National Federation of the Blind of California - San Francisco Chapter

Reminder: NFBSF Social This Saturday at 6:00 PM @1400 Bar & Grill, Alameda

We’ll be gathering on the back patio for food, conversation, and community. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a chapter member, connected to the blind community, or simply interested in joining us.

This gathering is also a chance to say goodbye before I leave the Bay Area to help launch my son on his next adventure. While I’ll still be staying connected to the chapter and community, this may be one of the last opportunities to get together in person for a while.

📍 1400 Bar & Grill
1400 Webster Street
Alameda, CA 94501

Please RSVP if you can so I can provide the restaurant with an estimated headcount.

A quick note: the restaurant will be providing a group check, so please check in with me when you arrive so we can help coordinate individual payments.

I hope you’ll join us for a fun evening of friendship, laughter, and good company!

Document with links attached below…

May 19 Training Webinar and May 26 CDLA Day of Action

This packet is for blind, DeafBlind, and low-vision Californians and supporters who want to participate in the May 26 Day of Action in Sacramento. The goal is to help you know what is happening, how to join the May 19 training webinar, how to register, how to handle lunch and transportation, and what issues advocates are raising at the Capitol.
Before May 26, do these three things
1. Register for the Day of Action. Event registration is separate from lunch and transportation. You may use the Eventbrite registration page or the Microsoft registration form.
2. Attend the May 19 webinar if you can. The webinar will review logistics, advocacy priorities, transportation, and questions from participants.
3. Decide on lunch and transportation. Lunch, the NFBC bus, and the LightHouse San Francisco bus each have their own sign-up process.
Contents
May 19 training webinar
May 26 Day of Action at the Capitol
Registration, lunch, and transportation
Advocacy priorities
Accessibility and accommodations
Appendix A: Links and contacts
Appendix B: CDLA and bill links
Appendix C: NFBC bus route details
Appendix D: Telling Your Story, It Really Matters

