[NFBOH-Cleveland] Meet Dr. Carolyn Peters In Recognition of Black History Month!

Sat Feb 9 15:59:15 UTC 2019

Good morning Suzanne and everyone on this email,

Indeed, Dr. Carolyn Peters is definitely living the life she wants!

Very inspiring! Thanks a lot Suzanne for letting us Meet Dr. Carolyn Peters In Recognition of Black History Month!

I really liked many takes from her great story and achievements, especially this one, “We all have a story to tell. We are a light for others, and we should shine at all times. I am BLESSED to attend Conventions, edify to others and now be a mentor to those who at one time felt like I did, afraid, confused and in the dark”. Wonderfully said and summarized! A great example, model and representative of how an NFB member should really and always be!

Go Dr. Carolyn Peters! Go Miami Valley!
Go Suzanne Turner! Go Cleveland!
Go Richard! Go Ohio!
Go Mark Riccobono! Go NFB!

Have a great day y’all.

Ali
NFB Member – Cleveland Chapter
Board Member
Cell Phone - 440-590-0315
***
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.
***

From: Suzanne Turner <smturner.234 at gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, February 8, 2019 5:25 PM
To: NFBOH-Cleveland at nfbnet.org; 'Lisa Bostick' <lbostick04 at jcu.edu>; Victory71351 at AOL.COM; AlexisTyson2000 at Yahoo.com; wturner at clevelandsightcenter.org; 'Edgarsfarm' <edgarsfarm at aol.com>; 'Sandra Krems' <slkrems at yahoo.com>; Campbelllegal87 at gmail.com; bdowdy1983 at gmail.com; reggandjack at aol.com; bryantealysr at yahoo.com; shawgriff781 at gmail.com; Leeth123 at roadrunner.com; cantseecutie at att.net; Nricks123 at me.com; stuff12993 at aol.com; william.h.turner at ssa.gov; Williamsjoann at outlook.com; lmr.upshaw at gmail.com; remacd3 at gmail.com; bdowdy1983 at gmail.com; MichaelSwinney05 at gmail.com; william.h.turner at ssa.gov; Williamsjoann at outlook.com; lmr.upshaw at gmail.com; 'kiana hill' <kiah976 at att.net>; Dr.Carolyn.Peters at gmail.com; 'Dave Bertsch' <dwbertsch at hotmail.com>; rchpay7 at gmail.com; 'Ali Benmerzouga' <ali.benmerzouga at hotmail.com>; 'Edward Louden' <edlouden6485 at gmail.com>; callaway.shawn at gmail.com; davant1958 at gmail.com; rb15 at iquest.net; smithj at ohio.edu; ALewis at nfb.org
Cc: smturner.234 at gmail.com
Subject: Meet Dr. Carolyn Peters In Recognition of Black History Month!

Carolyn Peters, Th.D., MSW, LSW is an African-American female from Dayton Ohio.

     Dr. Peters had a medical incident in 2004, rendering her totally blind in her right eye. After a surgical procedure and her left eye, she began losing vision, and was diagnosed legally blind in 2006. As an older adult, losing her vision so quickly, was devastating and most challenging. Yet, she was determined to manage this new chapter in her life. Along with, several of her social work colleagues, they assisted her in developing her own plan. Dr. Peters sought assistance through the Ohio State Rehabilitation Commission; now known as Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD). She received mobility, and technology training to maintain employment. However, Dr. Peters retired from her employment as a Medical Social Worker in Dayton Ohio. As her vision continue to decrease. She then decided to continue her education and received a Doctorate degree in 2011. Dr. Peters published her first book, “Knowing when to go”, based on the book of Ruth in the Bible in 2012.

     Also, in 2012, she was introduced to the local chapter of the National Federation of the Blind and attended meetings regularly. In 2013 Dr Peters attended her first National Federation of the Blind National Convention and Ohio State Convention. Her former local President, Richard Payne introduced her to mentors Wilbert Turner, Dr Anthony Easley, Ivory Patello and Suzanne Turner from the Cleveland Chapter, who assisted, acclimated and supported her during the entire Convention. There, Dr. Peters felt her confidence implode and rise all at the same time. “I was so afraid when I arrived. Blind people were everywhere and doing things that I did not know that blind people could do. They were crossing streets, going to restaurants with white canes. We even road a street bus”. Dr. Peters went on to say, “it was a life-changing event. The educational seminars and trainings that I received confirmed my belief that I can do anything I choose to do.  If I could conceive it. I can believe it!

     Moreover, in 2015, at the national Federation of the Blind National Convention in Orlando Florida; Dr. Peters was invited by Ron Brown, National 2nd Vice President to present at the “Underserved Population Committee meeting. During that same Convention, the National Federation of the Blind celebrated its 75th anniversary. As Dr. Peters became more involved with the organization, she felt compelled to attend the Worldwide Blind Convention held in the United States sponsored by The National Federation of the Blind in Orlando Florida where over 100 countries were represented.

    Additionally, in 2017 she was asked to present at the National Convention to the Communities of Faith division. Dr. Peters ministers where ever she goes. She says, “We all have a story to tell. We are a light for others, and we should shine at all times. I am BLESSED to attend Conventions, edify to others and now be a mentor to those who at one time felt like I did, afraid, confused and in the dark”. In 2018, Dr. Peters probably felt that she came full circle when she was asked by the national Federation of the Blind National president, Mark Riccobono to provide the invocation before the Saturday morning General Assembly. She is the first female to do so. This in deed was a proud moment for Dr. Peters, her local Chapter and the Ohio Affiliate. Then, on the next day, she was requested to preach by the National Communities of Faith, President, Tom Anderson at the Sunday morning worship service.

     Dr. Peters has been very active in her local Chapter as well. Currently, since 2017, she has served as the President of the Miami Valley Chapter in Dayton Ohio. Subsequently, she sits on the Ohio Affiliate State Board of Directors and is the Chairperson for the Ohio membership Committee. Dr. Peters is committed to serving in all capacities spreading the message that “you can do anything you set your mind to. I did it, not knowing where or how to put one foot in front of the other. We all are valuable and can play a part. Ask questions and receive the help and mentorship from the organization. As the Ohio Membership chairperson, I am devoted to give back and provide new and seasoned members with love, hope and determination”.

     As an experienced Medical Social Worker and Through her service to the State of Ohio, Dr. Peters is continuing to provide leadership, mentorship and assistance to citizens with disabilities across Ohio.  Her abilities and compassion have afforded her with a number of opportunities to make transformations in the lives of the blind and disabled communities. For example, colleagues from several entities throughout Ohio highly recommended her to become the Commissioner of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and former governor John Kasich made that appointment. Although Dr. Peters has been in this position for a short time; she has made a tremendous difference for the disabled population through advocacy, strategic planning and her experiential living. Hence, she uses her own personal experiences and expertise to build trust and connect with members and other blind individuals. She is definitely living the life she wants!
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