[NFBOH-Cleveland] All are invited to the Cleveland Chapter: Welcoming Gary Wunder, Ohio President, Richard Payne and Crystal Carlgren

[smturner.234 at gmail.com]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

Cleveland Chapter Meeting

 

February 20, 2026

5:00PM to 7:00PM

 

The Cleveland Chapter is inviting all to attend the February meeting on the
Ohio Zoom Platform. We will have three speakers and a short business
meeting. The link to join is below.

 

Agenda:

 

Welcome: 

Joann Williams, Cheering Committee

 

NFB Pledge: 

William Turner, Secretary

 

Vote In New Members

Chacity Gilliam, Vice president and membership Coordinator

 

Secretary Report

Chapter Vote

 

Treasury Report:

Natassha Ricks, Treasurer

 

Fundraising Report:

Tomeika Hurt, Fundraising Chair

 

President's Announcements

President, Suzanne Turner

 

Guests:

 

5:45PM to 6:15PM: - January Braille Monitor Article, Changing Words,
Changing Minds, Changing the World.

Gary Wunder, Author, Read his article below!

 

6:15PM to 6:35PM: - "Why and How to become a leader in the federation"

Ohio Affiliate President, Richard Payne, Read his bio below! 

 

6:35PM to 6:55PM: - Amerifest State Pageant

Crystal Carlgren, Experiential Speaker

 

6:55PM - Closing Remarks

Chacity Gilliam, Vice president, Cleveland Chapter 

 

///

 

Braille Monitor              January 2026

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Changing Words, Changing Minds, Changing the World

by Gary Wunder

For as long as there have been people, there have been ideas about
blindness. Some are kind, some are cruel, and many are simply wrong. A
sighted stranger may gush that a blind person who travels independently is
"inspirational." Another may think they are being helpful by insisting on
doing what we as blind people can do perfectly well alone. Blind people
themselves may sometimes doubt their own potential, not because of any lack
of skill, but because of the weight of messages they have absorbed from
childhood.

It is tempting to say that change comes from teaching people the right
words: avoid this phrase, use that one instead. Language does matter-it sets
boundaries for what can be imagined and what cannot. But real change is more
than words. If a person says "visually challenged," "visually impaired," or
"visually handicapped" instead of "blind," yet still believes blind people
cannot work, marry, or raise children, then nothing of importance has
changed. The deeper work is not just to refine how people speak but to
transform what they believe.

Surface Change vs. Deep Change

Psychologists often distinguish among compliance, identification, and
internalization. Compliance happens when people change their outward words
or actions because they feel pressure. Identification happens when they
imitate a group they wish to join. Internalization is the deepest form of
change: a belief becomes part of a person's identity.

The field of blindness shows all three. A person might stop telling
offensive jokes about blindness because they fear criticism-this is
compliance. They might start using respectful terms because their friends
do-this is identification. But only when they truly accept that blind people
are equal participants in society will they reach internalization.

The challenge for us is not just to stop offensive words but to nurture the
conditions for deep change. We want people to see blind people differently,
not just talk differently in public.

How Change Happens

History offers encouragement. In living memory, blind people were routinely
excluded from schools, professions, and civic life. Employers assumed
blindness meant unemployability. Colleges denied admission. Parents of blind
children were urged to expect little.

Today, the landscape is different. The White Cane Laws in the states and the
federal Americans with Disabilities Act provide protection, but more
importantly, expectations have shifted. Blind lawyers argue cases before the
Supreme Court. Blind engineers design software used worldwide. Blind parents
raise children who never doubt the capacity of their parents. None of this
was common just a few generations ago.

Change came because blind people themselves insisted that it could. The
Federation challenged assumptions through advocacy, lawsuits, and personal
examples. Each blind person who traveled independently, who excelled in a
classroom, or who succeeded on the job made it harder for society to cling
to outdated beliefs.

But there is more: individual effort must join with collective action. One
blind teacher suing for her right to work could win a personal victory. But
when hundreds of blind teachers came together, supported by the
infrastructure of the Federation, we transformed the profession itself. One
blind person advocating for white cane recognition could change a single
encounter with law enforcement. But when blind people in many states
organized, we established White Cane Laws that recognize the rights of blind
pedestrians everywhere.

This is the lesson: individuals are absolutely necessary, but individuals
acting together, with a common purpose and a structure to sustain their
fight, can move mountains.

The Power of Language-and Its Limits

We must be clear: language can open doors, but it is not the whole journey.
If a teacher switches from saying "handicapped" to "student with vision
loss" or even "blind student," but still steers blind children away from
advanced classes, the words are hollow. If a company writes diversity
statements but never hires blind applicants, the commitment is empty.

Words are signals, and they matter because they shape expectations. Yet
words must be matched with action. That is why the Federation does not stop
with language reform but insists on equal access, full participation, and
high expectations.