May 19 training webinar
President Tim Elder of the National Federation of the Blind of California and President Guillermo Robles of the California Council of the Blind will be present, along with other representatives from both organizations, to provide logistics, advocacy information, transportation updates, and answers to questions about May 26.
Date and time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM Pacific
Topic: Day Of Action Training
Passcode: 222638
Webinar ID: 817 2677 1447
Phone one-tap: +14086380968,,81726771447 #
Join by phone: +1 408 638 0968
Join the May 19 Zoom webinar
The session will be recorded and made available upon request for people who cannot attend live.
May 26 Day of Action at the Capitol
NFBC and CCB are joining the California Disability Leadership Alliance, or CDLA, for a statewide disability advocacy day at the California State Capitol. Participants will gather with the broader disability community, hear from speakers, connect with advocates, and meet with legislators and staff.
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Start time: 10:00 AM Pacific
Location: California State Capitol, West Steps, 1315 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Agenda for May 26
10:00 AM: Resource fair begins at the West Steps of the Capitol.
11:00 AM: Program, speakers, and rally begin.
12:00 PM: Lunch break.
1:00 PM: Participants head to the swing space as a group.
1:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Legislative visits with offices.
Registration, lunch, and transportation
Event registration
Everyone planning to participate should register for the Day of Action. This does not reserve lunch or transportation.
Register through Eventbrite
Use the Microsoft registration form
Lunch from California Council of the Blind
California Council of the Blind is coordinating lunch through Lunchbox Express. Lunch costs $10 and includes a sandwich, gourmet cookie, and chips. Orders and payment must be received by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Reserve and pay for lunch
Transportation options
NFBC bus route. The NFBC bus route serves Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and Stockton before arriving in Sacramento. Riders should sign up through the bus form. Day-of bus contact: Veronica Martinez, 661-742-4181, [email protected]. Backup/questions contact: Cheryl Thurston, 909-821-9589, [email protected].
Sign up for the NFBC bus
LightHouse San Francisco bus. LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is offering free transportation from San Francisco for the first 40 people who sign up.
Sign up for the LightHouse San Francisco bus
Independent transportation. You may also travel independently by car, train, paratransit, or another transportation option. Please still register for the Day of Action and review the accessibility information below.
Advocacy priorities
The May 26 advocacy conversations are centered on disability access, services, independence, community-based support, and the lived impact of barriers. The issues below are the ones most directly reflected in the materials shared for this packet.
AB 2190: Internet website accessibility. This bill addresses internet website accessibility and related accountability for inaccessible online systems. Read AB 2190 on California Legislative Information.
AB 2135: Long-term health care facilities. This bill addresses long-term health care facilities, including accessible-format notices for residents who are blind or vision impaired. Read AB 2135 on California Legislative Information.
OIB funding and community-based services. Advocates are also raising concerns about Older Individuals Who Are Blind funding, community-based services, waitlists, timely access, and transparency about service availability.
Accessibility and accommodations
The event materials list ASL, CART or live captions, and Spanish-language interpreting as provided by the event organizers.
The original accommodation request deadline was Monday, May 18, 2026. If you still need an accommodation, contact [email protected] as soon as possible. Late requests may not be possible to fill.
Appendix A: Links and contacts
May 19 Zoom webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81726771447?pwd=do0skM9PyaukKv5SjS1cErFoomccIp.1
Day of Action Eventbrite registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cdla-day-of-action-at-the-capitol-tickets-1984091746825
Day of Action Microsoft registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/c9vtVCP0t0
CCB lunch sign-up and payment form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8BV3ECrZv-8d32GUEgA24gj8YcuvhfeIVI8Xz_HnKDdG1vQ/viewform?usp=header1
NFBC bus sign-up form: https://ulwxastpyh.formstack.com/forms/sacramento_transportation_registration
LightHouse San Francisco bus sign-up form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Gn1ZaeB0ca
AB 2190 official bill page: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190
AB 2135 official bill page: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135
NFBC-Info listserv: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbc-info_nfbnet.org
National Federation of the Blind of California: http://www.nfbcal.org/
California Council of the Blind: https://ccbnet.org/
Key contacts
Day-of NFBC bus contact: Veronica Martinez, 661-742-4181, [email protected].
NFBC bus backup/questions contact: Cheryl Thurston, 909-821-9589, [email protected].
Accommodation contact: [email protected].
Appendix B: CDLA and bill links
CDLA means California Disability Leadership Alliance. For this Day of Action, CDLA is bringing together disability advocates, organizations, and community members at the Capitol to make disability access, services, and community needs visible to legislators.
NFBC and CCB are participating with CDLA so blind, DeafBlind, and low-vision Californians are represented in the broader cross-disability advocacy effort.
Bill links
AB 2190, Internet website accessibility: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2190
The official bill page lists AB 2190 as Internet website accessibility and shows the current bill text and status.
AB 2135, Long-term health care facilities: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2135
The official bill page lists AB 2135 as Long-term health care facilities and includes provisions related to accessible-format notices for residents who are blind or vision impaired.
Other advocacy issues named in the materials
Restoration and protection of Older Individuals Who Are Blind funding.
A better balance between community-based services and system-based funding.
Timely access for people with the highest need.
Greater transparency around waitlists and service availability.
Appendix C: NFBC bus route details
The NFBC bus is scheduled to arrive in Sacramento at 10:30 AM. Confirm final details through the bus sign-up form or with the bus contacts listed above.
Bakersfield pick-up: 5:00 AM. Maya Cinemas, 1000 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304. Cross street: O Street or N Street. Location phone: 661-636-0484.
Fresno stop: Drop-off: 6:45 AM; pick-up: 7:00 AM. Valley Center for the Blind, 3417 West Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711. Cross street: Shaw and Valentines. Location phone: 559-222-4447.
Modesto stop: Drop-off and pick-up: 8:30 AM. VIPS, Visually Impaired Persons Support, 1409 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354. Cross street: H Street and 14th Street. Location phone: 209-846-9027.
Stockton stop: Drop-off: 9:15 AM; pick-up: 9:30 AM. Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2453 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 5, Stockton, CA 95207. Cross street: Da Vinci Drive. Location phone: 209-466-3836.
Sacramento arrival: 10:30 AM. California State Capitol Museum, 1315 10th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.
Return route
Sacramento pick-up: 4:30 PM.
Stockton drop-off: 5:30 PM.
Modesto drop-off: 7:30 PM.
Fresno drop-off: 9:30 PM.
Bakersfield drop-off: 11:30 PM.
Appendix D: Telling Your Story, It Really Matters
Telling Your Story, It Really Matters
By Regina Marie Brink
As our federal landscape changes, affecting our states, counties and cities, you may feel the pull to be more active than you have ever been. Perhaps you are writing or calling your legislator for the first time or joining in a listening session or lobby day with your legislator. If you have never done this before, it can seem challenging.
It may help to keep several things in mind: First, legislators and their staff do not often see people with disabilities in person. This is even truer for people who are blind or have low vision. We are underrepresented, even in advocating for legislation backed by the California Council of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind. Secondly, real stories from real people touch legislators and their staff in ways paid lobbyists cannot. Your story is more important than ever during these times of uncertainty.
However, many people do not realize there are limits when testifying before legislative bodies. Typically, it is 2 minutes. It can be less. Sometimes, all you need to say is your name and your position (oppose or support) the legislation under consideration. So how do you tell your story in 2 minutes or a couple of sentences in an email or template?
It is important to remember that long stories are not usually effective in these hearings. Often the committees are discussing multiple items. Lawmakers are people just like us and long speeches often lose their impact as their attention wanders. A little thought and preparation on your part is helpful here, even if you are only doing unplanned legislative visits.
First, sit down and write or record verbally the points you’d like to communicate. Keep it to 2 and no more than 3 points. How does this bill impact you and share a story that highlights that. Write or verbalize the story, again, recording it somehow. Read it back to yourself several times. Now time it if it will be verbal. If it is written, figure out the word count or how many sentences you have composed. Now edit.
It may feel as though you are losing something when you edit. This is not necessarily true. Come up with shorter ways to say the same thing. Cut out superfluous information. Do people need to know what time the story occurred or why you were at a particular meeting or event? Probably not. Make sure to edit out other people’s names or identifying information. This is your story and you don’t want to have to get permission from other people to share it. Incidentally, be sure if you do share a story on someone’s behalf that you have run it by them for accuracy. You may want to send your message or statement to a friend or colleague to help you edit. The most important thing is that you make sure your voice is heard. Those who have advocated on behalf of people who are blind or have low vision will tell you, the more voices heard and people seen the better! We need all hands on deck! Please help in any way you can!

