[Ohio-talk] Buckeye Update

[Eric Duffy]

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Buckeye Update
July 11, 2014

This was an historical convention filled with bitter sweet moments. After twenty-eight years of services as President of the National Federation of the Blind Dr. Maurer has passed the torch  to the next generation. Mark Riccobono was elected President on July 5, and took office at the conclusion of the convention on July 6.

Dr. Maurer is strong and in good health. His commitment to the National Federation of the Blind is unwavering. He wanted to make the transition in leadership now in order to insure continuity and stability for the organization.

Dr. Jernigan used to say that the presidency of this organization is not to be passed around like a plate of cookies. Dr. Maurer's time in office is proof that we recognize this truth. His long service gave us consistency and stability. I for one am grateful for all that he has given to our movement.

Mark Riccobono will have his own style. He'll do some things differently than Dr. Maurer would have done them, but I am confident he will lead us well. 

We will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind at next summers convention. We are going to take 75 days of action to build the Federation at all levels. 

I have said that in Ohio we want to build a new chapter in the Akron Canton area, and that we want to strengthen the Capital Chapter.

Those of you who are on Ohio-Talk know that we have begun a campaign to get a minimum of 75 people to the next National Convention. In an effort to build the organization we must help first timers, families with blind children, students, and then all others who need assistance that we can given the money we have.

Right now we have no money for this ambitious task. I have asked JW Smith to chair a fund raising campaign  for this effort. He has graciously agreed. You will be hearing more about this effort in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

As important as this is, we cannot forget the critical need to fund the general operations of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio. 

Please help us with both. Because I will not ask others to do what I am not willing to do I put a check in the mail to Sherry Ruth in the amount of $75. In the Memo I put 75 fund. Next month I will send another check for an equal amount or more for the general fund. I invite you to  meet or beat my contribution.

There is no doubt that a vast majority of the funding for this project must come from outside sources. JW is going to focus on five major fund raisers. I will do what I can to find grants and other options. We are just in the beginning stages of this project, but we want to generate excitement and commitment throughout the organization.

Without checking records, I think it is safe to say that we had our smallest Scrip order  in the history of this fund raising opportunity. We have got to do better with this program. Please sign up if you haven't already, and please order next month if at all possible. I know you are tired of hearing me beat this drum, but we could be doing far better than we are. This program could generate a lot of money for us if we would all do our part.

Our new branding campaign and our new logo were unveiled at the convention. You will be hearing much more about this in the future. For now I think it is important that we all become familiar with our one minute presentation, so here it is: The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. 


Once again we sold m&M's at the convention. The competition was tough. Everyone is selling something. I brought home about 150 bags, and I will find a way to sell them. Some money has not been collected, but I intend to stay with it until all of the money is in.

Susan Day won the $500 cash drawing. I don't know how much money we made on this fund raiser yet, but I will announce totals for both in a future update.

Ohio was recognized for our work with the vehicle donation program. In the contest period from May 1, to July 1 we got six vehicles donated. we tied for second with New York, and we were both beat out by Maryland. We received a horn for honking. I have to confess that I forgot it at the hotel. That may be just as well, because the kids in the BELL Program would have had way too much fun with it, thus endangering the mental health of the adults. Let's do even better with this program in the year ahead.
By the middle of August, Barbara will begin working on the newsletter. This will be the convention issue so, it is important that we get it out in a timely manner. If you have something to contribute please get it to Barbara as soon as possible.
Here are activities that I know are coming up in the very near future. 
Here is what Suzanne Turner wrote a few weeks ago about an event coming up next week: The National Federation of the Blind of Cleveland SALUTEs The National Federation of the Blind and how it relates to The enactment of
the Americans With Disability Act by illuminating and edifying its
philosophy mission and purpose on the national, state and local levels.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26,
1990, by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America's most
comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits
discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same
opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American
life; to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and
to participate in State and local government programs and services.
Like the ADA, "the ultimate purpose of the National Federation of the Blind
is the complete integration of the blind into society on a basis of
equality. This objective involves the removal of legal, economic, and social
discriminations; the education of the public to new concepts concerning
blindness; and the achievement by all blind people of the right to exercise
to the fullest their individual talents and capacities. It means the right
of the blind to work along with their sighted neighbors in the professions,
common callings, skilled trades, and regular occupations."  This was taken
from the organization's website and to learn more, visits NFB.ORG.
So, join the Cleveland Chapter for a wonderful commentary presented by three
renowned scholars providing a channel of communication from a hierarchy
perspective.  At the national level, Mark Riccobono, who is the Executive
Director of the Jernigan Institute will grace us with his expertise and
experiences on blindness and the Federation.  Next at the State level,
Ohio's former president, Dr. JW Smith will provide equal knowledge: and at
the local level, Barb Fohl who is the Secretary for the Lake County Chapter
will offer her outlook and discourse.

This Program will be held at the Cleveland Sight Center located at 1909 E.
101st Street, Cleveland, OH 441o6 on July 18, 2014, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00
P.M. with a Q&A session.  If you are unable to attend in person, join us by
conference call at 760-569-9000 ex: 246345.  This is open for the entire
State to participate.  For those who will be attending in person,
refreshments will be served from 5:00 P.M. to 5:45 P.M.  For more info call
Suzanne Turner or Renee Payne at the numbers below.
NOTE! For all utilizing the conference call number above, please call in by 5:50
P.M.

The Miami Valley bike ride will be on Saturday, August 9. for more information call Richard Payne at (937) 829-3368 or email 
rchpay7 at gmail.com


The Cincinnati chapter picnic will also be on Saturday, August 9. For moor information call Deborah Kendrick at (513) 673-4474 or email her at dkkendrick at earthlink.net
There are a lot of activities that take place during the National Convention. Many people do a great deal to support me and to represent the Ohio Affiliate. Thank you to all who worked on our behalf. You know who you are, and so do I. I appreciate your work. However, I do want to especially thank Aleeha Dudley for her work. She did all that she was asked to do and more.
The BELL Program is almost here. I will not write for the next few weeks because of BELL. We picked up our sixth student this week. All of us who are volunteering are looking forward to working with the kids. I will write again on August 8. In the mean while there is much to be done to move our organization forward and continue to change what it means to be blind.