[NFBF-Melbourne] January Newsletter

[Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind]

Text says "B.A.A.B. December Newsletter" with an image of a stack of newspapers to the left of the text.

from Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind



Image with light yellow background color, sunflowers at the top left and bottom right of image and the words "Happy New Year" in black centered in the image

This year, we look forward to expanding our programs, connecting even more people, and continuing to create a community where vision loss is never a barrier to living a full life. Together, we can make 2026 a year of opportunity, empowerment, and brighter horizons.

>From all of us at BAAB, thank you for being part of our mission. Happy New Year!



Image including a walking cup of coffee that is whistling and brown words "Coffee Talk Social" to the right of the image

Starting this Thursday, BAAB is hosting Coffee Talk, a new weekly social event at our office every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come enjoy coffee, make new friends, chat with old friends, and learn more about the blind and visually impaired community.

Whether you’re seeking support, want help with devices like your phone, or are interested in volunteering, Coffee Talk is the perfect place to connect, learn, and grow with us. Everyone is welcome, let’s build community together!

Image of line art that is a woman holding a cup and the words "Join us in person or join virtually" to the left of the line art

Join us virtually via Facebook ➔ (https://www.facebook.com/BAAB32937)



Decorative image with the words "Community Spotlight" centered


Meet Cody Thomas

Cody Thomas is a lifelong Brevard County resident, musician, and advocate living with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a neurological condition caused by damage to the brain’s visual processing center rather than the eyes themselves. Through his music, shared across multiple platforms, Cody raises awareness about a condition that is often misunderstood and overlooked.

Inspired by the character Matt Murdock from Daredevil, Cody turned the challenges of vision loss into motivation to educate others and create change. He hopes to one day open a nonprofit focused on CVI awareness and support, and plans to pursue studies in disability ministry—using his voice, music, and lived experience to inspire others and expand understanding.



Image of a woman in dark blue shirt smiling beside the words "Program for Independent Living with Cynthia Jackson"

Our Program for Independent Living starts January 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Valuable skills will be taught to encourage independence and confidence for blind and visually impaired adults in Brevard County.

Classes will be held for five consecutive Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:15 p.m.

Lunch will be provided for the last four classes.

Image with two loud speakers on either side of the words "Guest Speakers", blue background and white writing


Carmen Baez
Space Coast Area Transit

Carmen Baez
Space Coast Area Transit


Brevard County Sheriffs Office

Brevard County Sheriffs Office


Haley Lan
Patriot Vision Industries

Haley Lan
Patriot Vision Industries


Melanie Crandall
Low Vision Specialist

Melanie Crandall
Low Vision Specialist


Theresa Bradley
Conklin Davis Center

Theresa Bradley
Conklin Davis Center


Satellite Beach Fire Department

Satellite Beach Fire Department


Lea Gaffin
Mental Health and Guide Dog Information

Lea Gaffin
Mental Health and Guide Dog Information


Andrew Oxley
Tech Talk

Andrew Oxley
Tech Talk


Debra Martin
Talking Books Library

Debra Martin
Talking Books Library



Colorful image with the word "Donation" centered

When you donate, you help turn possibility into progress. Your generosity directly supports programs, services, and advocacy that empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live full, independent lives. Join us in making an impact, donate today.

DONATIONS (https://baabhelpfortheblind.org/donate/)



Green image with the word "volunteer" diagonal across the image


Whether you assist with events, technology, or daily resources, your contribution directly changes lives. Join us, meet incredible people, and be part of a community dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. Help us make a brighter future, one connection at a time.

Please contact us by emailing us at: baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org (mailto:baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org) and let us know which of these areas you’re interested in volunteering in:

Recording

Events

Program for Independent Living

Office Help

EMAIL US (mailto:baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org)

VOLUNTEER FORM (https://baabhelpfortheblind.org/volunteer-opportunities/)
Whether you assist with events, technology, or daily resources, your contribution directly changes lives. Join us, meet incredible people, and be part of a community dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. Help us make a brighter future, one connection at a time.

Please contact us by emailing us at: baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org (mailto:baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org) and let us know which of these areas you’re interested in volunteering in:

Recording

Events

Program for Independent Living

Office Help

EMAIL US (mailto:baab at baabhelpfortheblind.org)

VOLUNTEER FORM (https://baabhelpfortheblind.org/volunteer-opportunities/)



Empowering independence, connection, and confidence for the low vision and no vision community in Brevard County.

BAAB WEBSITE (https://baabhelpfortheblind.org)

Call us at 321-773-7222 (tel:3217737222)
674 South Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL32937, United States
Call us at 321-773-7222 (tel:3217737222)
674 South Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL32937, United States

This email was sent to nfbf-melbourne at nfbnet.org (mailto:nfbf-melbourne at nfbnet.org)
why did I get this? (https://baabhelpfortheblind.us17.list-manage.com/about?u=2e149cec0bf0840171ef79485&id=af1d847c3f&e=de45331eb1&c=bccb64c2c5)     unsubscribe from this list (https://baabhelpfortheblind.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=2e149cec0bf0840171ef79485&id=af1d847c3f&t=b&e=de45331eb1&c=bccb64c2c5)     update subscription preferences (https://baabhelpfortheblind.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=2e149cec0bf0840171ef79485&id=af1d847c3f&e=de45331eb1&c=bccb64c2c5)
Brevard Association for the Advancement of the Blind . 674 South Patrick Dr . Satellite Beach, FL 32937-3873 . USA
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbf-melbourne_nfbnet.org/attachments/20260107/1ef4f228/attachment.htm>