The Role and Responsibility of Each of Us

It is natural for blind people to value privacy. Not everyone wants to be on
stage all the time. Sometimes we want to run errands without questions, ride
a bus without commentary, or simply live without being seen as an example.
That desire is reasonable, and privacy is part of human dignity.

Yet here is another and vital part of the truth: attitude change must fall
to each of us. Every encounter with the public is an opportunity to shift
perception. When a child sees a blind person using a cane with confidence,
when a coworker hears a blind employee solve a problem, or when a neighbor
observes a blind parent organizing a school fundraiser, those moments are
lessons that ripple outward.

We may not always want to be "blindness ambassadors," but if privacy always
outweighs the chance to educate, then change will stall. We will live with
less progress and more frustration than we want. Seen another way, though,
public interaction is not a burden but a cherished opportunity. Each time we
explain, demonstrate, or simply live our lives with confidence, we invest in
a future where the next blind person faces fewer barriers. We should work to
feel in our hearts that there is no such thing as a stupid question but
rather that each question is a chance to inform with a polite and dignified
answer that not only speaks to an issue of blindness but also to the
civility on which good communication and the building of relationships is
based.

Why Authorship Should Not Be a Barrier

Sometimes our work faces skepticism not because of what we say but because
of who says it. An article submitted to a professional journal may be
dismissed simply because it comes from the National Federation of the Blind,
as though our firsthand experience makes us less credible rather than more.
Yet history shows that truth does not always come from official credentials.
Rachel Carson, a marine biologist, was dismissed by chemical companies when
she warned of the dangers of pesticides. Her book Silent Spring changed
environmental policy worldwide. Rosa Parks was not a legal scholar, but by
refusing to give up her bus seat she reshaped the law. Ordinary people, when
persistent and clear, have changed nations.

Blind people are experts on blindness. Research by blind scholars and
testimony from blind workers are not biased detours from objectivity-they
are essential evidence. If reviewers dismiss our work because of its source,
that reveals more about their bias than our merit.

How We Reach the Public and Decision-Makers

Academia is not the only gatekeeper of truth. Change spreads when ideas move
beyond scholarly journals and enter everyday conversation. The Federation
has shown again and again that the public can be reached. Here are just a
few examples:

*	White Cane Awareness. Once, blindness laws varied wildly, and few
drivers knew to yield to blind pedestrians. Through coordinated Federation
advocacy, white cane laws spread across the country, changing not only
statutes but everyday driver behavior.
*	Blind Teachers. In the mid-twentieth century, many school districts
refused to hire blind teachers. The Federation's lawsuits, testimony, and
collective insistence changed that landscape. Today, blind teachers instruct
at every level of education.
*	Technology Access. The Federation has pushed relentlessly to ensure
that websites, software, and devices are accessible. One person's complaint
could be ignored, but thousands of voices, coordinated, forced companies to
change their design.

Beyond these major efforts, the way forward is familiar, and here are some
ways we individually and collectively continue our progress:

*	Tell our stories. Personal accounts of success, struggle, and
ordinary life undercut stereotypes more effectively than statistics alone.
*	Be visible. The more the public encounters blind people as
colleagues, leaders, parents, and neighbors, the less space there is for
outdated assumptions.
*	Use accessible media. Blogs, podcasts, community talks, and
mainstream press reach audiences far beyond conference rooms.
*	Connect to values people already hold. Most people believe in
fairness, opportunity, and community. We frame blindness not as tragedy but
as part of the human family, demanding equal treatment.
*	Model the change. When blind people themselves expect equality, live
it, and teach it to each other, sighted people take notice.

What Real Change Looks Like

We know we are making progress when people stop catching themselves
mid-sentence to substitute a polite word, and instead truly understand that
blind people can and do live full lives. We know change has happened when a
hiring manager does not just avoid discriminatory language but also hires
and promotes blind workers. We know it when a blind child grows up never
doubting she can be a scientist, musician, or parent.
Words open the door. Belief and action walk through it.

A Call to Action

Changing attitudes is not the work of experts alone. It belongs to each of
us, but it becomes most powerful when we act together. When we speak up,
when we write, and when we live openly as blind people expecting equality,
we educate and make change. When we join our voices in the Federation, we
amplify those lessons into laws, policies, and cultural norms that endure.

Change begins with individuals, but individuals united with infrastructure,
purpose, and persistence change the world. This is why we so often say,
"Let's go build the National Federation of the Blind," and why so many of us
act each and every day to do it.

