THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN
Quarterly Magazine of the
CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
spring 2026
Volume 70, No. 2
Published in Email (bc+subscribe@ccblists.groups.io
and online in readable and downloadable text and audio media.
Guillermo Robles: President, Culver City, CA
president@ccbnet.org
Executive Office
California Council of the Blind
8880 Cal Center Dr. Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95826
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Website: www.ccbnet.org
Governmental Affairs Committee
Joshua Sanders and Ardis Bayzan Co-Chairs
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Webmaster
webmaster@ccbnet.org
Mike Keithley, Editor
650-714-5971
editor@ccbnet.org
Susan Glass, Associate Editor
408-257-1034
editor@ccbnet.org
Deb Runyan, proofing and large print production.
Andrea DeKlotz, CCB Courier Editor
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Table of Contents
Editors Corner, Mike and King Keithley
A Holliday Message, Guillermo Robles
2026 ACB Legislatives on Media 9
A Practical Guide to iCanConnect
Simple Fixes, Debee Arm/trong
How Our Roles Change In Life, Cristy Crespin
Advocacy During Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Stays, Vivian Younger
Editorial: Will AI Kill Writing's Craft? Debee
Armstrong
Tandem, Susan Glass
Annual Global Blind Birders Birdathon
CCB Board Meeting Minutes, Steve Bauer
CCB Officers and Directors
Donations
***
Editor's Corner
by Mike and King Keithley
"Hey guys, springs acomin', get your nose in shape for new smells you've not smelt for a year." O yes, King, and I actually look for that "spring forward" thing because I won't have to try sleeping that extra hour.
And with spring comes she spring BC. I want to thank Susan Glass, our associate editor, for producing such a fine winter BC. As for me, I was recuperating from a fall where I broke my right ankle in 3 places. The surgeon who fixed me up says I've got quite a bit of hardware in there, titanium screws and such, but now it's all healed, I can walk using a support cane but use a walker most of the time.
I was fortunate to recover in a health care facility where I didn't have to advocate for proper treatment as the nurses, doctors and other workers knew how to treat a blind person. And since my wife and I had to give up our "Rush End" house and are now living in an assisted living center, I'm learning how to get back into life in new surroundings. We both miss the old place but it's not practical living there, and that's that! In my overall experience, learning how to understand the accents of the different workers is the greatest challenge. Patience is the key as well as appreciating that most of the time no one means you harm. They have their styles, and it is fun teasing them about that.
So I'm back and Susan can enjoy birds in peace!
In this issue of the BC, we have a nice "holiday message" from President Robles, a helpful list from Vivian Younger of advocacy points to consider when you're hospitalized or in a skilled nursing home. And then there's Debee Armstrong "Simple fixes," just in time for an energetic spring. Enjoy!
***
A Holiday Message
by Guillermo Robles
Dear CCB,
If you would have asked me this time last year, I would never have imagined that I would be serving as your President. In reality, I never really saw myself in major leadership. I guess for me, it's always been about how to make contributions that would advance us all forward. In all that I try to strive for, I aim to be as open, centered and as objective as possible when dealing with any type of situation that may come up. To say that the last year, especially the last 8 months, has not been interesting and challenging is an understatement. However through it all, I have learned much about CCB's resilience, its passion, love, and, most importantly, dedication. I can truly say that I have learned so much from you. This will always be a continuing process which, if anything, allows us all to grow and thrive.
So as we gather to celebrate these holidays and be with those close by and reflect on the past year, and as we welcome in 2026, I want to thank you for your support of me, our Board, and
all you do, the support you've shown each other, and, most importantly, your service to the broader community and the education and advocacy that CCB is known for. We've had some very tough times this year, and yes, we may not have always agreed on certain things, but in the end we come together for good. The road ahead may look pretty uncertain right now, but with our collective effort, we can accomplish much. It is written that a house divided cannot stand. With so many erosions taking place, it's so important to keep this in mind. We must also remember that there are so many issues that may not affect us personally, however, they do affect the community at large. I encourage all of us to step away from ourselves and keep an open mind, and remember that though this is a blindness organization, there is so much intersectionality and overlap that it is so important, now more than ever, to keep an extra eye out for each other.
