[Massachusetts-NFB] September parent division notes

[embartelt at gmail.com]

Hi Everyone,

Here are the September parent division notes.

 

Ellen

 

 

MAPBC Meeting Minutes, September 2026

The MAPBC met via Zoom on Thursday, September 10. The meeting began at 6:05
PM. Those in attendance included:

Stephanie Barrera Valdes, President

Hai Nguyen Ly, Vice President

Ellen Bartelt, Secretary/Treasurer

Youme Nguyen Ly, Member

Cecily Morrison, Microsoft Research

Icebreaker:

No icebreaker was held.

NFB Pledge:

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) pledge was skipped.

Presidential Release:

No Presidential Release was presented.

Minutes:

Youme Nguyen Ly put forth a motion to approve the April and May meeting
minutes which Hai Nguyen Ly seconded. The minutes were approved.

The August minutes were deferred because they had not yet been uploaded for
review. Stephanie will upload them before the next meeting.

Treasury and Dues:

No treasury or dues report was presented. The group discussed future use of
existing MAPBC funds under the division status update.

Topic 1. Microsoft Research Opportunity:

Cecily Morrison presented an opportunity for up to five blind or low-vision
students, approximately ages 10 to 22, to spend a half day at the Microsoft
makerspace in Kendall Square. Students would work with Microsoft researchers
to co-design an AI agent around an accessibility need. The program is
planned for late October, with the date to be set after participants are
identified.

Members discussed targeted outreach through MAPBC, the National Federation
of the Blind of Massachusetts (NFBMA) Student Division, Perkins, and other
networks. Hai will share the opportunity and connect Cecily with Minh Ha at
Perkins. Stephanie will share the outreach blurb and connect Cecily with
Student Division contacts. Cecily asked that recruitment remain targeted
rather than broadly posted as a public Microsoft Research opportunity.

Topic 2. Division or Group Status:

Stephanie reported that the division cannot be paused. Moving to group
status would require dissolving the division and later re-forming it if
enough people want to restore it. Members agreed to continue toward a
transition around the February 2027 state convention. No formal motion was
recorded.

Members discussed possible uses for MAPBC funds before dissolution,
including support for local blind students or the Braille Enrichment for
Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy. No decision was made.

Programs and Events:

BELL Academy 2027. Stephanie is pursuing grants and sponsorships as planning
considers a residential program. Cecily will explore a Microsoft Give Month
fundraising opportunity, and Youme offered to help organize a short
presentation.

Coast-to-Coast Challenge. MAPBC will support existing chapter and division
activities. The NFBMA Student Division is planning a walk on October 3.

David Ticchi Walk. The Cambridge Chapter walk is October 4 from 10:00 AM to
1:00 PM.

Affiliate fundraisers. The Instacart gift card and Who Are We NFB? Bonfire
apparel fundraisers remain active.

Giggle Gala. The fundraiser is December 3 and will include an auction.

2027 State Convention. The convention is February 26 through 28 at the
Boston Marriott Peabody. The Wicked Good Chapter will host.

Advocacy and Partnerships:

Cecily asked about blind soccer opportunities in Massachusetts. Stephanie
will contact Richie Florez, president of the Blind Sports and Recreation
Division, and explore a state convention presentation. Hai shared a U.S.
Association of Blind Athletes blind soccer resource, and Youme will check
with soccer contacts in Western Massachusetts.

Members were encouraged to share grant and sponsorship opportunities for
BELL Academy and the state convention with Stephanie or Shara. Youme will
look further into the New England Foundation for the Arts Create Spatial
Justice grant opportunity.

Next meeting:

Our next meeting will be held via Zoom on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 PM.

Adjournment:

The meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

 

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