[Ohio-talk] Fw: Buckeye Bulletin

[Dr. JW Smith]

fyi

jw

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326 
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Anne Marble 
To: Barbara Pierce ; Dr J W Smith 
Cc: Sue Driscoll ; Barb Fohl ; Joel Sarich 
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 3:29 PM
Subject: Buckeye Bulletin


      Dear Dr. Smith,

      I just read your column on the transportation issues for those of us who rely on public transportation.  You and Bob are very correct in recognizing this problem.  Last year I spoke with people from LakeTran Dial-a-Ride services of Lake County after they doubled their rates and eliminated all Saturday service and reduced the daily operation hours.

      The answer to my inquiry was:  They have been running in the red and the State of Ohio had reduced funding for their services.  

      The Blind national lobby is doing and has done quite a bit for us -- nationally.  It is time for us in Ohio to make some waves and get recognition for our special needs.  Not because we are special -- rather because we ARE normal citizens; first-class citizens, who want to be independent as anyone else in this state.

      I plan on putting this issue  before the Lake County Chapter and see what ideas we can generate.  More accessible transportation may well help our organization to grow and flurish.  It will certainly assist in the over all independent life style we seek.

      Sincerely,
      Anne Marble