In closing, I want to express my heart felt wishes for the most joyous of holidays, and the best 2026 to come.
Blessings and Much Love,
Guillermo Robles
President
California Council Of The Blind
***
ACB Legislative Imperatives
The 2026 ACB Legislative Imperatives are now available for your listening pleasure on ACB Media 9 and as a convenient podcast. You can catch the imperatives being aired at the top and bottom of each hour on ACB Media 9. If you prefer on-demand access, the podcast is readily accessible here:
https://pnc.st/s/acb-business/a379bab2/2026-acb-legislative-imperatives
For your reference, the 2026 Legislative Imperatives include:
1. The Communications Video and Technology Accessibility Act.
2. The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act.
3. The Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act.
Each imperative is first read in English, followed by the Spanish version.
***
A Practical Guide to iCanConnect for Caregivers and Family Members
https://www.icanconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Practical-Guide-t...
Supporting someone with combined vision and hearing loss often involves navigating challenges that go far beyond typical caregiving responsibilities. Communication, access to information, and connection to essential services can become difficult without the right tools and support. iCanConnect is a national program designed to help address these challenges by providing eligible individuals with accessible communication technology and personalized training at no cost. This guide is written specifically for caregivers and family members who want to better understand how iCanConnect works and how they can support someone through the process.
Understanding What iCanConnect Is
iCanConnect for caregivers is a program created to help people who have significant combined hearing and vision loss access communication technology that supports everyday connection and independence. The program focuses on distance communication, meaning tools that allow individuals to communicate with others, access information online, and participate more fully in daily life. This may include communicating with family members, healthcare providers, service agencies, employers, or community organizations.
iCanConnect provides equipment that is selected based on an individual's specific communication needs, abilities, and goals. Just as important as the equipment itself is the training that accompanies it. Participants receive instruction so they can learn how to use the technology effectively and confidently.
Who iCanConnect Is Designed to Help
The program is intended for individuals who have both hearing loss and vision loss that together create a significant barrier to communication. This includes people who are born with combined sensory loss as well as those who experience progressive conditions later in life. There is no age restriction; adults, seniors, and transition-age individuals may all be eligible if they meet the program's requirements.
Eligibility also includes income guidelines, which are designed to ensure that the program serves individuals and families who may not otherwise be able to afford specialized communication technology. Because of these requirements, caregivers often play a key role in helping gather documentation, explaining financial eligibility, and supporting the application process.
The Role of Caregivers and Family Members
Caregivers and family members are often essential to a participant's success with iCanConnect. While the program centers the individual receiving services, caregivers frequently assist with communication, organization, and follow-through.
One of the most important roles caregivers play is helping someone understand that the program exists and what it offers. Many people who are deafblind or who have combined hearing and vision loss are not aware that specialized communication support programs are available. Caregivers can help explain the purpose of iCanConnect in clear, straightforward language and help connect the individual with local program staff.
Caregivers may also help with the application process, which can involve gathering medical or professional verification of hearing and vision loss and providing income documentation. While local iCanConnect programs guide applicants through each step, having an extra set of hands and eyes can reduce stress and prevent delays.
How the Application Process Works
The iCanConnect process begins by contacting the local program serving the participant's state or territory. Each local program manages applications, assessments, equipment distribution, and training. After initial contact, the applicant is guided through the required paperwork and documentation. {The local program is the San Francisco Lighthouse.}
Once eligibility is confirmed, the participant takes part in an assessment. This assessment is not a test and is not meant to judge ability. Instead, it is a collaborative conversation focused on how the individual currently communicates, what challenges they face, and what goals they have for staying connected. Caregivers can often participate in this process with the individual's permission, providing insight into daily routines and communication barriers.
Following the assessment, the local program identifies appropriate communication equipment.. Equipment is provided only after eligibility is confirmed and needs are clearly identified. Once the participant receives their equipment, training is scheduled.
Types of Equipment and Technology Provided
iCanConnect focuses specifically on distance communication tools rather than general consumer electronics. The equipment provided varies from person to person and is determined through the assessment process.
Equipment may include accessible smartphones or tablets that support voice, text, video communication, and internet access using built-in or specialized accessibility features. Some participants receive computers configured with screen readers, screen magnification software, or other assistive programs that allow them to read, write, and navigate digital content.
