[IL-Talk] Chicago Chapter Minutes, May 2026

Sun Jun 7 02:31:47 UTC 2026

CHICAGO CHAPTER MEETING

May 9, 2026

Exchequer Pub and Restaurant

226 S Wabash, Chicago

CALL TO ORDER

Chicago Chapter President Dustin Cather called the meeting to order at one
pm. He announced that we must be out of the room by three-thirty. Dustin
recited the NFB Pledge in call and response form. Present in person were Pam
Gillmore, Mary Grunwald, Sabiha Mohra, Eileen Truschke, Ken Schad, Paul
Shepherdson,  Elaine Gray Dixon, Debbie Stein, Cloyues Miles, Jemal Powell,
Glenn Moore, Nickie Nishijima, Marilyn Green, Francisco Chang, Kayla Chang,
Patti Chang, Juan Lopez, Edward Ocampo, Ken Borst, Marco Giannotti, Michal
Nowicki, Michelle Ault, Bruce Paul, and first-timer Ahmed Zulhasnat. On Zoom
were Denise Avant, Pam Provost, Linda Hendle, Bob Widman, Dan Tevelde,
Darlene, Gary Jones, Dave Meyer, Steve Hastalis, Ed Birmingham, Crystal
Smith, and Robert Hansen. 

PROGRAM

Chicago Chapter President Dustin Cather led the program, "2026 Unbound,"
calling upon members to suggest ideas for programs and activities. Jemal
said he would like the chapter to do more outreach to the community to
educate people about blindness. Several people agreed, sharing stories of
problematic encounters with people on the streets. Ken Borst said we need to
educate many of the counselors at DHS. Debbie Stein said it would be nice to
do a Tips and Tricks item. Juan said we should try to get a radio spot or
develop a podcast. Several members mentioned discussion of canes and cane
travel. Jemal raised the issue of accessibility on public transportation,
and Mary asked whether we are still reaching out to students at ICRE Wood.
Denise explained that sometimes administrators at ICRE have invited us to
visit and speak. Marilyn pointed out that Michelle has been going to their
speakers group. Jemal suggested we carry and hand out NFBI business cards.
Pam Provost wondered if we could do presentations about blindness at senior
centers. Sabiha said she would like a visit from the Chicago Police
Department to talk about safety. 

PRESIDENTIAL REPORT

NFB President Mark Riccobono recorded Presidential Release 560 on April 29.
He introduced what he called "May the Promise Be Fulfilled Month." He said
this is one of the most important releases of his entire presidency. His
goal is to prepare every member of the Federation to take advocacy action
this month. Specifically, since 2010 the NFB has urged the federal
government to take steps under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure
that specific requirements exist for digital tools such as websites and
mobile apps used by entities that are covered by the ADA. In 2024 part of
that regulation was fulfilled. It was supposed to go partially into effect
on April 24, 2026. At the very last minute the federal government announced
that it was delaying this rule. President Riccobono emphasized that it is
extremely important that we all understand what this means for us. 

The ADA was passed by Congress and signed by the president in 1990. It
includes several chapters, or titles.  Title I covers employment, saying
that employers cannot discriminate on the basis of disability. Title II is
directed at state and government agencies, saying that state and federal
agencies must make their programs accessible, including transportation.
Title III says that agencies serving the public must provide equal access to
their full range of goods, services, and facilities. Those are the three
titles that most concern the blind community. 

Since the passage of the ADA, and especially since the late 1990s, the NFB
has worked to make it clear that all digital services are covered under the
ADA. The courts have frequently agreed with us. It is very clear what
accessibility means, yet entities continue to ask for explanations and
information. 

In 2010 the US Department of Justice released an advanced Notice of Proposed
Rule-making. The government intended to establish standards for Title II and
Title III. NFB has been working on this ever since. In 2024 we celebrated
the final release of the rules and standards. They were to go into effect on
April 24, 2026. The final regulations are a compromise, but we were ready to
recognize them even so. 

Now the DOJ says it wants blind people and others with disabilities to wait
even longer! They intimate that they are going back to the drawing board for
a do-over of Title II! They also are hinting that they will do the same with
Title III.

We need every NFB member to submit stories of barriers we have encountered.
We can submit stories by voicemail at 410-659-9314, Extension 2444. We can
email to story at nfb.org. Firsthand stories can make a big difference. We must
send our stories about barriers we have encountered by May 31. NFB already
has submitted full public comments, available at nfb.org/advocacy. Our
stories will help us push back on the government. We know that advocacy
works! 

President Riccobono thanked us for showing up and doing the work of our
movement. It really does make a difference! 

COAST TO COAST WALK

Patti Chang explained that Coast to Coast is an initiative of the NFB at the
national level. We are hoping to involve our affiliates and chapters to
raise awareness and raise funds. We can take part at the chapter and
affiliate levels. Some chapters are doing fitness, yoga, or dance, all
activities that involve movement. Nickie pointed out that we need to wear
something branded. 

Patti moved that we do the River Walk again this year, and Denise seconded.
The motion passed unanimously. Patti said she hopes for full participation.

