Home > Chronicle > January, 2026
The New Jersey Council of the Blind’s mission is to strive for the betterment of the blind and visually impaired community. The purpose of this publication is to provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas, opinions and information that concern blind and visually impaired people.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – JANUARY 2026
By N. Sabastian Warren, President, New Jersey Council of the Blind
Hello everybody — can you believe it’s 2026 already? That good strong January energy is here again, when we’re all out here trying our best to reset, recharge, and convince ourselves that this is the year we’re going to get our diets right, clean the house, hit the gym, and maybe even conquer the world just a little bit.
But before we get ahead of ourselves — I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season, a wonderful New Year, and a smooth start to this fresh chapter.
After you watch that ball drop and drink that glass of champagne — or sparkling cider (for those who don’t consume alcohol) — we celebrate, we cheer, we call our loved ones, and then we finally go to sleep. And the next morning, a few of us who took that final sip of champagne wake up with that slight hangover, rub our eyes, stretch a little, and declare, “Today is the day.”
That’s when the motivation hits. Suddenly, we’re superheroes. We’re setting smart goals, routines, diet plans, cleaning regimens — all the things that look good on paper and feel even better in the moment. On January 2nd, we’re waking up with hunger in our eyes, that Eye of the Tiger energy, running up those steps like Rocky Balboa. We are unstoppable.
Then around day 30, 60, or 90, reality taps us on the shoulder and says, “Hey… this is kind of hard.”
And do you know what? That’s okay. Progress is built on patience. Baby steps. Keep it simple. That’s how I got where I am, and that’s how I’ll keep moving forward — one step at a time. If I can do it, trust me, every person reading this can too.
Speaking of things I never expected — who would have thought this is now my third year as President of the New Jersey Council of the Blind? And yes — thank you for electing me again for my second term. I am humbled, honored, and truly grateful to be trusted with this responsibility once more.
And no president succeeds alone. We have an outstanding leadership team this year:
First Vice President: Lisha Pottackal
Second Vice President: Wanda Williford
Secretary: Dan Bausch
Treasurer: Steve Sowa
Board Members: Clarice Knight, Alice Burnett, and Anthony Lazinati
With this team, I believe we’re stepping into a year of growth, stability, creativity, and engagement. But a membership organization doesn’t run on officers alone — it runs on its members.
I know it can feel strange to pay dues and then be asked to volunteer, but this is how organizations like ours survive and thrive. Your dues keep us funded. Your volunteerism keeps us moving. Without your involvement, there is no NJCB — and no one will ever advocate for us better than we advocate for ourselves.
Membership organizations like ours play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of blind and low-vision people across New Jersey. They help make our towns, counties, and cities more navigable. They help ensure we can cross streets confidently, walk sidewalks safely, catch buses without fear, and handle everyday tasks that fully sighted people often take for granted. This is why I talk about it so often — because it genuinely matters.
Last time, I shared my origin story. This time, I want us to think about our shared origin story — who we are as NJCB, the legacy we’re building, and the story yet to come.
And if you want to be part of that story, we have several committees seeking volunteers:
Committee chairs will be listed on the website, and you are always welcome to reach out to them — or to me directly — if you’d like to join. Your insight, creativity, and participation make all the difference.
Now let’s talk about this quarter’s speakers — because we have a strong and meaningful lineup bringing valuable information to our members.
Our first speaker is Heather Hanlon, the Senior Director of Workforce and Data Analysis at VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Next, we will hear from Jeff Thom, our liaison with the American Council of the Blind.
Our final speaker will be Claire Stanley, the Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for ACB.
As we step fully into this new year, I want to leave you with this:
We are not just an organization — we are a community. We are a movement. We are a voice — a strong one. When blind and low-vision people come together, share resources, lift one another up, and speak boldly about our needs, we create change. Our work may take time, but it carries weight. Our progress may be gradual, but it is steady. And every single member contributes to that momentum.
So let’s keep showing up.
Let’s keep participating.
Let’s keep advocating.
Let’s make this the year New Jersey truly sees the strength, resilience, leadership, and brilliance of our blind and low-vision community.
Our January Quarterly meeting will be held by conference call on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Call (719) 300-3278 no passcode required.
