[Ohio-Talk] 79th Annual State Convention
Richard Payne
rchpay7 at gmail.com
Sat Oct 4 23:42:31 UTC 2025
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
79th Annual State Convention
November 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2025
Wyndham Garden Hotel, Cleveland-Westlake
1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145
(800) 445-8667
Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio’s 79th Annual State
Convention. Our theme “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”! We fight to win,
breaking down barriers and sustaining our civil rights.
Richard Payne, Affiliate President
Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator
National Representative
Pamela Allen, Chairperson and Vice President of the Board of Directors of
the National Federation of the Blind, Director of the Louisiana Center for
the Blind, and President of the NFB of Louisiana
Host Chapters
At large, Lorane, and Greater Akron
Presidents: Colleen Roth, Sherry Ruth and Kathy Legg respectively.
Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio’s 79th Annual State
Convention. Our theme “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now! We fight to win, breaking
down barriers and sustaining our civil rights.
As a founding affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, we have a
strong legacy of working together as a community in order to protect and
advocate for our civil rights as blind people from its very beginning.
Through our vast network of blind members and friends, we coordinate
programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind people,
provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a
community that creates unlimited opportunities.
We believe in the ability of blind people to organize and advocate on our
own behalf and reflect this belief from our democratically elected leaders
to our diverse nationwide membership.
We respect and are inclusive of blind people of all backgrounds and
abilities. It is our uniqueness as individuals and our collective dedication
to our mission as blind people that is at the core of our strength as an
organization.
Working together, we are an unstoppable force in our pursuit of civil rights
for the blind in Ohio and beyond.
The Belief Message
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation
of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind;
to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its
constitution.
Code of Conduct
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention is a family
friendly event. We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming
environment dedicated to positive experiences for blind people. We hold
ourselves and our attendees to strict adherence to the National Federation
of the Blind Code of Conduct found at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct/code
Privacy Notice
“This is a public event. You may be filmed on video or captured in photos
that may be published in media outlets, including Twitter, Facebook, or
other social media sites. Some sessions and activities at the 2025 National
Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention may be photographed or
videotaped. By participating in the State Convention, registrants agree that
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has the right to use their
image, likeness and/or voice or sound recording taken in connection to the
State Convention in all Media.”
Convention Arrangements
If you have any questions about convention arrangements, contact Suzanne
Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator, at (216) 990-6199 or
SMTurner.234 at gmail.com <mailto:SMTurner.234 at gmail.com> .
Rookie Roundup
All first-time convention attendees are cordially invited to attend a
reception from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 in the Bradley
Room. President Payne, National Representative, Pam Allen and other
Federation leaders will be on hand to welcome you and preview the convention
activities. Division and Chapter Presidents, along with seasoned members
should urge all first-timers to attend this special opportunity.
Reserve Your Room Now!
The Wyndham Garden Westlake Hotel address is 1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland
Westlake, Ohio 44145. You can make reservations by calling (800) 445-8667.
Individuals must identify themselves as being with the group, The National
Federation of the Blind, at the time the reservation is made in order to
receive the special group rate. The room rates are only $115.00, plus
applicable taxes which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room.
Breakfast is from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. In the Sanctuary Restaurant. The last
date to reserve a room is Monday, October 06, 2025. 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 Wyndham Garden Westlake Hotel
On behalf of the affiliate President, Richard Payne, and the Ohio Executive
Board of Directors, we are honored to have you join the 79th state of Ohio
convention here in beautiful Westlake Ohio. As you will experience during
your stay, Northeast Ohio has a lot of great attractions, and this city is
one.