For individuals who use braille, refreshable braille displays or other tactile tools may be provided. Accessories such as specialized keyboards, switches, mounts, or alerting devices may also be
included when they support communication needs. In all cases, equipment is selected to match the participant's abilities and preferences.
The Importance of Training and Ongoing Support
Training is a core part of the iCanConnect program. Technology alone is rarely helpful without proper instruction, especially for individuals who are adapting to sensory changes or learning new tools later in life. Training may take place in person or remotely and often occurs over multiple sessions to allow time for learning and practice.
Caregivers can support training by attending sessions when appropriate, helping reinforce skills between sessions, and encouraging regular use of the technology. It is important, however, to strike a balance between offering help and allowing the individual to build independence. The goal of iCanConnect is not to create reliance on caregivers but to empower participants to communicate on their own terms.
What iCanConnect Does Not Provide
Understanding the boundaries of the program helps set realistic expectations. The program does not provide general technical support unrelated to communication or replace other disability services.
Why the Program Matters
Access to communication affects nearly every aspect of life. For individuals with combined hearing and vision loss, appropriate technology can reduce isolation and support independence. Caregivers and family members often play a crucial role in making that access possible by helping navigate the process and supporting long-term use.
A Real-World Example of How iCanConnect Supports Independence
One example of how iCanConnect can support independence comes from Armitcher "Mitch" Delaney, a Washington, D.C. resident who spent 50 years working at the IRS while managing hearing loss and very low vision. During her career, Mitch relied on assistive technology provided through her workplace. When she retired, she lost access to that technology and found herself unexpectedly disconnected. "When I left the office, I literally left the office," Mitch explained. "No equipment, no technology. Nothing I had was up-to-date." With only an old flip phone and limited access to communication tools, she began to feel isolated despite having been highly independent her entire life.
After applying to iCanConnect with support from her daughters, Mitch received an individualized assessment, accessible communication equipment, and one-on-one training. She emphasizes that the training was just as important as the technology itself. Working closely with her trainer helped her adapt tools to her specific needs and build confidence using them independently. "It was like a new world opened to me," she said. Today, Mitch uses her equipment to stay connected with family and her community, manage daily tasks, and continue her work as an ordained minister. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, "There's nothing like knowing what to do without assistance, and if I need help, I can ask for it. I'm still learning and excited for what comes next."
Final Thoughts for Caregivers and Families
iCanConnect is a needs-based program designed to support communication, not a quick or one-size-fits-all solution. The most successful experiences occur when the individual receiving services is actively involved, caregivers provide support, and training is treated as an essential part of the process. By helping someone access the right tools and learn how to use them, caregivers and family members contribute to greater connection, confidence, and participation in everyday life.
To learn more about eligibility or begin the application process, visit the How to Apply page at:
https://www.icanconnect.org/how-to-apply
From there, you can select your state to access step-by-step application instructions, available resources and contact information for your local iCanConnect program.
Phone number to call iCanConnect:
800-825-4595
Or visit our Contact Us page at
https://www.icanconnect.org/contact-us/
***
Simple Fixes
By Deborah Armstrong
When my mother-in-law began requiring a wheelchair, I noticed how often she asked for help, though a simple fix would have increased her independence.
I remembered back to forty years ago while in college, I dated a fellow student who had limited muscular use and required a wheelchair. Long before computers, his favorite home automation gadget was a yardstick. He'd roll up to the wall, slide the yardstick upwards and flip on the light switch. To open his door, he glued a key to a yardstick, so he could rotate the key in the lock. To push buttons, he used a smaller stick he held in his mouth. To eat, a simple Velcro tie fastened a fork to his palm. To drink out of a mug too heavy to hold, he used a straw. And he taught me to tuck my tongue to the back of my mouth to sipped hot liquid through a straw, so I could slurp my way across campus with my guide dog on my left and a large hot coffee in my right hand.
For my mother-in-law I found a long, colorful ribbon and tied it to the chain one pulled to turn on the ceiling fan. She was delighted she could now do this herself.
