[Ohio-Talk] News for you.

Tue Aug 4 22:34:53 UTC 2026

Good evening. Since August is normally one of the hottest months of the
year, please stay safe and take care. I want to encourage you to do two
important things: reserve your hotel room and go ahead and register for the
convention.
No contest has been offered yet, but once contests are announced-which could
happen at any time after this email is posted-you will need to be
registered. Names will be pulled from those already in the system.
The agenda for our state convention is filling up. Some members have sent
ideas, and we will do our best to include them if possible. Please do what
you can to assist new members and help them through the registration and
reservation process.

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio (NFBO)
2026 Convention Announcement

The Convention dates are Thursday, November 5, 2026, through Sunday,
November 8, 2026.

Ohio Affiliate, President, Richard Payne, and the Ohio Board of Directors
invite you to come learn how to reach your maximum leadership potential,
participate in motivational and leadership development seminars, and most of
all learn about "living the life you want."

2026 Theme:
"Reflecting Our Journey, Shaping a New Vision: Empowering Members to Inspire
the Future."

The 80th Ohio State convention will be held at the University of Dayton,
Marriott Hotel. The address is 1414 South Patterson Blvd. Dayton Ohio 45409.
You can make reservations by calling (800) 627-4688. Individuals must
identify themselves as being with the group, (The National Federation of the
Blind), at the time the reservation is made. The discounted room rate is
$129.00, with taxes of 16.5%. The last date to reserve a room is Monday,
October 5, 2026. 

The good news is that when you make your reservations, funds are not
deducted from your credit card until you arrive at the hotel.

RESERVE NOW!

Seeking Members for Blind Unbound Focus Group:
As part of Blind Unbound, we are developing resources for educating students
in grades K through 12 about blind people. To shape this project, we would
like to hear from members who have given a presentation or lesson about
blind people in their local school, scout group, or other community youth
group. Your input will help ensure that these educational resources reflect
authentic stories of blind people and break down misconceptions. We are
holding focus groups on Thursday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m., Eastern, and
Monday, September 28, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern. If you have participated in a
lesson about blind people for students in any grades from kindergarten
through 12th grade and would like to share your experience, please email
atyler at nfb.org <mailto:atyler at nfb.org>  with your name and your preferred
focus group date. Thank you for sharing your story and shaping Blind
Unbound.

Big Advocacy Win:
A federal court has vacated the Department of Education's December 2025
decision limiting the Randolph-Sheppard priority for Army dining facility
contracts. The ruling protects blind entrepreneurs, reinforces the required
public process, and recognizes that the department's closed process caused
substantial prejudice. This victory follows the National Federation of the
Blind's December statement and January lawsuit with blind entrepreneurs and
partners. Read and share our press release on the update: Federal Court
Vacates Department of Education Decision Limiting Randolph-Sheppard Priority
for Army Dining Contracts
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/federal-court-vacates-department-educat
ion-decision-limiting-randolph-sheppard> 

Advocacy and Policy Job Openings:
Our Advocacy and Policy Department has two job openings that need to be
filled. We are looking for a qualified NFB-NEWSLINE contract specialist and
an Independence Market specialist. For more information on both of these
positions, please visit our Career Opportunities
<https://nfb.org/about-us/career-opportunities>  page. 

Legislative Alert on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act,
H.R. 8884:
On July 23, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act, H.R.
8884, passed the House of Representatives. In short, this bill authorizes
the Social Security Administration to conduct demonstration projects, like
the one outlined in the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, within the
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The bill still needs to
pass the Senate before it can be signed into law by the president, which
means we need your help to advocate for this. For more details, please
review the legislative alert on H.R. 8884
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/legislative-priorities/legislati
ve-alerts/removing-barriers-work>  that was sent out by our Advocacy and
Policy Department last week. 

Fall Conference for Blindness Professionals:
The National Federation of the Blind invites education and rehabilitation
professionals to the Dare to Be Remarkable Conference, November 18-20, 2026,
at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore. This immersive training
challenges us to teach with purpose, lead with high expectations, and
strengthen outcomes for blind people nationwide. Grounded in Structured
Discovery, this national training brings together practitioners,
administrators, and emerging leaders for practical skill-building and
thought-provoking discussions. Registration is now open. Dare to Be
Remarkable | National Federation of the Blind
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable> 

Plan Today. Build Tomorrow:
August is Make-A-Will Month, a good reminder that planning for the future
helps sustain the programs and services of the National Federation of the
Blind. Please consider joining our Dream Makers Circle by including the NFB
in your estate plans or naming the Federation as a beneficiary of your IRA,
life insurance, or retirement plan. For more information, contact Patti
Chang at extension 2422 or pchang at nfb.org <mailto:pchang at nfb.org> .

Student Seminar in September:
The National Federation of the Blind Southwest Student Seminar, "The Power
of Connection: Networking with Intention," September 18-20 in Tucson,
Arizona. Designed for blind students at all stages of their educational
journey, the seminar is hosted by the National Association of Blind Students
and will feature interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and
opportunities to connect with blind peers and mentors from across the
region. Participants will explore topics ranging from accommodations and
advocacy to identity, leadership, and building meaningful professional
networks. NABS is committed to ensuring that finances are not a barrier to
participation and encourages interested students to learn more and register
by August 21 <https://nabslink.org/civicrm/event/info?id=8&reset=1> .

Dates to Keep in Mind:
*	July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas
*	July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois
*	July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois

Introduction to the Organized Blind Movement Calls
*	Wednesday, August 5
*	Wednesday, November 4

Chapter Presidents Calls
*	Thursday, September 10 and Sunday, September 13 
*	Thursday, December 10 and Sunday, December 13

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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