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/09tru3w872d1olz8l7uq4/05-19-2026-NFBC-and-CCB-Day-of-Action-Information-Packet.docx?rlkey=bjy94ravn6yx29yc23ruti5nb&st=6cscamtb&dl=0

05-19-2026 NFBC and CCB Day of Action Information Packet.docx Shared with Dropbox

Starting soon…
 The National Federation of the Blind of California is inviting you to a
scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Day of Advocacy Info Night (Zoom): Get Prepared for May 26 with NFB
and CCB
Time: May 11, 2026 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/99899566618?pwd=q1iL3aueaKDV8bnuKCED9mtnDL6pTW.1

Meeting chat link
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/launch/jc/99899566618

Meeting ID: 998 9956 6618
Passcode: 101401

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One tap mobile
+16699006833,,99899566618 # US (San Jose)
+14086380968,,99899566618 # US (San Jose)

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Join by SIP
• [email protected]
Passcode: 101401

Join instructions
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/meetings/99899566618/invitations?signature=b9tusSe25Rl7U9xGpAonEykOlk6ZOtzNwR3PPiq-KR0

Day of Advocacy Info Night (Zoom): Get Prepared for May 26 with NFB and CCB

Career Opportunities - LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Empowering blind and low vision individuals through training, technology, community, and support to live independently and with confidence.

