[Ohio-Talk] Spring issue of the Buckeye Bulletin

[Shane Popplestone]

Asia,
I sent this to you under separate cover since you e-mailed the entire 
list, probably without meaning to.


------ Original Message ------
>From "Asia Quinones-Evans via Ohio-Talk" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
To "NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List" <ohio-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc "Asia Quinones-Evans" <aevans.nfb at gmail.com>
Date 5/24/2022 11:56:08 AM
Subject Re: [Ohio-Talk] Spring issue of the Buckeye Bulletin

>I would like this in Word. Thanks.
>
>On Sat, May 21, 2022 at 10:28 AM Barbara Pierce via Ohio-Talk <
>ohio-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>>If anyone wants this in Word, write me at the listed email, and I will
>>send it.
>>
>>Spring 2022 Buckeye Bulletin
>>
>>A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>>
>>
>>Barbara Pierce, Editor
>>198 Kendal Drive
>>Oberlin, OH 44074
>>barbara.pierce9366 at gmail.com
>>(440) 774-8077
>>
>>http://www.nfbohio.org
>>
>>Richard Payne, President
>>1019 Wilmington Ave., Apt. 43
>>Kettering, OH 45420
>>rchpay7 at gmail.com
>>(937) 829-3368
>>
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
>>characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
>>expectations, because low expectations create obstacles between blind
>>people and our dreams. You can live the live you want; Blindness is not
>>what holds you back.
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501(c)3 consumer
>>organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing
>>what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a
>>tragedy to those who face it, we know from our personal experience that
>>with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical
>>nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive the services and
>>training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children
>>receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up
>>to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship
>>means that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are
>>determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these
>>United States, enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities.
>>The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision
>>than with discrimination based on the public’s ignorance and misinformation
>>about blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans about the abilities and
>>aspirations of Ohio’s blind citizens. We are changing what it means to be
>>blind.
>>
>>The NFB of Ohio has eight local chapters, one for at-large members, and
>>special divisions for diabetics, merchants, students, seniors, guide dog
>>users, and members of communities of faith. This newsletter appears three
>>times a year and is circulated by email, posted on NFB-NEWSLINE®, our
>>digitized newspaper-reading service by phone, and can be read or downloaded
>>from our website, www.nfbohio.org. For information about the National
>>Federation    of the Blind of Ohio or to make address changes or be added
>>to the mailing list, call (440) 774-8077 or email
>>barbara.pierce9366 at gmail.com. For information about NFB-NEWSLINE, our
>>free digitized newspaper-reading service, call (866) 504-7300. Local
>>NEWSLINE numbers are: 330-247-1241 (Akron), 330-409-1900 (Canton),
>>513-297-1521 (Cincinnati), 216-453-2090 (Cleveland), 614-448-1673
>>(Columbus), 937-963-1000 (Dayton), 567-242-5112 (Lima), 567-333-9990
>>(Mansfield), 740-370-6828 (Portsmouth), 937-717-3900 (Springfield),
>>419-806-1100 (Toledo), and 330-259-9570 (Youngstown).
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Dream Makers Circle
>>
>>You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a
>>member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National
>>Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio can
>>be made in the form of a will or living trust or an income-generating gift
>>or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a
>>life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage,
>>or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information
>>contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang at nfb.org
>>.
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the
>>education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans,
>>and much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process
>>donated vehicles. Please call toll-free (855) 659-9314, and a
>>representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting
>>www.nfb.org/vehicledonations <http://www.nfb.org/vehicledonations>.
>>
>>Contents
>>
>>From the President’s Desk Believing in the Full Capacity of the Blind by
>>Richard Payne
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010474>
>>A First-Timer's Guide to Convention
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010475>
>>Editor’s Musings by Barbara Pierce
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010476>
>>The Documents in the Case
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010477>
>>Asserting Your Rights When The Police Are Involved by Todd Elzey
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010478>
>>The NFB of Ohio Adopts an Inclusion Policy by Eric Duffy
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010479>
>>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Contributes to Ohio 14C Task
>>Force by Todd Elzey
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010480>
>>Do you have Shelbi’s Commitment by Eric Duffy
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010481>
>>The Right to Parent by Suzanne Turner
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010482>
>>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Scholarship Program 2022-2023
>>by Jordy Stringer
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010483>
>>Aira Once Again Available for the Ohio State Fair by Eric Duffy
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010484>
>>Ohioans Featured in the Community Service Division National Newsletter
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010485>
>>Buckeye Briefs
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010486>
>>Activities Calendar
>><applewebdata://A2925DD2-1588-450D-8DCA-552F823BEA1D#_Toc104010487>
>>
>>
>>*****
>>
>>From the President’s Desk
>>Believing in the Full Capacity of the Blind
>>by Richard Payne <>
>>When I started in the Federation years ago, it was easy to be committed to
>>a cause because many of my friends were just like me, fresh out of school
>>and willing to work and fight for the right to be equal. Most of us
>>graduated from the school for the blind and could not wait to be free: free
>>from dormitories and to live in the community, free from working on the
>>campus earning small wages, and free to be independent, integrated, and
>>unrestricted. However, we quickly found ourselves transitioning into a
>>segregated and sub- minimum-wage environment, hoping that a change was
>>going to come.
>>
>>So, as I reflect on my experiences as a young Federationist who worked
>>inside the walls of a large domestic plant that employed me and hundreds of
>>blind workers who fought for equal pay and an opportunity to advance, it
>>has become more and more clear to me that even in 2022 that fight still
>>remains today. I have received, mediated, and helped to source guidelines
>>for work discrimination in a variety of vocations. The individual, gender,
>>and skill set may be different, but the direct target is the same:
>>blindness. Thus I have learned that discrimination is not just about the
>>color of skin but covers a broad range of intersectionalities. We must have
>>a safe, protected space to face issues that can improve, not only the
>>culture of the Federation, but every social structure, protecting our right
>>to live, play, and work equally.
>>
>>Through working in the late 80’s for what is now a National Industries for
>>the Blind workshop, I learned about a meeting held by my blind co-workers
>>who were upset because every sighted employee received a pay raise that did
>>not include blind employees who performed equal work. They also were
>>concerned about the lack of upward mobility and a number of other issues
>>that kept blind people from advancing. Needless to say, that heated
>>discussion led to a vote to elect a spokesperson to take their concerns to
>>the manager of the workshop. To my amazement, it was my name that was
>>suggested, mostly because of my activity in the National Federation of the
>>Blind of Mississippi. I assumed that many of those people who were older
>>and much wiser than I--only eighteen at that time--would have been a better
>>choice. When the manager of the workshop heard about blind people voting to
>>strike and speaking against his authority, he grew angry, informing the
>>supervisors that the blind wanted an increase in pay, which would make them
>>lose their disability benefits. He also instructed them to find out who had
>>attended the meeting and to report the names.
>>
>>Later that afternoon I bumped into him, and his attitude toward me was as
>>if he was speaking to a child or a worker on his plantation. That was just
>>how he made me feel, as he told me that he had heard about the meeting and
>>that he would be attending the next one and would put his fifty years of
>>taking care of blind people up against our big mouths. I was livid and said
>>to him, “It is crazy for you to talk down to me, and I look forward to
>>seeing you at the next meeting.” Later that week every blind worker was
>>called to the cafeteria for the meeting. The manager tried to convince us
>>that he had to give the increase to the sighted workers because they were
>>more qualified and getting better jobs out in the community. He said that
>>keeping them was vital. We questioned him and explained that the blind and
>>sighted workers did the same work, worked the same hours, and produced
>>equally. So why was it that in his eyes sighted workers’ skills were
>>valued, and the blind were not? Even as a young man, I recognized this as
>>discrimination. As we all know, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
>>came a few years later.
>>
>>After that meeting I am sorry to say that the other blind employees who
>>decided not to strike blamed me for starting trouble. Even some of those
>>who wanted to strike determined not to take part in any other meetings. So
>>the outcome was the increase in pay for the sighted workers. Later I
>>painfully learned that the fight had been the ultimate divider among my
>>peers. Then the workshop manager suddenly laid off most of the blind
>>workers and kept only enough employees to fill small orders, and most of
>>these were sighted. This was to show us that, not only could he run the
>>plant without us, but most of us at that time could not receive
>>unemployment insurance or get another job. As we do today when
>>discrimination is at the forefront, we called the State Affiliate, and in
>>some cases now the legal team at the National Office in Baltimore,
>>Maryland, for advice, support, and direction.
>>
>>I quickly called the State President of the Federation, and he
>>communicated with the Director of Rehabilitation, who sternly informed the
>>workshop manager that the law required that 75% of the workers had to be
>>blind people or people with a another disability. We were immediately
>>called back to work. Though changes were slow, blind employees began to
>>earn higher wages because of the help of the Federation.
>>
>>However, my first understanding of discrimination was not because I was
>>blind but because of color in high school, before I lost my sight. When I
>>was in a high school math class, the teacher would write on the board “WB,”
>>“BB,” “WG,” and “BG.” This is how he counted his students. I enquired the
>>meaning of the abbreviations, and he sent me out into the hall to wait for
>>him. To my amazement he wanted to punish me. I refused to accept the
>>punishment, so he sent me to the principal’s office. I still did not
>>understand what was going on until after my principal took the same
>>attitude. He sent me home with a note instructing them to punish me and not
>>to send me back If no action was taken. My parents were outraged. To make a
>>long story short, they went to see the administration at the school. My
>>grandmother had fair skin, and my grandfather was a direct descendant of a
>>slave with a very dark complexion. They were a strong combined force. They
>>were not afraid and were very well respected. Even though I was not allowed
>>in that meeting, I did not face any punishment, and the letters that
>>counted the color of students in class vanished from the chalk board.
>>
>>I will be the first to tell you that discrimination is not just about the
>>color of skin but covers a broad range of intersectionalities. We must have
>>a safe space and address issues that can improve the culture even in the
>>Federation. It is a privilege to serve as President of the Ohio Affiliate,
>>an entity that is diverse in many ways. Our philosophy says that blind
>>people are as different as sighted people are; that is, we are a
>>cross-section of the broader society and therefore not all alike as some
>>assume. The blind have organized for the same reasons other minorities
>>have—to make positive social change through collective action.