Also while in college, I cooked and cleaned for a blind quadriplegic named Gary. Due to cerebral palsy, Gary could not read Braille rapidly so he invented his own address book. He had cassettes labeled in Braille with letters of the alphabet in a sturdy rack. He'd record the names and addresses of his contacts on the tapes using one of those NLS recorders that played back the audio at high pitch and speed when fast forward or rewind was pressed. So if he needed someone whose last name started with S, he'd pull out the S tape and fairly quickly locate that person's contact information. Though he could not record in alphabetical order, by pausing between each contact, he could count until he reached the one he needed.
Gary was extremely creative. He invented methods to allow him to live independently with limited assistance and for me he was a role model. A rope on his cupboard and fridge door enabled him to independently fetch a snack; a rubber door mat kept items from sliding around on his work table. For an accessible nightstand, he used a large cooking pot with a long handle. When helping him in to bed, his aide would shove the handle under the mattress, so he could reach in to the pot while he was in bed.
Often we forget that something we find impossible or inconvenient needs a simple accessibility fix. To locate my room in a hotel, I attach a rubber band to its doorknob when I check in. Yes, there are Braille and raised numbers to help me know when I'm getting close, but the rubber band makes locating the room even faster once I am near by. And not all hotels have Braille numbers!
Rubber bands also mark items in the communal fridge at work. Other folks write their names on their items, but my rubber bands let me and them know the food item is mine.
To keep my pajamas from falling on the bathroom floor, I tied a small piece of string to the loop on its tag. I can then easily hang it over a small hook on the back of the door. I use the same technique for other pieces of clothing, like slippery scarves or even coats to keep them in place in the closet. After I tie or sew a string to the loop on the tag, I now have a larger loop I can slip over a hanger or hook.
To label packets of spices, I place them in zip-lock bags with a Braille label I can read through the bag. Large print would work equally well as these bags are clear. This technique works also for other items, like frozen food. It's also how I keep track of craft supplies.
To organize a cluttered drawer, I save the clear containers that often come with purchases; even potato salad from Walmart comes in containers that make great drawer dividers. Empty clean sour cream containers work great for leftovers, and you can throw them out instead of scrubbing them.
If you get drinks in containers you find difficult to safely pour with one hand, buy some cheap plastic pitchers, and divide up the drink by placing the large container in your sink to avoid a mess and carefully pour the drink in to the smaller pitchers. I have a large collection of funnels that I use for pouring in to thermoses and bottles.
To cook bacon without needing to turn it, start with a cold pan, punch the slices with a fork to keep them from curling, spread them out, and slap on the lid. On a hot stove, the radiant heat which builds with the lid closed will fry the bacon in about ten minutes from a cold start.
Eggs can be scrambled in the microwave — yes really. And they taste just as good with less grease. Stir every 30 seconds until they are the consistency you like.
To rake leaves, push them all towards a wall or fence which for me at least is the easiest way to create a pile I can shovel. I thought I couldn't rake leaves until my husband hurt his back and I had to do it. Then I realized it wasn't hard at all. Sure his sight made him a bit faster, but now I'm the one getting exercise!
If a sighted person is giving you a tour with lots of turns, each time you turn left or right, ask what you will encounter if you turn too soon or too late. The more landmarks you know about, the better oriented you can be.
If you have choices about when to hold a meeting, especially if it's twice a month, pick something like the first and third Wednesday or the second and fourth Thursday instead of every other week. This is much easier to remember if you don't have a calendar handy.
To sort laundry, don't. Get enough baskets that everyone in your household can do their own sorting.
If you have family, delegate. My dad, an excellent cook, would give each child watching TV a vegetable, knife, cutting board and bowl. When my dad was in his eighties and unable to walk, whenever we visited, I'd hand him a vegetable, cutting board, bowl and knife, even though I was perfectly capable of preparing dinner. He would get in the spirit of this family tradition and pretend he hated being assigned chores. But even sitting in his recliner, he could help us all get to dinner faster than if I did it alone.
To locate an outdoor area, such as your driveway — I often get dropped off at the wrong house — hang wind chimes out front. I carry wind chimes on camping trips too, so I can locate my tent.
To practice walking in a straight line, tape a rope down on your driveway and practice walking with one toe in contact with the rope. My dad invented this trick to help me safely cross the street when I was ten, something an O&M instructor hadn't even thought of.
