[Ohio-Talk] Welcome to the new year time to work

Fri Jan 15 12:55:55 UTC 2021

Dear Ohio Members,

Happy New Year!

As I sit here preparing this note, I am visualizing sunshine and a worm
summer breeze. Dayton seems to be getting colder by the day. With that said,
I hope that all of you are in comfort, safe and if the Affiliate can assist
you in any way, please feel free to reach out to your leadership for
support.

You will find in the body of this message valuable information. Please take
note of this, so that we can be better prepared to effectively work on
behalf of the blind across Ohio. Continue to read content that is
distributed on the Ohio Listserve to prevent repetitive inquiries that have
already been answered. We must all make a commitment to be informed and stay
up to date on the important work of the federation. Therefore, take time out
of your schedule to read this address throughout its entirety. Thus, note
taking is a great tool to review subject matters over and over again. 

Below topics includes: 

I: 2021 Scholarship Program,

II: Washington Seminar Fact Sheets and Adjustment to Training Schedule

III: New Partnership with Getty Images and Tactile Images

IV: Safety and Support, Marching Together Status Update

V:
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces
-partnership-rainn> Partnership with RAINN

VI: NFB History//Walking Alone and Marching Together

VII: And more

///

The Ohio Board of Directors will meet on Monday, January 25th at 7:00 PM
EDT. Members, due diligence to be on time! We will use our normal zoom
platform for this meeting. Please join the call early and review the zoom
commands in advance. If you wish for items to be considered for the meeting
email them to me off list.

///

Several of the Ohio Board Members have been meeting with Opportunities for
Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) for several months and find the meetings to
be very productive. Members, if you have an open case and have concerns
about your services, feel free to email me off list. On the other hand, we
also would like to know about your successes and those details as well.

///

I would like to bring to your attention, that we are leading up to the 2021
Washington seminar. Eric Duffy, who chairs the Ohio Legislative Committee
will be sending out more information about how you can get more involved.
The legislative issues and important links are listed in the body of this
message. Please make yourself familiar with the four initiatives.

///

Membership

The National Federation of the Blind encourages membership at all levels of
the federation. However, it appears that several members are unaware of the
NFB policy on dual membership. To make this clear; if you are an elected
officer of another group that has conflicting policies with the federation,
then you may not serve as an officer on any level of the federation.
Nevertheless, there is nothing precluding you from being a paid member of
the federation. If you have any questions, reach out to any leader and they
should be able to give you more guidance. Note that leaders have the
responsibility to enforce this policy.

///

On Sunday, January 17, 2021 at 7:00 PM EDT., The Ohio Senior Division will
hold "Sharing Solution for Vision Loss" Tele-Conference on the Ohio
Conference Line. The topic this month is Stroke Awareness. All are welcome
to join this important meeting to learn about warning signs, treatment and
prevention. Call: (712) 775-7031 and enter code: 240281423. You do not need
to be a member to attend the meeting.

///

I want to highlight for you the awareness and updates on our efforts to make
the Federation a safe and healthy place for all. If you find you need
additional guidance or resources, please reach out and let me know or reach
out to our Survivor Task Force.

Safety and Support #MarchingTogether Status Update
January 12, 2021

As you know, there has recently been discussion of inappropriate abuse and
sexual conduct in the blindness community. This document provides links to
recent announcements and offers some guidance on having conversations and
answering questions related to this issue. It is intended to help members of
the National Federation of the Blind discuss this topic with empathy, love,
and sensitivity as conversations take place at the national, state, and
local level. The National Federation of the Blind is fully committed to
ensuring a safe, healthy environment throughout our movement. We offer this
guidance to best encourage healing for survivors and our community.

Recent NFB Announcements

On Monday, January 4, 2021, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
announced a partnership with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual
violence organization. RAINN will assist us in furthering a safe, inclusive,
and welcoming culture free of sexual misconduct for all NFB programs and
activities. 

On January 4, we also announced the formation of the Survivor Task Force, an
advisory team led by survivors who are also NFB members. In representing the
voice of survivors, task force members will focus on addressing and
preventing abuse and sexual misconduct within the Federation by serving as
advisors to the National Federation of the Blind leaders, members, and
third-party partners. 

Below are the links to the online statements:

*
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces
-partnership-rainn> Partnership with RAINN
*
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support-marchingtogether>
Introducing Our Survivor Task Force

Talking About These Issues

You may receive questions from staff, partners, volunteers, or outside
stakeholders on this issue. Please remain supportive, loving, trusting, and
empathetic throughout this process. The following guidance has been prepared
to help you with these conversations. 

Please be sure to follow your state and local legal requirements concerning
mandatory reporting. And, as leaders, notify the victim or survivor of your
mandated reporting status prior to them sharing any information with you.
This is critical in creating a consent-centered environment across our
organization.

