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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=BodyA align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;text-indent:.5in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Who is the Cleveland Chapter?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-align:center;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>By Suzanne Turner, NFB of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Cleveland Chapter is a connected pillar in Cleveland and the surrounding areas that offer support, advocacy, and community linkage. One aspect of Our <a name="OLE_LINK1">strength relies in our diversity and inclusion. </a>We represent those whom we serve. We are a group of individuals that work together well; exercising emotional intelligence and yet not afraid to take initiatives to make a significant impact. These members have equally grown in their leadership abilities. Thus, creating educational seminars to enhance the lives of the blind, assisting with sharing tips and techniques on living productively, and increasing the overall morale within our immediate environment. But what has made the Chapter stronger is the family dynamic that grew during the pandemic. The Chapter has experienced difficulties and heartbreak through the lens of several Cleveland member families. Therefore, empathy is key and is at the forefront. So, as we pressed forward toward the end of 2023, our family has become closer, firm, and unquestionable. We are there for one another, be it ordering food, assisting with paperwork, or praying for a sick loved one. We take care of our own, and those who we do not know as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland’s motto is “reach one, teach one.” Hence, putting into practice the NFB’S Philosophy “</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'>the NFB also provides encouragement and support to families with blind children and to people who are losing vision or have become blind later in life, by bringing them into a network of tens of thousands of blind people who are living full lives and who can serve as mentors and role models. Together, with love, hope, and determination, the members of the National Federation of the Blind transform dreams into reality</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>.” We have added a number of blind people into this network of thousands of NFB members providing inspiration, motivation and whatever else they need to move forward as a blind person. Cleveland has done just that; and as a result, we are absolutely stronger, and we are keeping the pledge “To Participate Actively in The Efforts Of The National Federation of the Blind” each and every day alive!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=BodyA style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.0pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.0pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Moreover, Cleveland continues to circulate statistics on achievements, equality, and justice via our many outlets. Every month prior to our Chapter meetings, we post on Facebook, send out information by text, email, voice box, Cleveland’s Listserve, and periodically on Cleveland’s communication tool, call “Simple Blast.” Simple Blast is a robo call system where short messages are sent out to the entire Chapter by telephone, leaving information, such as reminders of upcoming Chapter meetings, Chapter dues and updates on members who are in bereavement and medically healing. These communication methods are to ensure that everyone receives the same and exact announcements, no matter the skill level, literacy, or the lack of opportunity. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Our creative means for providing the world information of meeting dates, times and Zoom call in numbers for Cleveland’s Chapter meetings, Ohio’s events around the nation on related topics are readily available; so that anyone who is concerned about blindness can attend and become informed. In addition, mass emails are sent to the media, community partners and others highlighting events, such as, Cleveland’s Forum on Pedestrian Safety Measures regarding Electric Scooters and E- Bikes and Cleveland’s Informational Seminar that was a Round Table Forum of community partners who provided information on their respective programs and services. The Buckeye Newsletters and The Braille Monitor, which are the organization magazines, are distributed to members in several formats as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Additionally, Cleveland has highlighted and celebrated several Month awareness through emails, Facebook, ListServe and on Cleveland’s Voice Box, such as Louis Braille Day, White Cane Safety Day, and Senior Day, enlightening successful stories about blind leaders and activities in the Federation. There are no communication limits when it comes to promoting the NFB mission, goals, and philosophy for Cleveland. However, we do recognize the NFB Code of Conduct, and we uphold it to its fullest content when using social media. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Additionally, Cleveland created A variety of committees this year to assist and accommodate members, newly blind individuals, and the community to keep them engaged and connected through innovative events, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, encouraging productivity and offering knowledge about blindness, reasonable accommodations, accessible transportation, and technology. The virus did not halt our mission nor purpose to distribute specified literature throughout the surrounding areas. Cleveland directly targeted Seniors and Parents of Blind Children to add a face and answers to their concerns. Telephone calls were made and returned to the public assisting them with barriers as well.<a name="_Hlk53664598"> Finally, in 2018, the Cleveland Chapter developed its own Peer Mentoring Program, called “. Adjusting To Blindness Seminar” This valuable program is still running today.<o:p></o:p></a></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Moreover, each year, the Cleveland Chapter offers the Adjusting To Blindness seminar to those who are newly blind in the Cleveland surrounding areas and Nursing Homes as well. The Seminar offers the basic techniques, including:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Braille<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Orientation and Mobility<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Accessible products<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Assistive Technology<o:p></o:p></span></span></li><li class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Advocacy and Community Resources<o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Detailed information and demonstrations of these basic techniques are provided in four breakout sessions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>The Adjustment to Blindness seminar was researched, written, developed, and facilitated. 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 are provided with the same opportunity to discover every aspect of the seminar. This year 2024, three counselors attended and were implemented into the program rotation alongside the participants. In addition, literature and supported researched documentation on Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, assistive technology and low vision aids are readily available to all attendees, which assists with sourcing, advocacy, and declaration. NFB materials are handed out inside their packets as well, such as Braille cards, “information on NFB Newsline, The Free White Cane Program, “Live The Life You Want” and more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Although all sessions are conducted by members of the NFBO of Cleveland, 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>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 is 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk53664598'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> As stated above, Cleveland not only takes care of the community but our own members as well. Cleveland has gone into members and local senior homes to provide one-on-one instructions on Aira, Be My Eyes, grocery delivery and more, such as, Instacart, Amazon shopping, NEWSLINE and Door dash. All are downloaded and given directions on how to independently operate respective services to aid this vulnerable population with tools that offer liberation and safety. Also, several Members have used features on the Zoom platform and conference lines to connect non-members and Cleveland members to relevant activities, such as, Senior meetings, Ohio Executive Board meetings, National President Releases, and the National Convention. Overall, we are a family and Cleveland is thankful that members are continuing to serve and thrive!</span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p></div></body></html>