>>
>>I believe in the capacity of the blind and will stand on this
>>organization’s principle that “blindness is not the characteristic that
>>defines me or my future.” I am a testament that hopes and dreams are
>>realized through hard work, staying the course, and serving people.
>>Everyone must have an opportunity to realize their full capacity, be it
>>attending to the doors of a chapter meeting or testifying before Congress
>>or working for Key Bank or Tesla. We will continue to fight for the rights
>>of the blind with the focus being on the things that continue to keep this
>>organizational fabric intact.
>>
>>I am stronger and wiser because of who I have grown to be, but also
>>because of the organization with which I am affiliated while fighting for
>>change and equal measures while in the ditches of discrimination. It is the
>>National Federation of the Blind with which I stand tall and boldly
>>anchored, confident in the capacity of the blind.
>>
>>*****
>>
>>A First-Timer's Guide to Convention <>
>>Editor’s note: Suzanne Turner called our attention to the following
>>article on the NFB website. It is intended to be a useful introduction to
>>the national convention for first-time attendees. But it seemed to us that
>>it was also a valuable summary of what the Federation is and the part that
>>the national convention plays in the lives of Federationists. The article
>>was slightly out of date, so we have edited it for accuracy in 2022. We
>>hope that you will find it interesting and helpful in shaping your
>>understanding of the Federation. Here it is:
>>
>>Throughout the week you will have amazing opportunities to network with
>>thousands of competent, blind role models employed in exciting careers,
>>attend presentations on a wide variety of empowering topics, view the
>>latest in technology, and network with dynamic leaders in the field of
>>blindness. A lot happens at each convention, so this guide is intended to
>>give you an overview of what you will experience at your first convention.
>>It is available in Braille, in large print, and on our website at
>>www.nfb.org. For many, attendance at that very first convention has
>>become a life-changing experience. Many hear for the very first time that
>>it is respectable to be blind, that carrying a cane is useful and nothing
>>to be ashamed of, that Braille is a valuable tool after all, and that much
>>progress is being made in access technology. Attendees also learn that they
>>are not alone, that there are others who are facing the same problems they
>>are, and that an active and normal life is possible and within their reach.
>>For more specific details about this year's convention, consult the
>>convention agenda, the Braille Monitor, and the NFB's convention webpage.
>>
>>For a more personal introduction to your first convention, plan to attend
>>the Rookie Roundup, usually held in the evening of the first day of the
>>gathering, this year July 5. There you will meet your fellow rookies, be
>>welcomed by Federation leaders (including the President), and get some
>>advice from convention veterans on what to do and when to do it. The
>>convention is full of opportunities to learn, work, play, and network (both
>>formally and informally). The only thing you won't get much of at a
>>National Federation of the Blind convention is sleep!
>>
>>From the President:
>>
>>I am delighted to welcome you to your very first national convention of
>>the National Federation of the Blind. These pages are a brief overview of
>>our conventions and the unique role that they play in the life of our
>>movement. Your presence at convention is important! Being here means that
>>you are a part of the largest gathering of blind people held anywhere in
>>the world. I believe that you can and will benefit from the strength and
>>knowledge that you will gain from the many blind people you will meet at
>>the convention, and the National Federation of the Blind certainly needs
>>your ideas and your voice. I hope you come to feel the love, the power, and
>>the unity of purpose this convention brings to blind people and their
>>families who choose to attend--NFB President Mark A. Riccobono
>>
>>Community and Conduct at Convention
>>
>>To allow all attendees the chance to benefit from all aspects of the
>>convention, the National Federation of the Blind is committed to providing
>>a harassment-free environment for everyone. We appreciate your assistance
>>in cultivating an atmosphere in which participants from diverse backgrounds
>>may learn, network, and share with each other in an environment of mutual
>>respect. Our organization is deeply committed to diversity as well as
>>integrity and respect. Please contact the Information Desk or notify your
>>state affiliate president if you need assistance or have
>>questions/concerns. Thank you for doing your part to contribute to our
>>community and the high expectations we strive to maintain.
>>
>>Some Notes about the National Federation of the Blind
>>
>>A Brief Organizational History
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind was established in 1940.
>>Representatives from seven states gathered in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania,
>>for the founding convention. Those seven states were California, Illinois,
>>Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The founder and
>>first President of the NFB was Dr. Jacobus tenBroek, a blind lawyer born in
>>Canada but raised primarily in California. While attending the California
>>School for the Blind, Dr. tenBroek was taught and mentored by Dr. Newel
>>Perry. Dr. Perry believed that the only way that the blind would improve
>>their situation, which back then was usually one of poverty and misery, was
>>to come together in organizations and engage in collective action. In the
>>early part of the twentieth century, Dr. Perry himself had organized the
>>alumni of the California School for the Blind in order to--as he put
>>it--"escape defeatism and to achieve normal membership in society."
>>
>>Dr. tenBroek spent most of his working life in Berkeley teaching at the
>>University of California. However, in his early career, during a short
>>teaching stint at the University of Chicago School of Law, he founded the
>>National Federation of the Blind. Today the National Federation of the
>>Blind has fifty-two affiliates: one in each of the fifty states, plus the
>>District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
>>
>>Federation Philosophy
>>
>>You will probably hear conventioneers discussing what they call
>>"Federation Philosophy." What they are talking about is the Federation's
>>positive belief system about blindness. Members of the Federation realized
>>the simple truth many years ago that blind people are just people who
>>cannot see--we are not broken sighted people. Blind people are as different
>>as sighted people are; that is, we are a cross-section of the broader
>>society and, therefore, are not all alike as some assume. Blindness is a
>>physical characteristic, but it is not the characteristic that defines us
>>or our future. It is low expectations and misconceptions, not blindness
>>itself, that stand between blind people and our dreams. Given proper
>>training and opportunity, blind people can and do live the lives we want.
>>It is respectable to be blind, and, with the right tools and techniques,
>>blindness may be reduced to the level of a nuisance or inconvenience.
>>
>>To combat the low expectations, misconceptions, and stereotypes that are
>>the true barriers to achieving our dreams, the blind have organized for the
>>same reasons other minorities have--to make positive social change through
>>collective action. The Federation philosophy provides an overall framework
>>for thinking about blindness, what it means, and what it doesn't mean.
>>However, it is not intended to be rigid or dogmatic. As we just said, blind
>>people are individuals, and we may disagree on any number of things,
>>including how to handle a given situation as blind people. What our
>>philosophy does do is give us a positive way of thinking about our
>>blindness, rather than the negative ways in which we have often been
>>conditioned to think about it by society. Rather than saying that we as
>>blind people can't do something, we try to find ways that we can, and to
>>challenge each other, in a loving way, always to push the envelope and
>>expand the limits of our independence.
>>
>>As you read further, you'll discover that, to the extent we need to
>>formulate specific positions about blindness and the policies related to
>>it, we use a democratic process to arrive at these positions. The National
>>Federation of the Blind also provides encouragement and support. to
>>families with blind children and to people who are losing vision or have
>>become blind later in life, by bringing them into a network of tens of
>>thousands of blind people who are living full lives and who can serve as
>>mentors and role models. Together, with love, hope, and determination, the
>>members of the National Federation of the Blind transform dreams into
>>reality.
>>
>>What Is the Function of the National Convention?
>>
>>The national convention is held once each year in a location chosen by the
>>President based upon successful negotiations for the needed space. We are
>>able to negotiate outstanding room and meeting space rates at hotels with
>>many dining options, comprehensive room amenities, and first-rate
>>facilities. While a lot happens at the convention, it's important to
>>remember that its primary function is to serve as the governing body for
>>the National Federation of the Blind. So, while some of the details in the
>>following pages may seem very technical, it's important for you to
>>understand how the convention works as a governing body so that you can
>>fully participate in selecting the leadership and setting the policy of the
>>organization.
>>
>>At the convention national officers and board members are elected by the
>>general membership, decisions concerning the organization are made, and
>>policies are set for the following year or years. To quote briefly from the
>>NFB Constitution (last revised in 2014):
>>
>>The Convention is the supreme authority of the Federation. It is the
>>legislature of the Federation. As such, it has final authority with respect
>>to all issues of policy. Its decisions shall be made after opportunity has
>>been afforded for full and fair discussion. Delegates and members in
>>attendance may participate in all convention discussions as a matter of
>>right. Any member of the Federation may make or second motions, propose
>>nominations, and serve on committees; and is eligible for election to
>>office except that only blind members may be elected to the National Board.
>>
>>The national convention also has some very practical benefits for
>>attendees. Those who are new to blindness and parents and teachers of blind
>>children can meet and learn from successful role models and have their
>>expectations raised. Friendships are made and renewed, the latest access
>>technology for the blind is on display, tours of interesting places can be
>>taken in your spare time (if you have any), and hope for the future is
>>kindled. The convention is, in a sense, a large family gathering and has
>>been described by one observer as analogous to an annual meeting of the
>>Scottish clans. This means, of course, in addition to the serious business
>>of the convention, that there are lots of opportunities just to have fun.
>>
>>How Big Is the Convention?
>>
>>NFB national conventions have experienced enormous growth through the
>>years. There were sixteen representatives from the seven founding states at
>>the 1940 meeting. Just two years later--at a 1942 Des Moines, Iowa,
>>meeting--one
>>
>>hundred fifty representatives from fifteen state affiliates were on hand.
>>The convention first recorded more than one thousand attendees in 1971 in
>>Houston, Texas. Attendance went over the two thousand mark for the first
>>time in 1988 in Chicago. By the convention held in New Orleans in 1997,
>>registration topped more than three thousand for the first time. Currently,
>>between two thousand eight hundred and three thousand three hundred
>>attendees will be present.
>>
>>The Facilities
>>
>>As mentioned earlier, the National Federation of the Blind is usually able
>>to negotiate space and outstanding room rates at top-notch convention
>>hotels and facilities. This means that you'll have access to a comfortable
>>room (which you won't spend much time in), plenty of dining options, and
>>amenities like fitness centers, swimming pools, and the like. Because we
>>have a big convention, we need a lot of space, and sometimes navigating it
>>can be intimidating at first. That's why your agenda will include a
>>comprehensive description of the convention facilities and where they're
>>located. In addition, both blind and sighted volunteers will be present
>>throughout the convention to provide direction and help you get where
>>you're going, if needed. So grab your cane or harness up your guide dog,
>>and go out there and enjoy all the convention has to offer.