The Wyndham Garden Westlake Hotel is elegant and simple. It has a clean
design and warm hospitality. When you walk through the double doors, you’re
immediately in the lobby. As you pivot left of the doors, the Sales
Department is straight ahead. However, if you pivot right, that corridor
leads to the Canterbury/Dover, and Bradley/Bassett Ballrooms. Various
Seminars and the Pre-Function Area are located there as well. Subsequently,
back at the front door, if you walk twenty feet forward, to the left is the
hotel's Front desk, you will check-in. Directly across from the front desk
is the sanctuary restaurant where you can partake of watering appetizers,
order a full course meal, or relax at the elegant/sexy bar. But, if you need
to wind down for a minute or two, there are cloth chairs and several sofas
in the middle of the lobby for just that.
Again, as you check into the hotel at the front desk, the sleeping rooms are
just around to the right of the desk, and down the hall. You will also
notice as you journey down the opening hallway, the elevator is directly to
your left. There are several of our Convention rooms on the second and third
floor, which all are accessible! Just turn right after exiting and travel
down the hall. Please review the agenda for more details not to miss
anything the convention has to offer!
Online Pre-Registration and Hotel Registration
Online Pre-Registration is open until November 4, 2025 at 11:59 AM. You can
go to: NFBOhio.org/Convention and complete the process. Pre-Registration is
$25.00, and the Banquet is $55.00. Note: After November 4th at 11:59 AM.
In-person Registration is $30.00, and the Banquet is $60.00.
Hotel Pre-Registration packet pick-up and convention registration will take
place in the Pre-Function Area outside the ballrooms. Those who have
completed their registration prior to convention will form a line at the
Pre-Registration Table for a speedy process. Visit the Registration Table to
register for convention, or to purchase additional tickets to events. Both
tables will be open for two shifts on November 07 from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM
and 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM. We look forward to helping you register as quickly
as possible so you can be on your way to enjoying a great weekend of events.
For more information about registration, please contact Suzanne Turner,
Convention Arrangements Coordinator at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234 at gmail.
com <mailto:SMTurner.234 at gmail.com> .
NFB Literature
NFB literature will be available throughout the convention next to the
registration area. Feel free to take as much as you like; and share it with
your friends and family.
Annual Auction
Help our affiliate to continue its legacy of advocacy by and for the blind
by bringing your positive energy and generously giving in support of a great
cause during our annual auction held at the Banquet on Saturday evening.
It promises to be fun for the entire family with many valuable items up for
bid. Our chapters, divisions, and many friends contribute a wide range of
items including electronics, gift certificates, food baskets, and more.
Please contact Annette Lutz at (614) 288-4323 to make plans to get auction
items to her immediately upon arrival at the hotel. Thank you in advance for
your generosity.
Door Prizes
Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and during our banquet. To be eligible to win a
door prize, you must be registered for the convention and present in the
meeting space when your name is called. All donated items should be labeled
clearly in print and Braille with the donor's name, the amount of the gift,
and the type of gift being contributed. Deliver prizes directly to Annette
Lutz or leave them with a representative at the Convention Registration
table along with its print/Braille label.
Hospitality
You are invited to the hospitality suites during the hours of 5:30 PM to
9:00 PM on Fri, Nov 07, for snacks and beverages. Ohio affiliate members
will be on hand to greet attendees. The location will be on the Conference
Level, (Rooms A/B and C/D Rooms), which is located on the third floor! Do
not miss delicious treats, great conversations, and mingling with old and
new friends.
Exhibit Hall
Whether you are an information seeker or a new gadget shopper, you will find
everything that you need to help you live the life you want at the 2025
Exhibit Hall. Visit Exhibit Hall in the Pre-Function Area outside the
ballrooms and the (Hotel Atrium) on Saturday, November 08 from Noon until 4:
00 PM. Both are located on the first floor. Explore the latest technology
and to get answers to the questions that race through your mind about
employment, healthcare, services for the blind, and so much more.
For questions, please reach out to Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements
Coordinator at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234 at gmail.com
<mailto:SMTurner.234 at gmail.com> .
