[Ohio-talk] Fw: Invitation to serve on ADA Advisory Committee

Tue Jan 27 22:16:25 UTC 2009

I have ordered some of these but I thought some of you might want to have this information for yourselves so read on.

JW

----- Original Message ----- 
From: West, Joy 
To: jwsmithnfb at verizon.net 
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 2:50 PM
Subject: RE: Invitation to serve on ADA Advisory Committee

Hello Dr. Smith,

I apologize for my late response. I was on vacation last week and now I'm playing catch up.

In regards to our guide, it is entitled, Voter Access Guide for Voters with Disabilities". It is an informational pamphlet on voting specifically for voters with disabilities. It gives many of the basic rules for registering to vote, who may register, information on absentee voting, etc. You may follow this link to our web site to learn more about the guide, http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/elections/voterInformation/voterswithdisabilities.aspx

You will find that it is available on our site in various formats for online viewing, an audio option is available as well.

There is a link for which you may use to place an order or I can contact our Publication Department and request that they send copies of the guide to you. Whichever method is most convenient for you, if you would prefer that I contact them I'll just need to know how many you would like. They are packed in bundles of 150 or a box of 300.

Hopefully this information was helpful to you and please let me know if I can be of further assistance, have a great day!

Joy

From: J. W. Smith [mailto:jsmith1 at ohio.edu] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:46 AM
To: West, Joy
Subject: Re: Invitation to serve on ADA Advisory Committee

This is Dr. Smith with the National Federation Of The Blind of Ohio and I'd like for any future correspondence to be sent to jwsmithnfb at verizon.net please?

Also, some time ago you mentioned some voter Registration Guides, could you tell me more about them and perhaps send me some to our PO Box wich is 458, Athens Ohio 45701?

Dr. Smith
At 12:57 PM 1/16/2009 -0500, you wrote:

Dear Potential ADA Advisory Committee Member,

The Ohio Secretary of States Office is searching for people with disabilities, advocates, disability organizations and other interested parties to serve on an ADA Advisory Committee.  This is your chance to provide guidance to the Secretary of States Office on issues pertaining to people with disabilities and assuring the voting process is accessible for everyone.

The ADA Advisory Committee will be responsible for reviewing grant requests submitted by county Boards of Elections to increase access for voters with disabilities.  Along with that we are looking for members willing to assist with helping various counties assess their polling locations for accessibility.  The committee will provide guidance to establish and implement a curriculum for training election officials and poll workers on how best to interact with voters with disabilities.  In addition, committee members will provide recommendations and guidance on disability related issues pertaining to the voting process to the Secretary of States Office and the ADA Coordinator.  For your convenience a copy of the ADA Advisory Committee summary is enclosed to help you further understand the role of a committee member.

We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference in assuring that all people, including people with disabilities have the opportunity to vote.  If you or your organization has someone who would like to participate on the ADA Advisory Committee for a one-year term please submit a letter of interest and a short resume by January 30, 2009 to:

Ohio Secretary of State

Attn: Brett Harbage

180 E. Broad St., 15th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

Fax: (614) 485-7070

If you have questions or want more information please contact Brett Harbage, ADA Coordinator for the Ohio Secretary of States office at (614) 387-6039 or via email at bharbage at sos.state.oh.us.

With Enthusiasm,

Brett D. Harbage

ADA Coordinator