[NFBOH-Cleveland] Cleveland Chapter August Announcements

Sun Aug 2 00:25:48 UTC 2026

Good Evening, Cleveland and Friends,

August is here! Can you believe it?

I have a few new announcements sprinkled with a few older ones. 

So, you want to read through to its entirety.

A few announcements require your registration. If you need assistance, please respond as soon as possible.

Before the announcements, I want members to think and bring ideas to the chapter. Here are the questions.

1. What activity can Cleveland do in the community that promotes advocacy, awareness and social integration from September thru December?

2. What can Cleveland do to grow our membership, targeting students?

3. What type of basket can Cleveland create for the convention auction?

4. How can Cleveland organize the October event (Coast-To-Coast Challenge” by including raising funds?

Please bring your ideas to the picnic or email me off list.

Now, the voice box will be updated tonight with the same info. Call in around 10:00 P.M.

Dial: 641-715-3900

Code: 582705 

Spread the word!

Announcements:

A.	Matters Of Vision
B.	Descriptions and guidelines for the 2026 Ohio Awards
C.	Quarterly Vision Webinar
D.	More

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NOBBL Mentoring and Outreach Meeting

Details:

You are warmly invited to attend the Mentoring & Outreach Work Group Meeting on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

Theme: Women Leading the Change

This month, we are excited to feature two fearless, confident, and inspiring women who have accepted the charge to make a meaningful impact within the national organization of Blind Black Leaders and the National Federation of the Blind. These dynamic leaders have established themselves as influential voices in the blind community, and we look forward to learning more about their journeys.

This promises to be an empowering discussion filled with insight, inspiration, and practical leadership lessons.

Spread the word and join!

Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/4081850851

Meeting ID: 408 185 0851

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Matters Of Vision

Details:

Don’t miss out on an invaluable opportunity to enhance your knowledge about eye health! 

Join us for a complimentary educational program hosted by the Macular Degeneration Association in Cleveland, OH.

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Time: Registration and a delightful breakfast commence at 8:30 AM, with the program concluding at 11:30 AM.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland East/ Mayfield Village

700 Beta Dr.

Cleveland, OH 44143

Meeting Room: Park

Our presentations will be led by top experts in the field, committed to sharing their knowledge with you.

Please call  <tel:+18559622852> (855) 962-2852 to register or email Donna ( <mailto:donna at macularhope.org> donna at macularhope.org) to reserve your seats

Call or email no later than Monday!

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Foundation Fighting Blindness: Quarterly Vision Webinar

Details:

Champions of Vision-Living a Life Fully with Vision Loss 

What does it mean to truly adapt and thrive? Our upcoming Quarterly Vision Webinar brings together incredible speakers from the arts, executive leadership, and stage performance to answer that very question.

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 11, 2026,

Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

💻 Location: Online via Zoom (registration required)

Whether you're navigating vision loss yourself, supporting a loved one, or working in healthcare, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and powerful encouragement for everyone.

Register today to secure your spot!

Quarterly Vision Webinar: Champions of Vision-Living a life fully with low vision — Foundation Fighting Blindness <https://www.fightingblindness.org/events/quarterly-vision-webinar-champions-of-vision-living-a-life-fully-with-low-vision-7929?vcrmeid=9H8eVvFjkuQ36EmisdTw&vcrmiid=n2eKQYOYuU2vMcQw2SL5og> 

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Presidential Release #562, August 2026

Details:

Click on the link to review the transcript.

Presidential Release #562, August 2026 (Chapter Transcript) | National Federation of the Blind <https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases/transcripts/presidential-release-562-august> 

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OK, Cleveland!

Details:

It is time for our annual Picnic!

On August 22, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, we will fellowship, eat and have some fun!

The location will be the Lakewood Park. The address will be provided on August 17, 2026 during the Cleveland Reminders. If you would like to bring a guest who maybe a potential member, please contact Chacity Gilliam, Vice President at (216) 644-4374.

Please also alert her also of what you will be contributing to the menu.

Note! Do not show up with a guest without notification to secure proper count for attendees. 

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President, Suzanne Turner was invited to join fellow Presenters.

Details:

LEAP is working with Services for Independent Living and Disability Rights Ohio to put on a Town Hall for people with disabilities to speak with local and state legislators. We are planning to focus on the needs and concerns of people aging with a disability—the unique needs of the disability population as we grow older with existing disabilities and sometimes age into new disabilities. 