Media Inquiries

Important note: major media coverage is currently anticipated, although
timing is very uncertain in light of other recent national events. All press
inquiries at any level-national, state, or local-are requested to be
forwarded to Chris Danielsen,  <mailto:cdanielson at nfb.org>
cdanielsen at nfb.org or cell 410-262-1281. 

Conversations with Survivors

*	Follow your state and local legal requirements concerning mandatory
reporting if the victim or survivor is interested in this path to healing.

*	To report a sexual misconduct issue, follow the procedures outlined
in NFB's code of conduct at
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct>
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct, or contact
<mailto:code at nfb.org> code at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, extension 2475. Remember
that the victim or survivor must be interested in this path prior to a
grievance being filed. Additionally, you, as a leader, must inform the
victim or survivor of this path prior to proceeding.

*	To get information about NFB's Survivor Task Force, contact
<mailto:survivors at nfb.org> survivors at nfb.org or 410-659-9314, extension
2238. 

*	To access professional support and resources, contact RAINN. The
<https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline>
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline is at 800-656-HOPE (4673). Callers
will be contacted by a trained staff member from a service provider in their
area.

Conversations with Internal and External Stakeholders

Here are some tips for talking about this issue with our members and
external partners. We are committed to focusing on the future and to speak
in ways that encourage healing. 

*	Stress NFB's commitment to a safe and healthy environment.

"We are committed to a safe and healthy environment throughout our
movement."

"We do not and will not tolerate abuse of any kind."

"We are taking all necessary steps to ensure blind people can lead their
best lives."

*         Rather than discussing the details of NFB's plans, as outlined in
the two public statements, offer a copy of the public statements. 

*	Victims and survivors have the right to tell their own stories.
Others should not engage in discussion or speculation about any particular
incident. 

Social Media

The following sample post is approved for use. You may also link to our
public statements. If you see anything on social media that seems unusual or
concerns you, please contact our national social media coordinator, Danielle
McCann,  <mailto:dmccann at nfb.org> dmccann at nfb.org, extension 2246.

CW: Sexual Abuse

We have engaged @RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence
organization, as well as our Survivors Task Force, to assist us in
furthering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming culture free of abuse and sexual
misconduct as part of all our programs and activities. #MarchingTogether
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces
-partnership-rainn>
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces-
partnership-rainn  

Below are the links to the NFB's statements:

*
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-announces
-partnership-rainn> Partnership with RAINN
*
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/safety-support-marchingtogether>
Introducing Our Survivor Task Force

FAQs

Q:        How long has this been going on? What did you know and when? Were
there any incidents at your office/center/facility?

A:         Out of respect for survivors, we are not commenting on any
specific incidents. The National Federation of the Blind announced a
partnership with RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence
organization. RAINN will assist us in furthering a safe, inclusive, and
welcoming culture free of sexual misconduct as part of all NFB programs and
activities. We are committed to a safe, healthy environment.

Q:        What exactly will RAINN be doing? 

A:         We are entering a committed long-term partnership with RAINN to
ensure a safe and healthy environment. The details are included in this
statement. 

Q:        What is the role of the Survivor Task Force?

A:         The Survivor Task Force will serve as an advisor during this
process to ensure we build a safe, healthy environment. More details can be
found in the Introducing Our Survivor Task Force section to
nfb.org/survivor. The Task Force will provide monthly updates on our
efforts.

Q:        What do I say to anyone who reports an incident?

A:         The National Federation of the Blind does not tolerate
inappropriate behavior. Advise people to follow state and local legal
requirements concerning mandatory reporting.

Reports can be filed using the code of conduct grievance report form, by
calling our dedicated voicemail box at 410-659-9314, extension 2475, or
emailing  <mailto:code at nfb.org> code at nfb.org. The code of conduct process
can be used to file a grievance regarding another member, employee, or
contractor of the NFB. If someone files a complaint addressing sexual
misconduct as part of our programs or events, that matter will be
investigated by an external investigator. Find a way to emphasize this last
point because many are wondering what happens to grievances filed now.

Note: please also provide information for the NFB Survivor Task Force and
the RAINN hotline outlined above as needed.

Q:        Why isn't more information available?

A:         We are just beginning these processes. More information and
guidance will be available as it is developed.

Q:        Any other kind of question.

A:         We are only commenting on our steps to ensure a safe, healthy
organization at this time.

