[Iabs-talk] chicago minutes march 2018

Mon May 7 12:41:21 UTC 2018

I have one correction.
In te section on animals in the airport, it should say that blind travelers may  well be stranded without the form. It is not that their service animals will be taken away. Thanks. So much for preparing these. 

Patti Chang Esq.
Treasurer
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
(773) 307-6440 
www.nfbofillinois.org

Find us on twitter: “NFBI”
Search for “National Federation of the Blind of Illinois” on facebook.

-----Original Message-----
From: IABS-Talk [mailto:iabs-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Meyer via IABS-Talk
Sent: Friday, May 4, 2018 11:10 PM
To: il-talk at nfbnet.org
Cc: David Meyer <datemeyer at mysero.net>; iabs-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Iabs-talk] chicago minutes march 2018

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO CHAPTER

MEETING OF MARCH 10, 2018

President Steve Hastalis called the meeting to order at 1:00 P.M.

What’s Happening: David Meyer reported that Teresa Meyer is still cancer free. Theresa Jones reported that she is also cancer free. Pam Gillmore and Leslie Hamric did a presentation at Elmhurst Early Learning academy during the previous month. Pam has also begun a volunteer opportunity at Treehouse Cat Shelter. Ken Staley is recuperating at Warren Barr Nursing Home in Chicago. There were 23 members present.

Secretary’s report: It was moved and seconded to approve minutes from the February chapter meeting as presented. The motion carried.

Program: Michael Nowicki presented a program on accessible set top boxes and the 21st Century Communications Act. As of the summer of this year, the major networks will be required to present 87.5 hours of audio described programming per month. All major satellite and cable companies are now required to provide set top boxes that are accessible to the blind.

City Ordinance on Service Animals:

Patti Chang talked about a Chicago ordinance which Alderman Burke plans to introduce which would put undue hardship upon blind travelers who happen to use guide dogs. If passed, this ordinance would mandate that blind travelers with guide dogs would have to fill out a special form created by the city to document that vaccinations are up to date. The definition of up to date means that dogs must be vaccinated one year or less prior to the date of travel. This ordinance is contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, this ordinance would apply to all blind travelers regardless of whether they previously knew about it or not. In other words, a blind person who is diverted to Chicago, or who must change plains in Chicago could have their dog taken away from them if they were unable to show proof of up to date vaccinations on the form specifically meant for that purpose. Finally, this form is presently not accessible to those who are blind. Both Patti and President Hastalis have tried to schedule a meeting with Alderman Burke without success. Denise Avant suggested that Marion Guizdala coordinate our effort on this, as this ordinance would affect any blind guide dog user who happens to be traveling from either Chicago airport. Finally, Patti has asked that we all call Alderman Burke’s office as well as the chairman of the Aviation Committee, Alderman Michael Zalewski at 773-582-4444. Information about this will also be posted on IL-talk. Patti went on to say that the intention of this ordinance is to combat the problems which have arisen from people flying with support animals. The city is taking a similar  approach to that tried by Delta Airlines when they intended to put undue restrictions on guide dog users. When pressed for problems by the National Federation of the Blind, Delta could not come up with a single incident where a guide dog may have been removed. We were able to exempt guide dog handlers from the rules they came up with for those attempting to fly with support animals. That is what we are trying to do regarding the ordinance mentioned above. Finally, when calling, be polite but be persistent. Francisco Chang read the ordinance. Patti asked that we all call Aldermen Burke and Zalewski on Monday of the next week if possible.

Presidential Reports

National Presidential Release: Mark Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind reported on the following. Preregistration for the 2018 convention is now open. Go to www.nfb.org/convention to find the registration link. There will also be much more information concerning the convention on this page. If one preregisters, the cost to register is $25 and a banquet ticket will cost $65. If one registers in person at the convention, the registration fee is $30 and the banquet is $70.

We have had several meetings with Delta Airlines regarding their policy concerning service animals. Following several meetings with us, Delta decided to eliminate the policy that guide dog users be required to give 48 hours written notice before traveling with a guide dog.

Aira has instituted new pricing for members of the National Federation of the Blind. NFB members can get 140 minutes per month for $99. Beyond that, the plan includes 60 minutes of free service from one’s home or work place. The additional 60 minutes per month will be in effect for 6 months. Aira is also offering free service to those who are looking for employment. Finally, one can access Ira for free both at the National convention as well as state conventions of the National Federation of the blind. The web address is go-aira/NFB.

We now have a code of conduct, which should be signed by members and must be signed by leaders of the Federation. Topics such as our non-discrimination policy, sexual harassment, our policy on diversity and general conduct, particularly as it applies to social media are covered. The board has unanimously approved this code, which will be reviewed from time to time. All affiliates must adhere to the code as a matter of policy.

In family notes, Gregg Miller and Sharon Adkins Blough passed away. 
Peter Surillo of Florida also passed away.

State Presidential Report: Denise Avant, state President reported on the following items. The Midwest Student Seminar will occur on April
20-22 at the Holiday Inn O’Hare. The cost for registration is $50 and the registration form can be found on the NFB of Illinois website. The theme for this seminar is What’s next for you. The deadline to apply for both National and State scholarships is March 31. There are two ways to apply for financial assistance for the National convention. The Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship fund gives priority for first time attendees to the convention. Other attendees can also apply to the Chappell-dennis fund for assistance. If you wish to apply for Jernigan assistance, you must have your application into President Avant by March 31. Those applying for Chappell-Dennis assistance can apply through May 1. Those applications also go to President Avant. We will again have two Bell programs, one in Chicago and one in Springfield. 
The Chicago program will be at the Chicago Lighthouse. It will begin on July 9 and run through July 20. The Springfield program will occur from July 30 through August 3. We now have a hotel for the state convention. 
We will be at the Sheridan O’Hare. The address is 6501 West Manheim Road in Rosemont. This convention is a joint convention with the Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors and will occur October 26 through October 28.

The state board adopted the National Code of Conduct policy which was covered in the National Presidential Release. The Code of Conduct policy is on the Illinois website as well as NewsLine.

Chapter Presidential message: President Hastalis thanked everyone who participated in projects and fundraisers during the past year while he has been president. He will run for president again. He also asked that anyone who was planning to run for an office or a board seat to please let him know by phone. He can be reached at 773-848-5307 or 773-508-5 307.

Zany’s fundraiser: Patti Chang mentioned that anyone wishing to attend Zanies must sign up on March 10. Also, anyone who had previously signed up and wished to cancel needed to do so on the same day. President Hastalis read the list of people signed up to attend. Other
fundraising: David Meyer reported that the fundraising committee decided to do a White Sox fundraiser again this year. The date would be either July 28 VS. Toronto or August 18 VS Kansas City. There was also a need to decide whether we would take upper level reserve seating or lower level bleacher seating. The bleacher seating would cost approximately $7 more per ticket. It was moved by Jemal and seconded by Denise that we buy lower level tickets for the game on August 18. 
Following some discussion, President Hastalis formed a committee of himself, Marco, Dave and Jemal to decide upon the date and the seating.

Pam Provost submitted a wish to an organization to visit the Louis Braille foundation in France. Her wish was granted. As a result, she and a friend will be going to France to see the Louis Braille foundation.

Jemal Powell announced that the Pace ADA Suburban Transit committee will meet at 550 West Algonquinn Road, Arlington Heights at Pace headquarters. The meeting will occur on Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 P.M. 
It will be Jemals first meeting as chair.

The meeting adjourned at 3:25 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

David Meyer, Secretary
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