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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>The following is a revised edition of the April meeting minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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 April 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 April 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 April 25 2020. Due to the current stay at home orders issued in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, this meeting was held by teleconference. Cincinnati Chapter members in attendance were: Gloria Robinson, Walter Mitchell, Emily Pennington, Christopher Sabine, Joy Thomas, Taslim Dibba, Dave Perry, Karren Innis, Akeelah Cade, Deanna Lewis, Diane Carmony, Dale Barta, Angela Maddox, Candice Armstrong, and Chris Windham. Richard Payne and Suzanne Turner, President and Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, William Turner, President of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, and Regina Mason, Member, National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, also attended today’s meeting. Allison Malloy, Amy Barker, and Robert Harris attended today’s meeting as guests 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'>Dale Barta moved to approve the March Chapter minutes as emailed. Deanna Lewis 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=3 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Emily Pennington gave this month’s Treasurer’s Report. Dale Barta moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Walter Mitchel 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'>Gloria Robinson reported that the Fundraising Committee has been placed on hiatus due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, but planning for fundraising events is still in the works.<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'>Chris Windham gave a report from the Transportation Committee. As of Monday April 20, the southwest Ohio Regional Transportation Authority (SORTA) is requiring all Metro and ACCESS riders to wear masks, and regular fares have resumed for Metro and ACCESS riders. All drivers will be wearing masks. Passengers with disabilities will be able to board Metro buses from the front as usual, but seating will be spread out to accommodate social distancing requirements. Chris indicated that his report is based on second hand information, as he has not ridden on public transportation since the start of the current pandemic. President Gloria Robinson asked that Chris contact Lisa Aulick, SORTA’s Director of ADA and Accessible Services, to request that she give a guest presentation at a future Chapter meeting. Robert Harris, long-time Cincinnati area disability rights advocate and member of SORTA’s Board of Directors, reported that SORTA continues to run on a Saturday schedule as of today’s meeting. Robert indicated when he rode on Metro recently, he observed a shield separating passengers from the driver with signage directing passengers not to move beyond the shield. Robert also reported that to his knowledge, all passengers—with the exception of wheelchair users—are being asked to board from the rear of the bus. Robert reported that the Office of Gov. Mike DeWine has expressed interest in the concerns of those who depend on public transportation in the wake of the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency and expressed that the Governor’s daily conference with the state’s mayors is currently being broadcast on the Ohio Channel, which is Channel 16 on City Cable. Ohio President Richard Payne concluded the Transportation Committee report with a note about the availability of a $25 credit from LYFT available for all members of the National Federation of the Blind for essential travel. Those who need the credit must contact President Payne to request a code for use on the Lyft App and explain why the credit is needed.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle> <o:p></o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=6 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>There was no Legislative Committee Report, as Marianne Denning, Chair of the Committee, was absent from today’s meeting. <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'>Christopher Sabine gave a brief Membership Committee Report. He reported that the Committee has decided at its last meeting on April 6 2020 to go on hiatus until the State of Ohio reopens the economy. However, membership recruitment activities are ongoing. Gloria Robinson encouraged all members to actively recruit new members to the Cincinnati Chapter.<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'>Gloria Robinson reported that community outreach activities are ongoing. <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'>Allison Malloy and Amy Barker gave a guest presentation on services available from the Ohio Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI), which is part of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. BSVI provides services designed to support Ohio residence with a primary or secondary disability of blindness or visual impairment to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. The bulk of Allison’s presentation revolved around the vocational rehabilitation process—from application and intake to post-employment follow-along services. Anyone interested in receiving services from BSVI should call Wendy Ray, Intake Coordinator at the Cincinnati BSVI Field Office at (513) 768-6705. Amy Barker discussed the Independent Living Program, which provides services to consumers aged 55 years and older with visual acuity of 20/70 or less to enable them to remain in their own homes. After Allison and Amy took questions from several Chapter members, President Richard Payne asked Allison about a new policy allowing new consumers who are unable to sign forms by hand or electronically to give verbal consent for services in the wake of Covid-19. Allison indicated that this policy is in effect at the Cincinnati BSVI and emphasized that the agency has a great degree of flexibility in serving the needs of its consumers—particularly in the current public health emergency. At the conclusion of Allison and Amy’s guest presentation, Allison and Amy made a commitment that BSVI representatives will attend this year’s Meet the Blind Event set for October 13 2020 at Fountain Square.