Please spread the word. LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired in San Francisco is hiring its next Chief Executive Officer.

This is an important leadership opportunity for someone who can help guide a historic nonprofit through renewal and growth, while advancing independence, community, and equity with blind and low vision people across Northern California.

Learn more, apply, or share with strong candidates here:
https://www.dsgco.com/search/22534-lighthouse-sf-chief-executive-officer/

Chief Executive Officer | LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Active Searches Chief Executive Officer Company: LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Location: San Francisco, CA Date Posted: April 20, 2026 Express Interest Download Position Profile (PDF) Share: Download Position Profile (PDF) About LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired LightHo...

Hello NFB SF Chapter members and folks interested in joining our call, this is a reminder that tonight is the National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter meeting. The room opens at 6:00 PM for new folks and social time. The meeting runs from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, and you are welcome to stay after if you would like.

Also, next week on April 21 at 7:00 PM, we will have our community conversation on public speaking as blind and low vision folks, with guests from the LightHouse Toastmasters and time for discussion. We would really love to have you there.

Join us at the same link for both calls:

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

NFBSF Community Conversation – Tonight at 7:00 PM PT

Join us this evening (March 17) for Part 2 of our advocacy conversation series: Other Ways We Show Up.

Last month, we had a strong and thoughtful discussion about navigating high-intensity advocacy spaces like rallies and protests. People shared real strategies, practical tips, and lived experience. It was one of those conversations where you could feel the collective knowledge in the room.

Tonight, we continue.

Not all advocacy happens in a crowd. This conversation focuses on the many other ways blind people engage and make an impact, including:
• Meeting with local and state representatives
• Giving public comment
• Door knocking and canvassing
• Attending town halls and community meetings
• Tabling and community education
• Coalition building and partner work
• Following up and tracking commitments nonvisually

We will focus on what actually works: preparation, mechanics, follow-through, and building confidence in systems that were not designed with us in mind.

Whether you have years of advocacy experience or are just getting started, your perspective matters. If you have one strategy, one lesson, or one question, it belongs in this space.

Time: Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 PM Pacific Time
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6535619678?pwd=g2r7hfzZq8UC4czxbEKdlnqtf0c7yw.1&omn=84192401716

Come share, listen, and learn with community.

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

This Saturday. Friends, Ferries, and Farewells. NFBSF February Social in Larkspur.

Rain or shine.

Join the National Federation of the Blind San Francisco Chapter for our February social outing as we take a trip across the Bay to Larkspur for lunch and community time.

It may be a cloudy day, so dress warm and comfy. Bring a jacket and layers.

Main meet-up at 1:00 pm

Shake Shack

Marin Country Mart

1800 Redwood Highway, Larkspur, CA 94939

Not feeling burgers? No problem. There are lots of nearby options at Marin Country Mart and Larkspur Landing, including Rustic Bakery, Sushi Co., Starbucks, and more; and meet up with us at Shake shack! 

We will also take a moment to share both goodbye and congratulations to our board member and longtime friend Lisa Irving as she heads to the East Coast for a new job. We are proud of you, Lisa.

You do not have to be a Federation member to come. Blind, low vision, sighted, new to the community, or just curious to learn more about the Federation, you are welcome.

Ferry plan

Meet in San Francisco at the Ferry Building.

Meet at: San Francisco Ferry Building, Golden Gate Ferry Gate C

Meet time: 12:00 pm

Ferry departs: 12:15 pm

Arrive Larkspur: about 12:50 pm

We will walk together to Shake Shack.

Official group return

Meet at Larkspur Ferry Terminal at 3:30 pm

Ferry departs at 3:45 pm

Coming from Oakland

You can take BART to Embarcadero and walk to the Ferry Building, or take the ferry to the Ferry Building and meet us there.

Fares and discounts

Clipper gives a discount on the ferry. If you have a senior, disability, youth, or other discount Clipper card, bring it.

