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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 May 2020<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><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 May 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter was convened by President Gloria Robinson at approximately 1:33 P.M. on Saturday May 23 2020. Due to the closure of the Cincinnati / Hamilton County Public Libraries as a result of the current public health crisis, this meeting was held by telephone conference. In attendance were: President Gloria Robinson, Candice Armstrong, Marianne Denning, Christopher Sabine, Emily Pennington, Ahkeela Cade, Walter Mitchell, Allison Meloy, Amy Barker, Deanna Lewis, Diane Carmony, Dave Perry, Jacque Perry, Robert Harris, Amy Barker, Dale Barta, Tony King, and Joy Thomas. Marianne Dunnellon 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 encouraged all Chapter members to reach out to her if they are facing any difficulties related to the Covid-19 Pandemic or otherwise. Membership can also reach out to Walter Mitchell as he is working with Cheryl Fields, who is in charge of the daily welfare check-in calls through the Ohio Affiliate. Gloria Robinson began today’s meeting by announcing the passing of the father of Chris Windham, the father of Cassandra Jones, and the mother of Immediate Past President Sheri Albers from Covid-19. She reported that she is sending condolence cards to those affected personally by the Pandemic. Gloria announced that the June Chapter meeting will be held by teleconference due to the Pandemic and expressed that the July and August meetings could be held by phone conference as well. Big Lots locations are selling masks, and Gloria is working on supplying hand sanitizer for Chapter members. Later in today’s meeting, Walter Mitchell expressed that his company, L 2 T Products & Services, which provides cell phone service to people with disabilities, is also selling reusable masks for $7 apiece. Those interested can contact L 2 T Products & Services at (800) 340-8211, Selection 2.<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'>President Gloria Robinson expressed that National Convention is being held virtually and asked all Chapter members to register online. The link to the online registration portal is provided in Christopher Sabine’s Membership Committee report below. <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'>Dale Barta moved to approve the April 2020 Minutes as emailed. Marianne Denning 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'>Emily Pennington presented this month’s Treasurer’s Report. Marianne Denning moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Dale Barta seconded, and the motion passed.<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=6 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Marianne Denning, in her Legislative Committee Report, requested all Chapter members contact their local congressional representatives and senators and urge them to sponsor the Accessible Technology Affordability Act. This legislation, which would provide a $2,000 tax credit for the purchase of assistive technology for those who are Blind, currently has 90 co-sponsors in the House and Senate. The goal of the National Federation of the Blind is to secure 100 co-sponsors for this legislation. This information was posted as a legislative alert to the Ohio-Talk and Cinci-Talk Internet Listservs on May 22—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=7 type=1><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Christopher Sabine gave a report from the Membership Committee, which met at 7:30 P.M. on Friday May 22 by teleconference. Dale Barta, Dave Perry and Gloria Robinson also attended the meeting. The Committee agreed to institute a “Saturday Social Hour” following the current Pandemic. The goal of the Saturday Social Hour will be to discuss the needs of participants concerning Blindness. This group would consist of members and nonmembers of the National Federation of the Blind and be advertised through traditional and social media. The committee Also agreed to develop a new membership pamphlet to share with community organizations. President Gloria Robinson added that she plans to ask various Chapter members to share their personal experience with blindness and feature information on community resources, such as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, at the Saturday Social Hour. She has reportedly spoken with a representative from the Cincinnati Enquirer about an article and would like to advertise the event on other platforms as well. She will also be asking all Chapter members to distribute 5-7 copies of the pamphlet when it is completed. Christopher concluded his report by asking all members who need assistance to register for National Convention to reach out to him directly. The link to the Convention registration Portal is <a href="https://www.nfb.org/registration">https://www.nfb.org/registration</a>.<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'>Robert Harris gave a report from the Transportation Committee. He indicated that the Board of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), the agency which operates Metro and ACCESS, met on Tuesday May 19 prior to today’s meeting. The passage of Issue 7, officially announced on May 19, will provide the agency with significant funding over the next 25 years. Issue 7 also places SORTA under the auspices of Hamilton County, whereas SORTA has previously operated <i>de facto</i> as a branch of the City of Cincinnati with no County funding. The additional funding will enable SORTA to begin rolling out 24-hour-a-day service on certain routes as well as new service throughout Hamilton County over the next three months. All changes which SORTA will implement as a result of Issue 7—including twenty-four-hour service and expanded service in Hamilton County—will also apply to ACCESS, SORTA’s paratransit service for riders with disabilities. SORTA is also redoubling its efforts to ensure rider safety during the Pandemic. All riders are encouraged to maintain adequate social distancing and wear masks, and he has observed that most drivers and passengers are waring facial coverings while on the bus; some have also been wearing gloves. SORTA is also washing down all buses nightly. He suggested, however, that facial coverings are not required for riders at this point. Robert expressed that Gov. Mike DeWine is “more than willing” to reinstitute stay at home orders or issue other restrictions if people fail to comply with social distancing guidelines. He encouraged anyone with concerns regarding SORTA’s operations to contact him directly. Following Robert’s report, Gloria expressed particular concerns regarding drivers’ failure to announce bus stops and activate automatic announcement systems on buses. She also asked Robert specifically about drivers treating passengers with disabilities with disrespect. Robert reported that he will determine who at SORTA is responsible for bus stop announcements and report back to the Transportation Committee. He also encouraged all members to “always report” a problem driver and gave his contact information for those who wish to reach him directly. <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'>At President Gloria Robinson’s request, Walter Mitchell gave a report on the Ohio Diabetes Action Network (DAN). He reported that DAN is continually growing its membership after a few years of decline. The Division’s business management is better, and there is improved camaraderie among group members. The Division currently meets at 10:30 A.M. the second Saturday of each month by teleconference and has begun holding “Educate, Inspire, and Empower” meetings on various topics. At a national level, DAN continues to advocate for all Blind people with Diabetes to have access to a continuous glucose monitor and is also leading the charge for passage of the Greater Access and Independence through Nonvisual Technologies (GAIN) Act, which includes glucose monitoring devices. The officers of Ohio’s Dan Division are: Susan Day, President, Walter Mitchell, Vice President, Wanda Sloan, Secretary, Colleen Roth, Treasurer, and Sue Ott, At Large Board Member. Walter encouraged anyone interested in joining DAN or attending a meeting to reach out to him directly. Gloria asked that Walter represent the National Federation of the Blind at this year’s upcoming Health Fair and take part in other community outreach activities of the Chapter and Ohio Affiliate to promote exposure of the National Federation of the Blind in the wider Diabetes community.<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'>Amy Barker and Allison Meloy gave updates on services from the Ohio Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI)) as the current Pandemic continues. Amy Barker, who works in the Independent Living Program for Older Americans, expressed that the Pandemic has shifted how the program is delivering services to consumers. All intakes and needs assessments are being conducted by telephone. However, some services, such as low vision evaluations, require face to face meetings with the consumer. Amy indicated that she calls all her consumers every two weeks to check in on them, as isolation is a significant issue facing her consumers and the older population in general. Walter Mitchell agreed to take some information from Amy concerning food pantries and other resources to forward to Cheryl Fields from the Senior Division of the Ohio Affiliate, who is spearheading efforts to reach out to members of the Affiliate in need of social contact or basic supplies or resources. Allison Meloy indicated that intake for BSVI consumers interested in employment is still by telephone. The contact is Wendy Ray, and she can be reached by telephone at (513) 768-6705. <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'>Marianne Denning expressed that the Ohio Association of Blind Students has begun an “Adopt a Senior” Program for Blind Seniors who will miss out on graduation ceremonies and other graduation activities due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Information on this program is available on Facebook at “nfbohioadoptasenior.” Currently, there are only four seniors in the program. However, one is set for a social graduation from a local high school. Members of the Ohio Affiliate can sign up to adopt a senior, but the seniors do not have to be members of the National Federation of the Blind. Those adopting a senior can send gifts to their adoptees. More than one person can adopt the same senior, and even entire chapters can adopt a given senior. Marianne expressed that efforts are underway to promote the program with the Ohio State School for the Blind. Members with questions about the “Adopt a Senior” Program can reach out to Marianne directly.<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'>President Gloria Robinson reported that she has secured the table on Fountain Square for this year’s Meet the Blind event, which is currently set for Tuesday October 13 2020 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The Chapter will need to pay the City of Cincinnati $200 for the permit for this year’s event. Gloria expressed that she would like everyone using a white cane to attend this event and requested that Marianne Denning reach out to John Mitchell from the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Deanna Lewis connect with Chris Faust from Clovernook to bring Blind employees from both agencies to the event. <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 expressed that the Fundraising Committee is currently on a brief hiatus due to the Pandemic. However, plans for the Italian Dinner and Portrait Studio are still in the works. The Chapter is also accepting donations—either by cash or check sent to Treasurer Emily Pennington or another officer of the Chapter or through the Chapter’s PayPal account, <a href="mailto:nfbofcincinnati@gmail.com">nfbofcincinnati@gmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>14.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>President Gloria Robinson and secretary Christopher Sabine requested that all Chapter members who have paid dues to the Chapter and have not given him their contact information to provide their information to Christopher, so that he can enter it into the National Membership Database. This is vital to ensuring that all members receive the right of a vote at National Convention. Christopher also expressed that moving forward, the process of entering new members into the Chapter is being streamlined through National Office, and all members who intend to renew their membership or drop out of the Chapter need to contact him right away to ensure their current contact information and membership status is reflected in the National Database. Christopher provided his email address and telephone number to Chapter members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>15.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Gloria Robinson encouraged all Chapter members to reach out to her if they are having any personal concerns related to the Covid-19 Pandemic or otherwise. She is also starting a separate connections group for those experiencing vision loss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>16.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The May 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter was adjourned at approximately 3:17 P.M. on Saturday May 23, 2020. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>17.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The June 2020 meeting of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cincinnati Chapter will be held by teleconference from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. on Saturday June 27 2020. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:.25in;mso-add-space:auto'><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><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>