Georgia Task Force For Empowering Blind Independence

06/01/2026

Please join us as we get to know a little more about each one of the Task Force (tfebi.org) board members, starting with Phillip Zingleman 👏✨

Phillip’s passion for serving the blind and low-vision community comes from a deeply personal place. His brother was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) as a toddler — a condition that gradually causes vision loss over time and can eventually lead to blindness. Watching his brother navigate those challenges inspired Phillip and his family to ask an important question:

“How can we make it easier for the blind community to access the tools they need to live more independently?”

That question sparked years of reflection, purpose, and action — ultimately leading to the creation of LowVision Supply (https://www.facebook.com/LowVisionSupply), a business dedicated to supporting independence within the blind and low-vision community.

Beyond his advocacy work, Phillip generously shares his web expertise, business insight, and valuable knowledge with the Task Force for Empowering Blind Independence. We’re honored to have his voice, experience, and heart as part of this mission.

YAY 🙌, Phillip! 🎉💙

05/25/2026

Technology is changing what’s possible in the workplace for people who are blind or have low vision. 💻✨

Recent research highlights how access technology — including screen readers, braille displays, OCR tools, and even emerging AI — continues to open doors to employment, independence, and productivity.

https://tinyurl.com/mvan6k53

But one thing stood out clearly: training and confidence matter just as much as the technology itself.

When people have the right tools and the support to use them effectively, opportunities expand. Employers, educators, and rehabilitation professionals all play a role in creating workplaces where accessibility is expected, not treated as an afterthought.

Accessibility isn’t just accommodation — it’s empowerment. ♿🌍

05/25/2026

If you’re one of the 45% with less support each day can be a challenge.

Today's fast fact highlights how AT study participants found their workplace supportive from the “Access Technology in the Workplace Study: Final Report" found here: https://tinyurl.com/ATFinalReport

AT study participants rated the supportiveness of their work environment for their use of AT as very supportive (55%), followed by supportive (28%), somewhat supportive (14%), and not supportive (3%).

Stay tuned for more Fast Fact Fridays!

05/24/2026

Independence looks different for everyone — and every step forward matters. 💙🐾

At Task Force for Empowering Blind Independence™, the mission is simple: helping people who are blind or low vision build confidence, freedom, and the skills to navigate life on their own terms.

Whether it’s mobility training, support, or community, no one should have to walk the journey alone.

📍Learn more: tfebi.org
📧 [email protected]

05/18/2026

👀✨ Real Talk About Social Security — No Jargon, Just Answers

If Social Security feels confusing, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

Join us for a clear, practical conversation designed specifically for people who are blind or low vision 👇

📅 May 18, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:30 PM (ET)
📍 Zoom (details sent after RSVP to [email protected])

🎤 Hear directly from Public Affairs Specialists with the Social Security Administration:
Annese Norman
Alicia Lipscomb

They’ll break it all down in plain language—no fluff, no confusion.

05/13/2026

⏳ Just a few days away! Don’t miss this.

If you’re blind or low vision—and Social Security still feels confusing—this session is for you.

📅 May 18 • 1:00 PM (Zoom)

We’re cutting through the noise and giving you real, practical answers on:
✔️ Work rules
✔️ SGA & benefits
✔️ Blind work expenses

💡 This isn’t theory—you’ll leave knowing what actually applies to your situation.

👥 Perfect for:
• Individuals with vision loss
• Vocational rehab professionals
• Mental health providers
• Advocates

🎯 Last call to get clarity before you make big decisions about work & benefits.

🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3708947973

04/12/2026

Friends, it’s almost election time again. Learn more about accessible voting options.

Join us for Georgia Vote 101!
This session will concentrate on the current voting procedures in the state of Georgia to ensure that all Georgia voters with disabilities are prepared to vote.

The training will cover the following topics:

1. Registering to Vote in Georgia: What actions are legally permissible?
2. Assisting Others: Who can be helped with voter registration?
3. Nursing Home Voting: Registration and absentee ballot submission processes.
4. Absentee Voting: Understanding the process.
5. Requesting a Ballot: How to properly request a ballot.
6. Returning the Ballot: Steps for submitting the completed ballot.

If you are unable to attend in person, please use the link below to join the session via Zoom. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84317702805?pwd=yB566bauLRWEMgnX4vqksuU6aq4cZ0.1&fbclid=IwY2xjawRCHpJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCN1pWc2pFWmJ2QmVkTzBXc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHr7wmi30vYf2ldpAVcS8fN4SO1Jl8koetbzRAM-MFH0cG7ggOMNuyhQtifRL_aem_Mj5ydgRTYjGM013R89urdA

04/12/2026

Train up so AI works for you

Stop sending hundreds of applications. It won’t get you hired. As more companies rely on AI and ATS to filter candidates, how do you plan to stand out and get a job? For many blind and visually impaired job seekers, this is really frustrating. But you know us. Ability is our middle name, and we've...

04/09/2026

🚨 Got questions about Social Security and vision loss? Let’s clear things up—for real.

If you’re blind or low vision (or support someone who is), understanding how Social Security works can feel confusing… and honestly, overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

📅 Join us May 18 at 1:00 PM (Zoom)
for a practical, no-nonsense session led by Social Security experts.

💡 We’ll break down:
✔️ Trial Work Periods
✔️ Earnings Rules
✔️ Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
✔️ Blind Work Expenses (you might be leaving money on the table!)

👥 Who should attend?
• People who are blind or low vision (working or receiving benefits)
• Vocational rehabilitation professionals
• Mental health providers
• Advocates & service providers

🎯 Bottom line:
You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and real answers—not more confusion.

📌 Save your spot:
🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3708947973

📞 Meeting ID: 370 894 7973

Bring your questions. Seriously—this is your chance to get answers that actually matter.

04/06/2026

👂️ We’ve been listening.

🧠 We’ve been learning.

And one thing is clear:

👉 People don’t just need accessible tools
👉 They need help using them

This summer, we’re launching something built around that reality.

Stay tuned. 👀