>>
>>The Schedule
>>
>>The NFB national convention packs an unbelievable number of activities
>>into six days. Day one includes the parents' seminar, a national
>>orientation and mobility conference, several technology seminars, and other
>>special meetings and events as well as the Rookie Roundup. On day two
>>registration begins in the morning, and the Resolutions Committee convenes
>>in the afternoon. The agenda also lists other special meetings. On day
>>three the national board of directors meeting, which is open to all, occurs
>>in the morning, and various committees, groups, and divisions gather in the
>>afternoon and evening. Day four brings the opening of the formal
>>convention, with the roll call of states in the morning and the
>>Presidential Report and other program items in the afternoon. There are
>>more committee and divisional meetings on the evening of day four. On day
>>five general convention sessions are held in both the morning and the
>>afternoon. Elections are scheduled on this day, as well. Day six is the
>>last day of convention; the morning and afternoon general sessions are
>>followed by the annual evening banquet, a convention highlight.
>>
>>Convention Agenda
>>
>>The convention agenda is available at registration and can also be
>>obtained at a number of other locations at the convention site. Moreover,
>>it can be found on the NFB website at www.nfb.org as soon as it is final,
>>which is usually about a month before the convention begins. The agenda
>>gives general information about the convention, hotel rates, and other
>>hotel information, and it shows the times and locations of the various
>>meetings and general sessions.
>>
>>The Presidential Report
>>
>>One of the major presentations each year is a report delivered by the
>>national President to the entire convention on the Federation's activities
>>and progress during the previous year. All attendees are urged to be
>>present for this major event, which is usually the first item on the
>>afternoon agenda on day four. The President will tell you and your fellow
>>conventioneers about the legal victories we have won after blind people
>>faced discrimination, the new programs and initiatives we've started to
>>help blind people achieve success in all aspects of life, the ways in which
>>we're making technology more accessible to the blind, and more. You'll also
>>hear the stories of individual members who are living the lives they want.
>>
>>The Banquet
>>
>>The annual banquet is the highlight of each convention. It is held on the
>>final night of the convention. The banquet features several national award
>>presentations, the scholarship
>>
>>winners, and a major address by the national President, focusing on our
>>philosophy of blindness and designed to inspire us to continue to build the
>>Federation.
>>
>>Committees, Groups, and Divisions
>>
>>In addition to the three days of general convention sessions, many smaller
>>groups affiliated with the NFB hold their annual meetings during the
>>national convention. These are groups such as blind students, blind
>>lawyers, parents and teachers of blind children, blind secretaries, blind
>>businessmen and women, blind teachers, blind guide-dog users, blind
>>computer users, blind rehabilitation professionals, blind seniors, and
>>blind diabetics. These meetings are open to all, and you will want to look
>>at the agenda to select those which might be of interest to you. Attendees
>>are encouraged to attend more than one division meeting if they have
>>interest in more than one area. Some of these committees or divisions
>>collect dues, and some do not.
>>
>>Registration and Banquet Ticket Purchase
>>
>>For those who have not pre-registered online, registration starts on day
>>two. All attendees are requested to register, and the outstanding hotel
>>group rates are not available to those who do not. In addition, to be
>>eligible for door prizes, you must be registered. An official badge is
>>issued to each registrant and should be worn throughout convention week.
>>Banquet tickets for the banquet held on the final night of convention week
>>are available for purchase when you register. Banquet tickets should be
>>purchased as early in the convention as possible and are not available for
>>purchase after the lunch break on day four.
>>
>>The Banquet Ticket Exchange
>>
>>All convention attendees are encouraged to attend the banquet. When the
>>convention and banquets were smaller, attendees simply went to the banquet
>>hall, waited in line to enter, and found a seat once inside. Now, because
>>more than two thousand people will be present, a system for reserved
>>seating has been developed. Purchase your banquet ticket at the time of
>>registration. Then you can turn in that ticket to whoever is assigned to
>>get reserved seats for your affiliate, or you can pool your ticket with a
>>group of friends so that you can all sit together. Your group designee will
>>hand in the tickets at banquet exchange and in return will get the same
>>number of tickets, but now with an assigned table number. You should get
>>your new ticket from the banquet exchange designee and present it at the
>>banquet. If needed, volunteers will help you find your table, and you can
>>then enjoy the banquet with your Federation family.
>>
>>State Delegations in the General Sessions
>>
>>During the three days of general convention sessions, the meeting hall
>>will be set up with flags indicating the location of each of the state
>>affiliates. The number of seats per delegation is based upon the
>>registration figures. It's a good idea to sit with your affiliate's
>>delegation. In this way people can be located easily if they are needed.
>>Moreover, official voting delegates have the membership at hand if they
>>wish to poll the delegation on voting issues or if they wish to determine
>>the consensus of their affiliate's representatives.
>>
>>How Is the Convention Run?
>>
>>As mentioned earlier, the national convention is the supreme governing
>>authority of the National Federation of the Blind. Consequently, important
>>business must be done at the convention in an orderly and democratic
>>manner. The following information describes how the convention is run,
>>including how votes are taken, how resolutions are considered, and more.
>>
>>General Sessions
>>
>>The general sessions consist of program items, reports, panel discussions,
>>elections, and official votes on policy issues. General convention sessions
>>customarily are chaired by the Federation President. Floor microphones are
>>available for comments and questions from the audience when time permits.
>>
>>Official Voting
>>
>>Usually, on votes for elections, motions, or for the adoption of
>>resolutions (see below), the President will call for voice votes. In such
>>cases it is usually clear that a vast majority has voted one way or
>>another. However, if the outcome of a particular vote is not absolutely
>>clear, then the President will ask for a roll call vote. In the event of a
>>roll call vote, only official delegates of the affiliates may vote. In
>>order to be as democratic as it can be in its decision making, the
>>Federation has decided that each state affiliate will have one vote during
>>a roll call vote. At the opening general session, each affiliate names its
>>official voting delegate and an alternate or alternates in the event that
>>the official delegate is absent at the time of a given vote. Then, when a
>>roll call vote is taken, only the official voting delegates may cast votes.
>>Therefore, a maximum of fifty-two official votes may be cast. The secretary
>>keeps the official tally and announces votes once decisions have been made.
>>The official delegate may poll his or her delegation on the question or
>>motion being considered, which is one reason why it's a good idea to sit
>>with your affiliate's delegation. Some have asked why the Federation has
>>not adopted a one person, one vote policy. The concern with this method is
>>that a very few large state affiliates could control the outcome on every
>>issue. Therefore, the Federation has opted to give each state equal
>>representation, as the United States Constitution does with respect to the
>>US Senate.
>>
>>Elections
>>
>>The Federation has a national board consisting of President, First Vice
>>President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and twelve
>>additional board members, each of whom serves for terms of two years. The
>>five constitutional officers and six of the twelve board members are
>>elected during national conventions in even-numbered years, and the
>>remaining six board members are elected at conventions during odd-numbered
>>years.
>>
>>At the roll call of states held on the morning of the first general
>>session, each affiliate announces its appointee to the Nominating
>>Committee. The President then designates one of these nominees to be
>>Chairperson of the Nominating Committee. This committee then develops its
>>slate of candidates during a private meeting, which is closed to the
>>general membership so that free and frank discussions may be held. Note:
>>This is the only closed Federation meeting at the national convention.
>>
>>The actual elections are then held during a designated general session,
>>usually on the morning of day five. The candidate offered for each position
>>by the Nominating Committee is first placed in nomination. The chairperson
>>then calls for other nominations from the floor. In order to be completely
>>open and democratic, the Federation has a long-standing policy of calling
>>for other nominations three times before a motion to close nominations will
>>be accepted by the chairperson. In this way it can never be alleged that a
>>quick vote has been pushed through without time for other nominations. If
>>no other nominations are made, then typically a motion to close nominations
>>and elect the nominating committee's candidate by acclamation is offered.
>>If other nominations are made, then an election is held among the
>>candidates nominated. The chairperson will usually try to conduct the
>>election by voice vote of the entire convention, but in the event that no
>>candidate has a clear majority, then the chairperson will conduct a roll
>>call vote, in which only the official delegate for each affiliate will
>>participate.
>>
>>It is also long-standing policy that an individual will not stand for
>>election unless he or she has agreed to run. This policy avoids the problem
>>of electing unwilling candidates.
>>
>>Resolutions
>>
>>Resolutions are the official policy statements of the organization. Anyone
>>may offer a resolution. The customary method is to submit a proposed
>>resolution to the Chairman of the Resolutions Committee at least two weeks
>>before the convention. The Resolutions Committee--appointed by the
>>President--holds a public meeting on the afternoon of day two of the
>>convention. The resolutions that have been submitted to the committee
>>chairperson are then considered one at a time. Typically the committee will
>>allow the proponent of a resolution to speak in support of it; otherwise,
>>although the meeting is public in order to maintain full transparency, only
>>members of the committee speak during deliberations.
>>
>>After full discussion of each resolution in turn, the committee votes
>>either to pass or not pass. If the committee passes a particular
>>resolution, then it comes before the full convention in general session for
>>final action. This means that there will be several days in which to debate
>>contentious issues and to try to politic for favorable votes before final
>>convention action is taken.
>>
>>If a resolution is not passed by the committee, it can still be considered
>>by the Convention if its proponent can gather support according to the
>>following procedure: if he or she is able to enlist five state affiliates
>>to request that the resolution be heard, then it will be considered by the
>>entire Convention on the final meeting day.
>>
>>Although it is somewhat rare, a resolution may also be brought to the full
>>Convention through the national board of directors. A majority of the
>>directors must support the resolution in order to bring it to the floor in
>>this manner.
>>
>>Other Things to Know
>>
>>National Scholarships
>>
>>The Federation has an outstanding college scholarship program; it awards
>>thirty national scholarships at each national convention, each in the value
>>of $8,000. Applications close on March 31 of each year.
>>
>>As many as five hundred to seven hundred individuals apply for these
>>scholarships annually. Each spring the Scholarship Committee meets in
>>Baltimore, evaluates the applicants, and offers scholarships to the top
>>thirty candidates. These thirty scholars attend the national convention,
>>with assistance from the NFB. They spend each day with designated mentors.