Heather Hanlon (VISIONS)
Heather Hanlon is the Senior Director of Workforce and Data Analysis at VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She oversees a free assistive technology training program serving blind and low-vision adults in Atlantic and Camden Counties, providing a free tech assessment, up to 20 hours of virtual training, and — for eligible participants — a refurbished Windows laptop and a one-year JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion license. Training topics include JAWS, NVDA, Microsoft Office, mobile accessibility, and Braille devices. Contact Heather at hhanlon@visionsvcb.org or (212) 680-3060.
Jeff Thom
Jeff Thom has served the American Council of the Blind for more than 40 years in state and national leadership roles. He has been president of three ACB affiliates, including ten years leading the California affiliate. Jeff chairs the ACB Advocacy Steering Committee, is a longtime member and past chair of the ACB Resolutions Committee, has served as ACB’s first vice president, and currently serves on the ACB Board. His legislative work as Director of Governmental Affairs for the California affiliate contributed to the passage of multiple state laws improving services and rights for blind and visually impaired individuals.
Claire Stanley
Claire Stanley is the Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind (ACB). She leads ACB’s federal legislative and regulatory priorities and previously served as ACB’s Advocacy and Outreach Specialist. Claire also worked as a Public Policy Analyst at the National Disability Rights Network. She earned her law degree in 2015 and is known for her appearance in the documentary series Pick of the Litter with her guide dog, Tulane.
2026 Scholarship Opportunities
NJCB is pleased to announce the 2026 Bernard Zuckerman Scholarship program. To apply, eligible candidates must be certified legally blind or visually impaired, will be a full-time college student, undergraduate or graduate, in the 2026 – 2027 academic year and be a New Jersey resident. The deadline to apply is May 15th and the winner will be awarded at our July Quarterly meeting. Full details, application forms and how to apply can be found on our website at www.njcounciloftheblind.org. You may also email questions to scholarships@njcounciloftheblind.org
Life of AI
By Wanda Williford
20 years ago, the acronym AI only meant one thing to me, NBA superstar and my favorite basketball player, Allen Iverson. Today, AI refers to the ubiquitous term artificial intelligence. Over the past 2 years I think I've heard that acronym on every news broadcast that I've listened to or watched. Stories of college students using AI to write term papers, give us pause. However, the medical researcher who uses AI to plot data points and discovers a formerly unknown medical diagnosis, gives us hope. For good or bad AI is definitely here to stay we will live with its presence in one form or another, for the rest of our lives. Thanks to artificial intelligence, the blind community has been utilizing AI to access a level of Independence that has not been experienced up until this point. It's a cliche that was probably uttered during, Louie Braille’s time, but I believe, this is the very best time to live with blindness or low vision, due to the rapid advancements in technology of smart glasses, smart speakers, smartphones, and smart apps that utilize some aspect of AI, have impacted the way in which the blind community interprets the world.
With that being said, I wanted to take a closer look at how AI impacts my life on a daily basis and helps me to live more independently. So, here's a look at a day in the life of AI.
Recently, on a chilly day in November I had only two goals, one was to, go to a lab and have my blood drawn and to prepare a pot of soup once I returned home. With those goals in mind, I was awakened by my alarm on my Smart speaker at 7:00 a.m. Using the AI feature on the, Be My Eyes, app I was able to identify the red plaid button-down shirt I wanted to wear for easy access to my arm. Properly dressed, with the help of a screen reader I ordered the rideshare that would transport me to my appointment. At curbside, I put on my AI smart glasses to help me identify the color of the car when it arrived. Additionally, AI read the text on the paper prescription to confirm it was for my lab work and not the receipt for the tile I purchased last month. In the past, those tasks would have required cited help. However, utilizing AI in my day-to-day life gives me back autonomy and a deeper sense of confidence.
During my ride home, I confirmed my location with my smart glasses several times. Although I can no longer see the view from the passenger window, I like to know where I am at different points during the route. I guess that is the control freak in me, I am working on it. But it's always comforting to know that I have a sense of where I am and where I am going.
Arriving home, I grabbed the surprising bunch of mail from the mailbox. Sitting on the couch, I used my smart glasses to scan each envelope and discard the junk mail. Additionally, I was able to read a handwritten greeting card from a friend and have a AI describe the beautiful flower on the front of the card.
