[NFBOH-Cleveland] Cleveland Announcements

Thu Jan 31 23:17:04 UTC 2019

Outreach:

Last month, The Community Engagement Committee provided outreach efforts
with information about the National Federation of the Blind and demonstrated
accessible technology. Visited were two Senior Communities, Riverview Towers
and King Kennedy Towers. An extended thanks to Cleveland members, Cheryl
Fields and Theresa McKenney  who presented.

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Louis Brail birthday:

In January, Louis Brail birthday was recognized by the Cleveland Chapter's
Community Engagement Committee. Thanks to Cheryl Fields and Ronnie Leeth
along with guide dog Peaches, for demonstrating the white cane and guide dog
practices with the children at St. Adalbert Elementary school. Braille was
discussed as well as reasonable accommodations. Also Cleveland's gracious
donations of puzzles were presented to the school as well. 

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Washington Seminar:

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio,  Cleveland Chapter members,
Suzanne Turner and Ali Benmerzouga have returned from the Washington Seminar
advocating for positive change. Over 600 members of The National Federation
of the Blind across the country including  the District of Columbia and
Puerto Rico gathered in D.C on Monday through Wednesday meeting with our
respective Congressional Representatives and Senators. Ohio had five teams
that went to the Hill and discuss three initiatives, such as, The Access
Technology Affordability Act, that spoke about THE COST OF NEEDED ACCESS
TECHNOLOGY which is OUT OF REACH FOR MOST BLIND AMERICANS. Most access
technology ranges from $1,000 to $6,000. Also, Medical insurance will not
cover the cost of access technology, like a talking glucose monitor or a
blood pressure device. This bill will, establish a refundable tax credit for
blind Americans in the amount of $2,000 to be used over a three-year period.
If the Access Technology Affordability Act becomes into fruition, the blind
could purchase a piece of technology, such as, a popular Braille note taker,
file a tax return and then use this refundable tax credit.  We will discuss
these  Acts at the next Chapter meeting.

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Secret Shopper:

President Suzanne has been selected to represent the Ohio Affiliate by
posing as a secret shopper. This secret shopper activity will begin February
1, 2019 to ensure that the Grayhound Bus Company is providing accommodations
to the blind. Currently their online portal is not accessible . Therefore
all states will record the company's attitudes and policies when a blind
person contacts them to purchase a ticket.

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Ohio Affiliate Conference Call:

President, Richard Payne has scheduled a teleconference call to address
concerns, exchange ideas and problem solve. This call  is to bring the
affiliate up to date and educate each other about the needs of our state
affiliate and the importance of getting involved. You can call the President
if you are aware of something that you would like addressed at (937)
829-3368.  

Conference Call date: February 4th

Time: 7:00 PM

Number: 712/775/7031

Code: 240281423

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February Chapter Meeting:

The Cleveland Chapter will hold our February meeting on February 15, 2019 at
3:00 to 5:00 P.m. at the Cleveland Sight Center, located at 1909 E 101st
Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44106. Please bring used white canes and gently worn
and new clothing for our two donation drives. Thank you Edward Louden, Sandy
Krems and Cheryl Fields for heading these two important initiatives.

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Dues are being accepted now:

The Cleveland Chapter's Treasurer, Natassha Ricks will take dues at the next
meeting. Please pay $10.00 for yearly dues and $5.00 to help with
bereavement situations. Also, if your address, telephone number, and or
email has changed. Please contact our Recording Secretary, Cheryl Fields to
update. Her telephone number is (216) 566-4317 or email at
cefields55 at gmail.com <mailto:cefields55 at gmail.com> 

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Cleveland Food Bank:

Please plan to join the NFB Cleveland chapter to help out  at the Greater
Cleveland Food Bank on February 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Volunteers are
needed to help sort and repack perishable and nonperishable food that  will
later be distributed to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
Volunteers need to register and RSVP in advance.  Please call  Sandy Krems
(440) 479-4537  or Email slkrems at gmail. <mailto:slkrems at gmail.com> com 

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Providing Solutions for Vision Loss:

Under the umbrella of the Ohio Senior Division, Sandy Krems and Gloria
Conway facilitates a monthly conference call on Providing Solutions for
Vision Loss. At the next meeting, there will be a compelling talk on "Living
With and Without Sight--Stuck in the Transition" by Ohio Affiliate Vice
president, Sheri Albers. Sheri  will address this life changing experience
of being stuck in the middle. You do not want to miss her powerful
presentation.

Date: February 17, 2019, 

Time: 7:00 P.M.

