[Ohio-Talk] From The President's Desk

Thu Aug 3 17:56:49 UTC 2023

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

>From The President's Desk

August 3, 2023

Dear Members and Friends,

In this edition, some highlights include:
1. Bell
2. The People's Movement
3. The Ohio State Convention
4. Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program
5. Rideshare Denials

Ohio, the month of July was a busy month as many of us participated with the
National Convention in Houston Texas. It was packed with many really good
events, presentations and more. I could not describe it,  better than saying
"you should make every attempt to attend next year".

While that affair is over now! Ohio is planning for the BELL Academy
starting this Saturday, August 5th through Saturday, August 12th at the Ohio
State School for the Blind in Columbus.   you still can send monetary gifts
to our State Treasurer, Kathy Legg. Please do not write the checks out to
her personally, but to NFB of Ohio or  the Ohio Council of the Blind of
Ohio. Kathy's address is 1916 15th Street SW Akron Ohio 44314

The Ohio Affiliate  would like to take this time to thank all of you for
your dedication and commitment to the people's movement. The calls continue
to come in with newly blind people seeking answers and those who still need
to find us. You play a large part in transforming dreams into reality. So,
stand ready if I call on you to provide service or advocacy.

I want to remind you that the zoom room can be requested by sending an email
to me and copying Delcenia Brown at delcenia at prodigy.net
<mailto:delcenia at prodigy.net> .   She will let me know if the room is open
and unless it is not business of the NFB, you should be able to reserve it.

All, come by bus, car, guide dog or white cane to the capital city of Ohio!
Do not miss the most happening event of 2023! It has been four years since
the Ohio State Convention has graced its presence in the largest
metropolitan Buckeye region of the Midwest. We will return to the DoubleTree
by Hilton Columbus/Worthington Hotel, on November 17th, 18th and 19th, where
spacious rooms, double chocolate chip cookies, and  Hilton points are
waiting for you!

The 2023 Ohio Convention theme is, "Stronger Together!"

The hotel address is 175 Hutchinson Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43235. You can
make reservations by calling (614) 885-3334. The room rates are only
$109.00, taxes are 17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room.
By the way, there is comfortable seating in the restaurant where we all will
gather for fellowship  each morning prior to great presentations during the
General Sessions and inspiring Breakout Seminars. The good news is that when
you make your reservations, funds are not deducted from your credit card
until you arrive at the hotel. The Group code is NFB. "RESERVE NOW!"

The 77th Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
(NFBOH) is the largest gathering of blind people in the state. This will be
an opportunity for participants to learn about accessible technology at our
Technology Fair and on living with blindness, by attending educational
seminars and much more.

For more information, contact,
Richard Payne, Affiliate President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
(937) 829-3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 
NFBOhio.org

Critical Actions:
	Calling Visionary Leaders-Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service
Program:
	Are you passionate about empowering the blind community? Do you have
a burning desire to make a difference and lead with conviction? The National
Federation of the Blind invites you to be part of our pilot cohort that will
develop the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program. Prepare to
embark on a transformative journey that will shape you into a powerful
advocate for blind individuals, foster your personal growth, and
simultaneously develop a program to build future leaders and a stronger
community.

	This is a leadership training opportunity that should not be taken
lightly. Interested individuals should meet the following criteria: 
*	Have a fundamental understanding of the NFB
*	Have attended at least one national convention
*	Have attended at least one affiliate convention
*	Ideally serve, or have served, in an elected position in a chapter,
affiliate, or division
*	Commit to participate in three in-person sessions (travel and
lodging provided)
*	Commit to participate in nine virtual monthly sessions (computer and
internet access required)

	In order to apply, interested individuals should contact and secure
the support of two NFB affiliate presidents who agree to serve as
sponsors/mentors for the program, providing them with a written essay or
audio/video recording explaining the merits of your participation and your
leadership goals. Affiliate presidents are only allowed to sponsor two
candidates, and they must make their submissions to the Office of the
President by August 25, 2023.

 Convention Survey and Highlights:
	Thank you for a great #NFB23 convention. Please share feedback in
the National Federation of the Blind survey available at nfb.org/convention
<https://nfb.org/convention>  in English and Spanish or by phone. To
complete the survey by phone, call 229-632-7878 or toll-free 833-632-7878.
Please note that the phone number above provides the survey in an automated
system and will require the survey to be completed in one session. There is
an option to pause the survey for five minutes and the pause can be extended
as needed. Push the pound key for help. The #NFB23 convention highlights are
also available at nfb.org/convention <https://nfb.org/convention> . Save the
date: NFB24 is scheduled for July 3 through 8 in Orlando, Florida.

 News:
	Route 66 Ride for Literacy Update:
	The National Federation of the Blind Route 66 Ride for Literacy with
Dan O'Rourke has officially kicked off. Starting in Santa Monica,
California, on July 27, Dan has biked across the first state and is heading
through Arizona as of August 1. Please share this ride with your friends and
family to raise awareness on the importance of Braille literacy and
connecting with our community. Follow the Ride for Literacy at
nfb.org/route66 <https://nfb.org/route66> .

 United States Access Board Meeting:
	On Tuesday, July 25, the United States Access Board conducted its
quarterly meeting at our headquarters right here in Baltimore. The public
portion of the meeting is available on the Access Board's YouTube channel
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUgAv8c_HzY> .