Guide Dogs
For your convenience, At the end of the Banquet Hall (closest to the Dover
Room) There are two exits that will take you to the parking lot, and off to
the left are some grassy areas for any pups that need to take a break. For
assistance, with any guide dog issues please contact, Jackie Schieman, OAGDU
Division Member at (440) 223-8170 or by email: schiemja at gmail.com
Dream Makers Circle
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a
member of our Dream Makers Circle (DMC). 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
https://nfb.org/vehicledonations <http://www.nfb.org/vehicledonations> .
Pre-Authorized Contributions
Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please
consider joining our pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plan. Starting at $5
monthly, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations.
Call 877-632-2722, visit: https://nfb.org/pac to fill out the online form,
or email pac at nfb.org <mailto:pac at nfb.org> for additional information.
You can leave a legacy through planned giving. Please consider including us
in your estate planning. It is easier than you think. We are so grateful for
all you do.
Meet National Representative, Pamela Allen
Pamela Allen is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Center for the
Blind. Pam is Originally from Lancaster, New York, and was blessed to grow
up in a loving and supportive family surrounded by high expectations.
Blindness was not viewed as a barrier. The loving example and nurturing
environment gave her a solid foundation upon which to build.
When she was a senior at Denison University majoring in psychology with a
minor in women’s studies, Pam was awarded a national scholarship by the
National Federation of the Blind (NFB). This opportunity would be
transformative in ways she could not have imagined. It allowed her to engage
with the NFB community, where she served as vice president of the Ohio
Association of Blind Students and secretary of the National Association of
Blind Students. Additionally, she gained valuable experience working with
the Children’s Program at the Louisiana Center for the Blind during her
summer breaks in college.
Pam’s commitment to empowering blind individuals ultimately led her to a
leadership role as the executive director of the Louisiana Center for the
Blind, located in Ruston, Louisiana. In this capacity since 2001, she has
been instrumental in developing and overseeing programs that equip blind
individuals with essential skills for independent living and success. Her
dedication extends to her involvement with the NFB at both state and
national levels. Pam serves as the president of the National Federation of
the Blind of Louisiana, where she advocates for the rights and opportunities
of blind individuals across the state and around the country. Her leadership
and advocacy efforts have been pivotal in advancing the organization’s
mission and initiatives. She serves on the Advisory Council for the
Professional Development and Research Institute on Blindness at Louisiana
Tech University. She was also appointed by Governor Landry to serve on the
Louisiana Statewide Independent Living Council.
On a national scale, Pam currently holds the position of first vice
president on the NFB’s board of directors. In this role, she collaborates
with fellow leaders to shape policies and programs that promote equality and
accessibility for blind individuals nationwide. She also serves as vice
president for the National Association of Blind Rehabilitation
Professionals.
Pam and her husband, Roland, a talented cane travel instructor and dedicated
leader at all levels, live in Ruston and have been married since 2001. In
addition to traveling, Pam enjoys reading, baking, rock climbing, and
shopping. She and Roland are active members of their community and love
giving back. Serving as national rep is a blessing and honor that enables
her to learn from and share with her Federation family.
Convention Agenda
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Employment Seminar 2025
Networking Discovery, Unlocking Your Next Career Steps
from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, In the Canterbury/Dover Room.
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBO), Employment Committee
invites you to participate in an empowering presentation that will provide
speakers offering and dialog on the benefits associated with the hiring of
Blind individuals. It is our great honor to facilitate this informative and
enriching Forum on November 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM located at 1100
Crocker Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145.
This Forum is intended to provide a platform for the exchange of best
practices in the hiring of overlooked skilled individuals with
Visual/Physical Disabilities. We are confident that this educational
experience will be a benefit for all attendees to learn about,
1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - Beth Glas, Executive
Director, Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP),
Topics: Reasonable Accommodations and Work Discrimination
2. Accessibility - Wilbert Turner, Retired, Local Accessibility
Coordinator for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Topics: Scripting, Adaptive Equipment, Modifications and AI in the Workplace
3. The First Impression - David Ogden, Northeast Opportunity for
Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)’s Job Development Supervisor
Topics: Sourcing, Networking and the 30 Second Elevator Speech
4. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Topics: Education and Training, Adaptive Equipment, Mobility
5. The NFB Training Center - Pam Allen, Executive Director, National
Federation of the Blind
Topic: Louisiana Center for the Blind
6. What is Accessible Ohio? - Briana Seth, Accessible Ohio Specialist
Moreover, this exchange will consist of a dialogue of interviewing skills,
self-esteem building, socialization barriers and test taking that will be
a great opportunity for the blind to voice their concerns and receive direct
answers and techniques from all presenters. Also, a panel of blind
professionals will offer experiences working in various occupational
settings. As we move closer to this event, feel free to share with other
interested partners of the blind community.
