[Ohio-Talk] Information for all.

Tue May 12 18:21:57 UTC 2026

Good afternoon,

I am working on my computer and hopefully it will be repaired soon .

I wanted to share the bellow information with all of you happy May and
please read.

Critical
Share Your Story: Access to Healthcare and Section 504:
Have you faced barriers accessing healthcare or health information? A recent
delay in enforcing Section 504 accessibility requirements will impact how
blind people access patient portals, forms, appointments, and other
essential services. We're collecting short, first-person stories to show the
real impact of these barriers. Your experience can help strengthen our
advocacy and push for equal access. Email your story to story at nfb.org
<mailto:story at nfb.org>  or leave a voicemail at 410-659-9314, extension
2444.

National Convention:
Honor Roll Call:
It's already May, which means it's time to think about Honor Roll Call! The
Honor Roll Call is when affiliates and national divisions support our
sustaining funds: Kenneth Jernigan Fund, SUN shares, White Cane Fund, and
Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund. To make your 2026 contributions, write a
check payable to National Federation of the Blind and mail it to 200 East
Wells Street; Baltimore, Maryland, 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services - Roll
Call and write "Roll Call" in the check memo. Please send an email to
rollcall at nfb.org <mailto:rollcall at nfb.org>  detailing the amount to go to
each fund and the name of the organization, so we record the contributions
correctly. All pre-convention contributions will be acknowledged on our
website. If your organization is making a pledge to be paid later this year,
please send an email to rollcall at nfb.org <mailto:rollcall at nfb.org>  telling
us how much is being pledged for each fund and when to expect the check. All
pledges should be fulfilled by August 31, 2026. 

NFB Camp:
NFB Camp will again be part of convention. We ask affiliates and divisions
to consider helping with this expense. We provide this service to families
for a nominal fee; therefore, your help is greatly appreciated. Please make
all contributions for NFB Camp payable to National Federation of the Blind
and mail it to 200 East Wells Street; Baltimore, Maryland, 21230, Attention:
Fiscal Services - NFB Camp and write NFB Camp in the check memo. Please send
an email to fiscalservices at nfb.org <mailto:fiscalservices at nfb.org>  to let
us know the name of the organization or division and the amount of the
contribution. 

PAC Prizes:
Before you start Packing for convention, please consider supporting the PAC
program with a contribution toward the PAC gift-card prizes. During the
convention, those who participate in PAC, either signing up or increasing
their donation, are eligible to win gift cards. Please support our PAC
program with a donation to the prize fund. Checks for PAC prizes are to be
payable to National Federation of the Blind and mailed to Attention: Fiscal
Services-PAC, 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore MD, 21230; include "PAC
prizes" in the check memo. Also, please send an email to PAC at nfb.org
<mailto:PAC at nfb.org>  to let us know to expect your organization's support. 

Multiple Requests:
You can write one check for the above support requests if you send an email
to one of the email addresses provided and clearly list the breakdown of the
check. You can also write multiple checks and mail them in one envelope.
Please make sure to include the memo notes on the checks and to send the
necessary emails so our fiscal services staff know what to expect and record
them correctly. All envelopes need to be mailed to 200 East Wells Street,
Baltimore MD, 21230, Attention: Fiscal Services.

Recognition of Affiliates Supporting Blind Unbound at National Convention:
As part of our continued efforts to build momentum around Blind Unbound,
during the 2026 National Convention we will recognize affiliates that have
made financial commitments to Blind Unbound. You will recall that Blind
Unbound evolved from our Museum of the Blind People's Movement plans and
includes the museum. Blind Unbound is designed to reshape how society
understands blind people through storytelling, education, and public
engagement across multiple platforms, including archives, educational
programs, arts and media collaborations, and exhibits that share the history
and lived experiences of blind people. We want to celebrate the leadership
and vision of affiliates that step forward to help make this work possible.
If your affiliate has not yet made a commitment, it is not too late to
participate. We encourage affiliates to consider making a pledge in support
of Blind Unbound. You can submit your pledge using the following form:
https://nfb.org/form/museum-capital-campaign-pledge-f

News:
Presidential Release Recording for Chapters and Full, Live Version
Available:
Access the May Presidential Release
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/presidential-releases>
and catch up on the latest priorities of the National Federation of the
Blind.

