[Ohio-Talk] Advocacy Day Experience at the State House

[Richard Payne]

Advocacy Day Experience at the State House
Overview of Advocacy Day
Yesterday, several of our members participated in Advocacy Day at the State
House in Columbus. While some attended in person, others arranged virtual
meetings to support our efforts.
A Challenging Start
My day began with an unfortunate experience during my commute. I ordered a
ride through a mobile app, but the driver questioned the cost of the service
and insisted on being paid in cash, which is against company policy.
Although many of us have established positive relationships with reliable
drivers in the past, this particular driver was not one of them.
I explained that I would only pay through the app and refused to pay cash.
The driver ended the ride prematurely, dropped me off at a gas station, and
asked me to leave the vehicle. Seeking assistance, I called the help line
using the app, but received no support. I also contacted law enforcement.
The driver then called the authorities himself, claiming that I was being
difficult and refused to exit his car. When the officer arrived, the driver
falsely accused me of having a bad attitude and quickly exited the vehicle.
I approached the officer, shared my side of the story, and asked if I
appeared to be a threat to the driver. After hearing the facts, the officer
kindly drove me home, remarking that he would have taken me all the way to
Columbus if permitted. He also noted that this was my first time riding in
the back of a police car, to which I replied, "There's a first for
everything."
Continuing the Day
Once back home, I called another ride service, then stopped at Jim's snack
bar for a cup of coffee before heading to a meeting with Annette. The
remainder of the day's meetings went smoothly and proved to be productive.
We discussed House Bill 225 and Senate Bill 142, both of which aim to
eliminate subminimum wages in Ohio.
Productive Meetings and Legislative Progress
During one meeting, attendees had previously met MaKenzie  Love, who pledged
to help advance the prescription reader bill. In the final meeting of the
day, held with members of the Ability Center, the senator expressed support
for the bill and discussed strategies for attaching it to other legislation
he was working on.
The senator was a friend of one of our members from Toledo, who lost her
sight. When Suzann and I met her, she felt her life was over. The senator
recognized my name and expressed gratitude for the positive impact we made
on Dr. Labeach's life.
A Memorable Conclusion
To mark the occasion, the senator insisted on taking a photo with me and
gifted me an Ohio State lapel pin to complement my suit, as well as a mug
filled with candy. He also gave us a bag to take home, though I will not
share the details of its contents.
Overall, the day was filled with meaningful moments and progress. Let's
continue to build the Federation together.

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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