The NFB of Ohio Employment Committee will meet you in the Canterbury/Dover
Rooms.
Pre-Convention Fundraiser Event: BOWL-A-THON!
Support the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio by joining an exciting
and meaningful event where every pin makes a difference!
How it Works:
● Blind bowlers will take the lanes.
● Sponsors pledge 25 cents or more for each pin knocked down.
● Pledge sheets will be provided so you can make a monetary
contribution to the organization. Your support helps strengthen the treasury
of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, funding programs, services,
and advocacy for blind individuals across the state.
Location: North Olmsted Role house entertainment center located at 24488
Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Date & Time: November 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM. EST.
Ways to Participate:
● Come cheer on the bowlers!
● Sponsor a bowler and pledge your support.
● Spread the word and bring your friends for a day of fun and impact!
Together, let’s roll toward greater opportunities and empowerment for the
blind community. For more information or to sponsor a bowler contact:
Theresa McKenney, Fundraiser Committee, Chair at (216) 990-2582 or Patricia
McPherson at patrinkle at icloud.com <mailto:patrinkle at icloud.com>
Friday, November 7, 2025
9:00 AM to 10:15 AM - Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up and Convention
Registration: Pre-Function Area
10:30 am to Noon - Ohio Board of Directors Meeting Canterbury/Dover Rooms
12:15 PM to 1:45 PM - DeafBlind committee meeting
Join us for a Lunch & Learn with Speakers: Karlee Wascher, M.A. CVRT
Employment Specialist; Helen Keller, Dawn Watts, Ohio SSP Coordinator and
become informed about resources related to deaf, hard of Hearing, DeafBlind
and know the differences between the 3 groups of individuals and their
communication needs.
Order your lunch in advance, & each includes chips & cookies for only $25.
Select from the following choices and pay by:
● Online at WWW.NFBOhio.ORG/Convention,
● By mail a check to: Attention Kathy Legg, Treasurer, 1916 15th
Street SW, Akron Ohio 44314, put Lunch and Learn in the Memo.
● Bacon, lettuce & tomato served on toasted Ciabatta.
● Egg Salad or Tuna Salad
● Vegetable Wrap or Club Wrap or Chicken Caesar Wrap
● Turkey Croissant
● Italian Sub or Roast Beef Sub
The DeafBlind Committee will meet in the Bassett Room
12:30 PM to 1:45 PM - Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up and Convention
Registration:
GENERAL SESSION: Canterbury/Dover Rooms
2:00 PM - Call to Order Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio
2:05 PM - Invocation Rev., Dr. Carolyn Peters, President, Ohio Communities
of Faith Division, and Member, Board of Directors, NFB of Ohio
2:10 PM - Opening ceremonies:
2:25 PM - Welcome and Opening Remarks by the Host Chapters At Large, Lorain
County, and Greater Akron Chapters
2:35 PM - Welcome Honorable Ohio Legislators
John Brad Deane, Field Representative for Honorable, Congresswoman Chontel
Brown, Honorable, Ohio State Senator, Nickie Antonio and Honorable, Ohio
State Representative, Darnell T. Brewer
Propelling our initiatives forward, creating opportunities for meaningful
change within our lives and communities.