>>When the students arrive, they know that they are one of the select thirty.
>>It is not decided until a meeting of the Scholarship Committee the night
>>before the banquet who will receive the named scholarships.
>>
>>Generally the students will all receive a scholarship; the only question
>>is who will receive which scholarship. The scholarship class together
>>chooses which of them will be given the opportunity to represent the class
>>by speaking briefly at the banquet.
>>
>>All blind students residing and attending school in the fifty states, the
>>District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico are invited to apply for National
>>Federation of the Blind scholarships, even if they have previously won.
>>Those who win a second or subsequent scholarship are called tenBroek
>>Fellows, in honor of NFB founder Jacobus tenBroek.
>>
>>Exhibits
>>
>>A major exhibit area is designated at each national convention. This gives
>>convention goers the opportunity to look over all of the latest access
>>technology, to talk with officials from such agencies as the National
>>Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped and the American
>>Printing House for the Blind, and to buy items from exhibitors. Convention
>>attendees are also invited to browse the NFB's extensive free literature
>>collection on display as well as to examine and purchase items from the NFB
>>store, known as the Independence Market. Because the NFB convention is the
>>largest gathering of blind people anywhere in the world, many technology
>>companies and others who provide products and services to the blind launch
>>new products at our convention, so you will probably want to visit the
>>exhibit space and find out what's new and noteworthy. Near the entrance of
>>the exhibit area, you'll find an information table, where you can get a
>>print or Braille map of the exhibit hall and a list of all the exhibitors
>>and their locations.
>>
>>Exhibits are open during various times throughout much of the convention,
>>but they are closed for the general convention sessions because all
>>conventioneers are encouraged to attend these meetings. As with other areas
>>of the convention, the growth in the number of exhibitors through the years
>>has been gratifying. In Atlanta in 2004, the number of exhibitors topped
>>one hundred for the first time.
>>
>>Door Prizes
>>
>>Significant door prizes are drawn throughout general convention sessions
>>and at the banquet. To be eligible to win, you must be registered and
>>present at the meeting where the prize is drawn. Each morning session
>>begins on time with a drawing for a $100 bill. Similar drawings occur
>>periodically throughout general sessions and at the banquet. The grand
>>prize drawn at the banquet is much larger than the others.
>>
>>Convention Fundraising
>>
>>Five different types of fundraising will be discussed during the
>>convention. These are:
>>
>>The White Cane Fund: A time will be set aside during the Convention when
>>buckets will be passed through the audience to receive cash donations for
>>the White Cane Fund. Affiliates will also make gifts or pledges to this
>>fund. These dollars go directly to the general treasury of the Federation.
>>
>>The Jacobus tenBroek Fund: Donations will also be made to this fund for
>>the maintenance and upkeep of the NFB Jernigan Institute property. This
>>property houses the operations of the NFB and other entities.
>>
>>The Kenneth Jernigan Fund: The proceeds from this fund are used to bring a
>>number of attendees to their first national convention. It is named for Dr.
>>Jernigan, who planned our conventions for more than forty years and who did
>>so much to make them what they are today.
>>
>>The Pre-Authorized Contribution (PAC) Plan: This giving opportunity
>>enables individuals to make regular financial contributions to support the
>>programs and activities of the Federation. The PAC Plan has insured a
>>consistent flow of monthly income to fund some of the Federation's work. By
>>signing up for the PAC Plan, a donor agrees to make an automatic monthly
>>contribution to the Federation; the donation is withdrawn directly from a
>>checking account or charged to a credit card. The individual designates how
>>much he or she wants to contribute each month and specifies a day of the
>>month on which the money should be withdrawn from the account. To
>>participate in the PAC Plan, the donor must have a checking account or
>>credit card, complete a PAC Plan card, sign and turn over a voided check
>>(if the contribution is to be withdrawn from a checking account), and begin
>>with a monthly donation of at least $5.00. Supporters of the Federation
>>contribute between $400,000 and $500,000 each year through this giving
>>opportunity.
>>
>>SUN (Shares Unlimited in NFB) Shares: Supporters of the Federation are
>>also able to make either monthly or annual donations for SUN Shares. These
>>funds are set aside in the event that they are needed to support the
>>Federation during difficult times.
>>
>>Guide Dog Relief Area
>>
>>In order to accommodate blind guide-dog users at the national convention,
>>arrangements are made each year to construct a special facility where the
>>dogs may be taken to relieve themselves. This special area is refreshed
>>several times each day.
>>
>>Representatives of the Guide Dog Committee are available to show
>>first-time convention goers where to take their animals and to assist in
>>learning individual clean-up practices. Dog users are expected to use these
>>special facilities rather than to permit their animals to relieve
>>themselves in the streets or on other hotel property.
>>
>>Services for Spanish Speakers
>>
>>All the general sessions and the banquet proceedings are translated by
>>volunteers for attendees who speak Spanish. Small receivers may be borrowed
>>to listen to the audio transmission. A Hispanic Seminar and a Spanish
>>Translation Committee meeting also take place during convention.
>>
>>Requests for Accommodations Based on Disability
>>
>>The convention of the National Federation of the Blind is designed and
>>implemented to be accessible especially to blind people in that materials
>>are offered in accessible formats, and other nonvisual aids are provided
>>(therefore special requests for these items are not required). If you
>>require specific accommodations based on your disability other than
>>blindness, in order to participate fully and equally in the Convention, we
>>urge you to let us know as soon as possible. Specific accommodations for
>>which requests are required include requests for deaf or deaf-blind
>>interpreters. Due to the size and complexity of this convention, as well as
>>the need appropriately to plan for additional human and other resources,
>>requests for specific accommodations must be submitted to
>>jerniganinstitute at nfb.org no later than May 31 of the convention year.
>>
>>Small receivers are available for the hearing impaired to receive direct
>>transmissions from the public address system. For those who may be totally
>>deaf and use a deaf-blind communication device for interpreting, volunteers
>>are present to translate the general session and the banquet proceedings.
>>The Deaf-Blind Division also holds a seminar and a business meeting during
>>convention.
>>
>>Who Attends the Convention?
>>
>>Attendees may be long-time convention goers, the newly blinded, parents
>>and teachers of blind children, blindness professionals who are interested
>>in becoming more knowledgeable about blindness, access-technology
>>providers, and family members of people who are blind. Most attendees are
>>from the United States, although each year foreign visitors from as many as
>>twenty other countries attend the convention.
>>
>>A Life-Changing Experience
>>
>>For many attendance at that very first convention has become a
>>life-changing experience. Many hear for the very first time that it is
>>respectable to be blind, that carrying a cane is useful and is nothing to
>>be ashamed of, that Braille is a valuable tool after all, and that much
>>progress is being made in access technology. Attendees also learn that they
>>are not alone, that others face the same problems they face, and that an
>>active and normal life is possible and within their reach. Some learn for
>>the first time that there are orientation and adjustment centers where
>>blind people can be sent by their rehabilitation counselors to learn the
>>skills of blindness and the positive attitudes which lead to personal
>>empowerment.
>>
>>We hope that by attending our convention your expectations of yourself are
>>raised, so that blindness is no longer the characteristic that defines you
>>or your future, and that low expectations no longer stand between you and
>>your dreams. We want you to become empowered to live the life you want.
>>
>>The President's Wrap-Up
>>
>>I hope this information has been helpful to you and that it has given you
>>a sense of the significant role the national convention plays in the life
>>of the NFB. I also hope your interest has been piqued and that you will
>>continue to be an active member of our movement through your local chapter
>>and state affiliate. Let this convention experience mark the first of many
>>others in your life. We need your voice and your talents. Working together,
>>with love, hope, and determination, we will continue to make a difference
>>in the lives of blind people everywhere and transform our dreams into
>>reality.--NFB President Mark A. Riccobono
>>
>>*****
>>
>>Editor’s Musings
>>by Barbara Pierce <>
>>As blind people we all know that we can face an infringement of our civil
>>rights at almost any moment. We often wonder what we would do, how we would
>>react, how well we would understand our rights, and how far we would be
>>prepared to go in standing up for ourselves. I was once arrested for the
>>crime of sitting in the airplane seat to which I had been assigned. So I
>>know that you can find yourself in the middle of a confrontation before you
>>know what is happening.
>>
>>That is the situation in which Asia Quinones-Evans of the Lorain County
>>chapter and the Ohio Association of Blind Students found herself on
>>February 15 of this year. The following article is a compilation of the
>>documents in her case, but I am devoting this column to a discussion of the
>>legal facts and personal situation that she faced.
>>
>>Asia is a student at Lorain County Community College. She frequently
>>depends on rideshare services to travel to and from classes. As has
>>happened before, she called an Uber on February 15 to take her home at the
>>end of the day. When the car arrived, the driver announced that she would
>>not transport a pet. Asia explained that her dog was a trained guide dog
>>and that Uber policy as well as federal law (the ADA) and state law (the
>>White Cane Law) protected her right to have her dog accompany her in the
>>car. This situation had occurred before, and Asia allowed the driver to
>>cancel the ride and call another driver who was willing to transport a dog.
>>This driver did neither of these things. In fact, she began talking about
>>being allergic to dogs, and she continued to refuse to allow Asia to enter
>>her car. Eventually she called LCCC security, and an officer arrived and in
>>turn called an Elyria police officer.
>>
>>Asia found herself in a stand-off. By this time she had grabbed the handle
>>of the car door so that the driver could not leave. The security officer
>>was not interested in learning about state and federal laws much less Uber
>>company policy. He saw his job as to de-escalate the situation and keep
>>anyone from being hurt. He told Asia to let go of the door handle; the
>>driver did not. Both the security officer and the Elyria policeman have
>>maintained in writing that the driver offered to call another driver and to
>>cancel the ride. Asia maintains that she did neither. In support of Asia’s
>>position is the fact that she was the one who ultimately canceled the ride
>>and paid for it.
>>
>>Though no one at the scene seems to have pointed the fact out, Asia had
>>unknowingly transgressed the LCCC code of conduct, which requires students
>>to obey orders given by security staff. Asia had been instructed to let go
>>of the door handle and did not do so.
>>
>>Eventually the Elyria police officer negotiated an agreement for the
>>security officer to transport Asia to her destination. (Her mobile phone
>>was dead, by now, so she could not call anyone for a ride.) Thus the
>>confrontation was resolved, and Asia was left to pick up the pieces.