 Informational Session for Coast to Coast:
Chapter and affiliate presidents are invited to attend or send their
Movement Champion to an informational session on the evening of May 18 for
the 2026 Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge. Join us to learn what other
chapters are planning, and tips on how to get started. If you are unable to
attend, we encourage you to send a chapter or affiliate member in your place
to take notes and ask questions. Please join us on May 18 at 8:00 p.m.,
Eastern, to learn more about how to get your chapter involved. Zoom details
are below, and please reach out to Rachel Held with any questions at
rheld at nfb.org <mailto:rheld at nfb.org>  or 410-659-9314, extension 2423.
https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98018297843?from=addon
Meeting ID: 980 1829 7843

Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Website Rule Comments:
Last month, the Department of Justice released an Interim Final Rule
delaying the implementation of the ADA Title II website rule for one year.
As many of you know, we have been very vocal about our displeasure with this
delay and have filed our official response to the Title II delay
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/comments-respo
nse-interim-final-rule-regarding-ada>  with the Department of Justice. Our
government affairs group is planning a larger initiative and will be sending
out a legislative alert next week with further instructions, so please stay
tuned!

Department of Health and Human Services - Section 504 Letter:
Following the delay of the ADA Title II website rule, we learned that the
Department of Health and Human Services had also sent in an Interim Final
Rule to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs regarding the
website rule portion of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The
Title II and Section 504 website rules have been very closely linked
throughout the regulatory process, so we suspected that this was also an
effort to delay the implementation of the Section 504 rule. In that effort,
we sent a letter to the secretary of Health and Human Services
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements/letter-secreta
ry-department-health-and-human-services>  last week noting our opposition to
any delay, rescission, or undermining of the rule. The full letter can be
read on our Policy Statements page
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/policy-statements> . 

Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind -
Legislative Alert and Fly-in:
Earlier today, a legislative alert was sent out regarding the Independent
Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind program. This program
has been significantly underfunded for more than a decade, and we are asking
Congress to increase the funding so that blind Americans over the age of
fifty-five can receive the independent living supports and training they
need to remain active in their golden years. To help bolster this
initiative, we have a delegation of members from our Seniors Division in
Washington this week to advocate for this issue. We urge you to call or
email your member of Congress this week as well. 

Deadline Approaching for #NFB26 Early Registration:
Register early for the 2026 National Federation of the Blind National
Convention because prices go up if you register on site in Austin, Texas.
Registration includes the biggest event of the year, access to the event
app, and communications on the latest news and events. Register now at
https://nfb.org/registration. 

Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program:
If you are interested in embarking on a transformative journey that will
shape you into a powerful advocate for blind individuals, foster your
personal growth, and contribute to the continued building of the organized
blind movement, we invite you to apply for the next cohort of our Kenneth
Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program (KJLSP). For more information and to
apply, visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/kenneth-jernigan-leadership-service-progra
m. 

Dare to Be Remarkable 2026:
The Dare to Be Remarkable Conference is a specialized, multi-day,
professional development experience designed for an audience of education
and rehabilitation professionals who work with blind and low-vision adults
and transition-aged youth. This conference brings together a balanced mix of
practitioners, administrators, and emerging professionals who are committed
to raising expectations and strengthening outcomes. The conference will take
place from November 18-20, 2026, at the NFB Jernigan Institute. For more
information visit
https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/dare-be-remarkable.

Access On Seminar - Creating Websites as a Blind Person:
The next Access On seminar, "Creating Websites as a Blind Person," will be
held on Wednesday, May 13, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Eastern. This seminar will
include an overview of tools, techniques, and tips for setting up and
maintaining a website and writing for the web. Register here.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/center-excellence-nonvisual-access/events
/accessibility-boutique-reg> 

Braille Monitor May Issue and Early Access Articles:
The Braille Monitor is our flagship publication and the magazine for the
organized blind movement. Early access articles are made available for
relevant and urgent information and updates and will be featured in future
full issues as needed and determined by the President and editor. Access the
latest issue and articles:
*	Braille Monitor Vol 69 No 5 May 2026
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2605/bm2605tc.htm> 
*	"Death of Blind Refugee in Buffalo Ruled Homicide
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-acce
ss-articles/death-blind-refugee-buffalo> "
*	"Justice Department Delays Web Accessibility Requirements;
Federation Calls for Immediate Reversal
<https://nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/braille-monitor/early-acce
ss-articles/justice-department-delays> "

Meta Glasses Are Now Available in the Independence Market:
The second-generation Meta Glasses are available for purchase from the
Independence Market! Currently, orders can only be placed by phone. Online
purchasing through our eCommerce website will be available soon. The retail
price is $369.00, excluding shipping costs. For additional information, or
to place an order, please contact the Independence Market directly.