Next, time to tackle the lentil soup. Wearing my smart glasses, I open the kitchen cabinets and start assembling the ingredients and spices needed for soup. Holding each spice in my hand and AI reading the label for each container. Additionally, AI helped me to identify the red bell pepper in the veggie crisper, instead of the green one. Ingredients assembled, smart glasses on my face, AI red the recipe for me while I added each ingredient one at a time stirring and pausing to add the next one. Gordon Ramsey would have been proud, the ham and lentil soup turned out great and I had leftovers for the rest of the week.
Finally, I decided to do a little research on a project that I had been putting off for some time. Utilizing Microsoft's AI model, copilot, I asked it to give me an outline of the steps necessary to complete this project. Typically, this would take several days of research and gathering information. Within 30 seconds copilot had created an outline for me and assessed the feasibility of my idea. This is a game changer, using AI to save time and do research is a way to save time and energy. Although, I still think of Allen Iverson for half a second when AI is spoken from the mouths of news reporters, I am grateful for today's AI which allows so many of us in the blind community to live the life we choose. It is one of many tools we use in our life kit.
The Mercer County Association of the Blind, will continue to embrace technology in 2026. We have plans to conduct technology workshops that will educate and inform members on how best to utilize technology to improve the quality of their everyday lives. We recognize it is very important that every member have a grasp of the devices they use in order to communicate with loved ones and the outside world. Therefore, we are excited to challenge ourselves with learning new ways of reaching out and interpreting the world around us.
Reflecting, our annual holiday party was held at Mama Flora's in Ewing New Jersey. We feasted on a menu of, Caesar salad, penne with vodka sauce, eggplant parmesan amongst other entries. And, for dessert, a decadent cheesecake drizzled with salted caramel. There was lots of laughter, fellowship and great food. A sleigh full of door prizes were taken home by merry partygoers. A good time was had by all, including the wonderful Para transit driver, who joined us for dessert.
MCAB is looking forward to a successful 2026. We are thankful to our members, families and friends for their continued support. We want to grow in the next year in every way. We hope to gain new members, new ideas and new insights. Happy New Year!
Why am I so Tired?
By Patti Musico
It's only 2 in the afternoon; and I'm already exhausted!
I got up at 7am, ate my breakfast, washed the toaster bag out, washed my plate and fork (full disclosure most of the time I use a paper plate and just open my kitchen garbage and throw it out).
I took my shower! Did my bathroom grooming! Picked up my pj's, towels and a few items and walked over to my laundry room and added the morning items to my laundry. Washing machine will work tomorrow!
Back to my bedroom closet and found my outfit. Darn, dropped a few clothes off the hangers, picked them up and then after a breath, struggled into my clothes! Oops had to change the top because I couldn't figure out how to button it. After 3 tries I just changed the top. So off again for another top. Got it! Not sure if it matches, but who cares I'm not going anywhere!!
Oh no, darn it, pants went on backwards! Off and tried again. Got it right, yay!
Finally, I'm dressed. Well almost, still have to put on my socks and shoes. Have to sit down for this gymnastic stunt! Socks on; but, shoes don't feel quite right, Again, switching the right and left shoe. Wipe the sweat off my forehead.
Ask my device to put on WABC77 Radio. "Thank Goodness for this magic device".
Ok, now for my daily exercise: walking toward the laundry room! Whoa!!! Hit that wall headfirst just a little dizzy! No concussion. Hands out in front now (forgot that technique, in my excitement to exercise).
Open laundry room door. Besides my washer/dryer this is where I have my cleaning supplies. They lay in wait for me to open the cabinet door, so they can pop out and yell surprise! Well, maybe just pop out. The surprise is what almost always yelled. Good, only a few things to pick up. Finally, reached the broom and luckily the dust pan was attached. Ok, good so far.
Ready, exercise begins! Wait, my device is now going to have to change to music! Who doesn't exercise to music? Ready. Set. Go! Broom in hand and walking around the house sweeping. Hey, I hear those darn medicine pills that I dropped yesterday! An hour later, sweeping is done. Need a pick up, so a bottle of water in hand. Time to walk and get yesterday's mail... It’s not too chilly, maybe just a sweater will do. Back to the bedroom closet to feel around for my sweater. Dorn it! That wall jumped in front of me again! You would think I could remember that there are walls in my house? Remembering things isn't so easy at "almost" 80. Anyway lucky still no concussion! Ok, sweater found and on, great job. I always leave my tapping cane right next to my front door and "Hello", here it is!
