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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>Jeanetta Price, President NFB Community Service<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2020, organizations across the country honor volunteers for the irreplaceable impact of their service to others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>Cleveland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio will kick off The “WE DO IT BIGGER & BETTER!” NFB Community Service Challenge with one submission that entailed three community service endeavors. Talk about over achievers! You will be inspired by their quality of service to others, and motivated to get involved where you are. Without further ado, I share with you, Cleveland Chapter’s community service endeavors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>“We have many more, but we are most proud of those below, Cleveland President, Suzanne Turner stated”! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>(I) The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland, Greater Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Affiliate, co-hosted a forum with the Cleveland City Planning Commission in Cleveland Ohio on last Thursday. The topic was on Shared Riding safety regulations. We were inspired about the productive exchange of ideas, and look forward to continuing to work together to increase accessibility through improved policies and practices on E-Bikes and Dockless Electric Scooters. The insight that was shared by each panelist demonstrated commitment and dedication to the meaningful conversation from vendors, the blind community and City Hall from the evening. This exchange of ideas and contributions was inspiring and quite informative. The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland and Greater Cuyahoga County are looking forward in continuing our strong partnership with the City of Cleveland. We also extend our gratitude for their willingness to include the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio in any new pedestrian guidelines that might need input on accessibility for persons with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>(2) The Cleveland Chapter has partnered with St. Adalbert Elementary School for five years now, following their classroom assignments that include learning about the blind. In March, “Read Across America” is celebrated by reading Dr. Seuss books. So, Cleveland join in with the children by reading twin books “Print on one-side and Braille on the other side”. We, the blind will read the Braille, while a sighted child stands beside us reading print. This is an awesome experience for them and us taking turns reading the same text together. Additionally, the children have learned to identify Braille on doorways, elevators and other identifiable objects for the blind. They also are excited when Cleveland visits providing them with once again Braille cards. They can not seem to get enough of those. Cleveland has also demonstrated white cane travel and provided awareness and education about guide dog handling. This is a highlight for the students. It never fails, their eyes gleam and voices were raised with seeing Mateo, who is a black lab in the Cleveland Chapter. He is definitely a hit! Our hope is that one or more of the children will with any luck become inspired to teach, mentor, and or advocate for the Blind. Working with St. Adalbert Elementary school is a passion, but a vital factor in what we are attempting to accomplish through diminishing low expectations of the blind, by teaching the youth of today that we are just people who can not see. /// (3) The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland offered a seminar called, “adjusting to Blindness, An Introductory Seminar”, that was held on October 5, 2019 at a local Cleveland Public Library. This was an introductory Seminar for newly blind individuals that highlighted best practices by Peer Mentors from the National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland. The philosophy of the NFB was presented, along with the “value of alternative techniques of blindness, and the solid belief that it is okay to be blind.” During the seminar, four small sessions were offered by Peer Mentors for newly blind individuals and their supportive companions to learn about alternative ways to continue everyday living. These small settings offered the participants guidance, advice, assistance and demonstrations from a real-world point of view. Hence, sharing knowledge and experiences in order to help the participants succeed was our main objective. Having a wonderful trusted ally to go to whenever blind people are feeling unsure or in need is why the NFB is here. We wanted to meet the needs of each participant in moving forward at their own pace and under their own control. We started with a (General Session) for all attendees Part I: The goal of this Session was to introduce the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). Part II: The goal of this Session was to introduce Basic Techniques and products for everyday use. Part III: The goal of this session was to Identify, explore and recommend community resources to enhance activities, to become involved in one’s residential area, and to increase peer interaction and support. Then, the (Breakout Sessions) had 4 attendees present with a total of 16 participants in the seminar. These participants rotated through four sessions; having an opportunity to interact with Peer Mentors and explore “hands on” products, technology, and practical methods. For instance, SESSION A: Title: Staying Connected, accessing print and electronic media. This overview of aids, appliances, and services that enable blind individuals to fully access mainstream means of communication