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<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Good afternoon, members,</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">I am writing to share the</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B> <FONT FACE="Aptos">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 2026 State Convention Assistance Form</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">, which is included in the body of this message and attached for your convenience.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Purpose of the Assistance</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">The Board of Directors has set aside these funds to help members who are in genuine need. This assistance is intended to provide support for convention-related expenses; it should not be viewed as free money or as funding that will cover all costs.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Who Should Consider Applying</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Members who have a financial need are encouraged to consider applying.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B> <FONT FACE="Aptos">First preference will be given to first-time convention attendees.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Symbol">·<FONT FACE="Courier New"> </FONT></FONT><B> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Requests should be reasonable and based on actual need.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Please understand that the available funds will not cover your total expenses, so make a reasonable request when completing the form.</FONT></B></SPAN></P>
<BR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">National Federation of the Blind of</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B> <FONT FACE="Aptos">Ohio</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos"> 2026 State Convention Assistance Form</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Convention Dates and Application Deadline</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 2026 State Convention will take place November 5 through November 8, 2026. Because affiliate resources are limited, selected applicants will receive partial assistance only. Please complete this form and submit all required letters by October 5, 2026. Requests received after that date may not be considered. If you have questions about the form or the process, please email rchpay7@gmail.com or call 937-829-3368.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Expectations for Assistance Recipients</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Anyone who receives Convention Assistance is expected to volunteer and attend all general sessions, as well as other meetings and workshops. By accepting assistance from the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, you agree to follow the Convention hotel’s safety regulations, the National Federation of the Blind safety regulations, and the Code of Conduct.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">First-Time Convention Applicants</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">If this will be your first State Convention, please indicate that on the application. You should also consult with your Chapter or Division President about the process. Attach a letter explaining why you wish to attend the Convention, what you hope to gain from attending, and any extraordinary circumstances the committee should consider.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Extraordinary Need</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">All applicants for Convention Assistance have financial need. This section asks only about extraordinary needs or circumstances. The Board of Directors has set aside limited funds for Convention Assistance, and once those funds are gone, no additional assistance will be available. Please submit your request as early as possible.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Letters of Support and Member Participation</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Please speak with your Chapter or Division President and ask them to send a letter supporting your application. The letter should confirm your involvement and state whether your chapter or division will provide any assistance. If that decision has not yet been made, your application will be held until the information is received. This information will weigh heavily in the review process, so chapter and division presidents are encouraged to assist members whenever possible. Applicants are expected to be active at the local, state, and national levels. If you are not yet a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, please call 937-829-3368 to schedule a phone interview.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Applicant Information</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Name: </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Street Address: </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">City, State, Zip: </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Phone:</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Email: </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Number of adults: Children: _____</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Date of arrival: ____________________ Date of departure: ____________________</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Hotel Assistance</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Are you requesting assistance with your hotel room? ___ Yes ___ No. If no, skip this section.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Have you made a room reservation? ___ Yes ___ No</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">If you are a single adult, are you able to share a room with one to three people? ___ Yes ___ No</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Note: Hotel assistance is based on half the cost of a double room. Finding additional roommates may help your assistance go further.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Should a roommate know about any habits, accessibility needs, or health-related concerns? ___ Yes ___ No. If yes, please explain: __________________________________</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Transportation Assistance</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Are you requesting transportation assistance? ___ Yes ___ No</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Are you planning to drive to the Convention? ___ Yes ___ No. If yes, how much assistance are you requesting? $_________ </FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">If you have already made transportation arrangements, please explain them: __________________________________</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Miscellaneous Expenses</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">The banquet will cost approximately $55 if you preregister. Are you requesting assistance with this fee? ___ Yes ___ No</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">We strongly encourage everyone to preregister.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><B><FONT FACE="Aptos">Submission Instructions</FONT></B></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Please submit all materials by email to</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> </SPAN><A HREF="mailto:rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U><FONT COLOR="#467886" FACE="Aptos">rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></U></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">.</FONT></SPAN></P>
<BR>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT FACE="Aptos">Richard Payne, President</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"> <FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">National Federation of the Blind of Ohio</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">937/829/3368</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="mailto:Rchpay7@gmail.com"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#467886" SIZE=2 FACE="Helvetica">Rchpay7@gmail.com</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><A HREF="http://www.nfbohio.org/"><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"><U></U></SPAN><U><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#467886" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">www.nfbohio.org</FONT></SPAN></U><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></A><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
<P DIR=LTR><SPAN LANG="en-us"><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">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, becaus</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE=4 FACE="Aptos">e low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.</FONT></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN><SPAN LANG="en-us"></SPAN></P>
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