Need to get out of here, oh yes remember to leave the water bottle inside.
Wait! Hold the horses, where is my water bottle? Hands out walk and think back to the closet (must have put it down to put on my sweater?) Feel around and around and around and congrats to me for finding it, here it is! Success!! Back to door, tapping cane in hand, sweater on. Water bottle on counter. Time for breathing exercises. A few deep breaths in and out. Good, I'm ready. Opening door (remember to tap that first step) and ready to lock my door. Holy mackerel! I forgot my keys! Oh well, I can't leave the door unlocked. Can I? Nope, backwards again to get the keys. Hooray, finally back at the front door, Out and Locked! (Locked and loaded.)
As I'm walking to my mailbox, humming my tunes, tapping along and thinking. I really need to keep a set of keys and a sweater close to my door. That would make life easier, I'll have to remember to get it done! Back safe, rush to the bathroom. Thinking again I have to take my pills. And maybe I should try to make my bed?? Why, I’m just going to get back in again tonight! I am happy to know where I left my water bottle.
Is my meeting today? or tomorrow? Actually, what day is it today? My brain gives me a shock wave! No, it's Tuesday. My meeting is on Wednesday, Ok good. I have 24 hours to get ready and it's almost lunch time.
Energy takes a toll on visually impaired and blind people just to do our daily activities. Sighted people can do it in ⅒ the time. Not only physically but mentally. So we need to eat and drink healthy. Sit and rest more and relax our minds and body. Stop, sit, put on an audio book, listen to music or even a tv show and relax. SLOW DOWN! Deep breathing and don't rush! Drink water for hydration but also for blood, heart, bones, muscles and brain, Eat less sugar in foods and drinks. Make sure your bloodwork includes sodium and electrolyte tests along with all the regular checkups like cholesterol and vitamins.
Low sodium can cause excess tiredness. But riot the salt you eat. It's what the body makes naturally, Brine pickle juice is great to replenish your energy, just a shot glass a day. Be sure to consult your health care provider.
We are all bombed every day about diets. Lose weight, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure (table salt intake); but we seldom if ever hear about a diet for low sodium (not the salt you eat) and electrolytes. Well. enough of that, my brain is drained just writing this. Moral of my story we use a lot of energy to get our things done!
So hope I gave you some answers to the title of my story. I have to really stop now it’s almost 2pm I'm pooped. Stay healthy and remember YOU Are Not Alone,
Some of the words have been changed to protect your ears!
2026 Dues are due.
Please send your annual dues along with the attached membership form to our Treasurer, Steven Sowa. Annual dues for members at large are $10.00. Checks should be made payable to NJCB and mailed to PO Box 434, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.
We offer the option of using PayPal or credit card to pay dues and making donations using your credit card. Our webpage has a direct link to the secure page.
Check out the NJCB Facebook Page
NJCB is on Facebook. Anyone interested in contributing to the success of this page please send your ideas and posts to our email address at njcounciloftheblind@gmail.com Please note all posts must be related to activities relating to your membership with NJCB or its affiliates. The page is www.facebook.com/groups/2255314534793147. Just search for New Jersey Council of the Blind in Facebook.
Save The Date
Saturday April 25th Location TBD
Saturday July 11th conference call
Saturday September 12th Convention TBD
Saturday October 24th Location TBD
Saturday January 23rd conference call
The NJCB Chronicle is also available on Newsline. If you do not have a Newsline subscription, contact Reader Services at the New Jersey Talking Book and Braille Center at (800) 792-8322 to get signed up for a Newsline subscription. Four quarterly newsletters are sent to members free of charge by E-mail. You may obtain the current and back issues of the Chronicle and other information from our web site www.njcounciloftheblind.org. Feel free to write us at njcounciloftheblind@gmail.com.
The New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) is a 501 (c) 3 corporation. Much appreciated tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Treasurer of NJCB.
The NJCB officers are.
President, Sabastian Warren (609) 672-7059
1st Vice President, Lisha Pottackal (215) 948-2210
2nd Vice President, Wanda Williford (609) 375-6682
Secretary, Dan Bausch
Treasurer, Steve Sowa (848) 999-2079 or by mail to PO Box 434, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
NOTE: Disclaimer. The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the New Jersey Council of the Blind officers and/or members. The editor reserves the right to edit articles submitted for both space and content.
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