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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Cincinnati Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Meeting Minutes for March 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=1 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The March 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter was convened by President Gloria Robinson at approximately 1:30 P.M. on Saturday March 28 2020. Due to the current Covid-19 public health emergency, this meeting was held by telephone conference. Members of the Cincinnati Chapter in attendance were: President Gloria Robinson, Christopher Sabine, Emily Pennington, Marianne Denning, Dave Perry, Walter Mitchell, Cassandra Jones, Chris Windham, and Candice Armstrong. Richard Payne, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Suzanne Turner, Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio and President of the Cleveland Chapter, Dr. Carolyn Peters, Chair of the Membership Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio and President of the Miami Valley Chapter, and Gary Warren, Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Delaware, also attended today’s meeting. Robert Harris, long-time community activist for people with disabilities, attended today’s meeting as a guest of the Chapter.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=2 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Gloria Robinson and Gary Warren began today’s meeting with a report from the Fundraising Committee. Gloria expressed that the Chapter bake sale previously scheduled for earlier in March at the Traders World Flea Market has been postponed due to Covid-19. She is waiting to see if the Italian Dinner Fundraiser can take place sometime in June, and potential locations are being considered. Gary Warren expressed that the Chapter will need to determine if the other attractions available at the event—such as the portrait studio—can be available due to the current health emergency. In response to a question from Walter Mitchell, Gloria expressed that the Fundraising Committee has not met due to changes in the leadership of the Committee. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=3 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Emily Pennington moved to approve the February Chapter meeting minutes. Dave Perry seconded, and the motion passed.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=4 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Emily Pennington gave the March Treasurer’s report. Marianne Denning moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Dave Perry seconded, and the motion passed.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=5 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Christopher Sabine gave a brief membership Report. He indicated that a committee meeting has not yet been scheduled due to concerns surrounding theCovid-19 Pandemic and the closure of the Chapter’s regular meeting location. Christopher reported that he is reaching out to several people in the Greater Cincinnati area who have participated in the National Free White Cane Program. Chapter President Gloria Robinson, Affiliate President Richard Payne, and Dr. Carolyn Peters requested that a meeting be scheduled. Christopher agreed to this immediately. Dr. Peters and Richard Payne emphasized that this is a great time to encourage Blind people to join the Federation for support and resources to cope with the current pandemic. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Marianne Denning gave an update from the Legislative Committee. She expressed that the Columbus Seminar, originally scheduled for April 6-7, has been postponed due to the current public health emergency. However, efforts on behalf of our national legislative priorities are continuing. Our current three legislative priorities, The Access Technology Affordability Act, H.R. 2086 / S. 815, The Accessible Instructional Media in Higher Education (Aim High) Act, H.R. 5312 / S. 3095, and the Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Technologies (GAIN) Act, H.R. 3929, were discussed. Information and calls to action on all three bills are still being posted to the Ohio-Talk listserv. Marianne also reminded Chapter members that notice has come from the National Office concerning a provision in the current economic stimulus package that would allow the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, to allow states to waive certain requirements to provide services to students under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for the next year. Unfortunately, The National Federation of the Blind and other advocacy groups were unable to prevent this provision from being enacted as part of the economic stimulus legislation signed by President Donald Trump on Friday March 27. The provision, initially introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), will allow the Secretary of Education to promulgate a proposal for state departments of education to waive their requirements to provide certain special education services to students with disabilities. More information will be shared with members of the Ohio Affiliate when it becomes available. Marianne and Affiliate Richard Payne emphasized the necessity of all members of the National Federation of the Blind to advocate against this legislation and protect the rights of future generations to an adequate education and allow them to engage in meaningful employment.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=7 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Marianne Denning gave an update from the Community Outreach Committee. She reported on the statewide conference call which took place Tuesday evening March 24 on ways the Ohio Affiliate can support its members and the general community in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic. An effort to reach out to members of the Affiliate who are isolated and living alone was discussed. This effort is being spearheaded by Cheryl Fields, Chair of the Community Service Division of the Ohio Affiliate and member of the Cleveland Chapter. From that call, Marianne emphasized the need for Chapter members to reach out to those who are isolated or living alone. Chris Windham agreed to try to locate long time Federationist Marion King, whose phone is currently disconnected. Chapter members also agreed to reach out to Bernie Dressell, who is also isolated. Walter Mitchell reminded Chapter members that he and President Gloria Robinson agreed on the statewide conference call on March 24 to volunteer to support members of the Cincinnati Chapter in need of social contact or resources in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=8 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Chris Windham gave a report from the Transportation Committee. He expressed that, as of March 29, ACCESS and Metro Services will be free for the month of April. Marianne emphasized that all Metro passengers must enter through the back door for the safety of the driver and other passengers. Robert Harris expressed that as a member of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), the agency that operates METRO and ACCESS, he is in regular contact with SORTA’s administration and other board members and gave his assurance that the agency is taking all possible steps to ensure the safety of all Metro and ACCESS riders during the current health emergency. Robert asked all Chapter members who have not done so already to vote for Issue 7, which will increase bus service in Hamilton County to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He also reported that ACCESS has already been moved from a contract model to an in-house service provided by SORTA. Chris Windham concluded his report with a notice that as of March 30, all Metro roots will operate on a Saturday schedule until further notice due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. This means that there will be no express service through the month of April. Rides on ACCESS, SORTA’s paratransit service, are not affected at this time.