Conference line: 712-775-7031

Code: 240281423

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Try Aira: 

This is an offer where anyone can try a free Aira account anytime with
Aira's professional agents whenever it suits them - just like a paying
subscriber. The 7-Day Trial provides 30 minutes to try Aira's service over a
period of seven days. Some of that time will be used for setting up account
preferences and asking questions about the service, but the majority of that
time is free to use for any task. How do you get involved, you ask? Well,
it's pretty straightforward. If you haven't already created a free account,
download the Aira app on your smartphone by searching for "Aira" in the
Apple App or Google Play store, or by visiting aira.io/app
<https://qwds.app.link/fCFxBE1dJN?_p=f0563a46f137d4617c8008>. Open the app,
choose "Tap to use Aira as a Guest for FREE!

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Flying Pig Marathon:

It is time for the Flying Pig Marathon that takes place in Cincinnati Ohio.
Every year the Ohio Affiliate takes part in the Piggest Raffel Ever.
President, Suzanne will have tickets on hand at the February Chapter
meeting. The tickets are $5.00 each. You can win up to $10k dollars if your
ticket is pulled. Also, the Ohio Affiliate will mand a table to raise
$500.00 for handing out tissues to the runners. If you would like to
volunteer at this event, contact Suzanne Turner at (216) 990-6199 or email,
SMTurner.234 at gmail.com <mailto:SMTurner.234 at gmail.com> 

(BELL)

The Ohio Affiliate is seeking volunteers for the Braille Enrichment Literacy
and Learning (Bell) Program that will take place in July. Volunteers are
needed to assist with food preparation, children activities, custodial
efforts and more. Eric Duffy is coordinating this endeavor. For more
information, please contact him at (614) 377-9877 or by email at
peduffy63 at gmail.com <mailto:peduffy63 at gmail.com>  

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Ohio Braille Literacy Classes:

Free Braille Course - Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland and Toledo

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, in partnership with
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, is pleased to announce an
opportunity to learn Braille through one on one instruction, in a peer and
mentor-supported environment.

The kick-off for this unique learning opportunity will take place in
Cleveland April 12-14. This fun filled weekend will lay the foundation for a
positive introduction to Braille. Apply by February 22. for more
information, contact Debra Baker at 937-206-2935 or dgventure915 at gmail.com
<mailto:dgventure915 at gmail.com> , or Marianne Denning at 513-607-6053 or
marianne at denningweb.com <mailto:marianne at denningweb.com>  

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A Weekend in Columbus 

Cleveland, from April 5th through to April 10th 2019, there will be several
activities for members to engage with at the State level. First, The
training for BELL will be on Friday and Saturday, April 5th and April 6th
2019. Then on Sunday morning, April 7th, 2019, the Ohio State Affiliate
Board will be in session. On Sunday  evening and Monday respectively, April
7th and Monday, April 8th , President, Richard Payne will hold a Leadership
Seminar. Finally,  we will embark upon the Ohio State Capitol to advocate
for positive change. This will be on the 9th and possibly the 10th of April.
If you can attend all activities, please contact Ohio Affiliate President,
Richard Payne at RChpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:RChpay7 at gmail.com>  or
Legislative Chairperson, Sheri Albers at Sheri.Albers87 at gmail.com
<mailto:Sheri.Albers87 at gmail.com> . However if you can attend only a part of
this endeavor, contact President, Suzanne and let her know if you are
wishing to attend the State Board meeting, be considered for the Columbus
Seminar or Bell.

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The Love Bird Romantic Getaway:

Natassha Ricks will have tickets for Cleveland's fundraiser, The Love Bird
Romantic Getaway. Also, you will be provided a flyer to present that will
explain the guidelines. Participants can win one of three prizes which
includes,

First prize: Check-In One of Six Hilton Hotels located throughout  the state
for a Romantic Night.

Second prize: A Romantic Love Bird Gift Basket worth over $50.00, which
includes him and her attire, wine, chocolate strawberries and more.

Third prize: A $50.00 Cash Visa Gift Card.

Tickets are $10.00 each. The drawing will be at the May 17, 2019 meeting.

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Calendar:

Feb. 4th, Ohio Teleconference Call

Feb. 15th, Cleveland Chapter Meeting

Feb. 17th, Providing Solutions for Vision Loss Conference Call

Feb. 28th Food Bank

April 5th and 6th, BELL Training

April 7th Columbus State Board Meeting , 

April 9th, Columbus Seminar

July 7th thru July 12th, National Convention

November 1st thru November 3rd , State of Ohio Convention

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For more information, please contact Cheryl Fields, Recording Secretary at
(216) 566-4317.

Remember:

Blindness is not what holds you back! You can live the life you want!

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