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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Good Morning Ohio,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for all you do to support the blind of Ohio!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Suzanne<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, President<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NFBOH-Cleveland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>P: (440) 462-9755<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: PO Box 141077<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cleveland, Ohio 44114<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>E: <a href="mailto:President.NFB.ClevelandOhio@Gmail.com">President.NFB.ClevelandOhio@Gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>