If you struggle with a technology problem, use an ordinary recorder, whether it's with cassettes or an app on your phone to take notes as you attempt to solve the problem. This keeps your hands free to struggle with the offending technology, and listening back to the recording may help you more clearly see the problem so you can better solve it or ask someone for help.
Always ask yourself if there's a simple fix before you start believing disability makes a task more difficult. Thinking out of the box with your creative juices flowing is often the only fix you need!
***
How Our Roles Change In Life
Submitted by Christy Crespin
The topic of changing roles in life is not a new one. We constantly change our roles in life, from a dependent infant and toddler to a more independent child and student, then becoming a young adult, with work, marriage, etc. I want to focus on how my roles have changed in my life in the last six months.
After learning of my husband's diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in late July 2025, I took on a new role in a new chapter of our lives. As caretaker, I prepared pureed meals, focusing on a chemo regimen and getting him to eat to maintain weight. I helped organize and schedule caregivers and medical appointments, visitor schedules, and more. I had difficulty focusing on both my husband and me.
My sleep schedule suffered greatly, as did my own self-care. I ate things people gave to us since food would be wasted, especially if Ed did not like or could not eat it. This caused me to gain 16 pounds, go on medication due to higher A1C, and begin a new prescription for sleep medication. I have more difficulty with my exercise regimen. I learned how to pay bills, a duty assigned to him in our 50+ years of marriage. I depended on my adult children and friends and neighbors, and still continue to do so. I cut back on my own activities to be more present with him.
In November I gave up the presidency of Active Blind Inland Valleys, CCB, and
California Diabetics In Action. I stopped co-facilitating a program on Living Well With Sight Loss for Well Connected.
In changing roles, I began to recognize how much has changed in my new duties and activities. As caretaker and no longer vibrant, active, retirees traveling whenever and wherever we please, we forewent a cruise in September 2025 and canceled a cruise in May 2026. We have stopped attending Mass in person, which has stopped me from singing at Mass in our church choir. We had planned to visit our friends on day trips and on longer vacations. I no longer go on long walks with my husband, and I feel uncomfortable traveling on long walks alone.
It sounds like I have given up a lot. However, we are now reading books together. We eat and pray together. I feel so blessed each night we go to sleep and wake up together. I missed him tremendously during the month we were apart while he was hospitalized. Each day is a gift. Sure, we still get in arguments, but it is our practice to forgive one another quickly. Life is too short.
With the presidency of two chapters came power, control, and decision-making. Now that others are in those roles, I am learning how to step back and give power, decision-making, delegating, and control to others. I am learning how to be a reliable and patient back-up to both chapter presidents. I have been amazed at learning the difference between the offices of president and immediate past president.
When I first joined the blindness movement, I jumped in with both feet, from new member in October 1971 to being elected as secretary at my first chapter meeting. Each of us has a role to play as we crawl or baby-step into our roles as committee members and officers or jump into the officer role with both feet as I did. Each role is important, and as a result, with each new role, both our chapters and we, grow.
I urge and encourage you to move forward, change your roles in your chapters, or even to join a chapter or affiliate. You might realize what you can do, what you have to offer, what you can give, and how you will grow once you begin changing your life roles in the blindness movement, and we welcome you as a valued member of the California Council of the Blind.
***
Advocacy During Hospital and Skilled Nursing Facility Stays
by Vivian Younger
This handout was written as a result of several hospital and a couple of skilled nursing facility stays I experienced during the past 30 years.
I hope some of the vision loss related tips listed in this handout will be useful to you. Once you have read the advocacy tips listed in this handout, you may want to adopt and/or address them according to your needs and situations.
To ensure uniformity in your care, inform your doctor and nurse how you need to be accommodated.
Request that nurses notify hospital staff that you are blind and/or have low vision on the white/chalk board in your room or on a poster above your bed.
Request that hospital staff identify themselves when entering your room.
In the event that you use a bathroom other than the one in your room, to avoid unnecessary touching, ask your nurse to put paper on the toilet seat and show you exactly where the faucet and paper towels are located.
Ask staff to set up your tray and cut up your food. It can be challenging to eat in a hospital bed during your recovery. If you do not have issues eating in your hospital bed, orient yourself to your tray and the place setting by using the clock method such as "Your eggs are at six o'clock."