media, ranging from use of standard telephones and note taking to reading books, periodicals, text messages, email, and web pages were introduced. Also, Session B: Title: Literacy for the Blind, Reading and Writing Braille. This Session provided a preliminary summary on what is meant by Braille, who invented Braille, when Braille was invented, and what are the benefits of learning Braille. Participants discovered where to learn Braille, what the different grades of Braille were, what the different codes of Braille were in the USA, what tools are used for writing Braille and what resources are available for Braille literacy. Finally, Session C: Title: Assistive Technology and Session D Title: Orientation and Mobility (O&M) provided an overview of basic concepts for the newly blind participants and their supportive companions. The Seminar also included a member who has a License in Mental Counseling, that facilitated a session on Coping with Vision Loss. This Peer Mentor provided a comfortable forum for the participants to discuss their experiences of vision loss. In addition, there was a Q/A opportunity as well that offered information on social community services for individual and group support, such as 211, personal insurance and other general services. The Adjustment to Blindness seminar was researched, written, developed, and facilitated by the Cleveland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. We are Peer Mentors offering information, demonstrations, and support for those who have been affected by loss of vision or total blindness. We have included supportive companions in the sessions to provide an open, unobscured view on living with blindness. Both parties were provided the same opportunity to discover every aspect of the seminar. In addition, literature and supported researched documentation on Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, assistive technology and low vision aids will continually be readily available to all attendees, which will assist with sourcing, advocacy and declaration. Although, all sessions will be conducted by members of the NFB of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, their professional expertise speaks for itself. These skilled individuals are employed or have retired from, Social Work, Social Services, Licensed Mental Counseling, Licensed Orientation and Mobility, Assistive Technology, Education, and more. Consequently, this invaluable endeavor is a volunteer project and donations for products, refreshments, transportation and other incidentals are sponsored by the NFB or community means. No fundraising or solicitation will be presented or received by the organization. Moreover, the sessions are solely to provide literature, demonstrations, community resources, and peer support for those who are seeking an answer and resolution. Thus, it is a response to their plea that will enable them to become motivated, socially engaged, self-determined and financially fruitful. We are conducting this Seminar throughout the year and hope that it will make a positive impact for those who are newly blind and not necessarily seeking employment. Hence, Baby Boomers are crying out for help and the Cleveland Chapter is doing our best to answer their call.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>The Cleveland Chapter has felt rewarded and honored to provide the community with innovative and educational opportunity that has positively impacted the overall community. The passion, compassion and commitment that is shown by our members have moved into the suburbs and beyond. Blindness is very prevalent today among seniors and adults who are newly impacted and not seeking employment. There are no services for them. So, we are stepping up to the plate. Also, our children must learn about people differences so they can improve the world of disabilities by becoming technologist, instructors, physicians and just good and respectful people. Finally, our stakeholders and government officials must include the blind in their policy and regulations for the community; so that we are not injured or forgotten in their decision making process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>Creating events and trainings that have provided awareness, inclusion and innovative ideas to help blind people in and beyond Ohio. On the other hand, just getting people to buy-in to believing that the blind has the expertise to make a difference. After working with the community, you gain their respect and admiration. But, it is hard work and sometimes disheartening to continually have to prove that you are capable, intelligent and resourceful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>Thank you so much for leading by example NFB Cleveland Chapter, your service speaks volumes about your leadership. We would love to hear about your community service too. Tap on the link below, and join the movement of changing our communities one service at a time. Please like, share, and comment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>At your service,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>Jeanetta Price, President NFB Community Service Division<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'>In the picture from left to right is, The back row are Michael Beck (Spin); Freddy Collier, Jr. (City Planning Commission); Royce Kranz (Lime); Calley Mersmann (City Planning Commission); Kingston Smartt-Nalli (VeoRide); Richard Payne (NFB); Abhijit Kulkarni (Wheels); and Eric Duffy (NFB). The front row, Barbara Pierce (NFB) and Suzanne Turner (NFB)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:12.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:12.0pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#1C1E21'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div></body></html>