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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:normal'>National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:normal'>Meeting Minutes for January 2018<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The January 2018 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati was convened by President Sheri Albers at approximately 2:00 P.M. on January 27 2018 at the Washington Platform Restaurant in Downtown Cincinnati. In attendance were: Sheri Albers, Diane Carmony, Deanna Lewis, Christopher Sabine, Dave Perry, Emily Pennington, Lisa Hall, Paul Jordan, Walter Mitchell and Cassandra Proud. Cassandra Proud submitted her dues to the Cincinnati Chapter at today’s meeting. Julie Proud and Tonya Cooper also attended today’s meeting as guests of the Chapter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Walter Mitchell moved to approve the November 2017 minutes as emailed; Emily Pennington seconded. The motion passed. Please note that this meeting is referred to as the November 2017 meeting in these minutes, though the meeting took place on December 2 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Emily Pennington presented this months Treasurer’s Report. Deanna Lewis moved to approve the report as read. Paul Jordan seconded, and the motion passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers discussed future committee assignments, stating that she would like all Chapter members to serve on at least one committee. The current chairs have all agreed to continue in their current roles: Christopher Sabine is chair of the Membership Committee, Walter Mitchell is chair of Fundraising, and Annie McEachirn Carson reportedly agreed to continue chairing the Recreation Committee in a discussion with Sheri prior to today’s meeting. Sheri Albers and Annie McEachirn Carson have reportedly agreed to chair the Meet the Blind Committee. The Chapter also agreed to assign a member to liaise with City Hall and the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), the agency that operates all mass transit services in the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, including ACCESS. This person will inform Chapter membership on relevant activities of City Council and its Committees and dates and times of SORTA Board meetings. Paul Jorden agreed to accept this position without a motion. Sheri expressed that the Board of Directors agreed to disband the “We Care / Benevolent” Program. Instead, members with needs can post them directly to the Chapter listserv—without going through a point of contact or chain of command. Sheri also reported that the Board agreed to change the program’s name to The Sunshine Fund. Christopher Sabine moved to change the name of the “We Care / Benevolent Program” to the Sunshine Fund and maintain it through the existing fee structure for annual membership dues (which the Chapter moved to accept when it originally established the “WE Care / Benevolent Program” in 2016). Emily Pennington seconded. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers gave an overview of preparations for the Flying Pig Marathon in response to a question from Paul Jordan. Sheri expressed that the Affiliate participates in the event in two ways: handing out tissues at the “Best Little tissue” (BLT) Station at the event and participating in the “Piggest Raffle ever.” All proceeds from the Flying Pig Marathon go to the Ohio Affiliate, and Sheri Coordinates the Federation’s participation in the event in her capacity with the Ohio Affiliate. Applications for those interested in signing up as a volunteer for the Flying Pig Marathon will begin after the next organizational meeting for the event set for February. The Flying Pig Marathon is scheduled for the first weekend of May. Raffle tickets are now available online for $5 each, but participants will also be able to purchase 6 tickets for $25. This rate is not available online, but Sheri indicated that she will have paper tickets available for Chapter members to purchase at next month’s meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Walter Mitchell gave a report from the fundraising Committee, which reportedly met twice in December and January. Walter expressed that the Committee is currently working on a “Chili Challenge” to showcase the cooking abilities of the Blind in our community. The event is planned for April 7 2018 at the St. Bernard Municipal Building, located at 110 Washington Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45217. Plans for this event are still in the works. However, the Committee is discussing having local chili parlors—including Skyline Chili, Gold Star and Camp Washington Chili— sponsor the event and offer samples for participants to judge against Blind contestants from the Chapter. Contestants will pay a $25 registration fee which will go to the Chapter; all others attending will pay $5 for admission. All proceeds from the event will go to the Chapter. All contestants will be asked to provide a 4 court crock pot of their chili for the event. Dave Perry indicated that the initial cost of this event to the Chapter will be $300—with $200 refundable after the event. It was agreed that the event will take place from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Emily Pennington moved that the Chapter allocate $300 to secure the venue. Dave Perry seconded, and the motion passed. Sheri Albers expressed that the Chapter post an ad for the event on the Chapter