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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Earlier today, the Seattle chapter of the National Federation of the Blind met for its monthly meeting, and despite a few members being absent due to illness or other commitments, we were pleased to see a strong turnout. This turnout was particularly advantageous as we had a unique meeting planned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>King County Metro conducted a ninety-minute focus group during our meeting to discuss ways of enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Their commitment to ADA compliance and their existing Transition Plan, aimed at eliminating barriers and improving access, were commendable. The focus group sought valuable insights from our members regarding their experiences with Metro services and sought suggestions for enhancing programs and services for people with disabilities. We celebrated the aspects that were working well while offering constructive feedback for areas that needed improvement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the focus group, Alice Klein took a few minutes to provide information about the upcoming White Cane Walk scheduled for October 14th, encouraging everyone to invite friends and family to participate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Information is below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>White Cane Day Walk 2023 is happening rain or shine! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Click here to register! Please invite your friends, family and colleagues. Registration closes October 1st!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Event Timing: Saturday, October 14th 2023<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Event Addresses:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Starting: Pike Place Market Information Center: 97 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ending: Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL): 2021 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Route Map<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>9:00 am - 9:50 Arrive at starting place<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>9:50 am: Group Photo <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>10:00 am: The Walk begins!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>10:20-45: Walkers arrive at WTBBL<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>11:00 am: Welcome Comments/ Booth Introduction <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Presentations by GBD, NFB, and Cane Fixing Demo by the Lighthouse <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>12:30: Event ends <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be a group of volunteers to walk folks back to the starting place at 12:30. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WTBBL will host a reception and a vendor area including: <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Department of Services for the Blind, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deafblind Service Center,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HopeVision Foundation<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lighthouse for the Blind, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guide Dogs for the Blind, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Snohomish Lion's Club and Knights of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Washington Council of the Blind<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can purchase your White Cane Day swag here: <a href="https://www.bonfire.com/store/white-cane-day/">https://www.bonfire.com/store/white-cane-day/</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All items are sold at cost and no profit is made by event organizers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You Cane Give Initiative is sponsoring a cane drive for this event! Wondering what to do with that old cane you no longer use in the closet? Is that drawer of used canes collecting dust and taking up space? Donate your old canes to the “You Cane Give” program. And turn that old cane into newfound independence for individuals in need.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finally, a brief summary of last month's meeting will be sent to the chapter via email, and we will use that as our Secretary Report. A treasurer's report will also be emailed. We will vote on and approve everything next month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After we adjourned, we all stayed for lunch, had good food, and enjoyed catching up with friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>