Suzanne Turner, Ohio Legislative Director, and Vice President, NFB of Ohio
3:05 PM - Social Security Administration (SSA) The current climate,
Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialist, SSA Northeastern Ohio Area
3:25 PM - National Report - Pamela Allen, National Representative, and
Executive Director of Louisiana Center for the Blind
3:50 PM - “Access and Achievement: Navigating Barriers as Blind Students”,
Kinshuk Tela, Moderator, MaKenzie Love, Antonio Dobyne and Caitlyn Head
4:10 PM - Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD)
Bureau Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI)
Berna King, Deputy Director, and Allison Meloy, Vision Services Program
Manager
4:35 PM - Connecting With the Community
Kenny Foderaro, University Police ambassador and Jeff Ridler, University
Circle Police officer
4:55 PM - Announcements
5:00 PM - Adjourn: General Session resumes at 9:00 AM Saturday.
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM - Hospitality: Join in the fun and fellowship on
hospitality night. Visit the Conference Level, (Rooms A/B and C/D Third
floor to eat and socialize).
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Ohio Community Service Division Meeting: Patricia
McPherson, President
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of the ADA, with speaker Patrick Thornton
from Westlake's City Architect. OCSD will once again sponsor Ohio State
school for the blind by collecting hats/mittens/gloves and winter
coats/jackets (new, gently used for junior/high school students. Please
bring items to meeting.
Bassett Room
6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - Resolutions Committee Meeting: Mike Bullis, chair
All are welcome to attend. Resolutions adopted by the convention become the
policy of the organization.
Bradley Room
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Ohio Communities of Faith Division Meeting: Dr. Rev.
Carolyn Peters, President
The doors are always open! We are a diverse group of blind members
representing various religions. Join our business meeting, elections and
learn about resources.
Canterbury/Dover Rooms
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Ohio At-Large Chapter Meeting: Colleen Roth, President
Bassett Room
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM - ROOKIE ROUNDUP
Calling all first-timers! Come and meet President Payne and members from the
Ohio Board of Directors who will be present to welcome you and answer
questions about the weekend activities. Also, Pam Allen, Director of the
Louisiana Center for the Blind, President of the NFB of Louisiana,
Chairperson and Vice President of the Board of Directors of the National
Federation of the Blind will be in attendance as well.
Bradley Room
8:30 PM - Nominating Committee Meeting: This is a closed meeting.
Bassett Room
9:30 PM - Calling all talent If you have a unique skill or creative passion,
we encourage you to showcase it and share your artistry with others. Whether
you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this is your opportunity
to shine and connect with fellow artists. Please contact Wilbert Turner to
sign up. (216) 561-6864.
Canterbury/Dover Rooms
Saturday, November 08, 2025
7:00 AM to 8:45 AM - Scholarship Breakfast Meeting: Invited guests will meet
in the Sanctuary Restaurant Entry Area. Kristin Coen, Chair, Scholarship
Committee
GENERAL SESSION: Canterbury/Dover Rooms
9:00 AM - Call to Order
Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio
9:05 AM - Invocation Christopher Sabine, Community of Faith, Member
9:10 AM - Announcements
9:15 AM - Tanner Gers, founder of AccessAbility Officer
9:35 AM - (beacon of accessibility, learning, and community) Ohio Library
for the Blind & Print Disabled
Kenneth Redd, Librarian, Cleveland Public Library
9:55 AM - Transportation and more, Office of Transit (ODOT) Crystal Brewer,
Special Project Manager, Office of Transit
10:15 AM - Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, Donna Foster, Program
Administrator
10:35 AM - Cuyahoga Community College Adult Learning Program
Marjorie Pyles-Hearst, retired instructor serving the blind for 11 years at
the Cleveland site center Adult Learning Program.
10:55 AM - Protecting our rights and confirming what we do!
Kerstin Sjoberg, President and CEO, Disability Rights Ohio
11:20 AM - Mental health and how to manage it.
Arlie Ray, LPCC, CRC, Mental Health Counselor, Clark State College
11:35 AM - My journey to success and how being in the Federation has
provided me with the outlet to impact so many others, Roland Allen, Mobility
Instructor, Louisiana Center for the Blind
11:55 AM - Remarks
Noon - Adjourn: General Session resumes at 9:00 AM Sunday.
