[IL-Talk] NFBI Chicago Chapter Minutes, August 2026

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CHICAGO CHAPTER MINUTES

August 8, 2026

Exchequer Pub and Restaurant

226 S. Wabash

Chicago, IL

 

CALL TO ORDER

 

Chicago Chapter President Dustin Cather called the meeting to order at 1 PM.
The meeting began with introductions of everyone present in person and on
Zoom, followed by the NFB Pledge.

 

PROGRAM

 

Molly Poppe from the Chicago Transit Authority spoke about developments with
CTA that affect blind travelers. CTA is very committed to improving Braille
and audio signage. The Mystery Rider program allows riders to report
problems, such as drivers turning off audible announcements. CTA needs to
upgrade the PA system in all of the stations. Bike lanes are a serious
problem for blind pedestrians. CTA is trying to work on this. 

 

Molly Poppe can be reached at mpoppe at transitchicago.com or 312-888-1761. She
welcomes our input. 

 

PRESIDENTIAL RELEASE

 

NFB President Mark Riccobono delivered Presidential Release 522 on July 30.
He thanked everyone who worked on our 2026 National Convention, especially
our Texas affiliate. At Convention we passed Resolution 26:01, regarding the
Texas vs. Kennedy case. Seven affiliate presidents went to the attorney
general's office, encouraging the Texas attorney general to withdraw from
the case. That has not happened yet, but four other states have quietly
withdrawn: Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Montana. Alaska and Florida are
still involved.

 

Blind Equality Achievement Month is coming up in October. Visit
nfb.org/movers to learn about the Coast to Coast Movement Challenge. We can
celebrate White Cane Awareness Day, October 15, in many different ways. Many
chapters engage local authorities by getting proclamations. Meet and greet
community events are great outreach tools. We can do presentations at
schools and community centers. 

 

At the end of October every chapter should identify a goal for the coming
year, such as improving transportation or working on pedestrian safety. Be
creative and positive! Learn more by visiting nfb.org/blind-month. Share
activities by writing to web at nfb.org <mailto:web at nfb.org> , and they will be
posted on the Meet the Blind Month page. 

 

VISION EXPO

 

Blind Services Chicago will host its annual Vision Expo on October 27 at
2221 N. Paulina. This is a resource fair for blind and low-vision
individuals. The Chicago Chapter will have a table, hosted by Michelle Ault.
She has done a great job of recruiting volunteers. Reach out to Michelle if
you'd like to sign up for a shift. 

 

COAST TO COAST WALK

 

Since coordinator Patti Chang was not present, Denise Avant explained that
the Coast to Coast walk will take place in Millennium Park on October 3,
beginning at 10 AM. Glenn, Nickie, and Dustin will scope out the route. This
is an important fundraiser, and it's also a chance for us to get to know one
another. If you'd like to walk or participate in some other way, reach out
to Patti at 773-307-6440 or pattischang at gmail.com. Encourage donations from
friends and family. Ask people to donate at nfb.org/contribute/coast2coast.
After the walk we will gather for lunch at Exchequer. Debbie Pittman will
again make sashes for people who walk.

 

STATE PRESIDENT's REPORT

 

NFBI President Marilyn Green thanked everyone who was able to attend the NFB
National Convention in Austin, Texas. In two years we'll host convention
here in Chicago! 

 

Next week, August 15, we will hold our STEM2U program. We will be at the
Hyatt Regency in Lisle, our convention hotel. We have five students
registered, and some great volunteers. The students will solve a mystery
related to DNA and strawberries. The following day, August 16, we will have
our summer board meeting. The agenda is jam-packed. Marilyn will post it on
Monday.

 

State convention will take place October 23-25, also at the Hyatt Regency in
Lisle. Make your hotel reservations NOW! Information is available at
nfb.org/convention. Pleas use the phone number on the webpage! Don't call
the hotel directly, as it will not fulfill our room obligation! If you have
ideas for convention items or a convention theme, please email Marilyn at
president at nfbofillinois.org. There will be breakout sessions, exhibits,
Illinois's Got Talent, and much more.

On Sunday morning we will again have our Philosophy Breakfast. Jesse Shirek
will be our national representative.

 

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

 

Denise urged everyone to reach out to our US senators regarding the Removing
Barriers to Work Act, HR 884. It passed in the House, and it has moved on to
the Senate. The bill allows the Social Security Administration to come up
with projects that will facilitate people with disabilities returning to the
workforce. It would incorporate much of the material from the Blind
Americans Return to Work Act. It's a phase-out of the earnings cliff for
SSDI recipients. 

 

Right now Congress is at home. They don't go back to Washington until after
Labor Day. Now is the time to reach out to our senators and urge them to
sponsor the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, the Access Technology
Affordability Act, and the Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act. We
urge them to leave a legacy by supporting our bills.

 

Our merchants won a significant  victory in the district court regarding the
administration's handling of the Randolph-Shepard program on military bases.
Our advocacy is in play, and it does make a difference!

 

SECRETARY's MINUTES

 

Jemal moved and Ken Borst seconded approval of the June secretary's minutes.
The minutes were approved.

 

TREASURER's SUMMARY

 

Treasurer Kira O'Bradovitch reported that in the second quarter of 2026 the
Chicago Chapter began with a balance of $4497.20. It ended with $4480.20. We
deposited $933 from fundraisers, donations, and dues. Expenses included our
monthly contributions to the NFB's national programs and funds. Denise moved
and Jemal seconded approval of the Second Quarter Treasurer's Report. The
report was approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Advocacy: Kira reported that in the morning the committee hosted a tour of
three signage locations at public transit stops. People looked at bus stop
signs and crossed Wabash using the audible traffic signal. There will be a
Zoom meeting on August 10. The committee is trying to form coalitions with
other organizations. 

 

Fundraising: Dave Meyer reported that the chapter will host a bowling
fundraiser on August 22 from 2 to 4 pm. The price of admission is $35. The
event will take place at the Fireside Bowl at 2648 West Fullerton. 

 

NEW MEMBERS

 

Annelise Day and Seyoon Choi, formerly from Still. Louis, became new members
of the Chicago Chapter. Annelise is a recent college graduate looking for a
job. Seyoon will be a disability services coordinator at St. Xavier
University. 

 

OLD BUSINESS    

     

Marilyn announced that Chappell-Dennis applications are open for anyone who
wants financial assistance to attend state convention. The application
deadline is 11:59 pm on September 1. September 15 is the deadline for room
reservations.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Jemal noted that the PACE route near the Lisle Hyatt does not run on
Sundays. Dustin thanked the Blind Merchants for their contribution to the
bowling fundraiser. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting adjourned at 2:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Debbie Stein, Secretary