Fresh New NFB Shirts Are Here: 
Get ready for the national convention in style with our brand-new stock of
NFB shirts! Choose from comfortable cotton polos or sporty Sport-Tek-styles
perfect for showing your NFB pride wherever you go. Available colors are
black, white, and blue. Any of these options can be yours today for just $30
each! Don't wait! Grab your gear now and be convention-ready! Call the
Independence Market today to place your order. Online ordering will be
available soon, making it even easier to get your favorite shirts.

Podcast Episodes:
All National Federation of the Blind podcast audio and transcripts are
available at nfb.org/publications, or you can subscribe to them all on your
favorite podcast client.
*	Listen to "Our Stories, Our Mission: The People Behind the Organized
Blind Movement (Part One)." In this episode of the Nation's Blind Podcast,
Melissa and Anil are joined by Gary Wunder. They dive into the story of
Adelmo Vigil, president of the NFB of New Mexico. They discuss how he
overcame obstacles such as being prevented from learning Braille, being told
that he couldn't teach in a mainstream public school, and his advocacy in
the organized blind movement: https://buff.ly/SHMQYLA
*	Tune into Episode 74 of Access On. We bring you highlights of a
recent Access On webinar looking at some of the AI-based visual
interpretation apps. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Seeing AI,
Be My AI, Gemini, ChatGPT ScribeMe, Ally, and AI services from Aira,
including a rare public demonstration of the work Aira is doing with Project
Astra. Listen to this week's episode: https://buff.ly/8UaLwry
*	Listen to episode twenty-eight of our Walking Alone and Marching
Together podcast titled, "Episode 28: Chapter 8 - The Third Generation and
the Maurer Presidency, Part 1:" Listen at https://buff.ly/G7q9wfm

Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 Campaign: 
We recently launched the Keep NFB Advancing: Give $25 Campaign. This year's
theme-Keep NFB Advancing: Connections, Community, and Opportunity-reflects
what we build together as a Federation. Through strong relationships, an
engaged and growing community, and a shared commitment to expanding
opportunity, we continue to raise expectations and transform what is
possible for blind people.
The campaign will run from May 15 through July 7, 2026. Each contribution of
$25 provides one entry into our drawing, with the winner to be announced at
the national convention banquet. Participants will have the opportunity to
win roundtrip transportation to the 2027 National Convention, hotel
accommodations, registration, banquet tickets, and $1,000 in spending
money-or a $2,000 cash prize.
A key part of this effort is the role of Federation Connectors-members who
help grow our movement through personal outreach. We are asking members to
invite others to participate in the campaign. When a member brings in four
donors who each contribute $25 or more and credit that member for their
gift, the member will be entered into a special drawing for a BrailleNote
Evolve, generously provided by HumanWare. This is an opportunity not only to
raise funds, but to deepen engagement and expand our network of supporters.
Contributions to the campaign support four important funds that sustain and
strengthen our work. The Kenneth Jernigan Fund helps bring individuals to
their first national convention, supports leadership development, and more.
The SUN Fund serves as our rainy-day reserve, protecting the Federation in
times of need. The White Cane Fund provides flexible, unrestricted support
for our programs and priorities. The Jacobus tenBroek Memorial Fund supports
the property and infrastructure that makes our work possible.
Leaders are encouraged to share the campaign widely. Learn more at
nfb.org/give25. Contributions may be made at https://nfb.org/donate, and by
phone at 410-659-9314, extension 2430, or by mailing a check. Donors should
indicate which fund they wish to support; when in doubt, gifts to the White
Cane Fund provide the greatest flexibility to advance our mission.

Dates to Keep in Mind:
*	May 13: Access On seminar: Creating Websites as a Blind Person
*	May 18: Information session for Coast-to-Coast Movement Challenge
*	July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
*	November 18-20: Dare to be Remarkable; Baltimore, Maryland
*	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, June 11 and Sunday, June 14
*	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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