National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
78th Annual State Convention
November 14, 15, 16, and 17, 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cleveland-Westlake
1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145
(800) 445-8667
Richard Payne, Affiliate President
Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator
Shawn Callaway, National Representative
Hosted by the Cuyahoga and Cleveland Chapters
Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio’s 78th Annual State Convention. Our theme “Unleashing Potential: Empowering Through Leadership,” reflects the knowledge that our members are the power behind the nation’s oldest and largest blind people’s movement.
As a founding affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, we have a strong legacy of working together as a community in order to protect and advocate for our civil rights as blind people from its very beginning.
Through our vast network of blind members and friends, we coordinate programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind people, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates unlimited opportunities.
We believe in the ability of blind people to organize and advocate on our own behalf and reflect this belief from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.
We respect and are inclusive of blind people of all backgrounds and abilities. It is our uniqueness as individuals and our collective dedication to our mission as blind people that is at the core of our strength as an organization.
Working together, we are an unstoppable force in our pursuit of civil rights for the blind in Ohio and beyond.
The Belief Message
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.
NFB Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.
Code of Conduct
The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention is a family friendly event. We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment dedicated to positive experiences for blind people. We hold ourselves and our attendees to strict adherence to the National Federation of the Blind Code of Conduct found at:
https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/code-conduct/code
Privacy Notice
“This is a public event. You may be filmed on video or captured in photos that may be published in media outlets, including Twitter, Facebook, or other social media sites. Some sessions and activities at the 2024 National Federation of the Blind of Ohio State Convention may be photographed or videotaped. By participating in the State Convention, registrants agree that The National Federation of the Blind of Ohio has the right to use their image, likeness and/or voice or sound recording taken in connection to the State Convention in all Media.”
Convention Arrangements
If you have any questions about convention arrangements, contact Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator, at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
Reserve Your Room Now!
The DoubleTree by Hilton Cleveland Westlake Hotel address is 1100 Crocker Road, Cleveland Westlake, Ohio 44145. You can make reservations by calling (800) 445-8667. Individuals must identify themselves as being with the group, The National Federation of the Blind, at the time the reservation is made in order to receive the special group rate. The room rates are only $105.00, taxes are 17.5%, which includes breakfast for 2 occupants per room. Breakfast is from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. In the Sanctuary Restaurant. The last date to reserve a room is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The good news is that when you make your reservations, funds are not deducted from your credit card until you arrive at the hotel.
Online Pre-Registration and Hotel Registration
Online Pre-Registration is open until November 4, 2024 at 11:59 AM. You can go to: NFBOHIO.ORG/Convention and complete the process. Pre-Registration is $25.00, and the Banquet is $55.00. Note: After November 4th at 11:59 AM. In-person Registration is $30.00, and the Banquet is $60.00.
Hotel Pre-Registration packet pick-up and convention registration will take place in the Pre-Function Area outside the Ball Rooms. Those who have completed their registration prior to convention will form a line at the Pre-Registration Table for a speedy process. Visit the Registration Table to register for convention, or to purchase additional tickets to events. Both tables will be open for two shifts on November 15 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM. We look forward to helping you register as quickly as possible so you can be on your way to enjoying a great weekend of events. For more information about registration, please contact Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
NFB Literature
NFB literature will be available throughout the convention next to the registration area. Feel free to take as much as you like; and share it with your friends and family.
Annual Auction
Help our affiliate to continue its legacy of advocacy by and for the blind by bringing your positive energy and generously giving in support of a great cause during our annual auction held at the Banquet on Saturday evening.
It promises to be fun for the entire family with many valuable items up for bid. Our chapters, divisions, and many friends contribute a wide range of items including electronics, gift certificates, food baskets, and more.
Please contact Annette Lutz at (614) 288-4323 to make plans to get auction items to her immediately upon arrival at the hotel. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Door Prizes
Door prizes will be drawn periodically throughout convention sessions on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and during our banquet. To be eligible to win a door prize, you must be registered for the convention and present in the meeting space when your name is called. All donated items should be labeled clearly in print and Braille with the donor's name, the amount of the gift, and the type of gift being contributed. Deliver prizes directly to Annette Lutz or leave them with a representative at the Convention Registration table along with its print/Braille label.
Hospitality
You are invited to the hospitality suites during the hours of 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Fri, Nov 15, for snacks and beverages. Ohio affiliate members will be on hand to greet attendees. The location will be in the relaxing Club Room on the second floor of the hotel! Do not mis delicious treats, great conversations, and mingling with old and new friends.