Request that your vitals (blood pressure, temperature and pulse measurements) be read out loud.
Be prepared to describe and/or demonstrate how staff should lead you.
Note: during orientation and mobility training, blind and low vision students learn how to instruct sighted people how to lead the visually impaired.
Request for hospital staff to inform you whenever staff will need to touch you or request for you to follow instructions. "I am holding your medication. Are you ready to take your medication now?"
Ask your nurse to orient you to the remote control and/or pager. You may want to request that tape or bump dots be used to help orient you to these devices.
Note: bump or locator dots can be purchased from Amazon and venders who sell adaptive products for the blind and visually impaired.
To be prepared for unexpected situations, it is always a good idea to have bump dots on hand.
For those of you who have guide dogs, discuss with your doctor why it is emotionally important for your guide dog to visit you.
Given that blind patients or those with low vision often require extra care, always thank your health providers for being patient, caring and very attentive to your needs.
In case you are requested to sign printed medical documents, you may want to purchase a signature guide or have 3 by 5 Post-it notes on hand.
When family and friends visit you, allow those you trust not only to visit you for support, but to observe that your needs are being met.
To keep your spirits up, try to structure your day as best as you can by: listening to books, music, talk with friends when you feel up to it, invite friends to visit you at specific times, and be kind and patient with yourself.
Share etiquette for interacting with the blind handouts with hospital and skilled nursing facility staff.
***
Editorial: Will AI Kill Writing's Craft?
by Deborah Armstrong
In his famous novel, 1984, George Orwell envisions a totalitarian government attempting to control behavior by censoring how the public thinks. Newspeak, the official language they invent promotes the goal of reducing vocabulary by removing synonyms and ensuring only one word is available to express a particular thought. As Newspeak improves, subsequent dictionaries are predicted to become smaller and smaller with each successive refinement.
Nowadays, an insidious form of Newspeak is creeping in to our writing, when people spend more time surfing screens than they do actually reading. To entice readers, text must sparkle with creativity -- new ways of phrasing, vivid description and always a reader-centered outlook.
But as we request artificial intelligence to do our writing for us, do we realize how AI performs this feat?
A great deal of math is involved. Billions of bytes of text are analyzed for frequency of occurrence, which words, phrases and sentences live together most often. From this analysis, AI can build documents, emails, essays and even poetry based on all the text the AI model consumed. The output looks original, but it is a synthesis of what has come before.
If you read documents written by AI, you begin to discern a subtle difference. The writing is grammatically correct, the sentence length varies and the work stays on topic. But it lacks any uniqueness. If what you want is a bureaucratic document to file for legal purposes, an email reminder, or a set of meeting minutes, AI can produce these faster than you can. And for these purposes, it is ideal. But you always hear the clattering of a calculator in the background as statistics decide how to form a sentence.
In Orwell's story, novel-writing machines, based on six plots churn out entertainment for the public. In our future, will artificial intelligence perform most of the writing, while other AI models summarize it, so we hardly need to read at all?
I worry that as more and more AI writing is generated, the frequency of occurrence algorithms which control how AI operates will begin to narrow the scope of vocabulary, and the most common expressions will replicate. Will the written word come to us filtered through a lens predicted by the six plots of the novel writing machine?
Will our writing come to resemble Newspeak, where thoughts and words have a one-to-one correspondence? Will repetition rather than lyrical passages become the rule? And will real humans read this stuff?
Will writing no longer be seen as a craft?
***
Tandem
By Susan Glass
A two speed Shwin,
its thirty pound frame grounded,
that you bought so I might continue my sightless escapades,
with no more plowing into parked cars.
Blindness does that to you.
What was it like to be the mother who allowed that to happen?
Mama, you knew I could not be penned in, windowed in,
walled inside the kind of sound proof, smell proof,
houses they build in the midwest
to keep out the cold.
***
Join Us For The 2nd Annual Global Blind Birders Birdathon
From: "Jerry Berrier via groups.io"
Date: Tuesday, March 03, 2026 05:04 AM
To: blindbirders@groups.io
Subject: [blindbirders] FW: Two Months to Go: Join Us for the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon
Forwarding this in case any of you have not received it:
Dear Bird-a-Thon Participant,
Because you were part of last year's Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon, you helped shape something new and powerful enough to grow and expand this year! And now, we are just two months away from the 2nd Annual Global Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon happening May 3 and 4, 2026, and registration is officially open.
