About the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio

More than five hundred thousand people in the United States are legally blind, and each year at least fifty thousand more will become blind. Studies show that, after AIDS and cancer, blindness is the medical condition people fear the most. When blindness strikes, many people turn to the National Federation of the Blind.

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is blind people providing peer support for one another. Blindness need not be a tragedy. We work together integrating blind people into society as equals and productive members. We do so by helping people outgrow their many misconceptions about blindness and by changing the laws affecting us.

The NFB of Ohio is one of the 52 state affiliates (including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) of the National Federation of the Blind--over 50,000 blind and interested sighted people. It is the voice of the blind, organized to speak for ourselves.

The NFB of Ohio parents of blind children division has given many parents the courage to hold the same hopes and expectations for their blind children as they have for their sighted ones. Blind children can meet other blind youngsters and competent blind adults. The NFB's magazine, Future Reflections, addresses the growth and development of healthy blind children.

The NFB awards scholarships to blind students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. We consider academic excellence and community service as well as financial need.

The NFB of Ohio white cane bank for blind youngsters provides white canes and replacement canes as the children grow.

NFB of Ohio Student Division share ideas and techniques for academic success and address important issues for blind students.

The NFB's Diabeties Action Network promotes the independence of blind diabetics. The Voice of the Diabetic, its magazine provides information on the methods to manage the disease independently, discusses current medical developments, and shows diabetics that they have options.

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio advocates for blind Ohioans who are not receiving services to or who have faced discrimination. We know about Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, rehabilitation, and library services.

NFB-NEWSLINE for the Blind, a nationwide service offering digitized newspaper accessed by telephone, is available to people who cannot read print. Currently more then two hundred and fifty newspapers from throughout the nation and two magazines are available. There are now fourteen Ohio papers that can be accessed here are a few The Columbus Dispatch, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Because NFB-NEWSLINE is a nationwide service blind people can now read newspapers from anywhere in the country at any time. The service is accessed by a toll-free number: 1-888-882-1629. To sign-up for this service by phone, or to get help using NFB-NEWSLINE call 1-866-391-0841.

The National Federation of the Blind sells white canes, Braille watches, talking clocks, Braille writing materials, and other aids and appliances to the blind at or below cost. We also research, develop, and evaluate new technical aids and appliances. Much important information for blind people is available in Braille and recorded formats.

The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio publishes a quarterly newsletter, the Buckeye Bulletin, and the NFB publishes the Braille Monitor, a monthly magazine in large print, Braille and on cassette. Subscriptions are available through our office. Kernel Books offer insight about blindness written by blind people gathered into brief paperbacks.

In the Cleveland area, the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio collects clothing, small household goods, and light furniture for resale at an area thrift store. The proceeds of this project help us to assist blind people across the state. To see about a pick up or for more information, call (216) 621-5566.

Your support of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, an independent non-profit corporation can help blind people today and those who will become blind tomorrow. Thank you. For more information about blindness or the NFB contact: