[NFBOH-Cleveland] Outreach in Akron

[Suzanne Turner]

Good Morning Ohio,

 

On yesterday, The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio facilitated an
Envision Seminar in Akron Ohio. There were several vendors on hand,
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, The Library for the Blind and
Disabled, Akron Sight Center, Cleveland Sight Center and more.  

 

To my surprise, although it was raining; there were many in attendance to
learn about the mission of the National Federation of the Blind. The energy
was electric and filled with enthusiasm as President, Payne opened the
seminar. There were over 40 people not including vendors that took part. It
was definitely clear, that the work of the federation is so needed right
here in our back yards.

 

The attendees were eager to listen how The NFB transforms dreams into
reality; with the hope that their stories would not only be heard, but
understood. The most compelling part of the seminar was that many of them
recall speaking to President Payne and Dr. Peters over the telephone. They
hung on their every word with hope that the federation would assist them in
moving in a positive and independent manner. There were questions on how to
become a member, what is the possibility of organizing a chapter in Akron
and when would there be another seminar. Most of the audiance were filled
with seniors who've recently loss vision. A few were spouses attending on
behalf of their loved ones. Nevertheless, they came out to learn, be
understood and gain knowledge. The Ohio Senior Blind Committee will
definitely have more participants for our monthly teleconference on "losing
vision" in July; as it was highlighted and pitched as a learning and support
tool.

 

Cheryl fields registered all participants and so we will have the
opportunity to touch and reach them all. So, Ohio, you will be needed to
assist these individuals in providing love , hope and determination to help
the Ohio blind "live the life they want". They need to know that blindness
is a physical characteristic, but it is not the characteristic that defines
them or their future. If they have the proper training and opportunity, and
believe that it is respectable to be blind, then their blindness will be
reduced to an inconvenience. I say all this because we must have more
Envision Seminars across the state of Ohio. If we reach one person, then we
have honored the call!

 

Richard set a reputable and motivating tone with the audience; while Carolyn
closed in a most remarkable fashion that left the participants encouraged
and uplifted. This is what we need more of and we all can play a part.
However, it is not only the blind who need the federation, but family
members, friends and significant others do as well. For example, a mother
approached me with great concern that her adult son who was born prematurely
without eyes will not be able to live safely, independently, and or a
productive life without her. Therefore,   they are moving to Denver in the
Fall near family members for support. Because she is getting older, she is
afraid for her adult blind child. Richard calmly assured her that Ohio would
connect them with the NFB in Colorado. Let's not forget about them when we
spread the mission and philosophy of the organization. They need us too.

 

Thank you for all you do to support the blind of Ohio!

 

Suzanne

             

Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, President

NFBOH-Cleveland

P: (440) 462-9755

A: PO Box 141077

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

E: President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com
<mailto:President.NFB.ClevelandOhio at Gmail.com> 

 

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

 

 

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