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More than five hundred thousand people in the United States are legally blind, and each year at least fifty thousand more will become blind. A 1988 Gallup pole reports that, after AIDS, Alzheimer’s,  and cancer, blindness is the medical condition (and certainly the disability) people fear  most. When blindness strikes, many people turn to the National Federation of the Blind.

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  can provide a free long white cane to any blind person who needs one. Go to www.nfb.org for details and to place an order.

The NFB of Ohio Student Division shares ideas and techniques for academic success and addresses important issues for blind students.

The NFB's Diabetes Action Network promotes the independence of blind diabetics. In July of 2009 a useful and inspirational book about managing both blindness and diabetes will be available. Its title is Bridging the Gap: Living with Blindness and Diabetes. The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio advocates for blind Ohioans who are not receiving services  or who have faced discrimination. We know about Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, rehabilitation, and library services.

NFB-NEWSLINE®

NEWSLINE, a nationwide service offering digitized newspaper accessed by telephone, is available to people who cannot read print. Currently more than two hundred and sixty newspapers from throughout the nation, AP and UPI wire stories, television listings,  and five magazines are available. Twenty-one Ohio papers can now be accessed. Here are the names of a few: the Columbus Dispatch, the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and the Dayton Daily News. 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 blind people 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 available in large print, in Braille, and on cassette, as well as by email. Free subscriptions are available through our office. Kernel Books (available in large print upon request or at nfb.org) offer insight about blindness in essays written by blind people and gathered into brief paperbacks.

In the Greater 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, in Greater Cleveland call (216) 621-5566. In the Columbus area call (614) 443-2113.

Your support of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio, an independent nonprofit corporation, can help blind people today and those who will become blind tomorrow. Thank you.

For more information about blindness or the NFB, contact:

J. Webster Smith, President

Post Office Box 458

Athens, Ohio 45701-0458

(740) 592-6326 or 1-800-396-6326.

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or Barbara Pierce, President Emerita

440-775-2216

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