>>
>>I asked Todd Elzey, who is a former attorney, what he would have done in
>>that situation. He said unhesitatingly that he would have complied because
>>he could have found a way to fight the accessibility battle after the fact.
>>Mind you, Asia was not offered a resolution by the driver, and her phone
>>was dead so, without the intervention of the police, she had no way of
>>calling for a ride. We can argue that Asia was engaging in civil
>>disobedience, and breaking a law or institutional rule always has the
>>possibility of a penalty. But we would all do well to think through what
>>our choices are in such a confrontation. Now let’s see what the documents
>>tell us about how the case played out in the real world.
>>
>>******
>>
>>The Documents in the Case <>
>>Following are the communications in which Asia Quinones-Evens’s struggle
>>with an Uber driver unfolded. The first one is Asia’s email to the NFB’s
>>legal office. Here it is:
>>
>>On February 15, 2022, I was denied an Uber due to my guide dog. I ordered
>>an Uber at 4:55 pm, and it arrived at my location, Lorain County Community
>>College, at 5:10 pm. I walked up to the vehicle and confirmed the driver's
>>name. Before I could open the door, the driver told me she could not take a
>>pet and that I did not order an Uber Pet for my dog. After I told her that
>>he was not a pet but a service dog, she then changed her story to that she
>>had allergies and could not have any animals in her vehicle due to the
>>allergies. I did not release the handle of the vehicle and kept letting her
>>know that in the Uber policies they must take service dogs and their
>>handlers. This went on for about twenty minutes, and she ended up locking
>>her doors so that I could not get into her vehicle and so she could call
>>Uber on the phone. I was not sure if this was true because as a rider I
>>cannot find a phone number to directly call Uber. The driver kept making
>>protests that she could not take me and my animal because she had
>>allergies. She kept saying specifically “animal” when I would mention that
>>he was a service dog. The driver kept arguing that I should have ordered an
>>Uber Pet for my dog because then the driver would have known that they
>>would be letting an animal into their vehicle. I had the thought that
>>something like this would happen when Uber Pet was available in most
>>cities. This continued for a while, and she ended up rolling up her window
>>and ignoring me holding on to her vehicle. After about another thirty
>>minutes of this she somehow got the security of my college involved, and
>>they contacted the Elyria Police Department, and they came out to speak to
>>me about the situation. I continued holding on to the handle of the vehicle
>>because I knew I was in the right to request a ride from Uber without
>>letting a driver know that I had a service dog. I could not take a video of
>>this entire situation because my battery on my phone was running low. When
>>the police and the security officer were there, I told them that I had the
>>right to the Uber that I ordered, and the driver could not deny me service
>>just because of my service dog. The driver started to get frustrated with
>>the fact that the officer could not cajole me to let go of her vehicle and
>>yelled at the police officer that, if he could not get me to let go, she
>>would press charges of kidnapping and a hostage situation. The police
>>officer tried to convince me to go back into the building and warm up. I
>>never had physical contact with the driver. During this entire time my
>>phone still had power, and I was able to see that the driver never canceled
>>the ride or ordered me another driver. I have had similar situations in the
>>past, but the driver canceled right away and ordered me another driver. The
>>police officer took the side of the driver of her not wanting to drive me
>>because of allergies because his son also has allergies and, if his son got
>>around any dog, he would have difficulty breathing. Finally my phone died,
>>and I eventually took the option to have the security officer of the
>>college drive me to where I wanted to go. The location I wanted to go was
>>Avon High School, which was only about ten minutes away. I do not know what
>>happened to the police and the Uber driver when I left. I did get my phone
>>on charge while I was being driven to the High School and filed a complaint
>>on the driver. The only response that I have gotten back at the time of
>>this email is that they were sorry for my inconvenience, and they will
>>fully investigate it. This whole situation was about an hour long while the
>>driver refused me service, and it was about twenty-eight degrees outside
>>with the temperature going down. While I was getting into the security
>>officer's vehicle, the Uber driver yelled at me that I should never use my
>>disability the way that I was. I also heard her comment to the police
>>officer that I was making her lose money by holding her up from another
>>ride.
>>
>>There you have Asia’s account of what happened on February 15. She was
>>soon notified by LCCC that she had violated the LCCC code of conduct.
>>Specifically the charge that seemed to stick was that she had not obeyed
>>the order of the security officer by refusing to let go of the door handle.
>>The LCCC hearing officer scheduled a hearing at 4:00 on March 1. Valery
>>Yingling, the paralegal who works at the NFB national office, and Scott
>>LaBarre, the NFB general counsel, were both very helpful in preparing Asia
>>for this ordeal, and Barbara and Bob Pierce, members of her chapter,
>>attended the meeting. Asia was armed with information about the Ohio White
>>Cane law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Uber policy
>>requiring their drivers to admit passengers using guide dogs. The hearing
>>officer, Andrew Gatti, was totally uninterested in this information. He
>>said in so many words that LCCC had no interest in state or federal law.
>>The school has a code of conduct, which Asia had violated. Gatti had
>>already virtually waived the penalty for a code of conduct violation by
>>saying that the college usually dismissed the record or penalty for a first
>>offence. But Asia had already been warned by her boss that she would lose
>>her job because as a student senator she would be held to a higher
>>standard. Gatti told her that she would receive a letter telling her of his
>>decision, and she would have fourteen days to appeal the decision. We left
>>the hearing, but Bob Pierce could not sleep that night because he was so
>>angry at the injustice, so at three in the morning he got up and wrote the
>>following letter to the LCCC president, hoping to warn the school that the
>>NFB was willing to stir up press interest in this event.
>>
>>March 3, 2022
>>
>>Dear President Ballinger:
>>
>>I am writing as secretary of the local chapter of the National Federation
>>of the Blind. My wife and I attended a March 1 hearing of a disabled
>>student at Lorain County Community College, Asia Quinones-Evans, before
>>code of conduct officer Andrew Gatti, who we believe is planning to rule
>>against her as a violator of the school code of conduct. Our understanding
>>of the incident, which he seems to accept as factual, is as follows:
>>
>>Asia called for an Uber driver to take her home. When the driver arrived,
>>she refused to allow her to get into the car because she had a pet. Asia
>>explained that her dog was a trained dog guide and that the driver had a
>>legal obligation to give her service under both state and federal law as
>>well as Uber policy. At this point the driver changed her position,
>>claiming to have an allergy to dogs and continued to refuse her service.
>>Asia demanded her right and held on to the car door. The driver called an
>>LCCC security officer, who called in the Elyria police, who came and
>>refused to insist that the driver accept Asia because his son has allergies
>>and instructed Asia to let the driver leave. The driver asserted that Asia
>>would have to pay the charge for the car. Asia reports that her employer in
>>a college job has threatened to discharge her because of the sanction
>>against her, even though the proposed penalty is apparently supposed to
>>serve as a warning.
>>
>>It seems clear to the National Federation of the Blind that LCCC has
>>failed in its responsibility to Asia under the Americans with Disabilities
>>Act. Despite information on LCCC’s website describing the training and work
>>of a guide dog, its agents saw no need to support her in her clear right to
>>public transportation for her and her guide dog. She needs the college job
>>to help finance her continued study at LCCC. She certainly intends to
>>appeal the ruling of your officer, and we intend to support her in that
>>process. We hope that you will see fit to intervene in this matter, in
>>keeping with the sterling reputation of the school as a model of community
>>education and a supporter of all students, including the disabled.
>>
>>Sincerely yours,
>>
>>Robert B. Pierce
>>
>>Barbara Pierce, former President, NFB of Ohio, and former editor of the
>>Braille Monitor
>>
>>This letter must have stirred up things at LCCC. Here is the response that
>>the president wrote the same day:
>>
>>March 3, 2022
>>
>>Dear Mr. and Mrs. Pierce,
>>
>>Thank you for your thoughtful communication and advocacy for a member of
>>our LCCC community, Asia Quinones-Evans. Asia brings her personal
>>experience and commitment to advocacy into her leadership work, and has
>>contributed a great deal to our student-centered culture.
>>
>>I am apologetic for Asia’s experience that day. It will continue to inform
>>the manner in which we support student access to transportation and other
>>basic needs. Through our awareness of the incident and conversations with
>>Asia, we have been able to more thoroughly understand Uber’s service animal
>>policy. We recognize that drivers working for Uber are required to
>>facilitate such requests, and regret that this did not occur for Asia on
>>that day.
>>
>>When the safety and security of individuals on our campus becomes of
>>concern during an incident, it is our intention to de-escalate and move
>>toward a resolution. We then ensure students’ voices and perspectives are
>>heard, and that incidents are reviewed and addressed fairly. Asia’s meeting
>>with Andrew Gatti was an important step in our ability to understand this
>>incident through Asia’s perspective, and also allowed for increased
>>awareness of the policies of Uber and other transportation services.
>>
>>Ultimately, this experience, coupled with Asia’s advocacy and leadership,
>>has provided us with an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of
>>accessibility challenges related to transportation and beyond.
>>
>>Asia’s advocacy remains a positive characteristic in her leadership on our
>>campus, and our teams are now equipped to serve in an advocacy role for her
>>and other students who rely on Uber for transportation to and from our
>>campus.
>>
>>LCCC is committed to facilitating holistic, restorative discussions with
>>students during hearings and conduct decisions. My understanding is that a
>>decision has not yet been determined after Asia’s hearing earlier this
>>week, though information is under review and a determination will likely be
>>made this week.
>>
>>Asia can be proud of her contributions to our campus community, and we
>>look forward to continuing to support her in achieving her academic,
>>career, and personal goals.
>>
>>Thank you for your advocacy of Asia in her pursuit of higher education and
>>as a member of our valued LCCC community.
