[Iabs-talk] chicago minutes second draft

[David Meyer]

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 find themselves 
stranded 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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