This global celebration is designed with and for birders who are blind and have low vision. It centers birding by ear, community connections, and the understanding that birding is for every body and every mind.
Participants who are blind or have low vision can bird anywhere in the world during a 24 hour window on either May 3 or May 4. Birding can take place in a backyard, park, balcony, accessible trail, neighborhood sidewalk, or wherever listening to birds is possible. Count the species you detect by sound or sight and submit your list to the Bird-a-Thon Compiler so your birds can be part of the global total. There is no cost to participate. The focus is community, joy in birds, awareness, and access.
Full details and registration are available at:
https://www.birdability.org/blind-birdathon
How You Can Participate
Birders who are blind or have low vision, of any age or experience level, are welcome. You can participate as an individual or as part of a team. You may bird alone, with friends, or with sighted volunteers.
Choose May 3 or May 4, 2026 and bird for as much of those 24 hours as works for you, but no less than 2 hours. Spread your time throughout the day or focus it all at once. Bird anywhere that feels accessible and joyful. Use the tools that support you best, whether that is Merlin Bird ID, recording devices, binoculars, guidebooks, or simply listening.
After the event, submit your species list so your birds can be counted in the global total. Participants in the United States will be entered into a prize drawing thanks to generous supporters, and other countries may host local celebrations as well.
Registration is available at this link:
Join a Community Conversation
Leading up to the Bird-a-Thon, we are hosting Community Conversations designed to build skills, connection, and confidence in birding by ear. These sessions are open, informal, and created for blind and low vision birders as well as sighted allies.
March 10, 2026
Living on the Wind: How and Why Birds Migrate with Scott Weidensaul
Scott will explore how migratory birds travel extraordinary distances each year, navigating in ways that can feel like science fiction while undergoing remarkable physical changes as they move across thousands of miles.
April 14, 2026
Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Info Session
Created by and for blind and low vision birders, this session will walk through how the event works, offer practical tips for accessible birding by ear, and share resources to help you and your community participate.
In these conversations, you will learn birding by ear skills, explore technology for recording and identifying sounds, and connect with a growing global community.
You can register for the Community Conversations at this link: https://forms.gle/C5CSBMJFNuNehgaY8
Help Us Spread the Word
You can also support the Bird-a-Thon by sharing registration information with your networks, forwarding our emails, inviting a local organization to host an accessible outing, or encouraging someone new to participate. We have a Blind Birder Bird-a-Thon Toolkit available on the website with guidance for blind-serving organizations, bird clubs, land managers, and community groups who want to partner and plan inclusive events.
We would be honored to have you join us again this year!
With gratitude and excitement,
Cat Fribley (Birdability), Jerry Berrier, Donna Posont, and Martha Steele
Birdability is a nonprofit working to make birding and the outdoors accessible and inclusive for everyone, especially those with disabilities and health concerns. Join us in creating a more welcoming birding community! Learn more or support our mission by donating at Birdability.org.
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California Council of the Blind
Board of Directors Meeting
January 15, 2026
The meeting was called to order by president Guillermo Robles at 7:35 PM.
Officers and directors present were:
President: Guillermo Robles
1st Vice-President: Regina Brink
2nd Vice President: Rob Turner
Secretary: Steve Bauer
Treasurer: Lisa Presley-Thomas
Immediate Past President: Gabe Griffith
Directors
Andrea DeKlotz
Nelly Emerson
Larry Gassman
Joe Green
Pamela Metz
Phill Obregon
Joshua Saunders
Linda Samulski
Alice Turner
There were an additional twenty-three members present.
Regina and Joe thanked all for their support through their recent family tragedy.
Guillermo added one agenda item concerning door prizes.
BDM2026-01 Larry moved and Linda seconded approval of the amended agenda. The motion carried.
In board announcements, Pam mentioned the IDC membership meeting Sunday at 3:00.
Joe said he'd be reaching out concerning the chapter of the year award.
Nelly mentioned the CDA February 7 meeting.
Guillermo said officer information sheets are due today and chapter dues are due to the state by February 15th.