>>
>>Sincerely,
>>
>>Marcia Ballinger
>>
>>When we received that letter, we could not imagine that the school was
>>going to penalize Asia, causing her to lose her job. Uber took four days to
>>determine that Asia should receive $15 back from the ride charge, and they
>>gave the driver a warning though no penalty. However, we would just have to
>>wait for the official LCCC letter to learn what would happen as a result of
>>the sanction. But it seemed as if we had been left with unfinished business
>>with the Elyria Police Department. We kept remembering how the officer
>>simply refused to enforce the law because his son suffered allergies. We
>>had to decide whether to file an official complaint or try to educate the
>>police department about the law. We decided to try contacting the police
>>chief to see if we could get to first base. Here is the email that Barbara
>>Pierce wrote to Chief William Pelko on March 7:
>>
>>Dear Chief Pelko:
>>
>>I am trying to contact you by this email in the hope that we can find an
>>informal way of resolving a problem that has occurred involving Captain
>>Hammonds. I am a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Lorain
>>County. Ms. Asia Quinones-Evans is also a member of the chapter and a
>>student at Lorain County Community College.
>>
>>On February 15 Asia called an Uber car for a ride from LCCC to Avon High
>>School. When the car arrived, the driver noticed that Asia was accompanied
>>by her guide dog Grayson. She immediately refused to allow the dog into the
>>car because she did not want to transport a pet. Asia explained that
>>Grayson is a trained guide dog and that the Ohio White Cane Law, the
>>Americans with Disabilities Act, and Uber company policy all require that
>>drivers allow trained guide dogs into their vehicles.
>>
>>The driver then said that she was allergic to dogs, and she continued to
>>refuse Asia entry to the car. Asia grabbed the door handle and refused to
>>let go. The driver called LCCC security, who in turn called the Elyria
>>Police.
>>
>>The security officer ordered Asia to let go, which she refused to do,
>>opening her to an LCCC code of conduct violation. Captain Hammonds refused
>>to enforce the law because he said that his son has allergies, so he knew
>>how distressing admitting the dog to her car would be for the driver.
>>
>>On March 1 the code of conduct officer conducted a hearing, but no
>>decision letter has yet been issued. The LCCC president has, however,
>>written a letter to my husband and me the tone of which is strongly
>>suggestive that LCCC plans to back down from the code of conduct sanction,
>>but we do not actually know what is going to happen.
>>
>>I am writing all this to you because of Captain Hamonds’ decision not to
>>enforce Ohio and federal law in this situation. Surely the Elyria Police
>>Department does not generally enforce only the laws its officers are
>>sympathetic to. Do officers ignore speeders if they recognize and like
>>them? Do they not administer breathalyzer tests to happy or cheerful
>>drunks? Do they refuse to take seriously women who accuse men of rape if
>>they are wearing tight clothing?
>>
>>Service dog handlers have fought hard to win the right to use their
>>animals to travel anywhere the rest of the public has the right to go. Uber
>>has established a policy that states that drivers who do not admit service
>>animals to their vehicles can no longer use the Uber driver’s app.
>>
>>I hope that you find this incident as disturbing as I do. We can file a
>>complaint against Captain Hammonds, but I hope that we can find a way to
>>educate the police force about the rights of service animal users so that
>>they can count on being supported by police officers.
>>
>>I look forward to a conversation soon with you about this incident and the
>>larger issue that it points up.
>>
>>Very truly yours,
>>
>>Barbara Pierce
>>
>>Barbara heard nothing from Chief Pelko for several days. Eventually he did
>>return a telephone call trying to follow up on the email. By that time he
>>had received both the report from the LCCC security force and Captain
>>Hammonds. We have never received these documents, but it seems pretty clear
>>that their version of the confrontation and Asia’s were very different.
>>Naturally enough, we believe that Asia was more accurate and that the
>>driver may well have lied about her allergies. Asia’s phone clearly
>>reflects the fact that, contrary to what the officers reported, the driver
>>did not cancel the ride and try to find another driver.
>>
>>The effort to educate the police force was an abject failure. The chief
>>was prepared to push the confrontation over the supposed allergy to the
>>absurd. He argued that, if Hammonds had insisted on forcing the driver to
>>transport Asia and Grayson and was then involved in an accident because of
>>the severity of her allergic reaction, Captain Hammonds would be
>>responsible for the crash. He claimed that the police are fully aware of
>>the White Cane Law and the ADA and that the Uber policy was not important.
>>In short we got nothing from the discussion. There was nothing left but to
>>wait for the letter from LCCC announcing the code of conduct decision. It
>>was emailed to Asia on March 11, 2022
>>
>>March 11, 2022
>>
>>Asia Quinones-Evans
>>
>>Sent electronically to a.quinonesevans1 at mail.lorainccc.edu
>>
>>PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL
>>
>>Regarding Case Number: 2021005501
>>
>>Ms. Quinones-Evans,
>>
>>This letter is a follow-up to our recent conduct meeting where we
>>discussed events related to the incident that was brought to our attention
>>on February 15, 2022, on the College Center Loop. As a result of this
>>incident and your conversation with me on March 1, LCCC has been able to
>>thoroughly review the concern.
>>
>>While Uber and other transportation services are not necessarily connected
>>with LCCC, this incident and the following review have provided us with the
>>opportunity to learn about the provider’s guidelines and contracted
>>drivers’ obligation to serve individuals with service animals. Reviewing
>>and understanding these guidelines will help us to support and advocate for
>>you and other students who may be using the services for transportation to
>>and from campus.
>>
>>It is important to note, however, that, when the safety and security of
>>individuals on our campus become of concern, it is our intention to
>>de-escalate and move towards resolution. When we met and discussed this
>>incident in full, you shared with me that you had failed to comply with
>>college officials. I appreciated this level of honesty and admission, as
>>following the directives of safety personnel on campus is included in our
>>campus code of conduct.
>>
>>After reviewing the statements in this case and your admissions during our
>>meeting, I have determined that your response during the February 15
>>incident does violate the Code of Conduct in the following manner:
>>
>>·      VII Prohibited Behaviors (14): Failing to comply with directives of
>>college officials or law enforcement officers acting within the scope of
>>their duties.
>>
>>However, you will not be sanctioned at this time and are permitted to
>>participate in all LCCC-sponsored events and courses. All conduct-related
>>holds have been removed from your student account.
>>
>>Our conversation and this communication, however, will serve as a reminder
>>that failure to cooperate with college officials and law enforcement while
>>on campus may be considered violations of the Code of Conduct and could
>>result in sanctions.
>>
>>You have the right to appeal the outcome of this meeting to the Vice
>>President of Enrollment Management and Student Services within the next 14
>>calendar days. To submit an appeal, please send an email to Sarah Chapman
>>at schapman at lorainccc.edu. Your deadline to appeal is 03/25/2022, and no
>>appeals will be accepted after this date. More information about the appeal
>>process can be found in our Code of Conduct Procedures (
>>https://www.lorainccc.edu/policies/campus-policies/code-of-conduct/).
>>
>>Please continue to monitor your student email for any additional
>>communications. Should you have any questions or concerns related to the
>>information contained herein, you may contact me directly at 440-366-4776
>>or via the email address listed below.
>>
>>Sincerely,
>>
>>Andrew Gatti
>>
>>Conduct Hearing Officer, Lorain County Community College
>>
>>There you have it. Did Asia win or lose? She was found guilty of an
>>infraction of the Lorain County Community College code of conduct because
>>she did not follow the instruction of the security officer. On the other
>>hand, she is clearly held harmless. No sanction has been recorded, and no
>>penalty of any kind has been imposed. The president’s letter certainly
>>expresses an institutional willingness to learn from the incident, and Asia
>>is held harmless. The Elyria Police have certainly learned nothing, but we
>>will count as a victory the fact that the college seems to have learned
>>something.
>>
>>*****
>>
>>Asserting Your Rights When The Police Are Involved
>>by Todd Elzey <>
>>Editor’s note: Todd Elzey is treasurer of the NFB of Ohio. He also has
>>experience with law enforcement. Here is important information about how we
>>might effectively educate police forces. This is what he says:
>>
>>If you are as old as I am, you might remember that the advocacy efforts of
>>the past often involved sit-ins in government buildings, picketing
>>organizations like the National Accreditation Council (NAC), or refusing to
>>give up your seat on an airline because you were blind and the airline
>>didn’t want you sitting in an exit row or didn’t want you storing your long
>>white cane at your seat. In those days you occasionally risked being
>>arrested as part of these protests. The world has changed, and certainly
>>the world of law enforcement has changed over the years. But the need to
>>protect our rights and the need sometimes to protest in some manner when
>>our rights as blind citizens are denied remains.
>>
>>Recently we had an NFB of Ohio member who had to make the hard decision of
>>how far to push a situation with law enforcement to protect her rights. In
>>this situation, Asia Evans called for an Uber to pick her up from a college
>>class. When the Uber arrived, the driver refused to transport Ms. Evans
>>because she had a guide dog. The driver told Ms. Evans that she didn’t
>>transport pets. Of course, Ms. Evans explained that hers was a guide dog,
>>not a pet. Ms. Evans explained that both Uber policy and the Americans with
>>Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 required the driver to transport passengers
>>with guide dogs. The driver continued to refuse to provide transportation
>>services, stating that she was allergic to dogs. Ms. Evans made the bold
>>decision to hold on to the car door handle to prevent the driver from
>>leaving without providing the transportation services she was obligated to
>>provide. The driver called campus security.
>>
>>When campus security arrived, they instructed Ms. Evans to let go of the
>>ca handle. Ms. Evans refused, explaining that she was asserting her rights
>>under the ADA and Uber policy to receive transportation services with her
>>guide dog. The campus security officer did not believe Ms. Evans had this
>>right, and, instead of helping her, he called the Elyria, Ohio, Police.
>>
>>The Elyria Police dispatched a Captain who deals with issues at the
>>college. When he arrived, he instructed Ms. Evans to let go of the door
>>handle. When Asia explained why she was holding onto the car, the captain
>>also refused to enforce Ms. Evans’ rights under the ADA and Ohio law. The
>>captain stated that he would not force the driver to transport a guide dog
>>because his son was also allergic to dogs, and he understood how bad that
>>can be. Eventually, a peaceful resolution to this situation was found when
>>the Elyria Police captain and Campus Security arranged alternative
>>transportation for Ms. Evans. But this could have been a dangerous
>>situation.
>>
>>Either of the officers could have gone overboard by physically forcing Ms.
>>Evans to release the car door handle. Campus Security could have insisted
>>that Ms. Evans be arrested for her conduct and her refusal to comply with
>>their order. The Elyria officer could have potentially also chosen to
>>arrest Ms. Evans on charges for refusing a lawful order, disturbing the
>>peace, or something similar. Had there been a physical arrest and the
>>officer believed she was resisting by not letting go of the car door, Ms.
