Our Chapter
The East Hillsborough Chapter is a very active dynamic group of blind and sighted volunteers committed to the Organization's motto of "Changing What It Means to be Blind" Organized in July of 2000, the Chapter won the coveted "Who's Cooking" Award for being the hottest Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Florida after only one year in existence. The Chapter meets on the third Saturday of each month at the location listed above from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. In addition to our regular meetings, chapter members participate in a wide variety of community events to share the Federation philosophy of independence and self-determination with other blind people. By participating in these events, we also help the general public become aware of the potential of blind people and remove the negative stereotypes that keep the blind from realizing their full potential. Some of our annual events include:
Braille Literacy Month
Transportation Disadvantaged Day
Participating in State Conventions
Attending National Conventions
National White Cane Safety Day
Meet the Blind Month Activities
As advocates for the blind, we also attend meetings of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), our local transportation system, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners, and other governmental groups to represent the needs of the blind.
Chapter members are also available for dynamic presentations on such topics of interest as
Newsline for the Blind
Guide Dog Training and Handling
Braille Literacy
These presentations are provided free of charge to schools, civic organizations, and professional associations. For more information or to schedule a presentation, contact the Chapter office at (813) 626-2789 or email to: blind411@verizon.net.
Board Members
Marion Gwizdala, President
president@blind411.org
Merry c. Schoch, Vice President
vp@blind411.org
Janice Butler, Secretary
Charles Hackney, Treasurer
treasurer@blind411.org
Donna Hackney, Board Member
Tom Goldman, Board Member
Jeneise Wilson, Board Member