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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Below are the October chapter minutes. They are also attached. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>CLARK COUNTY CHAPTER MEETING MINUTES<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>OCTOBER 11, 2025<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Meeting called to order on Saturday October 11 2025 at 10:06 AM PDT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Persons present: President Chris Higley: Don Mitchell, chapter secretary: Bob Sellers: Song Downen, board member: Beth Greenberg: Betty Fitzpatrick: Norm Larkin: Tina: Kaye Kipp: Patricia Maddix: Corey Grandstaff:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•The published minutes were presented for approval: Betty Fitzpatrick moved acceptance and seconded by Kaye Kipp. The minutes were approved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•In the absents of Doug Trimble, chapter treasurer, <a name="_Hlk213232786">President Chris Higley </a>presented the October treasurers report. Current balance $3057.88. A review of income and expenditures was given. Bob Sellers moved acceptance of the treasurers report and Betty Fitzpatrick seconded. Some discussion followed clarifying amounts presented in the report. The treasurers report was approved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•In the absents of Doug Trimble President Chris Higley conducted a discussion of the fund raising committee activities. She asked if there was any follow up to the June fund raising concert. Don Mitchell said that he would like to see us investigate better publicity of the event so we might fill the Fries Auditorium. Get advice from people who are more experienced and in a position to promote the event with better visibility. The group thanked the groups “three Together” and “Wishful Thinking” for their performances. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Patricia Maddix said that she felt things went quite well. Cory Grandstaff said that we had 48 or 49 persons attending. Kaye Kipp suggested that we need to have more people to help with setup to try and make it less hectic. Don asked, again, if the event could be held on a day other than Sunday? Response to the question was that Sunday may be the best day for Seller 55. The secretary was directed to send a thank you letter to Michelle at Seller 55 via email. A discussion of the music performance took place. People liked the music, but it was too loud in side. Some people moved outside because they could not visit over the music. The music must be at a background volume level. It was suggested that the music be outside where it has been in the past. The group complemented Chris for her MC work. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Cory Grandstaff presented a chapter engagement report. He thanked Chris for her work on the scavenger hunt at the Washington State School for the Blind. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Our next event is a karaoke night in January. We need to develop a group of people to support this event. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•We are still working to get another meeting with Maria Perez to continue a dialog on our legislative goals. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•There is going to be a white cane event on October 15 at 9:00 AM. The city will be presenting a white cane proclamation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Our chapter holiday party will be held at the Pizza Hut on Milplane at 11:00 AM on December 13. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•The committee has instigated a social gathering after our meetings. Today it will be at Blind Onion Pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>• Ryan Palm has agreed to do reminder calls for our meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•The committee is working to include activities in our meetings to make them more interesting for both new members and our regular attendees. Today we will have a Medda Glasses demonstration. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Bob Sellers suggested that the chapter develop a video to present to hospital workers to educate them on how to work with blind patients. The group suggested developing a live presentation because the cost and technical challenges to making a video are somewhat daunting. It is obvious that the hospital workers need some sensitivity training where blind patients are concerned. Cory suggested the courtesy <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>rules of blindness be a starting point.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•The past July convention was discussed. The next 5 years convention locations were announced. 2026-27 Austin Texas:2028-29 Chicago: 2030 Fenix Arizona.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•State convention this year is in Seattle Seatack February 26-March 1. Financial assistance will be available soon. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•The Waymo taxi service will be at state convention. Waymo is a driverless taxi service. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Chris gave a review of our last summer Bell Acadmy program. We had 8 partisipents. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Kay Kipp presented a philosophy discussion: Her topic was the; use of labels to describe blind persons such as “visually impaired” “sight impaired” Visually handicapped” ETC. We determined that the NFB has passed resolutions on the subject. Many were apposed to labels that contain the word impaired because it may reinforce the idea that the blind are limited by their blindness. The federation prefers the words blind and low vision.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Chris conducted a “chapter chat” This is a time for members to bring up questions or problems they are facing. Don asked: How do I learn what the message “has alert” in regards to text messages?” Cory explained that that often means the text was not sent. The solution is to go in to your messages and look through them and you may find a message that says the message was not sent. If this is so there may be a “re-send button” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Song brought up the use of imogeys when sending or receiving texts. An interesting discussion followed. Some imogeys are tagged so that they will be described by voiceover. There is a website that explains and describes many of the common imogeys. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•Kaye asked if there is a way to respond to only one person who is a member of a group chat. The answer is no, not with the native iPhone app. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•A general discussion of smart glasses took place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>•In future chapter chats you may send questions to any board member if you would like them to be discussed. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Cory Grandstaff presented a demonstration of the Medda smart glasses. He explained how to do the setup when you are a beginner and some of the tasks they can perform. The glasses have a little demo they present when you start to familiarize you with the glasses. If you leave your Bluetooth environment and move into cell towers: If the cell service is bad the glasses will not work well. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Following the demonstration the motion was made to close the meeting and the meeting was adjourned. Presidential release number 553 for October was played. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Addendum:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you letter to Michelle at Seller 55:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>National Federation of the Blind of Clark County<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>218 St Louis Way<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vancouver, Washington 98664<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Seller 55<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>1812 Washington St<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Vancouver, Washington<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Dear Michelle: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>The NFB of Clark County wishes to thank you for your kind and generous assistants in helping us conduct our annual fund raising event at Seller 55. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Over the years people have enjoyed your facility and have found you to be welcoming and generous with your services. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Thank you, so very much, for making your venue available to us for these many years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Don Mitchell, Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:Donmi1949@gmail.com">Donmi1949@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>360.281.0187<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Resolution concerning labels used to describe blindness:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>RESOLUTION 2024-21: Regarding Calling Upon the News Media to Use the Word “Blind”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, blind people are held back by a common set of misconceptions about being blind, low expectations for blind people, and barriers resulting from a lack of equal access to information and public services; and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, since 1940 the National Federation of the Blind has used the word “blind” as an inclusive term with a functional definition that encompasses individuals with varying degrees of blindness, but who have in common the need to use nonvisual tools and techniques, some or all of the time, in order to learn, work, play, and otherwise live the lives we want; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, throughout our history, we have rejected the tendency of society to treat the word “blind” as a word to be avoided; and <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, for example, in 1993, our convention affirmed in Resolution 1993-01 that “We believe that it is respectable to be blind, and although we have no particular pride in the fact of our blindness, neither do we have any shame in it. To the extent that euphemisms are used to convey any other concept or image, we deplore such use”; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, because of our belief in the normality and capacity of blind people, we reject the idea that eyesight or vision is a requirement for success, and believe that vision-centered language focuses on what we are perceived to lack, a negative framing of blindness, rather than on our fundamental normality as people who share a characteristic that, while it does not define us, is a positive part of who we are; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, increasingly other groups of people with disabilities and the wider society have embraced the idea that “blind” and other words describing disabilities are not words to be avoided, but positive indicators of identity; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, a common euphemism for the word blind is the phrase “visually impaired,” or variants thereof, which is an example of vision-centered language that portrays us as broken because of our lack of eyesight; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, the news media, in all its forms and to varying degrees, uses words to inform and shape the perceptions of those who consume it; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, the phrase “visually impaired” continues to be used by many media outlets to describe blind people, even in stories about individuals who embrace their identity as blind people and which purport to be positive and affirming: Now, therefore,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this seventh day of July, 2024, in the City of Orlando, Florida, that we call upon all of the major broadcast, print, and digital news outlets, services, and other entities that influence the language used throughout the American news media to stop using the term “visually impaired” to describe blind people, and to instead use the word “blind” in the way that those of us who have the authentic lived experience of blindness use it; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon all of these entities to consult with the National Federation of the Blind as they review and revise their guidance to journalists, editors, and producers, and otherwise make decisions about the language they use in describing and characterizing blindness and blind people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>RESOLUTION 2024-22 - Regarding the use of the term "visually impaired" when referring to blind people with some vision<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, language plays a crucial role in shaping society's perceptions and understanding of different perspectives and aspects of life; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, accurate terminology is an essential factor in the creation of a climate which fosters respect and inclusivity for everyone, including the blind; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, at its 1993 convention, the National Federation of the Blind unanimously adopted Resolution 93-01, which says in relevant part, “…the word blind accurately and clearly describes the condition of being unable to see, as well as the condition of having such limited eyesight that alternative techniques are required to do efficiently the ordinary tasks of daily living that are performed visually by those having good eyesight…”; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, this resolution clearly declares that the word "blind" is meant to include people with poor vision or no vision and does not circumvent the use of a word which, in other circles, is either avoided altogether or combined with other terms such as "visually impaired," "visually challenged," “sight challenged” or "hard of seeing,"--euphemisms which are thought to be more acceptable and less off-putting to the broader community; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, the term "visually impaired" (often combined with the word "blind" as in Blind and Visually Impaired) is used by many programs and agencies serving the blind as an attempt to clarify that their services are available to individuals with limited or no eyesight and not just to individuals who are totally blind; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, the word "impaired" when combined with the word "vision" or "visual" implies a sense of deficiency and inferiority and perpetuates the incorrect notion that people who have lost part or all of their eyesight are automatically less capable or limited in their abilities as compared to people with normal eyesight; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, when referring to a group of people comprised of individuals with varying degrees of sight--from total blindness to legal blindness to significant vision loss--the term "blind and low vision" is a more accurate and positive description in that it correctly indicates less-than-20 20 vision without connoting the negative assumptions and stereotypes that have too often been associated with the blind; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, other minorities, such as the deaf community, have successfully advocated for the use of terms like "deaf or hard of hearing" in place of "deaf and hearing impaired," recognizing the value of moving away from terminology that includes the word "impaired"; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, self-advocacy and asserting preferred terminology can do much to challenge existing misconceptions and encourage others to adopt more accurate and respectful language; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>WHEREAS, raising awareness and educating the public to use appropriate terminology that is free from negative assumptions and stereotypes can be achieved through educational campaigns, media initiatives, and inclusive language guidelines in academic and professional settings: Now, therefore,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind, in Convention assembled this seventh day of July, 2024, in the city of Orlando, Florida, that this organization reaffirm the respectability of the word "blind" as articulated in Resolution 93-01; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon organizations, agencies, and entities that work with or serve individuals who are blind who feel that it is appropriate to use terms such as "blind and visually impaired," "visually impaired," or similar terminology in their names and/or promotional materials to use instead "blind," "blind and low vision," "low vision," or similar phrasing instead; and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization acknowledge and praise the United States Federal Government for making a strong effort to use the term “blind and low vision”.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Don Mitchell<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:Donmi1949@gmail.com">Donmi1949@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>360.281.0187<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br /><table style="border-top: 1px solid #D3D4DE;"><tr><td style="width: 55px; 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