listserv and produce a flier to promote the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers reported that Suzanne Turner is chairing Ohio’s table at National Convention, which is set for July 3-8 2018 in Orlando, Florida. She expressed that if the Chapter is interested in selling items at National Convention, a representative of the Chapter must staff the table. Walter Mitchell expressed that the Fundraising Committee is reconsidering another campaign involving the “Meet the Blind” T shirts and will discuss this in Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Christopher Sabine gave a report from the Membership Committee. Christopher and Dale Barta discussed outreach efforts. Christopher asked all Chapter members to connect with community organizations concerning outreach and asked that those with existing efforts in the works to move forward.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Deanna Lewis reported that she will staff a booth with Federation literature at Ohio’s Braille Challenge, which is scheduled for March 2 2018 at the Clovernook Center.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers reported that Ohio’s Bill to establish a new consumer-driven state rehabilitation council (Ohio S.B. 144) and Ohio’s parental rights bill (Ohio H. B. 309), are coming up for a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives. This is the last step for S. B. 144 before reaching the desk of Gov. John Kasich for his signature. H. B. 309 will move to the senate for debate if passed by the House. State Representatives Brigid Kelly (D-Cincinnati) and Scott Lips (R-Warren County) are set to hold an Interested Party meeting on February 23 2018 in Columbus concerning Ohio’s service animal rights bill. Deanna Lewis, Marianne Denning and Debbie Baker will attend the meeting representing the Ohio Association of Gide Dog Users, and Sheri Albers will attend the meeting as Legislative Director for the Ohio Affiliate. Sheri also reminded Chapter members that the next Columbus Seminar is scheduled for Tuesday April 10 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>11.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri expressed that she is introducing a new segment at each Chapter meeting in which a member can discuss a particular Blindness-related topic he or she is facing and bring it up for discussion. She also expressed that she would like the Chapter to discuss an article from the current month’s issue of the “Braille Monitor.” IT was agreed that each member will discuss an article from that month’s issue each month. Paul Jordan agreed to introduce the article for the next Chapter meeting in February. In the meantime, Sheri asked all members to read the article “Ending Accreditation without Authenticity” by NFB National President Mark Ricobono from the January “Braille Monitor.” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>12.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Sheri Albers led a discussion of this year’s upcoming Washington Seminar, which is set for January 29 to February 1 2018. The National Federation of the Blind is set to discuss four pieces of legislation at this year’s seminar:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>a.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The <i>Accessible Instructional Materials in Higher Education (Aim-He) Act would create an independent commission to establish voluntary guidelines concerning accessible instructional materials in post-secondary education.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>b.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The U.S. ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty would establish copyright exception to enable the international exchange of accessible materials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>c.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><i>The Access Technology Affordability Act</i> would establish a refundable tax credit of up to $2,500 for the purchase of assistive / accessible technology for Blind people, such as refreshable Braille displays.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level2 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>d.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The <i>ADA Education and Reform Act</i>—introduced to curb so-called “drive-by” lawsuits--would severely curtail civil damages under the <i>Americans with Disabilities Act</i>. The National Federation of the Blind is opposed to this bill.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:1.0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>13.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Deanna Lewis concluded today’s meeting by presenting an auction item. Paull Jordan won this month’s auction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>14.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Walter Mitchell moved to adjourn today’s meeting. Emily Pennington seconded. The motion passed. The January 2018 meeting of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind was adjourned at 3:47 P.M. on January 27 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'>Respectfully Submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'>Christopher Sabine<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='line-height:normal'>Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='line-height:normal'>National Federation of the Blind of Cincinnati<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>