Questions or need help day-of?

Text or call Laura at 925-321-8804.

Big thanks to Lisa for writing up the detailed walking directions from the Larkspur Ferry Terminal to Shake Shack. We will have them available for anyone who wants them.

See you this Saturday as we share both goodbye and congratulations.

NFB Community Call: Advocacy Conversations for Blind Community Members

With so much happening right now, many of you have been asking for space to talk about advocacy.

How are blind people showing up?
What feels safe?
What is accessible?
What is actually working?

You asked. We listened.

We are dedicating our next two NFB community calls to sharing practical strategies and lived experience about advocacy as blind people. This is not about debating issues or telling anyone what to believe. It is about exchanging information so each of us has more choices and more clarity about how we want to engage.

Part 1: High-Intensity Advocacy Spaces
Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 PM PT

This first conversation focuses on rallies, protests, marches, and other large, fast-moving environments.

We will talk about navigating dense crowds nonvisually, managing high noise and shifting routes, building a quick and effective buddy system, how to orient and train a willing bystander in five minutes or less, what to do if you get separated, planning meeting points and exit strategies, and thinking through safety before you even leave home. We will also discuss Meta glasses, including what people are using them for and considerations around documenting, live streaming, and serving as a rally or protest watcher.

Part 2: Other Ways We Show Up
Tuesday, March 17 at 7:00 PM PT

Not all advocacy happens in a crowd. This conversation shifts to other pathways, including calling or meeting with local and state representatives, giving public comment, door knocking and canvassing, attending town halls and community meetings, tabling and community education, coalition work, and tracking follow-up nonvisually.

Some people have been doing advocacy for decades. Some are navigating it as blind people for the first time. Some are still deciding what feels right. There is a lot we can learn from each other.

Let’s connect. Let’s compare notes. Let’s make informed choices about how we show up.

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

Friends,

2026 is here with exciting opportunities for blind people. You can now register for the largest gathering of and for blind people on the West Coast this March 13-15 in Anaheim, CA.

Every year our National Federation of the Blind of California convention has a life-changing impact on blind people and their families. We share resources, highlight trends in technology, law, employment, and discuss other hot topics affecting our community. Come laugh, learn, and live the life you want to live with other positive blind people and our allies.

The agenda will be posted in the coming weeks including topics like how to become a blind YouTuber, the latest in AI tools, our introduction of an innovative website accessibility bill in the California legislature, and much more. You can expect our division and interest group meetings, exhibit hall vendors, an exciting general session on Saturday afternoon, our traditional banquet on Saturday evening, and the elections, resolutions, and business meeting on Sunday morning. Don’t miss this special opportunity to connect with other blind friends and colleagues.

We convene at the Clarion Hotel Anaheim, starting on Friday evening, March 13 and ending on Sunday afternoon, March 15. Anyone attending the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference will conveniently be able to join us without additional travel or downtime. The Clarion Hotel Anaheim is across the street from the CSUN conference hotel. You can even use our hotel group discount during the week leading into our weekend convention (while supplies last).

Book your hotel rooms now for savings before the room block is sold out!
https://www.nfbcal.org/2026-state-convention/

We will meet at the Clarion Hotel Anaheim, 616 Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802. You can book over the phone by calling (714) 750-3131. Use group code NFB or National Federation of the Blind. Contact Robert Stigile at the website above if there are problems getting the discount.

Nightly room rates are $139 + tax per night. Like last year, the room block is expected to sell out before the February 21st, 2025, discount deadline.

Online bookings can be made with a screen reader and some patience for a frustrating website design:
https://bit.ly/NFBC2025

You may also pre-register now for our convention at a discount before prices increase on February 22, 2026. Use the following URL:
https://ulwxastpyh.formstack.com/forms/preregistration_form

Until then,

Tim Elder
President
National Federation of the Blind of California
[email protected]
(916) 382-0372
http://www.nfbcal.org/

HOME The National Federation of the Blind of California knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expec