>>Evans could have even been hurt.
>>
>>After this incident came to light, I was asked, based on my experience as
>>a former lawyer, whether I would have taken the same action as Ms. Evans.
>>My response was based more on my experience of having family and friends in
>>law enforcement and my recent experience participating in the Kettering
>>Citizens Police Academy, than it was on my legal background.
>>
>>There is little doubt in my mind that both Campus Security and the Elyria
>>Police Department were wrong on the law. The ADA and Ohio Revised Code
>>Section 955.43 state that businesses cannot refuse to provide services to
>>guide dog users. In fact, Ohio Revised Code Section 955.99 makes it a 4th
>>degree misdemeanor for a business to refuse access to a guide dog user. So
>>I believe Ms. Evans was correct that the Uber driver was violating her
>>rights.
>>
>>That being said, even when they are wrong, if a police officer decides
>>that he or she is right, you are almost never going to win a battle with an
>>officer on the street. They have the badge and a gun and other tools to
>>take control of a situation. So, once I am instructed to do something by
>>law enforcement, I will comply with that order so long as I do not believe
>>it will hurt me or someone else. If I truly believe the officer is wrong,
>>and he or she is a patrolman, if the situation warrants, I would ask them
>>to have a supervisor respond to the scene to see if a supervisor could
>>correct the officer’s misunderstanding. But I would continue to comply with
>>the officer’s orders until the supervisor arrived and changed those
>>directions. If ultimately I could not get the police to change their
>>decisions at the scene, I would end up complying with their directions and
>>then later resolve the situation through advocacy or via a lawyer. But in
>>this day and age, I cannot imagine anything that is worth risking a
>>physical confrontation with law enforcement.
>>
>>So the question becomes then, how can we avoid these types of situations
>>before they even occur. Our goal should be to do everything we can to avoid
>>having to decide between fighting for our rights, possibly going to jail or
>>having to fight an unjust criminal charge, or even getting hurt during a
>>confrontation with law enforcement. I believe the answer is education.
>>
>>Education should go both ways though. We should educate police departments
>>on the rights of blind Ohioans, but we should also become educated on the
>>stresses and dangers officers face on the job so that we can understand why
>>they behave the way they do when they respond to a call.
>>
>>So how to learn about the lives of police officers you might wonder? Well,
>>many local police departments now host what are called Citizen Police
>>Academies. These are usually multi day events, often spread out over
>>multiple weeks, where citizens get to attend presentations by officers and
>>see how they do their jobs. I recently attended Kettering’s eight-week
>>Citizens Police Academy. During the academy we heard presentations on the
>>hiring process, the patrol function, the detective function, evidence
>>collection, use of force policies, the dispatch function, and the
>>relationship between police and prosecutors. We also saw demonstrations by
>>the bike patrol, the k-9 unit, and the S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and
>>Tactics) team, including demonstrations of numerous firearms. The highlight
>>of the eight-week course, though, was the interactive portions of the class
>>where we got to interact with officers. The interactive portion of the
>>class also included sessions where we got to try out, on the gun range, the
>>handguns used by patrol officers.
>>
>>But the most enlightening interaction portion of the Academy was the class
>>where we got to experience the decision-making training officers are put
>>through. In this training we were given a non-lethal training gun and we
>>were put in two practical scenarios officers face regularly. In both
>>scenarios, at some point something would happen where we had to decide
>>whether or not to use the gun. Television makes it look easy to make that
>>decision–it is not at all an easy decision. In the first scenario we had to
>>try to talk down a person who was upset because a business wanted him
>>charged with trespass because of aggressive behavior. In the second
>>scenario we were put in the position of making a routine traffic stop where
>>the person had been speeding. Neither situation was one you would
>>anticipate being violent. But as often happens in real life, both quickly
>>became stressful. In the trespass scenario, while I simply tried to explain
>>to the individual that he had to leave the property, he became extremely
>>aggressive and pulled a gun. In the second scenario, instead of simply
>>accepting a traffic ticket, the driver immediately came out of the car
>>screaming and waving his hands and then grabbed a baseball bat. He
>>immediately dropped the baseball bat but continued to refuse to cooperate
>>and escalated the situation rapidly. Then he quickly withdrew an object
>>from his belt and pointed it it toward me.
>>
>>In the first scenario I shot the suspect because he drew the gun and
>>pointed at me. The training officer said that was the right decision given
>>the circumstances. In the second scenario I and many other class
>>participants shot the suspect when he drew the item from his waist. It
>>looked like a gun, and it was a split-second decision, but, as I
>>approached, I soon discovered what I thought was a gun turned out to be a
>>cell phone.
>>
>>In our class there was never any real danger, and everyone walked away
>>from the exercise. But in real life these are life and death decisions that
>>police officers have to make every single day. They never know where
>>problems will come from or when they may have to make those life-and-death
>>decisions. It could come on a routine traffic stop, a domestic dispute, or
>>even a customer/Uber driver dispute.
>>
>>Participating in the Citizens Police Academy gave me a new perspective on
>>why police officers act and react the way they do. So, while they are human
>>beings who can absolutely be wrong in their interpretations of the law, I
>>hope that you will consider the stresses of their job and the environment
>>they work in when deciding how far to push asserting your rights during
>>interactions with them. Remember, if they are wrong and you can’t change
>>their mind, you are not likely to win a battle with them in the streets,
>>but you can change their future behavior with education and advocacy, and
>>in the courts with lawyers. But you might never have that chance if a
>>situation were to go horribly wrong.
>>
>>The other thing I learned from the Citizens Police Academy is that most
>>officers really do want to do the job well and are interested in hearing
>>from and learning from the community. That is where the real opportunity to
>>avoid problems comes in through advanced training.
>>
>>The Springfield Chapter has already started working with the Springfield
>>Police Department to provide their officers training on the rights of blind
>>guide dog users and blind pedestrians. We encourage all chapters to join us
>>in reaching out to their local police departments, sheriff’s offices, and
>>even local prosecutors to educate them on the rights of blind guide dog
>>users under Ohio Revised Code Section 955.43 and the rights of blind
>>pedestrians under the White Cane Law.
>>
>>In small towns you might be able to reach out directly to the chief of
>>police to offer training and information. In larger cities you could still
>>reach out to the chief’s office, but you might also consider other sections
>>such as the department training division or the public relations department
>>as a starting point. The level of assistance your chapter can provide each
>>department will depend greatly on how the department handles its training.
>>Some departments may want written material they can hand out to officers,
>>while others might want some sort of short video presentation they can play
>>at roll calls (beginning of each shift). And others may invite the chapter
>>to make a short presentation at their roll calls or at a specific training
>>event. Sometimes you’ll be presenting to supervisors, who will then present
>>to officers. And other times you’ll be presenting directly to officers.
>>Regardless, remember that police departments are twenty-four-hour-a-day
>>seven-day-a-week operations, and departments have to have their officers on
>>the streets all the time for public safety. So we’ll have to be flexible
>>and provide the information in the format that the department believes is
>>best for reaching their officers. The key is to get information into the
>>hands of the departments to educate the officers about the rights of blind
>>guide dog users to equal access to businesses and the rights of blind
>>pedestrians under the White Cane Law.
>>
>>*****
>>
>>The NFB of Ohio Adopts an Inclusion Policy
>>by Eric Duffy <>
>>Editor’s note: On March 5, 2022, the NFB of Ohio Board discussed and
>>adopted an inclusion policy. In the following article NFB-O secretary Eric
>>Duffy explains the Board’s thinking and provides the text of the policy.
>>This is what he says:
>>
>>Since its founding in 1940 the National Federation of the Blind has always
>>been a single-purpose-driven organization. We focus on blindness and to a
>>large degree changing society’s misperceptions of and attitudes about
>>blindness. Even during the turbulence of the 1960's, the organization’s
>>leaders stood strong and refused to allow the Federation to get caught up
>>in issues related to the Vietnam war and social causes of the time.
>>
>>Our organizational purpose has not changed, but our understanding of
>>social values and cultural norms has. We know that, because we are a cross
>>section of society, we must address internally some of the social issues
>>facing the country as a whole. We must recognize that as individual members
>>we all have personal opinions, beliefs, and prejudices. Those things are a
>>part of human nature. We are entitled to our personal views and
>>convictions. We bring those things, whatever they are, to the National
>>Federation of the Blind. We have the right to do that. What we do not have
>>the right to do, however, is to impose our opinions, beliefs, and
>>prejudices on others. We must treat individual members, groups of members,
>>and those associated with the Federation in any way with respect. In other
>>words we must check our prejudices at the door. We have an obligation to
>>ourselves and to each other to learn new ways to view the world and to
>>eliminate prejudice from our behavior and actions as much as possible.
>>After all, we work to rid the world of misconceptions about blindness; we
>>have an obligation to extend the same courtesy to those with other
>>characteristics.
>>
>>If, however, we continue to harbor long-held inaccurate and stereotypical
>>beliefs about others, we must not let these beliefs shape our work or
>>behavior in the National Federation of the Blind. We must treat others with
>>courtesy and respect. In our organizational work and participation, we must
>>apply the Golden Rule. We must treat others as we want to be treated. For
>>several years now we have been discussing and developing a code of conduct
>>in the National Federation of the Blind, and the Code of Conduct was
>>adopted by the Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>This code applies to all members of the Federation and anyone doing
>>business with the organization. We have asked all members to read and agree
>>to the Code of Conduct. We have done our best to let everyone know that it
>>applies to every member.
>>
>>Recently the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio adopted an Inclusion
>>policy to further clarify what should already be understood after reading
>>the Code of Conduct policy. The Board of Directors found it necessary to
>>adopt the policy in order to further the understanding that we are an
>>inclusive organization and that we will create and maintain safe space for
>>all who support the policies and programs of the Federation and abide by
>>its constitution.
>>
>>On more than one occasion one member of the National Federation of the
>>Blind of Ohio has engaged in behavior intended to intimidate others.
>>Furthermore, this member used racial slurs such as the N-word on a number
>>of occasions. This member is now a former member, because she was expelled
>>from the organization for that behavior. We have no tolerance for this kind
>>of behavior from anyone whether it is the newest member or the longest
>>serving member of the Board of Directors.