<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'>Suzanne Turner reminded Chapter members about the “Piggest Raffle Ever” event, which is currently set to coincide with the Flying Pig Marathon in October 2020—though no specific date has been set for this event as of today’s meeting. Suzanne reported that event organizers have not announced an end date for sales of paper tickets, but she reported that members of the Ohio affiliate can continue selling paper tickets until the first week of May. Suzanne requested that all members continue to promote the online fundraiser and expressed that she shared an email with the web site for online ticket sales—http://www.piggestraffle.com—in an email to chapter presidents prior to today’s meeting. Online and paper tickets are $5 apiece. The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 with $5,000 going to the Ohio Affiliate. The second prize winner will receive $2,500 with the same amount going to the Ohio Affiliate. The third prize winner will receive a $1,500 Cincinnati weekend getaway. President Gloria Robinson expressed that she still has some paper tickets to sell to Chapter members, and anyone interested can contact her directly.<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'>Suzanne Turner announced that an “encouraging power” event is scheduled for Sunday April 26 at 4:00 P.M. on the Ohio Affiliate teleconference line. The event features songs, poems, and inspirational talks. Joann Williams from the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter will facilitate this event. Anyone interested in contributing to this event can email Suzanne Turner directly. A nurse is scheduled to answer questions and give updates on the Covid-19 Pandemic and “good mental health” at 1:30 P.m. on Tuesday April 28. This event is also facilitated by the Cleveland Chapter and will take place on the Ohio Affiliate conference line. Several other events on the Zoom platform were also discussed, including the live National Federation of the Blind Presidential release set for May 1 at 8:00 P.M. Information concerning all events discussed was posted to the Ohio-Talk listserv. Suzanne also reminded Chapter members that she is facilitating a daily “coffee break” from 10:00 to 10:30 A.M. to check on the well-being of individual members.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><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 asked all members of the Affiliate—especially those involved in membership recruitment efforts—to keep fully abreast of developments from the National Office concerning the current public health crisis and other advocacy issues. <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'>Ohio Affiliate President Richard Payne expressed concerns regarding the Membership Committee’s decision to suspend regular meetings until the market reopens in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic. President Payne stated that though the Chapters and the Divisions of the Affiliate have a solid corps of members, the Chapter needs to think of ways of marketing the Federation and its activities virtually—as some other Chapters have done. Richard also stressed the importance of members’ attendance at this year’s National Convention, which is being offered virtually for the first time in the history of the Federation due to the Pandemic. Members can register for this year’s National Convention for free at <a href="https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention">https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention</a>. President Payne suggested that the Membership Committee can assist those unable to register for National Convention to do so—among other activities. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=14 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Affiliate President Richard Payne encouraged anyone needing assistance, resources or support in the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic to reach out to him directly. Chapter President Gloria Robinson also offered her assistance to any Chapter member in need during this time.<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'>Suzanne Turner encouraged any member of the Affiliate who needs help understanding an aspect of the organization or Federation philosophy to seek a mentor. Some time was taken during the latter part of today’s meeting discussing the importance of mentoring and the role of mentors in the development of leadership of the Ohio Affiliate. Suzanne also indicated that information on the activities of the Affiliate and National Organization is available for those without Internet access through the Cleveland Chapter voice box, which can be reached by telephone at (641) 715-3900, Access Code 582705#.<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=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>President Gloria Robinson requested that all members provide her with their updated contact information by phone or text. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ol style='margin-top:0in' start=17 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The April 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter was adjourned at approximately 3:04 P.M. on Saturday April 25 2020.<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'>The May 2020 meeting of the Cincinnati Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Cincinnati Chapter will be held on Saturday May 23 2020 from 1:30 to 3:30 P.M. by teleconference.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'>Respectfully Submitted,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'>Christopher Sabine<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'>Secretary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto'>Cincinnati Chapter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>