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=9 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Suzanne Turner, Vice President of the Ohio Affiliate, gave a guest presentation at today’s meeting on organization and leadership. She praised the Cincinnati Chapter as “aware, cohesive, and in tune” and expressed that she is impressed with the Chapter’s attention to the organizational hierarchy. Suzanne emphasized the importance of members’ understanding of the history of the organization and its mission and values as filtered from the National organization to state and local leadership. Understanding of the national hierarchy involves the ability to work independently in support of the values of the National Organization—to support opportunity, equality, and security for the nation’s Blind. Suzanne encouraged all members who have questions or need clarification concerning the Federation’s mission, values and organizational structure to reach out to their Chapter President, Vice President, and members of the Board of Directors. Suzanne concluded her presentation by reporting that the Senior Committee of the Cleveland Chapter has organized a daily conference call from 10:00 to 10:30 A.M. for all members of the Ohio Affiliate to check in. Information concerning the call was posted to the Ohio-Talk Listserv, and Christopher Sabine agreed to forward the message concerning the calls to the Cinci-Talk Listserv. This was done during the Chapter meeting. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=10 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Dr. Carolyn Peters, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Miami Valley Chapter and Chair of the Ohio Affiliate’s Membership Committee, gave a brief statement encouraging current members to share their personal stories to recruit new members to the organization. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=11 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Robert Harris, long-time Greater Cincinnati disability rights activist, introduced himself to the membership and promised to join the National Federation of the Blind.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=12 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Suzanne Turner indicated that the Flying Pig Marathon has been rescheduled for October 9 -11, and tickets to the Piggest Raffle Ever are only available online, though paper tickets obtained previously can still be sold. The web site for purchasing tickets is <a href="http://www.piggestraffle.com">http://www.piggestraffle.com</a>. Tickets can be purchased until October. The Affiliate Fundraising Committee plans to meet on Monday to discuss paper ticket sales, and information will be sent out shortly to discuss when and where to send paper tickets that have been sold. Tickets are still $5 apiece, with $3 going to the charity of the buyer’s choice. Suzanne reported that it is not clear whether the “BLT” Station is still on; event organizers will provide further details at a later date.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=13 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>President Gloria Robinson reported that the National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention is still set to take place as planned on July 14-20 in Houston, Texas. The Ohio Affiliate Convention is still on for November 6-8 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dayton, Ohio.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Marianne Denning reported that Ohio’s BELL Academy is still scheduled for July 25-31 at the Ohio State School for the Blind in Columbus, Ohio. Volunteer applications have been posted to the Ohio-Talk Listserv. Anyone who is interested in an application who does not have access to Ohio-Talk or needs assistance to complete it should reach out to Marianne directly. A background check—paid for by the Ohio Affiliate—is required for all applicants. Bell (Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning) Academy is a national program designed to build confidence in Blind children through instruction in Braille and daily living skills training using the alternative techniques of Blindness. Gloria Robinson encouraged all Chapter members interested in donating items to the BELL Program to reach out to her following today’s meeting.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=15 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>President Richard Payne gave a brief presentation concerning the impact of the current public health crisis on the Blind Community. He explained that local chapters and the Ohio Affiliate need to address access to transportation as a statewide priority, as transportation is one of the most pressing issues facing the Blind nationally. Specific questions concerning SORTA’s service changes were discussed with Chris Windham and Robert Harris. President Payne also indicated that the national organization as well as state and local leadership is doing all it can to support the Blind Community during the Covid-19 Pandemic. He requested all members to reach out to those in need, especially those who are alone or isolated. He expressed that the Blind Community will face additional challenges as the number of Covid-19 cases increases in the coming weeks, including transportation, voting in the upcoming Ohio primary Election, and access to medications. He concluded his remarks by asking all Chapter members to reach out to him directly if they need any support related to the public health emergency. Suzanne Turner reported that the Affiliate leadership often schedules calls for new members to educate them on the National Convention, leadership structure, history, and values of the National Federation of the blind as an organization, and anyone in leadership who would like to organize such a call can reach out to Dr. Peters directly. Gloria also encouraged anyone needing assistance and support in the wake of the Pandemic to reach out to her, and contact information was provided on the call.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=16 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Walter Mitchell announced that the Ohio Diabetes Action Network (DAN)) will be hosting a series of calls with a nurse practitioner which will take place on the second Saturday of the month. He also reported that Kay Jordan, President of the Georgia Diabetes Action Network, passed away just prior to today’s meeting. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=17 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Gloria Robinson, Chris Windham, and Dave Perry discussed their concerns related to compliance with Gov. Mike DeWine’s Stay at Home order of the National Industries Program at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Robert Harris, President Payne, Vice President Suzanne Turner and Gloria Robinson emphasized that anyone who has concerns about employers’ compliance with the Governor’s Stay at Home order and their safety at work should not hesitate to contact their local department of health. This can be done anonymously, and Gloria expressed that she has already reached out to the Cincinnati Health Department with concerns about the National Industries Program facilities.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=18 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Responding to a question from Marianne Denning, President Richard Payne reported that he will have further information by Tuesday March 31 concerning the process for completing a mail-in ballot accessibly for the Ohio Primary Election, which is being conducted by mail-in ballot only because of the Covid-19 Pandemic. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=19 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The March 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter, was adjourned at approximately 3:34 P.M. on Saturday March 28 2020.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respectfully Submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Christopher Sabine<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cincinnati Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>