by Zelda Gebhard
The Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee is honored to present the Class of 2025 DKM First-Timers and Class of 2025 ACB JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows!
Each of the following recipients has met all qualifying requirements for the award they have been chosen to receive.
Class of 2025 Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers
Ava Carruth of Houston, Texas is our DKM First-Timer representing the West. She is a retired Vision Rehabilitation Therapist who has been legally blind for 34 years. She is an active member of the Houston Council of the Blind and the Visually Impaired Advocates-Houston, where she holds various leadership roles, including advocacy chair and meeting moderator. Ava has also served as the secretary and vice president of fundraising for the Houston Council of the Blind. In addition to her volunteer work, she has a diverse background in education, earning multiple master's degrees in rehabilitation counseling and teaching from Western Michigan University, along with a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Houston. Ava is passionate about technology and facilitates the iBUG Android Insight call. She is also involved in her church, organizing events and providing technology assistance to those in need.
Courtney Smith of Talladega, Ala. is our DKM First-Timer representing the East. She is a passionate advocate for the blind community and a dedicated member of the American Council of the Blind since June 2020. Originally from Mississippi, she relocated to Talladega, Ala. in 2023. She was elected secretary of her local chapter in December 2023. She is a graduate of Tishomingo County High School and Northeast Mississippi Community College. Courtney has a rich professional background, including roles in clerical support for the Mississippi Department of Human Services. Beyond her professional career, she has volunteered extensively, particularly in Awana Ministries and her local church. Courtney was a founder of ACB Crafters, teaching over 100 craft classes and facilitating numerous calls. She also serves on the ACB Community Support Committee, working to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
Class of 2025 ACB JPMorganChase Leadership Fellows
Alicia Eidson of Winter Springs, Fla. holds degrees in Human Services, Human Development, and Marriage and Family Therapy, with a career spanning counseling, teaching, and leadership. She served as Clinical Director of Renewing Hearts, Inc., and later taught psychology and sociology at Florida universities. Now retired from counseling, Alicia is the Executive Director of Ocean Waves Radio, supporting blind and visually impaired individuals in radio production. A long-time volunteer, she leads community and church groups, organizes neighborhood events, and serves as second vice president of the Greater Orlando Council of the Blind. She’s active in ACB’s Diabetics in Action and in national advocacy efforts. Passionate about music and mentorship, Alicia finds joy and peace by the ocean. Blind for 40 years, she continues to lead with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to service.
Sara Freeman Smith of Houston, Texas is a disability advocate, career navigator, author, and speaker who has thrived despite living with progressive vision loss since 2005. With a strong background in HR leadership, she launched her own consulting and publishing company in 2023, publishing the third edition of her book, “Turning Stones into Gems.” A passionate advocate for disability inclusion, Sara volunteers with numerous organizations, including the Houston Council of the Blind and ACB. She has earned multiple awards, including ACB-Texas Member of the Year 2024. Sara shares her message of empowerment through podcasts, seminars, and workshops, inspiring others to overcome obstacles. She holds degrees from the University of Southern California and University of Phoenix. She remains dedicated to promoting accessibility, employment opportunities, and personal growth for the visually impaired. Sara was the DKM First-Timer from the West in 2020.
Jason Miller of Philadelphia, Pa. is a dedicated professional and founder of Paschall Access Solutions, a business that supports blind individuals through technology training, career development, advocacy, and education. A proud graduate of the National Statler Center, where he was valedictorian, Jason previously worked as a fully blind tele-recruiter for the American Red Cross and operated Big Jay’s Café at the Scranton State Office Building. Beyond his professional work, Jason is an audio production engineer, audio gamer, devoted husband, grandfather of five, and passionate Christian. He actively mentors others, serves on the SEPTA advisory board, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Council of the Blind. Jason also co-leads a nonprofit supporting domestic abuse survivors. Jason was the DKM First-Timer from the East in 2024.
Guillermo Robles of Culver City, Calif. is a long-time advocate and leader in the blind community, having been a member of the California Council of the Blind (CCB) since 1994. He currently serves as the organization’s first vice president and has held numerous roles including board member, membership chair, and convention chair. Professionally, Guillermo works as a Customer Service Representative for the Social Security Administration. He brings extensive experience from both state and federal systems, enhancing his advocacy for disability-related services. Guillermo also sings with the Angel City Chorale, volunteers with youth organizations, and enjoys reading psychological thrillers and cooking. He is committed to lifelong learning and inclusive leadership, having helped launch Inclusive Diversity of California and previously served as president of Blind Pride International (BPI). Guillermo was the DKM First-Timer from the West in 2013.
Sabastian Warren of Trenton, N.J. is a passionate advocate for the blind and low vision community. Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 16, his journey has been marked by resilience and growth. After losing his vision and job as a security guard, a chance opportunity led him to work for a blind vendor, which opened the door to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Sabastian now serves as president of the New Jersey Council of the Blind (NJCB) and sits on the board of the Mercer County Association of the Blind. A dedicated leader, he has spearheaded a variety of initiatives, including reviving the New Jersey Council’s state convention and securing policy changes for accessibility at the DMV. Sabastian is also involved with the Harambe Alliance of the Blind and enjoys music, audiobooks, and time with his goddaughter.