From May 14 through May 16, 2004, a meeting was held at the Conklin Center in Daytona Beach, Fl. The meeting had been arranged by the Florida Network on Deaf-Blindness (FNDB). The purpose of the consumer meeting was to bring together deaf-blind persons from around the state to determine the interest in starting a state wide deaf-blind group run for and by deaf blind persons. A leadership group was established and the name Florida Association of the Deaf-Blind. Shortly thereafter, it was discovered that the name Florida Association of the Deaf-Blind was already in use. The group then chose the name Florida Deaf Blind Association. The leadership group presented a slate of nominees to run for officers and adopted the following mission statement:

The mission of the Florida Deaf-Blind Association (FDBA) is to enhance independence through economic and social opportunities for all people who are Deaf-Blind in Florida. This will be accomplished through education and advocacy that supports people who are deaf-blind in their community. FDBA will educate the general public about deaf-blindness so that all Floridians may better understand the needs of the Deaf-Blind community in order to lend their support.

Communications were maintained for the next year through mail, telephone and e-mail. An election of officers was set for June, 2005. Ballots were sent, by the Helen Keller Foundation of Atlanta, Ga., to all registered deaf-blind Florida residents. The ballots were counted by a representative of the Florida Network on Deaf-Blindness at the end of June, 2005. The elected officers are as follows:

• President: Nellie J. Pohlmeyer - Port Charlotte
• Vice President: Joseph Naulty - Wellington
• Secretary: Patricia Tuck - Jacksonville
• Treasurer: Liz McGrath - Bradenton

A committee was formed to draft by-laws, and a meeting was called for in September, 2005. The first meeting was held on September 24, 2005 at St. Petersburg, Fl. By-laws were adopted. Cheryl Rhodes (The Villages) was added as a member at large of the board, per the by-laws. Harry Anderson (The Villages) was named as an advisor to the board.

For a complete list of all Board of Directors from 2005 to present. Click or tap this list.

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