 House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Autonomous Vehicles:
	On Wednesday, July 26, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce conducted a legislative
hearing titled "Self-Driving Vehicle Legislative Framework: Enhancing
Safety, Improving Lives and Mobility, and Beating China." I was asked to
testify at this hearing regarding the impact of autonomous vehicles on
people with disabilities. My written testimony
<https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2023-07/IDC_Mark%20Riccobono%20Testimon
y-Self%20Driving%20Vehicles-AV%20Hearing_7.26.2023.pdf>  is available on our
Policy Statements page, and the full video of the hearing
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-um7LWAEUTY> , including my verbal
testimony <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-um7LWAEUTY&t=2805s> , is
available on the Energy and Commerce Committee's YouTube channel. 

 Uber Town Hall Meeting:
	Thank you to everyone who participated in the Uber Town Hall meeting
last Thursday, July 27. We had approximately three hundred people on the
call. Uber will be conducting a second town hall meeting regarding service
animals on Wednesday, August 16, at 8:30 p.m., eastern, in case you missed
the first call and want to have an opportunity to participate. Please stay
tuned for Zoom information, which will be available in the coming weeks. 

 Rideshare Denials:
	The National Federation of the Blind encourages individuals who are
denied access to an Uber or Lyft vehicle due to the presence of a service
animal or otherwise on the basis of blindness to file complaints with the
Civil Rights division of the US Department of Justice. Complaints of each
incident can be filed using the following online form:
civilrights.justice.gov/report/ <https://civilrights.justice.gov/report/> .

	Individuals who file complaints through this multi-step online form
should download or print a copy of the confirmation screen, which contains
the text of the complaint and the record number (example 123987-ABC). The
text of a submitted complaint is not currently included in the confirmation
email or easily available after you leave the submission screen.

	We are asking members to forward the email confirmation of the
complaints or send their record numbers to legal at nfb.org
<mailto:legal at nfb.org>  so that our legal team may follow up in further
advocacy. Submitting an online complaint through the above website should
generate a confirmation email from
civilrightsdonotreply at mail.civilrights.usdoj.gov
<mailto:civilrightsdonotreply at mail.civilrights.usdoj.gov> . Note that the
Department of Justice has significant enforcement power under the Americans
with Disabilities Act. Several of our members participated in a recent
multi-million-dollar settlement involving discriminatory wait-time fees.
Individuals can learn more about that case at the following website:
justice.gov/crt/case/united-states-v-uber-technologies-inc
<https://www.justice.gov/crt/case/united-states-v-uber-technologies-inc> .

	Please help us advocate for change in the rideshare space by
submitting your complaints to the US DOJ and forwarding the confirmation
emails so we can follow up.

	Blind Equality Achievement Month Planning:
	Remember history. Advance equality. Celebrate accomplishments. The
National Federation of the Blind celebrates the organized blind movement
during October each year. Chapters across the country organize local
outreach events. Submit your events, activities, celebrations to web at nfb.org
<mailto:web at nfb.org> , so they can be posted on nfb.org/blind-month
<https://nfb.org/blind-month> . If you need items or ideas, check out the
free literature resources and White Cane Awareness Day Proclamation
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/view?id=2378&reset=1> .

	Braille Calendars:
	Are you ready for a 2024 Braille calendar? The American Action Fund
for Blind Children and Adults produces over eight thousand Braille calendars
each year, and they are given free to any blind or deafblind persons in the
United States. These pocket calendars are great for the office, home, or
your travel bag. 

	You can order up to three Braille calendars via our online form at
actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars
<http://actionfund.org/resources/braille-calendars> , by sending an email to
actionfund at actionfund.org <mailto:actionfund at actionfund.org> , or by leaving
a telephone message at 410-659-9315. 
	As in past years, the Action Fund offers each NFB affiliate an
opportunity to order up to fifty Braille calendars for the members of their
affiliate. Just send us an email by August 31, 2023, and we will make sure
your request is completed. 

	Dream Makers Circle:
	You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming
a member of our Dream Makers Circle. It is easier than you think. You can
visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank
account, which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of
the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National
Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of {insert
state} can be made in the form of a will or living trust, 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 the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For
additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314,
extension 2422, or at pchang at nfb.org <mailto:pchang at nfb.org> .

	Vehicle Donations:
	The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve
the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans,
and so 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
nfb.org/vehicledonations <http://www.nfb.org/vehicledonations> .

	Preauthorized Contributions (PAC):
	Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular
basis? Please consider joining our preauthorized contribution plan. Starting
at $5 per month, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise
expectations for blind people. Visit nfb.org/pac
<https://nfb.formstack.com/forms/pac>  to fill out the online form or email
pac at nfb.org <mailto:pac at nfb.org>  for additional information.

Dates to Keep in Mind:
(all times eastern)
*	August 9: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
*	August 16: Call to answer questions about the Kenneth Jernigan
Leadership-in-Service Program, 8:00 p.m.
*	August 16: Uber Town Hall #2, 8:30 p.m.
*	August 25: Deadline for submissions for the Kenneth Jernigan
Leadership-in-Service Program 
*	August 31: Deadline for affiliates to request calendars
<mailto:actionfund at actionfund.org> 
*	September 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Blind
Equality Achievement Month)
*	October: Blind Equality Achievement Month
*	November 8: Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement, 8:00 p.m.
*	December 7 and 10: Chapter Presidents Call, 8:00 p.m. (Planning the
Year Ahead)
*	July 3-8, 2024: National Convention; Orlando, Florida

Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com> 
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

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