[il-talk] chicago chapter minutes June 2015

[David Meyer]

NFBI CHICAGO CHAPTER MINUTES

MEETING OF JUNE 13, 2015

 

On June 13, 2015, First Vice-President Patti Chang called the meeting to
order at approximately 1:05 P.M.

 

The meeting began with our program, a presentation by Andre Gallagas, a
disability rights attorney. He discussed how a disabled individual can
effectively advocate for himself in a medical situation.  He stressed that
certain things should take place before, during and following a medical
appointment.  Disabled individuals have a right to timely escort services
both prior to and following an appointment. They also have the right to know
who they are interacting with at all times. They have the right to ask for
instructions about medications in an accessible format. Providers are
obligated to provide access to their facilities, instructions concerning
medications, and treatment plans in an accessible format. They must allow a
disabled person the right to be accompanied by a service animal in any
appointment situation.  Fear of the animal in question is not a defense for
exclusion of that animal. Accessibility includes the right of a disabled
person to ask questions of the service provider anytime about anything
concerning the appointment. In order for the above mentioned things to take
place, a disabled person has the obligation to tell the provider of their
needs when making an appointment. Be sure to make a second call to verify
that everything that was asked for initially will, in fact, be provided. If
you are not provided accessible information, you should complain in writing
or by phone to a patient advocate. As a disabled person, you do have the
right to refuse any offered accommodation if you feel the accommodation to
be unnecessary.

 

Introductions and Heal concerns

 

Patti Chang’s children are both working summer job which they received
thanks to Federation contacts. Denise Avant has been chosen to serve on the
American Bar Association’s Center on Racial and Ethnic Diversity. Adam
Kozarowicz has lived successfully one year with a new kidney. Pam Gillmore
mentioned that Don is continuing to do well and that they would be going to
National convention. Dan Tevelde mentioned that CVS offers medication
instructions in braille. Howard Wilson received a Bronze medal in judo at
the International Paralympics in South Korea. Roberta Glickman mentioned
that it had been one year since Alan, her husband had passed away.  There
were 36 members present.

 

Presidential Reports

 

There was no National Presidential Release.  In state matters, Denise Avant
reported on the following. The National Convention will officially begin on
July 5. The Illinois affiliate will have a get together in the Lobby bar of
the Rosen Center Hotel on Monday, July 6 at 9:00 P.M. The caucus will take
place in Salon 6 on July 7, 7:30-8:30 A.M. Glenn Moore will be in charge of
banquet tickets. The National Convention umbrella mosaic will take place on
July 8 at 7:7:00 P.M. You can sign up for this event on nfb.org. General
sessions will take place July 8-10.  We will sell card and bags at the
National convention.  Give all money to Patti.  Students will also be
selling hats at National. Sales are also taking place for the Raffle.
Tickets are $5 and sales will be entered on line.  The grand prize is
$1,000. The drawing will take place during the December Chicago Chapter
meeting. Denise has Jernigan raffle tickets. The cost of each ticket is $5.
Everybody was encouraged to either begin or add to their contribution
through the Preauthorized Contribution Plan. The Springfield Fundraising
picnic turned out to be very successful.  We met several new people from the
Springfield area.  Additionally, several members from Chicago attended.
Bloomington and Four Rivers chapters were also represented. The face-to-face
Board meeting will take place at the Naperville Marriott Hotel on August 22.
The scheduled time is 9:00 A.M-5:00 P.M. The October fest will take place at
the home of Patti and Francisco Chang on September 19. Tickets are $25 each.


 

Fundraising Committee

 

Ken staley mentioned that that the next fundraiser will be our Sox
fundraiser which will take place on August 1. We sold 89 tickets for this
event.

 

In old business, Michal Nowicki inquired about the accessibility of the new
Ventra AP.  Denise had submitted the names of people willing to beta test
various platforms. The release date for the AP itself has been pushed back
to September of this year. Bata testing has also been pushed back as ventra
is still working on known bugs in the system. Jemal gave the location for
the July picnic.  It is at 2200 north Cannon drive at the Landmark Café. It
will take place from noon-4:00 P.M. on July 18.

 

In new business, Steve Hastalis announced that the next Chicago Transit
Authority ADA Advisory Committee meeting will take place on July 13 at CTA
Headquarters beginning at 1:00 P.M. New members will be selected to replace
existing committee members due to term limits. Please speak with Denise
Avant if you are interested in serving. You may contact Denise at
773-991-8050 or email davant1958 at gmail.com. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 2:57 P.M.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

David Meyer, Secretary

 

 

David Meyer, NFB of Illinois

Coordinator and Channel Administrator, NFB-NewsLine