[Massachusetts-NFB] NFB of MA Parents' Division January Meeting Minutes

[Liz Lesperance]

Good Afternoon,

I hope everyone is doing well and 2023 is off to a great start. Below
please find the minutes from our recent meeting held last Thursday, January
5th.

Sincerely,
Liz

*************

The NFB of MA Parents' Division met on Thursday, January 5th. The meeting
began at 6:00PM. Those in attendance included:

Jennifer Bose

Youme Nguyen Ly

Hai Nguyen Ly

Liz Lesperance

Stephanie Valdes



We discussed the length and structure of the IEP discussion that we would
like to hold during the state convention. Stephanie will reach out to
Justin and when we finalize our speaker list we will know if the event
should be held Thursday as part of the virtual component on in-person on
Saturday.

Shara informed Stephanie that we should review key points of the recent
presidential release during each meeting. In the January presidential
release, we were reminded that submissions are needed for the braille book
fair held during the national convention. Books can be gently used but
should be in overall good condition. The book fair especially needs
cookbooks this year.

We decided to move our monthly meetings to the second Thursday of every
month in order to accommodate the presidential release.

With the state convention coming up, Stephanie has been tasked with
organizing childcare for our members if there is a need. Liz will send
email out to the affiliate to gauge this need.



Inky joined us during the meeting to spread awareness about an issue
concerning child services at the MCB. He explained that there are no
specific funds set aside for child services and that needed funds are
pulled from the social rehab budget. This budget is significantly less than
the vocational rehab budget.

As an MCB counselor, Inky is not able to personally appeal to local
government but he encourages us all to assist in this effort. The MCB is
seeking $400,000 in funding. Inky will provide documentation outlining the
services and equipment used to assist blind and visually impaired children
who need this support. It was noted that this range of children begins as
early as infancy and extends through secondary school.



The meeting adjourned at 7:00PM.



Our next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 9th at 6:00PM.
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