Florida Council of the Blind, Inc.
Did you know that there are approximately 292,735 people with some type of a visual impairment in Florida? You or someone you know might be dealing with vision loss now. The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) provides support for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Learn more of how FCB can assist you or your family.
Overview of FCB
FCB, established in 1953, is the largest self-advocacy and support group of its kind in Florida with more than 25 local chapters and several special interest affiliate groups. Members are of varying ages, ranging from 18 to 90.
FCB primary goals are twofold:
- Encourage independence for people who are blind and
- Enhance the quality of life for people who are blind.
FCB promotes independence by bringing together people who are blind or visually impaired at an annual convention.
FCB conventions are packed with information on a variety of subjects, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), technological advances, legislative issues and pedestrian safety.
Services Offered by FCB
FCB offers many services to ensure its goals. These include:
- The White Cane Bulletin, a bi-monthly publication produced by FCB with interesting articles and helpful resource information
- The Braille Forum, a magazine produced by the American Council of the Blind with articles and information geared towards national and worldwide blindness related issues
- Scholarships (each year FCB makes available several scholarships for full and part-time college students who are blind)
- First-timer's Program (FCB makes available financial assistance to encourage new members to attend our annual convention and become involved with FCB)
Project Insight
The members of FCB believe anyone with an eyesight problem can live an active and productive life. Project Insight was created to reach out to people who have recently become blind or visually impaired to help them adjust to their loss of sight and achieve this quality of life.
Peer counselors or advisors are happy to provide information, encouragement and referrals to local, state and national services which are available. They can also suggest areas of social interaction and community involvement.
You may have lost your sight but not your "INSIGHT". FCB wants to assist you in dealing with vision loss. Contact the Florida Project Insight by calling 1-800-26-SIGHT (267-4448) or e-mailing proiectinsiQht@fcb.orQ.
Special Interest Groups
These special interest affiliates include:
- Florida Council for the Concerns of the Totally Blind (a group for people who are totally blind),
- Council of Citizens with Low Vision (a low vision group for people who have some residual vision),
- Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of Florida (a group of people who are entrepreneurs) and
- Florida Association of Blind Students, (a group for college students).
FCB believes everyone, whether sighted or blind, is unique with her or his own talents and interests. FCB has something for everyone and encourages independence, opportunity and equality for all! FCB invites all with the words, "Come see what we have to offer you!"
Learn More
The Florida Council of the Blind (FCB) is a state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind (ACB). The FCB website is located at: http://www.fcb.org. The ACB website is located at: http://www.acb.org.
ACB is a statewide organization of blind people working to make life better through public education, legislative actions, and providing a statewide information and referral service through Project Insight.
