Winter Spring 2012
Buckeye Bulletin
A publication of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
Barbara Pierce, Editor
237 Oak Street
Oberlin, OH44074
(440) 775-2216
Dr. J. Webster Smith, President
(800) 396-6326 (NFBO Office)
P.O. Box 458, Athens, OH45701-0458
Voice of the Nation’s Blind
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is a 501 (c) 3 consumer organization comprised of blind and sighted people committed to changing what it means to be blind. Though blindness is still all too often a tragedy to those who face it, we know from our personal experience that with training and opportunity it can be reduced to the level of a physical nuisance. We work to see that blind people receive the services and training to which they are entitled and that parents of blind children receive the advice and support they need to help their youngsters grow up to be happy, productive adults. We believe that first-class citizenship means that people have both rights and responsibilities, and we are determined to see that blind people become first-class citizens of these United States, enjoying their rights and fulfilling their responsibilities. The most serious problems we face have less to do with our lack of vision than with discrimination based on the public’s ignorance and misinformation about blindness. Join us in educating Ohioans about the abilities and aspirations of Ohio’s blind citizens. We are changing what it means to be blind.
The NFB of Ohio has fourteen local chapters, one for at-large members, and special divisions for diabetics, merchants, students, seniors, parents of blind children, and those interested in Braille. This semi-annual newsletter is produced in large print and on CD and is circulated by email. For information about the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio or to make address changes or be added to the mailing list, call (440) 775-2216 or email <>. For information about NFB-NEWSLINE, our free digitized newspaper-reading service, call (866) 391-0841. Local NEWSLINE numbers are: 330-247-1241 (Akron), 330-409-1900 (Canton), 513-297-1521 (Cincinnati), 216-453-2090 (Cleveland), and 614-448-1673 (Columbus).
Table of Contents
From the President’s Desk
by J.W. Smith
Convention Wrap-Up
by Shelbi Hindel
NFB of Ohio Awards for 2011
by Barb Fohl
The 2011 NFB of Ohio Scholarship Winners
by Barbara Pierce
Teacher Leader Seminar 2012
by Marianne Denning and Debra Baker
Fundraising Made Easy
by Carol Akers
2012 NFB of Ohio Committee Assignments
Buckeye Briefs
Calendar of Events
From the President’s Desk
by JW Smith
As I enter my fourth year as president of the NFB of Ohio, I find it necessary to reflect on the first three years. In fact, a West African proverb says, “It takes about three years to see the earth move,” loosely translated as, “It takes about three years to adjust adequately to a significant change, either personally or organizationally.” Therefore, for this column I would like to give you an abbreviated version of my president’s report at our sixty-fifth annual convention, held last November in Dayton.
My first year as president might be summed up in the statement, “Money may not be everything, but it sure does help.” In many ways it seems like a long time ago when our record attendance at the national convention in Detroit in 2009 allowed Ohio to finish fifth in the nation. It did help that the convention was in Detroit, making it geographically appealing for many of us Buckeyes, and the fact that it was in Detroit, a city that we had not been to in a long time. Quite frankly, however, we used our significant financial resources to help many of our members attend that convention. If memory serves me correctly, we had over thirty first-time attendees, largely because of our ability to help fund their experience. In my first year as president we sent a large delegation to the Washington Seminar and conducted significant chapter-building and revitalization activities. We also did an initial search for a new field representative. Times were good financially, although not as good as they had once been. Any organization needs finances to help committed members achieve its goals. Little did I know that before my first year as president was completed, our financial situation would be drastically altered.
If year one taught me about the significance of financial stability, my second year as president taught me a lot about partnerships and valuable collaborative efforts. It was quite rewarding to me to be able to solidify an effective relationship with the Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) and, more specifically, BSVI in an effort to find funding for both our mentoring program and NFB-NEWSLINE®. This relationship required some effective communication and the building and maintenance of bridges in an effort to plug the gaping financial gap that we were experiencing. I cannot tell you how much face-to-face and electronic communication was necessary to keeping those lines of communication open and facilitating this new collaborative relationship. As you might expect, there is a great deal of paperwork and bureaucracy to get through when dealing with state agencies.
