[Ohio-talk] Inspire IVSLLC Accessible Voting

[Suzanne Turner]

Good Afternoon,

I have been appointed by the President of NFB of Ohio, Eric Duffy as the Voting Affiliate Liaison for Ohio.  I was honored and proud to be selected and take this position with high regard.

On June 20, 2013, I was part of a National Conference Call held by the Chairperson, Lue Ann Blake who is the Director of Outreach at Jernigan Institute for The NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND.  She introduced herself and explained the purpose of the project.  This initiative is to ensure equality for the blind at area poles across the United States.

Most States were represented and great ideas were shared in order to effectively provide voter outreach and knowledge of resources that are not offered in every state.  One of the most interesting pieces of equipment afforded to only a few states is IVSLLC.  This tool is driven by a simple telephone that may or may not have a fax machine attached to it in order to print out the ballad.  IVS is used in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut.

As I understand, most of Ohio's poles are accessible.  However, sensitivity training is quite necessary and a high alert.  Therefore, Eric has spoken to me in reference to working with the Governor's Advisory Board for persons with disabilities to inquire if this is also of a concern for them of providing awareness for their pole workers.  More information will be up coming.

What struck me about this system is it seems to be a way for seniors, those with limited cognitive ability, those who are newly blind and others to participate in the voting process.  Also, I realized that the phone is a universal method for most to communicate with and it does offer a sense of privacy, dignity and liberation.  We all use the phone system for just about everything.  The keypad is common, practical and easy on the touch.

Below you will find two different accessible voting resources that have become innovative and efficient to provide independency.  There are two numbers for you to test your ability by way of voting on a telephone.  Please provide information if you think this is a system that Ohio would benefit from.  They are demos.  I tried them and found the IVSLLC from Vermont to be quite effective.  This system sends your completed ballad to the Secretary of State directly.  The other system prints out at a fax machine showing the completed ballad.  This phone method is used in Maine, Connecticut and New Hampshire.

You would need to input the Pole Number and Access Code, which is provided for you below.


Thank you in advance for your assistance!!

Suzanne Turner,
Affiliate Voters Liaison for NFB of Ohio


IVSLLC in Vermont
Telephone Number: 888-661-6366
Pole Number: 1234
Access Code: 101

Fax Demo for New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut
A fax at every poling location
Telephone: 866-979-3900
Pole Number: 1234
Access Code: 101



Suzanne Turner, BSW, MPA
Employment Coordinator and Benefit Specialist

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