Noon to 4:00 PM - Exhibit Hall:
Pre-Function Area outside the ballrooms and the (Hotel Atrium). Both are
located on the first floor.
12:30 PM to 2:00 PM -Teck seminar 101, Renee Arrington Johnson and Statsky
Bey
Get tips on everyday Apps on Android and Apple Devices.
Bradley Room
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM - Ohio Senior Division Meeting: Mariann Denning,
President
Canterbury/Dover Rooms
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Blind Parent’s Meeting: Masquenada Douglas and Ivery
Thomas co-chairs, Blind parents group.
Bassett Room
2:00 PM to 3:30 PM - Diabetes Action Network (DAN): Joann Williams,
President
Bradley Room
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM - CPR Training Conference Level (Rooms, C/D)
3:00 PM to 4:30 PM - The Best You! Tameika Hurt, Facilitator
Bassett Room
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM - Tech Seminar II, Introduction to Meta Glasses, Shelby
Craig, Assistive Tech Trainer, Cleveland Sight Center
Third Floor, Conference Level, (Rooms, A/B)
5:30 PM to 6:30 PM - Pre-Banquet Social Hour, Cash Bar Ballroom
6:30 PM - NFBOH Banquet (proof of tickets required) ballrooms
Event Highlights:
Mistress of Ceremony: Emily Kiehl, Board Member, NFB of Ohio
Invocation: Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio
Keynote Speaker: Pam Allen, National Representative
Awards presentation: Annette Lutz, Awards Committee Chair
Scholarship Awards: Kristin Coen-Mishlan, Chair, Scholarship Committee
Not-So-Silent Auction: Annette Lutz, Secretary, NFB of Ohio, and President,
NFB Capital Chapter
Money for the Movement: Kathy Legg, Treasurer, NFB of Ohio
9:00 PM - After Party: Stick around after the Banquet to socialize and
celebrate with your NFB of Ohio community. Enjoy Karaoke and a cash bar.
Sunday, November 09, 2025
7:45 AM to 8:45 AM - Faith meeting Communities of Faith Division, Rev., Dr.
Carolyn Peters, President, Amphitheater Room
GENERAL SESSION: Ballroom
9:00 AM - Call to Order Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio
9:05 AM - A few minutes of silent remembrance for those federation members
that are no longer with us.
9:10 AM - Leadership Presentation Panel
Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio, Suzanne Turner, Vice President, NFB
of Ohio, Pamela Allen National Representative
9:45 AM - Ohio Affiliate report Richard Payne, President, NFB Ohio
10:00 AM - Financial Report Kathy Legg, Treasurer, NFB of Ohio
10:15 AM - Nominating Committee Report
10:20 AM - Affiliate Elections
10:50 AM - Highlighting Quietly Effective Members
Among our membership, there are several individuals who may not always be in
the spotlight, yet they consistently demonstrate effectiveness through their
actions. Their contributions greatly enhance the federation’s success, and
it is important to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts.
Billy Gram, Cleveland Chapter, and Mary Weldin, Greater Akron Chapter
11:15 AM - Resolutions
Mike Bullis, Chair
11:30 AM - The 2025-2026 Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-in-Service Program,
Kinshuk Tella, Recipient
11:40 AM - Membership 101
William Turner and Kathy Leg, Co-Chairs, Ohio membership Committee
11:55 AM - Closing Remarks
Richard Payne, President, NFB of Ohio, and Pamela Allen, national rep.