Year three taught me that people really don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. In fact, it’s all about people, family, and friendships. My relationship with other NFB-O leaders was strengthened as a result of our united recommitment to this organization. I hesitate to mention names here, but I can’t avoid it in some cases. Year three taught me just how blessed we are to have the commitment and wealth of experience as an affiliate in the presence of Barbara Pierce. It taught me how valuable our treasurer Sherry Ruth is to our affiliate and that no amount of money or connections can replace genuine trust, integrity, and love. Eric Duffy, in my estimation, has grown as a first vice president, and I have found myself increasingly dependent upon and appreciative of his advice and guidance. Finally, Richard Payne, who many of you know has always been close to me, showed me in my third year what “putting your money where your mouth is” really means. I also recognized how valuable and productive our board is and how blessed I am to have such a committed and creative group of individuals to lead and work with.
So as we head to year four, where are we, and where do we want to be? Clearly we must find ways to fund our movement, and this must be the goal for all of us--not just a few. We have forged a meaningful relationship most notably with RSC and BSVI. I mean, the fact that they are funding NEWSLINE is a result of that continued successful relationship. But we must forge other relationships if we are to remain the viable entity that we’ve always been. We have no choice but to love and treat each other with respect, humility, and genuine appreciation. I remember when I first came to Ohio in the middle 90s, and even as we approach the twenty-first century, Barbara Pierce cautioning from time to time that one day our financial situation might not be as healthy as it was now, so we should prepare for that day as much as we possibly could. I think that we all knew that day might happen, but I don’t think anyone knew or could have anticipated how some of us might react. It was evident to me at our convention last fall that the spirit of harmony and family that has always characterized our affiliate is alive and well. It was a great convention, and I’m looking forward to a great year in 2012. We will emerge from this year and this challenge more united and effective than ever before.
Convention Wrap-Up
by Shelbi Hindel
Editor’s note: Shelbi Hindel is secretary of the NFB of Ohio. Here is her report of the 2011 affiliate convention:
The theme of the 2011 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio was "Blindness: That's How It Is at the Top of the Stairs." That is the title of a powerful speech by the late Kenneth Jernigan, longtime president of the National Federation of the Blind. Not far into the convention it became clear that an underlying theme was "jump." The convention took place at the Wyndham Garden Dayton South Hotel in Miamisburg, Ohio, during the weekend of November 4 to 6.
Thursday evening began with a fund raiser focusing on near death experiences. Linda Manley is a nurse at a large hospital in Columbus, and she has spent many years studying this subject. She donated her time to the organization, and we asked attendees for contributions. The event was well attended.
The exhibit area opened at 11:00 Friday morning, and the board of directors meeting began at noon. As is usually the case with NFB conventions, the day was packed with activities. During the afternoon a seminar for parents of blind children, a membership workshop, and a philosophy seminar all took place. Friday evening was jumping with a variety of meetings. The At-Large Chapter met, as did the merchants division and the nominating committee. We tried something new called Hobby Lobby. This was an I-always-wanted-to-learn session. One could get very basic instruction in knitting, card games, hair braiding, and more.
The merchants division sponsored the hospitality suite. There was plenty of food, and all who came had a good time. Karen Whalen and Steve Vincke deserve special recognition for their work in the suite. We hope they will be willing to take this project on again at the next convention.
Also that evening the Not the Royal Shakespeare Company provided us with a real treat. As a way of raising money for the National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB), several affiliate leaders reenacted an episode of the old-time radio play Fibber McGee and Molly. All readers used Braille scripts. The cast and the audience had a great time with lots of laughs. Bob Pierce directed the production, and we certainly appreciated his hard work. Plans now are for this group or some variation thereof to perform again next convention.
The Diabetes Action Network (DAN) jumped right into Saturday morning with a 7:00 a.m. breakfast meeting. The primary discussion centered on the importance of proper foot care for diabetics. NAPUB also got off to an early start with a breakfast meeting. Braille gets people excited, so it's easy to get up early to talk about the importance of Braille and what we can do to educate everyone dealing with blindness about its value.
This year’s national representative, Ever Lee Hairston, delivered greetings from President Maurer and a report from the national office. She discussed legislation of importance to all of us, the upcoming Washington Seminar, the Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest, and much more. Tracy Grimm from the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled jumped right into her first NFB of Ohio convention with a lively report. She said that the National Library service is developing an app for the iPhone. Ohio has a good supply of digital machines. Many library users are using the BARD website to download books.
In a moving yet funny address, Sheri Wells-Jensen, an associate professor at Bowling GreenStateUniversity, discussed some of the obstacles she faced as she obtained an education, became a home owner, and took up her role as an active member of her community. She said, “I did it anyway.” In a humorous way she reminded us all that much of our success in life depends on our own ability to overcome public attitudes about blindness.
