by Janice Bright
From the Editor: Janice Bright is the co-chair of the Legislative and Advocacy Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina. Her report from the 2025 Washington Seminar is reprinted from the Positive Note, a weekly newsletter sent from affiliate president Marty McKenzie to chapter presidents and other affiliate leaders. Here is Janice’s report:
Happy February, everyone! I’m still buzzing from my recent trip to Washington, DC—a journey that blended high-stakes advocacy with moments of genuine camaraderie and light-hearted fun. As part of the National Federation of the Blind’s (NFB) annual Washington Seminar Week—its fifty-second edition, no less—I had the privilege of joining a stellar delegation from South Carolina to meet with our nation’s lawmakers and champion the rights of the blind/low-vision community.
Traveling from South Carolina to the nation’s capital was an experience in itself. Alongside me was an exceptional team of advocates: Andrew Adams and Shannon Cook from the Columbia Chapter, Linda Dizzley from the Lee County Chapter, Lenora Robertson from the Rock Hill Chapter, and Irving Middleton from the Charleston Chapter. Our group was further strengthened by the presence of five talented, enthusiastic students from the Successful Transitions (ST) program, whose dedication and preparedness were nothing short of impressive. We were also joined by Wallace Stuckey—a former NFB of SC member currently working on Capitol Hill. His insights into the inner workings of Washington proved invaluable.
Once in DC, our delegation dove straight into the heart of advocacy. We had the opportunity to meet in person with several of our state’s congresspeople. For our congresspeople with whom we did not have a set appointment, our delegation did a pop-up at their DC offices, spoke to a staffer, and dropped off an info-packed packet to be delivered to each representative or senator. These appointments were more than just scheduled meetings; they were dynamic exchanges where we passionately discussed the need to safeguard longstanding laws and federal funding sources that support the blind/low-vision community. As rapid-fire executive orders and sweeping actions emerge, our conversation centered on ensuring the crucial legislation our community depends on isn’t removed or weakened by fast-paced political changes.
Our talking points were clear: we need a steadfast “watchdog” in Congress—someone who will remain ever-vigilant on behalf of their constituents. We voiced our concerns about how these rapid governmental actions might inadvertently weaken critical supports and shared insights on three national legislative initiatives that we believe are essential to protecting the interests of the blind/low-vision community.
One of the highlights of our week was witnessing our students step up to the plate. They dove deep into research, prepared themselves with facts, and presented our legislative initiatives alongside seasoned delegation members. Their thoughtful presentations not only underscored the importance of these issues but also showcased the bright future of advocacy within our community. It was truly a proud moment for all of us—a reminder that nurturing the next generation is key to sustaining our mission.
Every member of our South Carolina delegation contributed to the discussions with passion and professionalism. Whether it was sharing personal anecdotes from our lived experiences or offering insights to our legislators, we all stood proudly as representatives of our NFB of SC affiliate. As the meetings unfolded, it was heartening to see our congresspeople warmly receive our points, with many expressing a commitment to act as our "watchdog" for these essential laws and federal funding sources.
Of course, advocacy isn’t all serious business. Between the earnest discussions and intense preparation, there were plenty of moments of levity. We shared laughs, swapped stories about our experiences within the community, and even managed to find time to explore a few of DC’s iconic landmarks. This balance of work and play reminded us that while our mission is weighty, it’s the human connections we build along the way that make the journey truly rewarding.
As I reflect on this incredible week in Washington, DC, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to represent our community and for the unwavering support of my colleagues and the bright young minds in the ST program. Our conversations with Congress have set the stage for continued vigilance and proactive advocacy, and I am confident that our message has made an impact.
In a city where history and policy intersect, our delegation left with a renewed sense of purpose and a promise to keep fighting for the blind/low-vision community. The experience was a delightful mix of professional advocacy, thoughtful dialogue, and the undeniable joy of working together toward a common goal.
Until next time, I’m signing off with a full heart and a hopeful spirit. Happy February! Here’s to making a difference—one conversation at a time!