2025-06-11T09:55:29-04:00 2024-12-31 472461346 WELLS CPA LLC 215 N FRONT ST STE 110 COLUMBUS OH 43215 990 2024-01-01 310989044 AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND OHIO CHAPTER AMER 6142613561 3805 N HIGH STREET SUITE 305 COLUMBUS OH 43214 MICHELLE SPILLAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 6142613561 2025-06-11 false DONALD WELLS P01867509 6143968974 2025-06-11 X 2024 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z MICHELLE SPILLAN 3805 N HIGH ST SUITE 305 COLUMBUS OH 43214 109566 false X WWW.ACBOHIO.ORG X 1979 OH TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE, FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED PEOPLE. 16 16 1 12 0 59343 80061 1867 3025 23400 26480 0 84610 109566 8104 6223 0 30233 47327 0 663 78857 39887 117194 93437 -32584 16129 1139956 1236097 0 1139956 1236097 X TO INCREASE THE INDEPENDENCE, SECURITY, EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE, FOR ALL BLIND AND VISUALLY-IMPAIRED PEOPLE. false false 14853 3025 CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION: ACB-OHIO HOLDS AN ANNUAL CONVENTION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION. IN RECENT YEARS WE'VE PARTNERED WITH A NEIGHBORING AFFILIATE, ACB-INDIANA. 2024, EIGHTY ATTENDEES (65 IN PERSON, 15 VIRTUAL) ATTENDED THE THREE-DAY EVENT IN INDIANAPOLIS ON OCTOBER 25-27. THE CONFERENCE FEATURED SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, SOCIAL EVENTS, SPEAKERS, A VENDOR HALL. OUR PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE, WHICH IS COMPRISED OF BOARD MEMBERS, METICULOUSLY PLANS ALL ASPECTS OF THE CONVENTION AND SEEKS SPONSORS TO DEFRAY COSTS. THE THEME WAS "TRANSFORMING ATTITUDES- AND SESSIONS INCLUDED TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR COOKING SAFELY, CONFIDENTLY AND INDEPENDENTLY IN SPITE OF VISION LOSS; LIVED EXPERIENCES TIPS FOR BECOMING INDEPENDENT IN ADULTHOOD AND BUILDING THE LIFE YOU WANT; DISABLED DISRESPECT; CONFLICT RESOLUTION; INDEPENDENT LIVING 101; EMERGING THERAPIES FOR INHERITED RETINAL DISEASES; AND OTHER TOPICS THAT HELP PEOPLE WITH BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION LIVE INDEPENDENT AND FULFILLING LIVES. A LARGE GROUP WENT TO THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, WHERE THEY EXPERIENCED HANDS-ON CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND SCIENTIFIC EXHIBITS FOR "KIDS" OF ALL AGES. AT THE BANQUET, WE PRESENTED FOUR AWARDS TO THOSE WHO WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO ADVANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OHIOANS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED. THE EVENING ENDED WITH A LIVELY FUNDRAISING AUCTION. 6223 6223 MATCHING GRANTS: THROUGH OUR MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM, ACB-OHIO PROVIDES HALF THE COST (UP TO 1,000) TO HELP OHIOANS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AFFORD ADAPTIVE/ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY, WHICH CAN BE QUITE COSTLY. IN 2024, ACB-OHIO AWARDED 11 GRANTS TOTALING OVER 6,000. ELEVEN INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED FUNDS TO HELP PAY TECHNOLOGY THAT HELPS THEM LIVE AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY, DEVICES THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD OTHERWISE. GRANTS HELPED RECIPIENTS BUY HIGH TECH, LOW TECH, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. DAVID GREEN, ONE OF OUR MEMBERS IN THE CLEVELAND CHAPTER RECEIVED 35 TO HELP BUY A TALKING WATCH-A SIMPLE, LOW-COST DEVICE THAT HELPED HIM STAY ON TRACK AS A BUSY SINGLE FATHER. GAYLE HORTON, A COLUMBUS CHAPTER MEMBER, RECEIVED 857 TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A CHAMELEON BRAILLE DISPLAY/NOTETAKER. OTHER GRANTS HELPED PAY FOR HIGH POWERED MAGNIFIERS, META GLASSES, A DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER, AND A SMARTVISION CELL PHONE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUAL LIMITATIONS. ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT. 1920 ADVOCACY: EACH SPRING, A SMALL GROUP OF ACBO MEMBERS VISIT WASHINGTON, DC, FOR A DAY-LONG LEADERSHIP SEMINAR, FOLLOWED BY A DAY-LONG LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, DURING WHICH THEY LEARN ABOUT PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD IMPACT THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION. THE THIRD DAY, THE GROUP GOES TO CAPITOL HILL TO ADVOCATE FOR THESE MEASURES, TALKING WITH REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR STAFF ABOUT THESE ISSUES. SIX OF OUR MEMBERS WENT TO WASHINGTON, DC IN 2024, AND ADVOCATED FOR EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL, IMPLORING REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT BILLS FOR WEB AND SOFTWARE ACCESSIBILITY, EXPANDED AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON TV AND STREAMING PLATFORMS, MORE EQUITABLE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID STANDARDS, ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AND AN FAA MANDATES THAT MAKE AIR TRAVEL EASIER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. 52654 AWARDS: ACB-OHIO OFFERS AWARDS TO HONOR OHIO INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WHO HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND COMMUNITY. IN 2024 THE ORGANIZATION PRESENTED FOUR AWARDS: THE RUTH DAVIDSON AWARD TO HEATHER GREMINGER, AN INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYST AT MARRIOTT WHO GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE THEIR RESERVATION SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE TO BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED EMPLOYEES; THE CLOVERNOOK CENTER FOR THE BLIND IN CINCINNATI RECEIVED OUR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; VOICECORPS RADIO READING SERVICE WAS HONORED WITH OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD; AND LEE TUCKER RECEIVED THE AMBASSADOR AWARD FOR HIS YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE COLUMBUS CHAPTER. NEWSLETTER: OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER, THE OHIO CONNECTION, GOES TO ALL NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS AND TO MANY OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OUR WORK. OUR NEWSLETTER CONTAINS ARTICLES ABOUT ADVOCACY, UPCOMING EVENTS, MEMBER PROFILES, AND ARTICLES THAT PEOPLE SUBMIT ABOUT A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS, INCLUDING ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY, TRAVEL, BOARD ELECTIONS, LEGISLATIVE IMPERATIVES, AND BIOS OF AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS. WE PROVIDE COPIES IN LARGE PRINT, BY E-MAIL, AND EACH ISSUE IS ON NFB NEWSLINE, AN AUDIO READING SERVICE ACCESSIBLE BY PHONE. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE, AS WELL AS ARCHIVES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS, CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITE. VOICECORPS PROGRAM: FOR YEARS, ACB-OHIO HAS HAD A MONTHLY SHOW ON VOICECORPS READING SERVICE. EACH SHOW IS HOSTED BY OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND FEATURES GUESTS WHO TALK ABOUT TOPICS OF INTEREST TO PEOPLE IN THE BLINDNESS/LOW VISION COMMUNITY. IN 2024 GUESTS INCLUDED TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS, PRODUCT VENDORS, LEADERS FROM ACB'S NATIONAL OFFICE AND OTHER AFFILIATES. IT ENABLES US TO SHARE WHAT ACB-OHIO IS DOING, KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED, AND BRING AWARENESS TO STATE AND NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES. SPORTS AND RECREATION: SOCIAL INTERACTION AND EXERCISE ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT TO PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. ACB-OHIO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO GET PEOPLE MOVING AND FIGHT THE ISOLATION AND STRESS OF LIVING WITHOUT VISION IN A SIGHT-CENTRIC WORLD. IN 2024, THE RECREATION COMMITTEE PLANNED A FALLFEST RETREAT WEEKEND IN WOOSTER, OHIO. MEMBERS FROM AROUND OHIO ENJOYED A STREET FAIR WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, VENDORS, FOOD, AND ACTIVITIES; FISHING AND HIKING AT CLEAR CREEK PARK AND THE IZAAK WALTON NATURE PRESERVE, RELAXING WITH ACCESSIBLE GAMES IN THE HOSPITALITY ROOM, AND LIVELY DINNERS AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS. THE WOOSTER NOON LIONS PARTNERED WITH US, FUNDRAISING AND SERVING AS SIGHTED GUIDES. SCHOLARSHIPS: ACB-OHIO OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN OHIO AND THOSE WHOSE PROGRAM OF STUDY BENEFITS THE BVI COMMUNITY, SUCH AS VISION REHABILITATION THERAPISTS AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALISTS. OUR 1000 FRIENDS OF FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS AND ENTERING FRESHMAN WHO IS BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND IS FROM OHIO OR ATTENDING A SCHOOL IN OHIO. OUR ACB-OHIO SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDE UP TO 5,000 FOR STUDENTS IN 2- OR 4-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, OR OTHER POSTSECONDARY STUDY, SUCH AS CONTINUING EDUCATION, TRADE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, SPECIAL CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE. ACB-OHIO ALSO HAS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AT THREE UNIVERSITIES IN OHIO: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, AND WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY. WE ALSO INCLUDE THOSE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, CHOSEN BY THE UNIVERSITIES, IN OUR RECOGNITION CEREMONY. OUTREACH AND REFERRAL: OUR OFFICE RECEIVES AROUND 15 TO 20 CALLS AND EMAILS A WEEK FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING BLINDNESS AND VISION LOSS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL, REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER NONPROFITS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WE DIRECT THEM TO RESOURCES IN OHIO, AND PROVIDE CONTACTS, ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND OFFER SUPPORT. 52654 75650 true true false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false false true 0 0 1 true false false false false false false false false false false false false false false X 16 16 true false false false false false false true true false true true true true true true true true true true false X X MICHELLE SPILLAN 6142613561 3805 N HIGH ST SUITE 305 COLUMBUS OH 43214 MICHELLE SPILLAN EXECUTIVE DI 40.00 X 43000 0 0 KATIE FREDERICK PRESIDENT 20.00 X X 0 0 0 BRANT ADAMS VICE PRESIDE 3.00 X X 0 0 0 RACHEL DENSMORE VICE PRESIDE 20.00 X X 0 0 0 ALEX DENSMORE SECRETARY 2.00 X X 0 0 0 LYNN POWERS TREASURER 5.00 X X 0 0 0 VICKY PRAHIN FORMER PRESI 3.00 X 0 0 0 MALAINA VANDERWAL MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 CALEB MCKINSEY MEMBER 3.00 X 0 0 0 ANDRE WEBB MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 SHAWN THIEL MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 MOLLY MARCINICK MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 TONYA ADAMS MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 CATHERINE BISTER MEMBER 1.50 X 0 0 0 KATE MORSE MEMBER 2.00 X 0 0 0 JANAE MILLER MEMBER 10.00 X 0 0 0 KELSEY NICOLAY MEMBER 1.50 X 0 0 0 NIRAL SHETH MEMBER 1.00 X 0 0 0 43000 false false false 3185 2746 74130 14 80061 STATE CONVENTION 900099 3025 3025 3025 26480 26480 2746 109566 29505 6223 6223 43000 38700 4300 4327 3894 433 5740 5740 3421 3421 2715 2172 543 23 23 4500 3600 900 14853 14853 5331 4265 1066 