The Town Hall will be on Wednesday, August 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Parma Powers Library Branch (6996 Powers Blvd., Parma, OH 44129). The space is physically accessible and has on-site parking. We'll have captioning and ASL interpretation.

I am urging Cleveland/Cuyahoga to be in attendance.

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We need your voice! The Audio Description Project (ADP) is launching a comprehensive survey!  

Details:

capture the real-world experiences of blind and low vision

(BLV) and sighted consumers using popular streaming services.

 Why This Survey Matters

While streaming entertainment has expanded massively, navigating the platforms themselves is inconsistent and often remains a challenge. This survey is designed to gather data and to help streaming service providers understand exactly where blind and low vision users face barriers within the specific service user platform interface.

With the data collected, we will be able to:

 • Provide detailed, platform-specific feedback to individual streaming services regarding usability and accessibility issues.

• Develop industry best practices.

• Positively influence the consumer experience and make these platforms easier and more intuitive for everyone.

 What to Expect

The survey begins with basic demographic information, followed by identifying questions on which streaming services you use, and then specific questions on your overall user experience with each of those services.

 • Who should take the survey: anyone who watches audio described content on a streaming service. You do not have to be blind or low vision to take this survey.

 • How long will it take? 

• Survey Closes: Monday, August 31, 2026

 Select this link to take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G3NPR5C

Questions or Issues?

If you run into any technical difficulties or have questions about the survey, please feel free to reach out directly to Renee Arrington-Johnson at renee at acbohio.org <mailto:renee at acbohio.org> 

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2026 State Affiliate Awards Descriptions

Details:

The Ohio Affiliate provides several awards to individuals who have made significant contributions. If you would like to recognize someone, here are the awards and descriptions.

1. The Alfonso Smith Award is presented to the outstanding blind Federationist for service to the blind of Ohio. Please note that this is a statewide award, and service should be statewide to be considered. A letter describing the accomplishments of your nominee for this award must be sent to the awards committee By October 1, 2026 for consideration.

2. The Ruth Garwood Award is presented to an outstanding sighted Person for service to blind people across the state. This person need not be a Federationist. A letter describing your Candidate’s work with the blind must be sent to the awards committee By October 1, 2026 for consideration.

3. The Knall-Garwood Award is presented to a Federationist for long and loyal service to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. This does mean long and loyal service to the state affiliate and not to an individual or local chapter. A letter describing your candidate's work with the organization must be sent By October 1, 2026 to the awards committee in order to be considered.

The awards committee makes the following requests to those preparing materials.

* Type Nomination letters and reports.

*	Make sure to check your spelling and grammar.

*	Once all nomination letters are carefully proofread and completed, send by email to William Turner at TurnerW794 at gmail.com <mailto:TurnerW794 at gmail.com>  by the deadline Thursday October 1, 2026.

Unfortunately, nomination letters received after the October 1, 2026 deadline cannot be considered by the Awards Committee.

The awards committee is available until Tuesday September 29, 2026 to proofread your documents with you prior to the Thursday October 1 deadline. This step is not a requirement but, is available for your convenience. All awards committee members are available to answer questions until the Thursday October 1, 2026 deadline.

Should you need additional information please contact William Turner at TurnerW794 at gmail.com. 

 ph. (330) 328-9860.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Now, let's begin working toward celebrating our accomplishments and securing a stronger Ohio affiliate!

The NFB of Ohio 2026 Awards Committee

William Turner, Chair  
Jerry Purcell

Jessica Stover
Luann Bowers

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Calendar Notes:

September   Chapter Meeting: September 19, 2026, from noon to 3:00, MLK Library

October 10th: Coast-To-Coast Metropark Walkathon.

October Chapter Meeting: October 24, 2026, including Elections 

November 5/8: 80th NFB Ohio State Convention

For questions, please reach out!

NFB Zelle

NFB.CLE.Treasurer at gmail.com <mailto:NFB.CLE.Treasurer at gmail.com> 

Please add 50 cents to the Zelle.

Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President

Ohio Legislative Director

Cleveland Chapter, President

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

P: (216) 990-6199

W: NFBOhio.ORG

Facebook:  <https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/> https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/

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