Noon - Adjournment
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
2025 Board of Directors
Ohio Affiliate President
Richard Payne, Miami Valley Chapter
Phone: 937-829-3368
Email: rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:rchpay7 at gmail.com>
PO Box 20544, Dayton, OH 45420
Vice President
Suzanne Hartfield-Turner, Cleveland Chapter
Phone: 216-990-6199
Email: SMTurner.234 at gmail.com <mailto:SMTurner.234 at gmail.com>
1127 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115
Secretary
Annette Lutz, Capital Chapter
Phone: 614-288-4323
Email: President.capital.nfboh at gmail.com
<mailto:President.capital.nfboh at gmail.com>
77 West Jeffrey Place
Columbus, OH 43214
Treasurer
Kathy Legg, Greater Akron Chapter
Phone: 330-212-5118
Email: treasurer at nfbohio.org <mailto:treasurer at nfbohio.org>
1916 15th Street SW
Akron, OH 44314
Board Members
Dr. Carolyn Peters, Miami Valley Chapter
Phone: 937-657-5134
Email: dr.carolyn.peters at gmail.com <mailto:dr.carolyn.peters at gmail.com>
411 Elmhurst Rd
Dayton, OH 45417
Marianne Denning, At Large Chapter
Phone: 513-607-6053
Email: marianne at denningweb.com <mailto:marianne at denningweb.com>
835 Carini Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45218
William Turner, Cleveland Chapter
Phone: 330-328-9860
Email: TurnerW794 at gmail.com <mailto:TurnerW794 at gmail.com>
1128 Nome Avenue
Akron, OH 44320.
Emily Kiehl, Cincinnati Chapter
Phone: 813-394-2720
Email: emilydkiehl at gmail.com <mailto:emilydkiehl at gmail.com>
4515 Smith Rd, Apt 12
Cincinnati OH 45212
Shawn Martin, Cuyahoga County Chapter
Phone: 216-288-1243
Email: smartin494 at roadrunner.com <mailto:smartin494 at roadrunner.com>
11406 Clifton Blvd, Apt 409
Cleveland, OH 44102
David C. Perry, Cincinnati Chapter
Phone: 513-470-1122
Email: daveperry16 at yahoo.com <mailto:daveperry16 at yahoo.com>
3214 Blue Acres Dr, Apt 1
Cincinnati, OH 45239
Andra Stover, Greater Akron Chapter
Phone: 440-204-9244
Email: Andra.stover at outlook.com <mailto:Andra.stover at outlook.com>
3000 Graham Rd, Apt 111
Stow, OH 44224
78th Annual State Convention Sponsors
We are thankful to the following community partners for their commitment to
the transformative work of the blind in Ohio. Their support enables the
blindness community to be even stronger.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals
Dedicated to raising awareness of Non-24-Hour Sleep Wake Disorder (Non-24)
and supporting the blindness community. Non-24 is a rare circadian rhythm
disorder affecting people who are totally blind. People living with non-24
experience excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime sleeplessness, which
leads to impaired social and occupational function.
Disability Rights Ohio
A non-profit corporation with a mission to advocate for the human, civil,
and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio.
Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired
A private, not-for-profit organization offering comprehensive services and
job opportunities for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.
Every day we work to ensure full lives and community inclusion for those we
serve.
Clovernook Center for the Blind
For more than a century, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
has dedicated itself to empowering adults and children by providing
employment, opportunities for sports and recreation, vision care and a host
of support services.
Spectrum Accessibility
Accessibility Center of Excellence is an award-winning team that fosters a
culture of accessibility and inclusivity for customers and employees alike.
We offer access to a variety of devices and services, ranging from closed
captioning to voice services to a large selection of On Demand movies and TV
shows through your mobile device. The Spectrum Accessibility team builds
products that enable people with disabilities to more easily enjoy our
innovations. Whether it’s text-to-speech, accessibility features in our
mobile products or audio descriptions through the Spectrum Access App, we
are committed to innovating for all our customers.
Norwalk Ohio Lions Club
We would like to thank the Norwalk Ohio Lions Club for continuously
supporting our 2025 scholarship program this year.
Richard Payne, President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com <mailto:Rchpay7 at gmail.com>
www.nfbohio.org <http://www.nfbohio.org>
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and
all blind people in the United States. We know 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. Our collective power, determination,
and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.
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