///

Critical Actions:

Washington Seminar Fact Sheets and Adjustment to Training Schedule:

Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's Washington Seminar
training. The fact sheets for this year's Washington Seminar issues (
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washingto
n-seminar-agenda/fact-sheet-access> Access Technology Affordability Act,
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washingto
n-seminar-agenda/fact-sheet-medical-device> Medical Devices Nonvisual
Accessibility Act,
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washingto
n-seminar-agenda/fact-sheet-accessible-websites-act> Accessible Websites
Act,
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar/washingto
n-seminar-agenda/fact-sheet-accessible> Accessible Voting Act) are now
posted to our website. Please note that we have made an adjustment in the
2021 Washington Seminar training schedule. The training on the new
appointment and rankings tool has now been rescheduled to Tuesday, January
26, at 8:00 p.m. In addition, we are adding two more optional meetings where
you can learn about the legislative issues for the 2021 Washington Seminar.
The first of these trainings will be this Thursday, January 14, and the
second will be Tuesday, January 19. Meeting presenters are encouraged to
attend at least one of these two meetings. The full schedule is below:

Thursday, January 14, 8:00 p.m. eastern - General issue review and questions
- open to all meeting presenters

Tuesday, January 19, 8:00 p.m. eastern - General issue review and questions
- open to all meeting presenters

Thursday, January 21, 8:00 p.m. eastern - Final issue review and mock
meeting 

Tuesday, January 26, 8:00 p.m. eastern - Meeting appointments and
appointment tool

Thursday, January 28, 8:00 p.m. eastern - Zoom moderator training

The Zoom link for all meetings is  <https://zoom.us/j/7567531013>
https://zoom.us/j/7567531013.

Note that members are encouraged to attend only one of the two general issue
review and question meetings. In addition, it would be helpful if you have
studied the fact sheets before attending one of the meetings.

/// 

News:

NFB-NEWSLINER-Breaking News Sources Available:

NFB-NEWSLINE is a free audio news service for anyone who is blind,
low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled that offers access to
more than five hundred publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings,
and more. There are more than forty breaking news sources. Stay informed of
the current events happening in our country. Learn more about
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/nfb-newsline> nfbnewsline.org. 

New Partnership with Getty Images and Tactile Images-Take the Quick Poll:

Getty Images, a world leader in visual communications, and the National
Federation of the Blind, America's civil rights and membership organization
of the blind, have partnered with Tactile Images to deliver more than
twenty-five million images to the world's blind population at museums,
science centers, libraries, schools, and government agencies. Read the
<https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/getty-images-partners-national-fede
ration-blind-and-tactile-images-deliver-25> new partnership press release.
As a start to this initiative, please share and complete the three-question
poll:  <https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tactileimages>
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tactileimages.

///

Scholarship Program-Submit Application Today:

Share this opportunity that invests in the future of blind people. Every
year, the National Federation of the Blind awards more than $120,000 to
blind scholars across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto
Rico in recognition of their achievements and professional aspirations. The
application process is open and we encourage students to start the process
early. Review the
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-p
rogram/scholarship-program-application-checklist> scholarship application
checklist and the
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-p
rogram/scholarship-program-faqs> scholarship program FAQs. Learn about the
eligibility criteria and requirements of the
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-p
rogram> 2021 scholarship program and start the application process now. The
deadline to submit is March 31, 2021. 

///

Walking Alone and Marching Together has been added to NFB-NEWSLINE:

You can now access this book detailing the history of the organized blind
movement from 1940 to 1990 on NFB-NEWSLINE. If you are using the telephone
access method, off the main menu, press 1 followed by 1 for the NFB National
Channel, then follow the prompts to read the book. For those using the
NFB-NEWSLINE Mobile app for iOS, select "All Publications" from the
"Information Sources" page and search for Walking Alone and Marching
Together to read the book.

///

Filing a Complaint with the Department of Education's Office for Civil
Rights:

The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently
released a short video,  <https://youtu.be/dvxa5dYNKK8> How to File a
Complaint, as a resource for anyone seeking to file a discrimination
complaint with OCR. Please share this link with students, parents, and other
stakeholders in your network. 

///

Dates to Keep in Mind:

(all times eastern)

*	January 18: Braille Readers Are Leaders
<https://actionfund.org/programs/braille-readers-are-leaders>  registration
(and page count) deadline
*	January 28: Smart Cities Summit
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/tr
ainings/smart-cities-summit> , 12:00-8:00 p.m. 
*	February 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. 
*	February 8: Washington Seminar
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/washington-seminar>  Great
Gathering-In
*	March 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. 
*	March 24-26: Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium
*	March 31: Scholarship application
<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-p
rogram/scholarship-program-application-checklist>  deadline
*	April 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. 
*	April 15: Bolotin Awards <https://www.nfb.org/bolotin>  nominations
deadline
*	May 2: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. 
*	June 1: Presidential Release LIVE, 8:00 p.m. 
*	July 6-11: NFB National Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want.

Richard Payne,  President

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368

 <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> Rchpay7 at gmail.com

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.

Richard Payne,  President

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

937/829/3368

 <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> Rchpay7 at gmail.com

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.