With regard to the November meeting minutes, Gabe said the gift from Mel Kahn was a bequest, not from a trust.
BDM2026-02 Andrea moved and Linda second approval of the November 2025 minutes as amended. The motion carried.
In her treasurer's report, Lisa indicated a current balance of $531,224.32 with $5,821.11 in outstanding payments due for the month.
Andy asked about applicable taxes on recent gifts. Lisa said if our non-profit status is reinstated retroactively, we'd owe no tax. If we are considered a corporation in 2025, we will owe next year.
Moving on to the 2026 operating budget, projected expenses are $104,671, with expected revenue $28,762.
The 2026 budget will be approved at the February meeting.
Mitch urged the reestablishment of the budget committee, and that CCB conduct an
audit.
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BDM2026-04 Regina moved and Joe seconded covering up to $700 for convention door prizes. The motion carried.
In a discussion of board priorities for 2026, ideas included finding revenue streams, an in-person convention, a convention in the south, grant research and ethics training.
BDM2026-05 Regina moved and Rob seconded allocating 2000$ to sponsor up to two members, recommended by the governmental affairs committee, to attend the DC leadership conference. The motion carried.
Guillermo next discussed board meeting deadlines. All agreed that any written reports need to be submitted by the second Friday of the month for consideration at the board meeting.
Next, Jeff discussed the upcoming ACB summer auction.
BDM2026-06 Andrea moved and Regina seconded donating $200, half for shipping costs and half for a California auction item. The motion carried.
In her governmental affairs report, Regina discussed possible future initiatives on IHSS, paratransit and accessible state notices.
Concerning bylaws, Steve reported the committee is considering sections of article 6 on officer duties and meeting notices, among other items. A public meeting will be held in February to seek member input.
In public comment, Judy reminded the board that our deficit increased by $2700 at this meeting.
Bob urged CCB to consult a prominent tax lawyer with regard to our 501c3, that CCB pay for an audit, and that an investment committee include the chair of the Newell Perry trust.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Steve Bauer, Secretary
***
CCB Officers and Board Members
April 18, 2025
Officers
President: Guillermo Robles (2025-2026, partial term), Culver City, CA
310-896-8525, Guillermo.Robles@ccbnet.org
1st Vice President: Regina Brink (2025, partial term), Sacramento, CA
916-393-0662, Regina.Brink@ccbnet.org
2nd Vice President: Rob Turner (2024-2026, 3rd term), Sunnyvale, CA
408-203-9300, Rob.Turner@ccbnet.org
Secretary: Steve Bauer (2023-2025, 1st term), Culver City, CA
310-558-4500, Steve.Bauer@ccbnet.org
Treasurer: Lisa Presley-Thomas (2024-2026, 3rd term), Fresno, CA
559-250-6760, Lisa.Thomas@ccbnet.org
Immediate Past President: Gabe Griffith (2024-2026), Concord, CA
925-222-5762, Gabe.Griffith@ccbnet.org
Board Members
Andrea DeKlotz (2024-2026, 2nd term), Orange, CA
714-921-0289, Andrea.DeKlotz@ccbnet.org
Nelly Emerson (2024-2026, 1st term), Santa Maria, CA
951-237-2960, norconelly11@gmail.com
Larry Gassman (2024-2026, 2nd term), Fullerton, CA
562-706-7710, Larry.Gassman@ccbnet.org
Joe Green (2023-2025, 1st term), Sacramento, CA
916-317-7957, Joe.Green@ccbnet.org
Pamela Metz (2023-2025, 1st term), Chatsworth, CA
818-388-4995, Pam.Metz@ccbnet.org
Phill Obregon (2025-2026, partial term), La Verne, CA
909-675-7415, Phill.Obregon@ccbnet.org
Joshua Saunders (2025-2027, 1st term), El Cerrito, CA
510-685-3371, JoshuaESaunders@gmail.com
Alice Turner (2025-2027, 1st term), Sunnyvale, CA
650-388-0095,
***
Donations
If you, a family member, or a friend would like to remember the California Council of the Blind in your Will or estate planning, you can do so by employing the following language:
"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the California Council of the Blind, a nonprofit charitable organization in California, the sum of $____ (or ____) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."
If your wishes are more complex, please contact the executive office for additional information. Thank you.
