Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind
The Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind consists of 20 members appointed by the Governor with the majority being blind or visually impaired.
Mission Statement
The Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind reviews, analyzes & advises on the policy decisions and evaluates the effectiveness of the Florida Division of Blind Services to ensure meaningful access to and use of vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs for Floridians who are blind or visually impaired.
Vision Statement
The Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind functions to create a positive impact on the fairness, efficiency, and accessibility of services through the evaluation of consumer feedback and the Florida Division of Blind Services performance.
Council Officers
Jorge Hernandez (Council Chair)
Contact Information:
Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired
601 SW 8 Avenue Miami, FL 33130
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Office: (786) 362-7547
Email: jhernandez@miamilighthouse.org
Representing: Community Rehab Provider
Term: 2025
Douglas Ingram (First Vice Chair)
Contact Information:
4060 Deer Lane Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Cell: (850) 567-8123
Email: Dingram59@comcast.net
Representing: Advocacy Group (BVA)
Term: 2023
Misty Porter (Second Vice Chair)
Contact Information:
Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind
207 N San Marco
St. Augustine, FL 32086
Office: (904) 827-2988
Email: porterm@fsdbk12.org
Representing: Parent Training
Term: 2024
Council Members
Donte Mickens
Contact Information:
4635 Danson Way
Delray Beach, FL 33445
Office: (561) 893-3200
Email: Donte.Mickens@yahoo.com
Representing: Current/Former Client
Term: 2025
Arthur Moody
Contact Information:
Disability Rights Florida
1000 North Ashley Drive, Suite 640
Tampa, FL 33602
Office: (850) 617-9786
Email: arthurm@disabilityrightsflorida.org
Representing: Client Asst. Program
Term: 2025
Paul Edwards
Contact Information:
11681 Lois Jerry Road
Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: (305) 692-9206
Email: Edwards.paul955@gmail.com
Representing: Business/Industry/Labor
Term: 2023
Robert L. Doyle III
Contact Information:
Division of Blind Services
325 West Gaines Street Suite 1114
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Office: 850-245-0300
Email: Robert.Doyle@dbs.fldoe.org
Representing: Director
Term: Ex-Officio
Patricia Lipovsky
Contact Information:
1129 Brandenton Road
Daytona, FL 32114
Cell: (386) 212-6627
Email: plipovsky@cfl.rr.com
Representing: Former Client
Term: 2025
Ciawanda McDonald
Contact Information:
44A Karat Path
Palm Coast, FL 32164
Office: 386-255-1812 ext. 307
Email: ciwandamcdonald@gmail.com
Representing: Independent Living Council
Term: 2025
Sead Bekric
Contact Information:
1728 Sanctuary Pointe Court
Naples, FL 34410
Cell: (727) 504-7268
Email: seadbekric@gmail.com
Representing: Business/Industry
Term: 2024
Denise Valkema
Contact Information:
5201 Atlantic Blvd. Unit 108
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Cell: (305) 972-8529
Email: valkemadenise@aol.com
Representing: Adv. Group
Term: 2023