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 1920 1920 MISCELLANEOUS 721 721 FUNDRAISING EXPENSE 663 663 93437 75650 17124 663 33068 27227 11252 32654 1095636 1176216 1139956 1236097 0 0 X 1122849 1231989 17107 4108 1139956 1236097 1139956 1236097 X 16129 141042 -470 -60560 X false false false X 10967 62650 64169 59343 80060 277189 7910 3093 188 1866 3025 16082 18877 65743 64357 61209 83085 293271 2420 7505 9925 2420 7505 9925 283346 20718 20413 21199 23401 26480 112211 20718 20413 21199 23401 26480 112211 39595 86156 85556 84610 109565 405482 0.69880 0.67490 0.28000 0.32000 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN ASSETS 1176216 F 1176216 false MATCHING GRANTS 11 6223 FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION: ACB-OHIO HOLDS AN ANNUAL CONVENTION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR HAVE LOW VISION. IN RECENT YEARS WE'VE PARTNERED WITH A NEIGHBORING AFFILIATE, ACB-INDIANA. 2024, EIGHTY ATTENDEES (65 IN PERSON, 15 VIRTUAL) ATTENDED THE THREE-DAY EVENT IN INDIANAPOLIS ON OCTOBER 25-27. THE CONFERENCE FEATURED SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, SOCIAL EVENTS, SPEAKERS, A VENDOR HALL. OUR PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE, WHICH IS COMPRISED OF BOARD MEMBERS, METICULOUSLY PLANS ALL ASPECTS OF THE CONVENTION AND SEEKS SPONSORS TO DEFRAY COSTS. THE THEME WAS "TRANSFORMING ATTITUDES- AND SESSIONS INCLUDED TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR COOKING SAFELY, CONFIDENTLY AND INDEPENDENTLY IN SPITE OF VISION LOSS; LIVED EXPERIENCES TIPS FOR BECOMING INDEPENDENT IN ADULTHOOD AND BUILDING THE LIFE YOU WANT; DISABLED DISRESPECT; CONFLICT RESOLUTION; INDEPENDENT LIVING 101; EMERGING THERAPIES FOR INHERITED RETINAL DISEASES; AND OTHER TOPICS THAT HELP PEOPLE WITH BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION LIVE INDEPENDENT AND FULFILLING LIVES. A LARGE GROUP WENT TO THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, WHERE THEY EXPERIENCED HANDS-ON CULTURAL, HISTORICAL, AND SCIENTIFIC EXHIBITS FOR "KIDS" OF ALL AGES. AT THE BANQUET, WE PRESENTED FOUR AWARDS TO THOSE WHO WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO ADVANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OHIOANS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED. THE EVENING ENDED WITH A LIVELY FUNDRAISING AUCTION. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4B MATCHING GRANTS: THROUGH OUR MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM, ACB-OHIO PROVIDES HALF THE COST (UP TO 1,000) TO HELP OHIOANS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AFFORD ADAPTIVE/ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY, WHICH CAN BE QUITE COSTLY. IN 2024, ACB-OHIO AWARDED 11 GRANTS TOTALING OVER 6,000. ELEVEN INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED FUNDS TO HELP PAY TECHNOLOGY THAT HELPS THEM LIVE AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY, DEVICES THAT THEY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD OTHERWISE. GRANTS HELPED RECIPIENTS BUY HIGH TECH, LOW TECH, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. DAVID GREEN, ONE OF OUR MEMBERS IN THE CLEVELAND CHAPTER RECEIVED 35 TO HELP BUY A TALKING WATCH-A SIMPLE, LOW-COST DEVICE THAT HELPED HIM STAY ON TRACK AS A BUSY SINGLE FATHER. GAYLE HORTON, A COLUMBUS CHAPTER MEMBER, RECEIVED 857 TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A CHAMELEON BRAILLE DISPLAY/NOTETAKER. OTHER GRANTS HELPED PAY FOR HIGH POWERED MAGNIFIERS, META GLASSES, A DIGITAL MEDIA PLAYER, AND A SMARTVISION CELL PHONE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WITH VISUAL LIMITATIONS. ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4C ADVOCACY: EACH SPRING, A SMALL GROUP OF ACBO MEMBERS VISIT WASHINGTON, DC, FOR A DAY-LONG LEADERSHIP SEMINAR, FOLLOWED BY A DAY-LONG LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, DURING WHICH THEY LEARN ABOUT PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD IMPACT THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH BLINDNESS AND LOW VISION. THE THIRD DAY, THE GROUP GOES TO CAPITOL HILL TO ADVOCATE FOR THESE MEASURES, TALKING WITH REPRESENTATIVES AND THEIR STAFF ABOUT THESE ISSUES. SIX OF OUR MEMBERS WENT TO WASHINGTON, DC IN 2024, AND ADVOCATED FOR EQUAL RIGHTS AND EQUAL ACCESS FOR ALL, IMPLORING REPRESENTATIVES TO SUPPORT BILLS FOR WEB AND SOFTWARE ACCESSIBILITY, EXPANDED AUDIO DESCRIPTION ON TV AND STREAMING PLATFORMS, MORE EQUITABLE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID STANDARDS, ACCESSIBLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, AND AN FAA MANDATES THAT MAKE AIR TRAVEL EASIER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4D AWARDS: ACB-OHIO OFFERS AWARDS TO HONOR OHIO INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS WHO HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND COMMUNITY. IN 2024 THE ORGANIZATION PRESENTED FOUR AWARDS: THE RUTH DAVIDSON AWARD TO HEATHER GREMINGER, AN INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYST AT MARRIOTT WHO GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE THEIR RESERVATION SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE TO BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED EMPLOYEES; THE CLOVERNOOK CENTER FOR THE BLIND IN CINCINNATI RECEIVED OUR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD; VOICECORPS RADIO READING SERVICE WAS HONORED WITH OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD; AND LEE TUCKER RECEIVED THE AMBASSADOR AWARD FOR HIS YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE COLUMBUS CHAPTER. NEWSLETTER: OUR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER, THE OHIO CONNECTION, GOES TO ALL NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS AND TO MANY OTHERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN OUR WORK. OUR NEWSLETTER CONTAINS ARTICLES ABOUT ADVOCACY, UPCOMING EVENTS, MEMBER PROFILES, AND ARTICLES THAT PEOPLE SUBMIT ABOUT A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS, INCLUDING ACCESSIBLE TECHNOLOGY, TRAVEL, BOARD ELECTIONS, LEGISLATIVE IMPERATIVES, AND BIOS OF AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS. WE PROVIDE COPIES IN LARGE PRINT, BY E-MAIL, AND EACH ISSUE IS ON NFB NEWSLINE, AN AUDIO READING SERVICE ACCESSIBLE BY PHONE. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE, AS WELL AS ARCHIVES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS, CAN BE FOUND ON THE WEBSITE. VOICECORPS PROGRAM: FOR YEARS, ACB-OHIO HAS HAD A MONTHLY SHOW ON VOICECORPS READING SERVICE. EACH SHOW IS HOSTED BY OUR BOARD MEMBERS AND FEATURES GUESTS WHO TALK ABOUT TOPICS OF INTEREST TO PEOPLE IN THE BLINDNESS/LOW VISION COMMUNITY. IN 2024 GUESTS INCLUDED TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS, PRODUCT VENDORS, LEADERS FROM ACB'S NATIONAL OFFICE AND OTHER AFFILIATES. IT ENABLES US TO SHARE WHAT ACB-OHIO IS DOING, KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED, AND BRING AWARENESS TO STATE AND NATIONAL PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES. SPORTS AND RECREATION: SOCIAL INTERACTION AND EXERCISE ARE VITALLY IMPORTANT TO PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH. ACB-OHIO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TO GET PEOPLE MOVING AND FIGHT THE ISOLATION AND STRESS OF LIVING WITHOUT VISION IN A SIGHT-CENTRIC WORLD. IN 2024, THE RECREATION COMMITTEE PLANNED A FALLFEST RETREAT WEEKEND IN WOOSTER, OHIO. MEMBERS FROM AROUND OHIO ENJOYED A STREET FAIR WITH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, VENDORS, FOOD, AND ACTIVITIES; FISHING AND HIKING AT CLEAR CREEK PARK AND THE IZAAK WALTON NATURE