<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland Chapter<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>November Chapter Minutes<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>January 15, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Cleveland Chapter meeting was held on November 22<sup>nd</sup> 2025 at the Garfield Heights Library, 5409 Turney, Road, Garfield Heights Ohio from 3:30 P.m. to 5:00 P.M. The meeting was also on the Zoom Platform for Cleveland members and friends who were unable to attend in person. There were 30 members and friends present.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne began the meeting at 3:32 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Welcome was offered by Dynesty Lavender, Cheering Committee Co-Chair, and A Touch of Thanks was edified by Joann Williams, Cheering Committee Co-Chair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cleveland’s Vice President , Chacity Gilliam resighted the NFB Pledge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>William Turner, Secretary voted Masquenada Douglas and Tracy Green into the organization as new members. Mr. Douglas is a dual member, and Miss Green is a sighted member. We are honored to have them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Then, Machelle Gulley gave the October Secretary Chapter report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Marion Parker made the motion and Denise Moss second, it carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>After, Natassha Ricks gave the October Treasury Report.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Chacity Gilliam made the motion and Marion Parker second, it carried.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne made an announcement:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Starting forward, the Cleveland chapter minutes will now be in audio on the Cleveland Voice Box and by email. All members have to review them prior to the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I: President Announcements:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>2026 Committees <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President Suzanne provided the committees for 2026 and urged members to participate in service. They are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Community Service, Wilbert Turner Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Membership, Chacity Gilliam and Theresa McKenney, Co-chairs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Seniors is seeking a chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Education is seeking a chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Fundraising, Tomeika Hurt and Antwon Dobyne, Co-chairs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Legislative, William Turner, Chair <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cheering, Dynesty Lavender and Joann Williams, Co-chairs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Also, President, Suzanne has made an appointment for Cleveland to has two Sargent At Arms,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Lorain Clemons and Machelle Gulley have accepted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>And Cleveland’s Vice President, Chacity has accepted the charge to be Cleveland’s Membership Coordinator for 2026. She will add new members into the New membership Portal and vote new members into the federation, along with Secretary William. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne has asked Zenobia Whittaker to serve as our Consumer Reporter providing updates on accessible tools, services and technology. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>II: Angel Child Banquet<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne gave an update on the Angel Child Event. The Circle City Chapter in Indiana invited members to perform their monolog and requested President, Suzanne to be the keynote speaker. The event is on December 6<sup>th in Indianapolis.</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>III: Washington Seminar<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne provided information on the Washington Seminar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The dates are Monday, January 26, through Thursday, January 29, 2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne provided information on the Reduction in Force action that has decreased the employee from several federal agencies, that included the Continuing Resolution. There also was a provision to extend the Medicare telehealth benefits but will expire on January 30, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Blind Return to Work Act HB 1175 will be an issue on going.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Access Technology Affordability Act HB: 1529 which would help offset the high cost of access technology by creating a $2,000 refundable tax credit for use over a three-year period,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Moreover, Website and Software Accessibility Act HR 3417 which would create accessibility standards for websites and mobile applications, where the blind need have equal access to navigate in applications.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Finally, in Ohio, Section 14C, which is to eliminate subminimum wages is equally important for disabled employees to earn wages over the state minimal wage..<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>She will provide the factsheets and the exact initiatives when the National Advocacy and Policy Department releases them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President Suzanne went on to say, if anyone would like to attend the Washington Seminar, please let her know; as President Payne will put out an announcement soon as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>IV: National Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne provided information on the National Convention, which will be held July 3<sup>rd</sup> to July 8<sup>th in </sup>Austin Texas. She stated that members should consider attending and preparing their air fare and lodging. The Convention Bulletin will be released soon with more details. Remember, sharing is advised and the hotel reservations will be open in January.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>V: Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne explained that KJS will be open in January. This is for the first timers to assist them to the convention of hotel stay, food or air fare. There is an online form to be completed. All first-time attendees should meet with her prior to completing the form to get a greater understanding of the questions. All members for their first convention must have a mentor while at the convention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Finally, President, Suzanne stated that the National Student Scholarship is open. If you know of a blind student in college, tell them about this outstanding scholarship. The national gives out 30 8k scholarships and accessible equipment at the banquet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>VI: State of Ohio Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Chacity provided information on the 80<sup>th</sup> State Convention that will be held at the University of Dayton Marriott in Dayton Ohio.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>November 5<sup>th</sup> through 8<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Hotel rate is $129 per night.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vice, Chacity, states that Cleveland will organize transportation to the convention. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>She says that we are fundraising to assist members with convention assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Transportation to the State Convention<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vice, Chacity stated that the cost of transportation to Dayton will cost $120 per person. The coach is around $4k. You can pay your installments on January 17<sup>th</sup> at the January chapter meeting. However, to reserve your seat, there is a $30 deposit due by March 21st. The final time to have all payments is September 21, 2026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Nada asked if this would be for each person even if you have children. The answer was yes. President, Suzanne states this is why we are fundraising and members can pay in installments. You can pay by zelle, at the meetings or by mail. Put in the memo “Dayton Trip”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>VII: Fundraising Report – Tomeika and Antonio<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tomeika Hurt provided the Fundraising Report. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Please turn in the funds for the tumblers. I will be at the Cleveland Sight Center and also you can provide funds at the Christmas party as well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The Valentine fundraiser is going well. We are making equal availability for you to get more tickets, turn in stubs and funds at the Cleveland Sight Center, at the Christmas party and in January and February. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>VIIII: Christmas Party <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>President, Suzanne stated that Tomeika, Chacity and Antonio are responsible for organizing the Christmas party.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Tomeika stated that it will be on December 13<sup>th and the venue will be at the Nottingham Library. The information will be shared very soon. She stated that they are requesting everyone bring a dish. The Cleveland board will provide the main dis. Games will be played and a gift exchange will be $10 or more.<o:p></o:p></sup></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>IX: On The Spot Announcement:<o:p></o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Theresa McKenney provided an invitation for members to attend a Motown Christmas performance by Karamu House on Dec 13 2025. The tickets are $20.00.<o:p></o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><sup><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 P.M.<o:p></o:p></span></sup></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> Suzanne M. Hartfield Turner</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, Vice President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Ohio Legislative Director<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>Cleveland Chapter, President<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:24.0pt'><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>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.<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;line-height:18.0pt'><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>P: (216) 990-6199<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'>W: NFBOhio.ORG<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>https://www.facebook.com/ohiosblind/photos/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>