpil1952@gmail.com
***
FCCLV News and Membership Drive
Submitted by Cassandra Jessie and Jeanne Struhar
During the most recent meeting of the Florida Council of Citizens with Low Vision (FCCLV) on September 21, we welcomed a dynamic guest speaker, Dr. Francisco Richardson of Eyes of Winter Park, located in central Florida. Dr. Richardson has several years of experience performing comprehensive eye exams and helping people with low vision find the right magnification device that would best work with their visual needs. Dr. Richardson told us about a tool he invented, called SightStand. This is a small stand that attaches to your phone. You can then use your phone as a magnifier. Open any magnification app on your phone and start reading! It’s small, convenient, and easy to use. Depending on which magnifier you use on your phone, it can be used the same way as a CCTV, with the same features, including magnifying the size of the print to the size you need, and inverting colors or changing them to best meet your visual preference. You never need to worry about forgetting your magnifier at home. Just make sure you remember your phone. Dr. Richardson has expressed interest in working along-side us in advocating for a change in policy that would allow Medicare and Medicaid to pay for magnification devices the way they pay for wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment.
FCCLV is holding a Membership Drive from now until the end of the year. We are actively looking for new members to join us! If you have low vision, no matter what degree of vision you have, there is a place for you here. Some of our members have a good bit of usable vision. Some of us have very little vision. Many of us experience changes in our vision over time. We have all found helpful resources, connections, long-lasting friendships and community. If this interests you, come join us on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 PM ET. Sometimes we have guest speakers. Sometimes we have a Business Meeting, or we may discuss issues relating to low vision and how we can best advocate, educate, and build awareness about living with low vision. All along, supporting and helping each other navigate through our own personal journey of low vision. FCCLV is a space where you can:
• Share your experiences and challenges Connect with others who understand your journey
• Bring your time, talents, and ideas
• Learn from others and share what you have learned
• Build friendships and a supportive community
• Talk openly about your transition and experiences with low vision.
For more information about how to become a member, contact Sally Benjamin, Membership Secretary by email: treasurer-fcclv@fcb.org,
or by phone: (850) 980-0205.
We look forward to meeting you wherever you are on your journey! Come connect, share, and be part of a community where you can be understood. Join FCCLV today and bring your voice to the conversation! All are welcome!
***
Tech Tips by John Richards for Technology Committee
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) Smart Glasses Are Here; Will You Upgrade?
In the past few years, wearables have become increasingly popular. Just go to a busy shopping plaza most anywhere in the USA; stand around and observe everyone around you.
In 2025 alone, over 7 million pairs of the Meta-RayBan smart glasses were sold. Total sales equal to approximately 9 million units since the product's debut in October 2023.
In addition to Better Mics, Slightly Longer Battery life, other upgrades to the gen 3 glasses include, Hearing Enhancement, an FDA-cleared software feature, an add-on set to roll out later this year on selected models for an additional fee.
This feature is for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. By utilizing the six microphones in the glasses to capture all the sounds around the wearer; Built-in speakers amplify the surrounding audio with no additional hardware required. Also, First-person photo and video allow the user to Capture photo or video via voice command or a tap of the touch controls.
Record spontaneous moments hands-free, with no need to reach for your phone
Multimodal Meta AI: Ask Meta’s AI about objects or signs in front of you; Get instant context, translation or ideas based on what you see
Open-ear audio: Multi-directional speakers feed music, voice and other audio discretely into your ear, with no headphones required; From voice prompts to music, enjoy high-quality sound while maintaining full awareness of your surroundings, such as busy streets
Voice communication: Hands-free phone calls and voice-to-text messaging integration; Stay connected without constantly reaching for your smartphone
Meta’s latest AI glasses provide more real-world applications than ever, including a massive update to its multimodal AI, which maintains conversational context when translating and explaining your environment.
All of Meta’s AI glasses, including its audio-only version will, feature access to its newer personal AI assistant, Muse and will be available in an array of styles, colors and lens combinations.
The Meta audio glasses is the cheapest in the gen3 array of smart glasses; they will come in at $349 with 23 color and lens combinations and 2 styles, a retro-inspired “Clubmaster” Ray-Ban style and “Burbank”, more of a classic, rectangle shape. Keep in mind, the audio model has no camera.
***
Poetry Corner submitted by Shelley Sawyer
Bleak Midwinter
Words by: Christina Georgina Rossetti (c. 1872)
In the bleak midwinter
frosty wind made moan,
earth stood hard as iron,
water like a stone:
snow had fallen,
snow on snow, snow on snow,
in the bleak midwinter,
long ago.
Our God, heaven cannot hold him,
nor earth sustain;
heaven and earth shall flee away
when he comes to reign:
in the bleak midwinter
a stable place sufficed
the Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
Enough for him whom cherubim
worship night and day,
a breast full of milk
and a manger full of hay:
enough for him
whom angels fall down before,
the ox and ass and camel
which adore.
Angels and archangels
may have gathered there,
cherubim and seraphim
thronged the air,
but only his mother,
in her maiden bliss,
worshiped the Beloved
with a kiss.
What can I give him,
poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd,
I would bring a lamb,
if I were a wise man
I would do my part,
yet what can I give him,
I can give my heart.
***
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
(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
(850) 567-4288
Manatee County Council of the Blind: Chantale Napier
membership@fcb.org
(810) 280-4116
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 Jesse
vp1@fcb.org
(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) 288-4116
Southwest Florida Council of the Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(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
(407) 403-2099
Coalition for the Concerns of the Totally Blind: Elizabeth Bowden
recordingsec@fcb.org
(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)