PRESERVE, RELAXING WITH ACCESSIBLE GAMES IN THE HOSPITALITY ROOM, AND LIVELY DINNERS AT LOCAL RESTAURANTS. THE WOOSTER NOON LIONS PARTNERED WITH US, FUNDRAISING AND SERVING AS SIGHTED GUIDES. SCHOLARSHIPS: ACB-OHIO OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED IN OHIO AND THOSE WHOSE PROGRAM OF STUDY BENEFITS THE BVI COMMUNITY, SUCH AS VISION REHABILITATION THERAPISTS AND ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY SPECIALISTS. OUR 1000 FRIENDS OF FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTS AND ENTERING FRESHMAN WHO IS BLIND/VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND IS FROM OHIO OR ATTENDING A SCHOOL IN OHIO. OUR ACB-OHIO SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDE UP TO 5,000 FOR STUDENTS IN 2- OR 4-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS, OR OTHER POSTSECONDARY STUDY, SUCH AS CONTINUING EDUCATION, TRADE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, SPECIAL CERTIFICATION, OR LICENSURE. ACB-OHIO ALSO HAS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AT THREE UNIVERSITIES IN OHIO: THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, AND WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY. WE ALSO INCLUDE THOSE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, CHOSEN BY THE UNIVERSITIES, IN OUR RECOGNITION CEREMONY. OUTREACH AND REFERRAL: OUR OFFICE RECEIVES AROUND 15 TO 20 CALLS AND EMAILS A WEEK FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING BLINDNESS AND VISION LOSS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL, REPRESENTATIVES OF OTHER NONPROFITS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC. WE DIRECT THEM TO RESOURCES IN OHIO, AND PROVIDE CONTACTS, ANSWER QUESTIONS, AND OFFER SUPPORT. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 2 BRANT ADAMS TONYA ADAMS VP 1 DIRECTOR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP RACHEL DENSMORE ALEX DENSMORE VP 2 SECRETARY FAMILY RELATIONSHIP FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B THE 990 IS PROVIDED TO THE BOARD FOR REVIEW AND APPROVAL PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE IRS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C ALL BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE CONFLICT-OF-INTEREST STATEMENT. THIS POLICY WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE BOARD ANNUALLY AND GIVEN TO EACH NEW BOARD MEMBER FOR SIGNATURE DURING ORIENTATION. BOARD MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ALERT FOR AND AVOID SITUATIONS THAT MIGHT BE CONSTRUED AS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. ANY POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST SHOULD BE DISCLOSED AND MADE A MATTER OF RECORD, EITHER THROUGH AN ANNUAL PROCEDURE OR WHEN THE INTEREST BECOMES A MATTER OF BOARD ACTION. ANY BOARD MEMBER HAVING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST OR POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DOES NOT VOTE OR USE THEIR PERSONAL INFLUENCE ON THE MATTER, AND THEY ARE NOT COUNTED AS PART OF THE QUORUM FOR THE MEETING. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A THE ORGANIZATION'S BOARD ANNUALLY REVIEWS AND APPROVES ALL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS, INCLUDING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND ANY OTHER EMPLOYEES. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15B OFFICERS ARE NOT COMPENSATED. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC EITHER UPON REQUEST AT THE ORGANIZATION'S OFFICE OR VIA THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE ACBOHIO.ORG. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9 ADJUSTMENTS TO REVENUE FOR THE PRIOR YEAR WERE MADE TO APPROPRIATELY REFLECT CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION IN THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.