[Greater-Baltimore] Greater-Baltimore Digest, Vol 229, Issue 6

Fri Aug 16 14:26:32 UTC 2024

Hi all,

Let me add that I echo Ronza's comments and welcome the feedback. We will continue to do everything that we can to make the chapter meeting experience inclusive for everyone. With regard to the conference room where we used to meet, it is true that we did not outgrow it but also true that this was only the case because extra chairs were usually added to it for purposes of the chapter meeting. I will attempt to get some details on what modifications will be occurring in that space to determine whether the remodeling might again result in a space that is better for our meeting. Ultimately, of course, the chapter will need to decide on this issue, but my intent is to get and provide as much information as possible so that we can consider whether changes are warranted. In the meantime, I will add to the chapter meeting reminders a request that members consider carefully the accessibility needs of their fellow members when choosing seats. I think that courtesy in this regard is in line with our no-fragrance policy and other efforts we make to ensure that we accommodate all members.

Warmly,

Chris

-----Original Message-----
From: Greater-Baltimore <greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of rothmanjd--- via Greater-Baltimore
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 9:02 AM
To: 'NFB of Maryland Baltimore Chapter Discussion List' <greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Othman, Ronza <rothmanjd at gmail.com>; 'David Waybright' <link at pt-solutions.org>
Subject: Re: [Greater-Baltimore] Greater-Baltimore Digest, Vol 229, Issue 6

Hi Everyone,
This is a great question, and it is certainly worth discussing.  I think we didn't grow beyond the Fourth Floor Conference Room as much as the HVAC system was so loud that people couldn't really hear any longer.  Added to that, it isn't as easy to integrate Zoom in that room as it is in the Utah auditorium.  Thus, when the Chapter Board decided to move the meetings, they were attempting to be more accommodating and inclusive.

The NFB is currently in the midst of a number of projects, including renovation of the Fourth Floor Conference Room.  I'm not sure if the renovations, once completed later this fall, will change the sound or AV dynamics, but we can definitely find out.  In addition, if the Utah Auditorium has challenges for some of us, that's really good to know so we can try to resolve those challenges.  I know that I've mostly heard favorable feedback, e.g. "it's nice not to have to walk so far to the meeting," "the bathrooms are really close," "I can quickly and without much trouble find a space when using a wheelchair or mobility device," and so on.

However, I also know that we could do more to make sure that the accessible seats are available for those who need them.  To that end, while we're in the Utah Auditorium, for however long that may be, I'd encourage those who do not need accessible seating to choose a different seat than those right at ground level.

We're extremely lucky to be able to meet at the NFB, and I'm grateful to President Riccobono and the staff for hosting us.  I'm also really grateful to those who are willing to share feedback, ask for what they need, and help us do an overall better job to make sure everyone is able to access and participate in our meetings.  

Regards,
Ronza

Ronza Othman, President
National Federation of the Blind of Maryland
443-426-4110
Pronouns: she, her, hers

-----Original Message-----
From: Greater-Baltimore <greater-baltimore-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of David Waybright via Greater-Baltimore
Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 8:30 AM
To: greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org
Cc: David Waybright <link at pt-solutions.org>
Subject: Re: [Greater-Baltimore] Greater-Baltimore Digest, Vol 229, Issue 6

Before we used the auditorium we were using a boardroom. The chapter outgrew this room. As for members hall, in my mind, it would be a lot of work for the national center to set up and tear down for a single day couple hour meeting each month.

Thanks,

David Eugene Waybright
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________________________________
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:23:01 -0400 (EDT)
From: MARYELLE THOMPSON <maryellethompson008 at comcast.net>
To: greater-baltimore at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [Greater-Baltimore] Greater-Baltimore Digest, Vol 229,
        Issue 5
Message-ID: <309691865.669224.1723756981250 at connect.xfinity.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

I wish we could have our meetings in the conference center that we used for years. There is a growing number of us who have trouble with the steps in the auditorium.

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