Consumer Advisory Committee

The Consumer Advisory Committee is an advisory committee to the Society for the Blind Board of Directors. It was formed to assist the Society for the Blind on matters relating to the provision of educational, low vision, rehabilitation, and recreation services to the blind and visually impaired communities. The Advisory Committee reports to the full board. The Board of Directors assigns one of its members as a liaison to the Advisory Committee in order to attend each Advisory Committee meeting.

In carrying out this charge, the committee shall: review current services and programs; review both short and long range plans; review the Society's Capital Improvement Program; review all plans regarding fees for services and goods; review the Society's funding; advise the Society's Board of Directors on any other matters affecting blind and visually impaired individuals.

The full Advisory Committee is made up of a maximum of twelve members, including one board of directors liaison, nine appointed by the board of directors, one appointed by the California Council of the Blind, and one appointed by the National Federation of the Blind. Meetings are open to the public, and the committee encourages and appreciates public comment, community input, and consumer opinion.

Current Committee (Click on a name to learn more about each member.)

Ralph Gingrich (Chair)

Joni Patche (Vice Chair / CCB Representative)

Katie Howard Davis (Secretary)

Michael Couey

Allison Otto (Board of Directors Liaison)

Elizabeth Campos

Jess Diaz

Joanne P.J. Ellis

Bennie Kirby

Richard Hunter

Kevin McGrath