 

///

 

President Payne's Bio

 

Meet Ohio Affiliate president, Richard L. Payne

In Recognition of Black History Month

 

     Richard started his quest for knowledge and liberation within the
organization at the young age of 17. He has demonstrated that decades of
service have not only challenged him but taught him to be assertive,
independent and informed about "what it means to be blind". Richard's
sleeves are always pulled up, his hand is generously extended outward and
his mouth rings with understanding about how one can make it despite his or
her lack of sight. He has substantiated individual confidence and
transferred knowledge enhancing membership by spreading hope, kindness and
admiration to the blind. 

     Most of us know the story of Richard Payne and how he became blind and
impaired. However, here is his story in his words! "When I was fifth teen, I
lost my vision, due to an explosion in my grandparent's home. Like any
teenager, I had a ten speed bike that had a radio that wasn't working that
sunny day. I grabbed some wire from the back of grandfather's truck thinking
that it was just wire. To everyone's surprise, it was dynamite. When the
explosion was over, I was totally-blind and my left hand was severely
injured. For about one year, a rehabilitation facility was my home. I had to
learn to walk and regain life. I do know quite well what it means to run
this race, because I am blessed to be alive. This is why most know me as
Positive Payne. I live life to its fullest, with no regrets".

     Richard has initiated several NFB Chapters in two different Cities in
Mississippi: which prepared him for a more prevailing position in Ohio. Did
you know that before he was aware of a fight for (Fair Wages), he fought the
CEO of a company to give equal pay to the blind, when they were working for
sub-minimum wages in Mississippi? Did you know that he has helped to
revitalize and visited many Chapters throughout Ohio, encouraging inspiring
and offering support to communities? Did you know he has served on the board
of directors for the Affiliate for over 12 years as a board member, Chairman
of the Membership Division, Vice President for 8 years and currently as the
Ohio Affiliate president? Did you know that he pulled himself up from the
ranks of pennies working in sheltered shops and now is productive in his
third career with one of the largest Banks in the World establishing
precedence and open-mindedness? He believes in the removal of "stand your
ground" so that others can stand on common ground: by assisting them with
succeeding to a higher ground! He sees no flaws in anyone only an
opportunity for growth within the National Federation of the Blind for all
who believes in the power and principles that has contributed to his
unresolved walk in life. He tells the story that "yes life is hard but thank
God success doesn't show favoritism. I believe in the full capacity of the
blind. There is value in everyone. This is why the National Federation of
the Blind helps to transform dreams into reality. I could not live my
everyday life or advocate for the blind without having faith in the grass
roots of this organization". 

     Richard's appreciation for the philosophy of the National Federation of
the Blind derives from many. "I first was introduced to the organization by
my high school band director. But, Dr. Kenneth Jernigan's viewpoints from
his many speeches has been my guidance and rock that is abided into my
soul". Perhaps, this is why Richard always communicates in and outside of
the body about the vision, equality and optimism by way of technology,
education and empowerment. He places no limitations on himself. He does as
Richard does and it is for the betterment of those to whom he comes in
contact.

     Moreover, Richard is comfortable and secure because he believes in the
core values of the organization, that is based on his evidence of positive
outcomes, and the patient skill shown. He has fought for others, cried with
most and appealed for the indifferent. He has sat on panel discussions,
walked in picket lines, raised income to support the Affiliate, marched on
Washington representing the district and has done a host of other advocacy
and works toward positive change in Ohio. Certainly, this is displayed by
his leadership throughout the State and the Miami Valley Chapter. Even
beyond that, he has passed the baton to others so that they too can make a
difference within their Cities and communities. 

     Finally, Richard's dream was expounded on at the 2012 State of Ohio
Convention. He stated that he was not a speaker. However, he had much to
say. One particular piece of information was disclosed; "I thought I would
never be independent until I attended the Arkansas school for the blind and
was introduced to the National Federation of the Blind". For all who heard
his speech, I am sure that perhaps at one time you had the same thought. So,
for those who have seen him thrive in the organization, for those who have
seen him work hard for the mission and even for those who have seen him
speak about not so popular issues; we know that he lives and breathes the
National Federation of the Blind. His insight about life and the pursuit of
autonomy is compelling to say the least. Richard says that "wisdom does not
always come from articulation, but often from edification. It is my works,
compassion and diligence why I do reverence in the philosophy and mission of
the National Federation of the Blind. My guidance and belief are in my
fellow man that we can all be treated with dignity, fairness and liberty for
all". Richard goes on to say, "I discriminate against no one, this is why
the National Federation of the Blind is in a better place when we serve all
people equally".

     Also, Richard has shown us that blindness need not stop us from
realizing our dreams and greatest potential. If it can be done, he can! And
if you do not know Richard l Payne, you are missing a treat, and if you do,
you have a friend for life!  

 

NFB Ohio Zoom access

To access zoom platform

https://zoom.us/j/4081850851

 

Smart phone one touch number:

 

1 (646) 876-9923,,4081850851#

Dial in number:

1 (669) 900-6833

Meeting ID:

4081850851#

 

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