>>
>>I urge you to read and understand the organization's Code of Conduct
>>policy. I also encourage you to read and be sure that you understand the
>>inclusion policy adopted recently by the National Federation of the Blind
>>of Ohio. We do not take our power to discipline lightly, but bigotry and
>>intimidation have no place in the Federation and will not be tolerated.
>>Here is the policy. If, after reading it, you have questions, contact
>>President Payne or any member of the Board of Directors of the National
>>Federation of the Blind of Ohio.
>>
>>Inclusion Policy
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is committed to providing a
>>safe and inclusive space for all individuals, as deeply expressed in the
>>organization’s constitution. This principle resonates through all levels of
>>the organization, from national to local, ensuring that all individuals
>>have a place in our organization. Blindness is the characteristic that
>>binds us together, but it is our intersectionalities and unique lived
>>experiences that allow us to continue to be a thriving community for the
>>collective action and support of the blind.
>>
>>The Board of Directors of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
>>affirms the following policy in March 2022: we intend this consumer
>>organization of blind people to be a safe place for individuals of every
>>race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin,
>>disability, nonveteran or veteran status, political affiliation, and gender
>>identity. We expect our members to respect themselves and others and to
>>refrain from taunting or insulting others or using derogatory language for
>>those who do not share their convictions or life experience. We expect
>>members to conduct themselves with civility and courtesy and to apologize
>>any time they have failed to conduct themselves to this standard. Behavior
>>that opposes these standards is unacceptable, and anyone unwilling to live
>>up to these standards shall be subject to discipline up to and including
>>expulsion from the organization by the Board of Directors.
>>
>>Together we can learn what it means to be an ally to others. By being open
>>to learning about the experiences of those with differing backgrounds from
>>our own, we ensure the growth of a community inclusive of all. If you
>>witness or fall victim to discrimination or insult within the National
>>Federation of the Blind of Ohio, please notify any elected officer as soon
>>as possible. The elected officer who receives notification of the complaint
>>shall immediately notify the NFB of Ohio President or forward the complaint
>>in accordance with the NFB Code of Conduct.
>>
>>Enacted by the NFB of Ohio Board of Directors March 5, 2022
>>
>>*****
>>
>>The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio Contributes to Ohio 14C Task
>>Force
>>by Todd Elzey <>
>>Editor’s note: The NFB has been making efforts all over the country to
>>eliminate the certificates allowing sheltered shops and other employers to
>>pay disabled workers less, sometimes much less, than the minimum wage. We
>>have not succeeded in getting a federal bill passed yet, so people are
>>working state by state. Ohio is also working on this very important
>>project. Here is Todd Elzey’s report on the Ohio effort. Todd is the NFB of
>>Ohio treasurer. Here is his report:
>>
>>The Fair Labor Standards Act Section 14(c) says that organizations can pay
>>workers with disabilities, including those who are blind, below the minimum
>>wage. This law has been around since 1938. Section 14(c) has resulted in
>>many blind and disabled workers’ earning far less than a dollar an hour
>>while they work on government contracts that earn their employers millions.
>>The way the U.S. Department of Labor’s website justifies Section 14(c) is
>>to say, “Employment at less than the minimum wage is authorized to prevent
>>curtailment of opportunities for employment.”
>>
>>If there was ever any true justification for paying blind and disabled
>>workers less than the minimum wage, those days have long since come and
>>gone. The NFB has been working to eliminate the 14(c) minimum wage
>>exemption at the federal level with The Transition to Competitive
>>Employment Act (H.R. 2373/S. 3238).
>>
>>About a year and a half ago President Payne asked that Eric Duffy and I
>>serve on a task force of Ohio disability advocacy organizations that were
>>coming together to try to eliminate subminimum wage in Ohio. The group has
>>become known as the Ohio 14C Task Force.
>>
>>The task force is being coordinated by the Association of People
>>Supporting Employment First (Ohio APSE). The task force has grown
>>significantly over the past year and a half. In addition to the NFB and
>>Ohio APSE, People First of Ohio, OCALI, the University of Cincinnati Center
>>for Excellence of Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDDD), Advocacy &
>>Protective Services, Inc. (APSI), the Ohio Self Determination Association
>>(OSDA), the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council (Ohio SILC), the Ohio
>>Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC), the Ohio Network for Innovation
>>(ONI), Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), Gentlebrook, Project SEARCH/Cincinnati
>>Children’s Hospital, the Ability Center of Greater Toledo, and several
>>individual and government advocates have lent their expertise to the effort.
>>
>>The task force has been working with Ohio House of Representatives member
>>Brigid Kelly (D-31) and Scott Lipps (R-62) to introduce legislation to
>>eliminate subminimum wage in Ohio. Although it has not been introduced in
>>the Legislature yet, Representatives Kelly and Lipps recently provided the
>>task force with proposed bill language that would eliminate from Ohio law
>>the ability of employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the
>>minimum wage. The proposal would also prohibit the Ohio Director of
>>Commerce from recognizing or issuing subminimum wage licenses. If passed by
>>the Legislature, this bill would ensure the dignity of all workers with
>>disabilities by ensuring that they are paid at least the minimum wage
>>guaranteed to all other workers.
>>
>>The next step in the process will be that Representatives Kelly and Lipps
>>will issue a Dear Colleague Letter introducing the legislation and asking
>>their colleagues in the Legislature to join them by cosponsoring the bill.
>>As we at the NFB of Ohio know, the more cosponsors a bill receives, the
>>more likely it is to move through the process quickly. So we are asking
>>that you reach out to your House of Representatives member to make them
>>aware of the imminent introduction of this bill and to request that they
>>consider cosponsoring the legislation.
>>
>>Once the Dear Colleague Letter process is complete, the bill will be
>>assigned a bill number, introduced into the House of Representatives, and
>>assigned to a committee. When that happens, we will be calling on NFB of
>>Ohio members to support the legislation by contacting the committee
>>chairman to encourage him or her to hold committee hearings on the bill as
>>soon as possible.
>>
>>Given the late introduction of this bill into the Legislature, it will be
>>a difficult challenge to get the bill through both houses before the
>>December 31, 2022, deadline. But with enough pressure on the Legislature,
>>we could in fact get the bill enacted this year. Even if we do not succeed
>>in that goal, every effort we make now to educate the Legislature about the
>>importance of this bill will pay off in the long run. So please join in the
>>effort to eliminate subminimum wage in Ohio by encouraging your legislator
>>to be a cosponsor of the bill and, when the time comes, by encouraging the
>>appropriate Committee Chairman to hold hearings expeditiously.
>>
>>*****
>>
>>Do you have Shelbi’s Commitment
>>by Eric Duffy <>
>>Editor’s note: Eric Duffy is secretary of the NFB of Ohio. This is what he
>>says about his close friend Shelbi Hindel:
>>
>>Shelbi Hindel and I have known each other most of our lives. My mom talked
>>to her parents before enrolling me at the Ohio State School for the Blind,
>>where Shelbi had already been a student for a few years. We didn't run in
>>the same circles during our school days, but all that began to change after
>>college.
>>
>>I joined the Capital Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
>>Ohio in the winter of 1984. Although I don't know the precise timeline, I
>>would say that Shelbi began coming to meetings in the fall of 1985, and she
>>joined the chapter in early 1986. We grew in the Federation and in life
>>together. This time was also the beginning of a very strong and close
>>friendship. We began to rely on each other during both good times and bad.
>>We became a part of each other’s support systems.
>>
>>In the year 2000 I began raising my boys as a single parent. Shelbi became
>>even more important to me and to the boys at that point. When I had to
>>travel to do my work in the Federation, it was often Shelbi who cared for
>>John and Lucas. I knew that they were well cared for and that there was
>>nothing I needed to be concerned about while she was caring for them. In
>>fact I knew that they not only got care, but they also got her love, and
>>the bonding among the kids led to lasting friendships even through the
>>trying times ahead. We loved each other’s children as we did our own.
>>That's the way life went for many years.
>>
>>It was not until 2012 that we allowed our friendship to blossom into a
>>strong love for each other. But that it did, and that continued through
>>2016. In the spring of 2016 I took a job with the New Jersey Commission for
>>the Blind. This meant that I went to live in Newark, New Jersey, and Shelbi
>>stayed back in Columbus. It did not take long until I had destroyed all
>>that we had built over the years. I destroyed our friendship. I sacrificed
>>our love.
>>
>>I married someone else.
>>
>>Don't stop reading just yet. I am getting to the point about commitment to
>>the National Federation of the Blind. Up until this point, much of what we
>>did in the Federation, Shelbi and I did together. Now she was back in Ohio
>>without any contact or support from me in any way. But she continued to be
>>involved in the Federation. Her commitment to the organization did not
>>waiver.
>>
>>Fast forward to 2019 when I returned to Columbus. Shelbi and I attended a
>>meeting of the Capital chapter without knowing that the other would be
>>there. I have always said that I would not let anyone keep me from
>>participating in a Federation meeting or activity. I believe that is true.
>>Shelbi took a slightly different approach, however. She determined that she
>>did not want to be where I was. She decided she would not participate in
>>the chapter as long as I was involved. This included Zoom meetings. She did
>>remain active in the Merchants and Krafters divisions. Shelbi was very hurt
>>by my actions, and, although I understood her decision, I didn't like it. I
>>wanted her to remain actively involved in the Federation.
>>
>>Why do I tell this story? Because in the course of human interaction,
>>things are said and done that hurt others. Many times we say or do things
>>that upset or offend someone without ever realizing how our words or
>>actions might affect someone else. This is not because we are mean,
>>insensitive, or bullies. It is because we don't have that person's lived
>>experience and therefore do not have their perspective on the world. But
>>the work of the National Federation of the Blind must go on. The things we
>>must do to change what it means to be blind must still be done. The next
>>generation of the blind is counting on us to do our part. That is what we
>>must do even when someone has caused us emotional pain or offended us.
>>There is room for everyone in this organization, and we must all do our
>>part to fill our space with a bright and shining light that gives hope to
>>the blind of today and tomorrow.
>>
>>When I left Columbus, Shelbi once again joined the chapter and is an
>>active member. As the late Paul Harvey used
>
>-- Yours truely,
>
>Asia Quinones-Evans
>
>Phone: 440-670-6509
>
>Live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back
>_______________________________________________
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