Dan Connors, director of the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired, told us that the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission is committed to maintaining a separate and strong BSVI. Although money is tight, the agency has made internal changes to focus more money on case services. Parents, students, and seniors met during the lunch break. These divisions conducted their annual business meetings and began planning for the upcoming year.
President Smith began the afternoon with his report to the convention. He talked about the challenges and successes the organization has experienced during his presidency. In spite of major financial changes that have been out of our control, we remain strong and united as an organization.
Barbara Pierce talked about the ultimate mentoring experience. She was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work directly with Dr. Kenneth Jernigan. She said Dr. Jernigan was a strong and gentle teacher who had a profound influence on her life.
Dr. Mary Anne Joseph once served as president of our Southeast chapter. She discussed the path to earning her doctorate and getting her current job as a rehabilitation counselor for the Virginia Department of the Blind. Everett Gavel discussed his experience as a student at the Louisiana Center for the Blind. Everett said that he went through many years of hard work to get to the Louisiana Center for the training he needed. Much of that time was spent trying to get BSVI to pay for his training. He moved to Louisiana in order to get training, but said it was well worth all that he went through. Not only did he learn the skills of blindness, but he developed a great deal more self-confidence.
We discussed NFB Scrip Ohio, a new fundraising program for the affiliate. Everyone can help contribute funds to the affiliate without spending extra money. See more about this program elsewhere in this issue. Dr. Sandra Kimball gave a very informative presentation on blindness and diabetes. She talked about proper management of the disease. Many people said that they wished that she had had more time on the agenda.
Eric Duffy and Dr. Amy Doll concluded the afternoon session by discussing their work with the Wright State Research Institute and what they will be doing with transition-age students in southwest Ohio. This is a partnership between Wright State, Goodwill Easter Seals of Dayton, the Ohio State School for the Blind, and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. Eric served as master of ceremonies for the annual banquet. National Representative Ever Lee Hairston gave a very inspiring banquet address. Awards and scholarships were presented. See the articles elsewhere in this issue.
Sunday morning began with a leadership breakfast. This was an opportunity for chapter and affiliate leaders to get together to discuss ways to grow the organization at the local and state levels. The General Session began with a memorial service honoring those members of our Federation family who had died since the last convention. As they would expect us to do, we transitioned from sadness and reflection to carry on Federation business once we had honored and remembered those who we knew had passed on.
Gus White told us why he is a Federationist. Gus understands the importance of collective action and enjoys being a part of the Federation family. The following members were elected to the board of directors: Sheri Albers, Debbie Baker, Susan Day, Deborah Kendrick, Richard Payne, and William Turner. President Smith thanked Annette Anderson and Mary Pool for their many years of service on the board of directors. After the election Barbara Pierce and Paul Dressell had fun remembering and discussing the history of the organization. This included major changes that were made to the constitution during the early years of the Pierce administration.
During the Sunday session we also had a brief discussion of NFB-NEWSLINE, a report from the treasurer, and a discussion of education for blind children today. This was a convention characterized by energy, enthusiasm, and unity. The hotel and its staff were accommodating. Do what you can to be at our next convention, and perhaps you will learn why "jump, jump, jump," could be heard throughout the convention.
NFB of Ohio Awards for 2011
by Barb Fohl
Editor’s note: NFB of Ohio Second Vice President Barb Fohl chairs the affiliate’s awards committee. Here is her report of the 2011 awards presented at the banquet on November 5:
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio presents its awards both to honor the hard work and commitment of the recipients and to inspire the entire organization to embrace the NFB’s philosophy and rededicate ourselves to improving the lives of blind people across the state. The first award I presented at the 2011 banquet on Saturday evening, November 5, was the Chapter Gavel Award, given to a chapter that has done outstanding work in many areas of Federation activity. This year’s recipient gained in membership, boosting its rolls from twenty-two to thirty-three, which means that eleven new members joined. In describing how they promote the goals, philosophy, and activities of the NFB to their own members, they listed eight activities, which included maintaining phone and email contact with members to inform them about meetings and concerns and giving new members packets that contain information about the NFB and blindness as well as the Ohio resource list.
In discussing how they promoted NFB to the general public, they listed ten activities, which included an informational meeting at a local library. Six hundred invitations were sent by the Ohio Library for the Blind to Dayton area borrowers. Several speakers talked about blindness, services, and products. Several new members joined. The chapter had a technology banquet in December and distributed informational packets.