Exhibit Hall
Whether you are an information seeker or a new gadget shopper, you will find everything that you need to help you live the life you want at the 2024 Exhibit Hall. Visit Exhibit Hall on the Conference Level, (Rooms A/B and C/D Rooms), which is located on the third floor, Saturday, November 16 from Noon until 4:30 PM. Explore the latest technology and to get answers to the questions that race through your mind about employment, healthcare, services for the blind, and so much more.
For questions, please reach out to Suzanne Turner, Convention Arrangements Coordinator at (216) 990-6199 or SMTurner.234@gmail.com.
Guide Dogs
For your convenience, At the end of the Banquet Hall (closest to the Dover Room) There is two exits that will take you to the parking lot, and off to the left are some grassy areas for any pups that need to take a break. For assistance, with any guide dog issues please contact, Luann Bowers, OAGDU Division President at (419) 822-6828 or by email: luannbowers4@gmail.com
Dream Makers Circle
You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle (DMC). It is easier than you think. You can visit your bank and convert an account to a P.O.D. (payable on death) bank account, which is payable after your passing to the National Federation of the Blind or one of our affiliates. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of {insert state} can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list the NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at 410-659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang@nfb.org.
Vehicle Donations
The National Federation of the Blind uses car donations to improve the education of blind children, distribute free white canes, help veterans, and so much more. We have partnered with Vehicles for Charity to process donated vehicles. Please call toll-free 855-659-9314, and a representative can make arrangements, or you can donate online by visiting https://nfb.org/vehicledonations.
Pre-Authorized Contributions
Can you help the National Federation of the Blind on a regular basis? Please consider joining our pre-authorized contribution (PAC) plan. Starting at $5 monthly, you can help us turn dreams into reality and raise expectations. Call 877-632-2722, visit: https://nfb.org/pac to fill out the online form, or email pac@nfb.org for additional information.
You can leave a legacy through planned giving. Please consider including us in your estate planning. It is easier than you think. We are so grateful for all you do.
Meet National Representative, Shawn Callaway
Shawn Callaway is a locally acclaimed disabilities advocate, motivational community leader, and currently a Program Specialist for the United States Department of Health and Human Services. For more than 23 years, he has leveraged his own experience, professional career, and personal time toward helping others to overcome obstacles that are highly attributed to the attitudes, misconceptions, and perceptions of what it means to a person with disabilities. In his current position as a Program Specialist, Shawn manages grant programs that focus on establishing innovative opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Shawn has also dedicated a portion of his professional career as a Social Worker, currently for the Columbia Light House for the Blind, and previously for the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) and the Catholic Communities non-profit organization. In these roles, Shawn worked with consumers struggling with a variety of conditions related to vision loss, mental health, or addiction. He facilitated peer support groups and helped them gain access to resources to assist them in having the best quality of life.
Shawn is familiar with having unexpected circumstances and life-altering events that impacted his life moving forward. After graduating from high school, Shawn planned to obtain a BA degree from South Carolina State University. Unfortunately, in 1991 Shawn was involved in an accident that caused him to become permanently blind. But Shawn did not allow his circumstances to hold him back. A few years after the accident, he entered the Workforce Technology Center (WTC) in Baltimore, MD and obtained independent living skills, assistive technology training, and Braille reading training. His efforts at WTC became the catalyst to propel Shawn forward in pursuing higher education degrees including his associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s, as well as his licensure in Graduate Social Work.
In 2011, Shawn was elected President of the National Federation of the Blind of the District of Columbia and in 2016 he was elected to the NFB National Board of Directors. Shawn is inspired by the NFB’s mantra “You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.” This quote has motivated Shawn to continue his efforts in helping others live the lives they want to, in upholding multiple leadership positions and affiliations to give back to his community. Within the NFB Shawn is Chairman of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, President of the National Organization of Blind Black Leaders, and Chairman of the Blind Greek and Masonic Group. He has served as Chairman of the DC State Rehabilitation Council and as previous Boards for the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and the D.C. Center for Independent Living. Shawn is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and the Fort Stevens Lion’s Club. In addition, Shawn’s influence can be heard on Takoma Radio 94.3 airing every first and third Monday of each month. Shawn is a co-host of the radio show titled “Open Our Eyes” which focuses on the inclusion of persons with disabilities within our society. In 2016, Shawn received a citation from U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, for his leadership in bringing awareness to the needs of the blind community regarding employment. Shawn currently resides in Washington, D.C. with his lovely wife of 18 years Latonya Callaway, raising their 9-year-old daughter, Camille.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS:
Licensure: Licensed Graduate Social Worker
A.A. in Psychology I Essex Community College I 1995
B.A. in Psychology I University of Maryland College Park I 1997
M.S.W. in Social Work I Catholic University of America I 2000