STATE REPORT

NFB of Illinois President Marilyn Green announced that we have a national
convention coming up. It will be held in Austin, Texas, July 3-8. You can
pre-register at nfb.org./convention. If you register in person it costs ten
dollars more, and you get to wait in a long line. If you can't attend
convention in person you can attend virtually.

NFBI will run two BELL Academies this summer. BELL stands for Braille
Enrichment for Literacy and Learning. Springfield BELL will run July 13-17,
and Chicago BELL will run July 20 through August 1. BELL is an opportunity
for blind students to strengthen their Braille skills, work on daily living
skills, and do some fun activities with blind mentors. Bridget Hickey will
be back as our lead teacher in Chicago, and Amy Lund has returned as our
lead teacher in Springfield. She has a new last name, Yount, that rhymes
with Count. 

NFB STEM2U is a day-long program for blind children interested in science
and math. This year's program is geared for children ages eight to thirteen,
but it can be flexible. It will be Saturday, August 15. This year's program
will involve a mystery having to do with strawberries. For information
contact Debbie Stein at dkent5817 at att.net. 

We will have a state board meeting in June and a face-to-face board meeting
on August 16. The face-to-face meeting will take place at our convention
hotel, the Lisle Hyatt in Lisle. It will be a great way to find out about
plans for our state convention. The room rate is $129 per night. 

Our NFBI State Convention will be held October 23-25, also at the Lisle
Hyatt. Make your reservations now! We plan to keep the format we used last
year. Bring your performances to NFBs Got Talent, which will include the
Battle of the Chapters. There will be presentations at Saturday breakfast,
followed by breakout sessions and exhibits. We will have presentations and
business in the afternoon, followed by our banquet with our national
representative. On Sunday morning we finish up with Breakfast and
Philosophy.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

Denise reported that the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, HR 1175, has
forty-seven cosponsors, but none are from Illinois. A Senate companion bill
was introduced on April 16, H.r.3344. It was introduced by a rep from
Alaska. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island is the second sponsor. The Access
Technology Affordability Act, H.r.1529, has seventy-one cosponsors, three
from Illinois. The companion bill is S.1918, cosponsored by Sen. Tammy
Duckworth. The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act, H.R.5605, has a
few Illinois cosponsors. It was introduced by our own Jan Schakowsky, who is
retiring. 

We need to write to all our reps to get more cosponsors. If you'd like to
reach out to your rep, contact Denise or Dustin and they will help you
figure out what to say. We need support from Danny Davis, Jesús García,
Delia Ramirez, Mike Quigley, Jonathan Jackson, and Robin Kelly. Write to
Denise at davant1958 at gmail.com or to Dustin at
chicago.president at nfbofillinois.org. 

SECRETARY's MINUTES

Ken Borst moved to approve the April minutes, and Patti seconded. 

The minutes were approved.

TREASURER's SUMMARY

Dustin read the treasurer's summary as prepared by Treasurer Kira
O'Bradovitch. As of May 6, 2026, the account had $4092.21. Comedy Night in
person brought in $173, and we got $140 from those who attended on Zoom. 

ADVOCACY COMMITTEE

We are committed to getting the word out about the increase in rides allowed
for people using the Rap program. If you request the increase before June 1,
you can begin to receive forty rides per month in July. To request the
increase, call 312-913-3110. If you are a RAP/TAP user in good standing the
request should go right through. You can call the same number for
information about signing up, or sign up online at
http://fare/ridershipchicago/rap/welcome.

Accessible signs have been posted at many bus stops downtown. Chapter
members will check out the signs on a date prior to the June chapter
meeting, to be announced on IL-Talk. The next Advocacy Committee meeting
will take place on                     Tuesday, May 19, over Zoom. All are
welcome. An invite will go out soon on IL-Talk. 

FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

Dave Meyer thanked everyone who attended the Comedy Club fundraiser. He was
a bit disappointed that we didn't bring in more funds. He urged people not
to wait till the last minute to commit to attending a fundraiser. 

We plan to have a mini auction in June. Talk to Pam G. about donating items.
We will host another bowling fundraiser in August at Fireside Lanes. Bowling
has been a successful fundraiser these past few years. Let's keep it going!
Our chapter meeting collections continue to be a big help. At our chapter
board meeting next month we will decide how much to contribute to various
national funds.

NEW BUSINESS

Mary said that at the Vendors Conference a few weeks ago Nickie Nishijima
sat next to someone who wanted coffee and didn't feel he could get it
himself. Nickie offered to go with him. This is an example of someone paying
it forward, and Mary wanted to acknowledge Nickie for doing that.

Dustin said that there will be news about a chapter picnic at our next
meeting. We also need to decide whether to attend the Disability Pride
parade. Denise and Nickie volunteered to help Patti plan the River Walk.

Let Patti know if you have any change in contact information, or go in and
change it yourself. Members can update their information at nfb.org/members.

ADJOURNMENT

Patti moved and Ken seconded adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 2:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Stein, Secretary  