<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Hello Friends,</div><div><br></div><div>Attached and pasted below please find the minutes from our latest At-Large chapter meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 10th. Have a nice day!</div><div><br></div><div>Best,</div><div>Liz</div><div><br></div><div>*************</div><div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The At-Large Chapter met on Tuesday, October 10th. The
meeting was called to order at 7:03PM. Those in attendance included:<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Allen Larkin<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Brian Langlois<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Cullen Gallagher<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Debbie Malone<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Donna Ramsden<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Elizabeth Ann Johnson<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Justin Salisbury<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Liz Lesperance<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Mike Karsok<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sandra Burgess<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Shara Winton<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Our icebreaker this evening was to decide whether we would
prefer to jump in a pile of leaves this Fall or take a ride on a hayride.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Elizabeth Ann recited the NFB pledge.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We held a moment of silence dedicated to parents with
disabilities who are separated from their children.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Debbie pointed out a correction to last month's minutes. We
will be holding an open discussion at 8:00 following each At-Large Chapter
meeting. Thus, these discussions will be held monthly (and not weekly as stated
in the minutes).<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Elizabeth Ann put forth a motion that the revised minutes be
approved. Brian seconded the motion. The minutes were accepted.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Sandy went over the treasurer's report. The current balance
is $1,658.13. Liz put forth a motion to accept the treasurer's report as read,
which Allen seconded. The treasurer's report was approved <span> </span>unanimously.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Liz went over the presidential release highlights which
included:<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>October is Blind Equality Achievement Month with
the goal of raising awareness of the capacity of blind people. You can visit
<a href="http://nfb.org/blind-month">nfb.org/blind-month</a> to see how other NFB chapters are celebrating<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>With the rise in COVID cases, the white house is
producing accessible COVID tests. Each household can place an order which
includes 12 tests. You can visit <a href="http://acl.gov/accessibletests">acl.gov/accessibletests</a> or call 800 232-0233.
When calling, first choose the prompt for your language (English is 1). Next,
press 1 for at-home tests and then press 8 for accessible tests. If you need
help administering the test, you can call 888 677-1199.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>The President recited the names of the 15
individuals participating in the Kenneth Jernigan Leadership in Service pilot
program.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Humanware announced an NFB matching campaign
this fall. Every dollar donated to NFB will be matched up to $50,000.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Legislative Updates<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>On Sept. 28th, the Websites and Software
Applications Accessibility Act was introduced in the House and Senate. There
was a special shout out to the MA affiliate as Senators Warren and Markey were
the original co-sponsors.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>The Dept of Justice will be making a ruling
regarding the revisions to the ADA including the 7 exceptions put forth all
granted towards governmental websites. NFB opposes all 7 exceptions and will be
seeking support from members in the coming months. NFB of Maryland affiliate
President Ronza Othman testified in Congress on behalf of the Federation.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>The Access Technology Affordability Act gained 7
new co-sponsors in September.<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>NFB Newsline recently experienced technical
issues due to an electrical issue where the data is stored. Most systems are
now back up and running<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin:0in 0in 0in 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>Cathy Jackson, the past KY affiliate President,
spoke about the history of the Kentucky affiliate and their future goals<span></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span style="font-family:Symbol"><span>·<span style="font:7pt "Times New Roman"">
</span></span></span>A member asked where the Museum of the Blind
People's Movement will be located? A feasibility study showed that the 2nd
floor of the Jernigan Institute building would be a sufficient location.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Shara went over the President's report: The David Ticchi
walk last Sunday is the biggest fundraiser of the year. We are still short on
funds. Please get your donations in. The Convention Committee is working hard
on plans for the 2024 convention which will be held from March 15th - March
17th in Salem. Registration will open soon, and rooms will fill up quick. Debbie
shared that Carol Maurice is handling the door prizes this year. Please contact
Carol with any donations. <span> </span>We are also
seeking auction items. We will have both an in-person and online auction this
year.<span> </span>Please contact Shirley regarding
donations for the in-person auction. Please contact Liz with any donations or
questions about the online auction. Debbie is coordinating the convention exhibitors.
She is focusing on organizations that are blind-centric. The exhibit hall will
run from 3:30 - 6:30 on Friday, March 15th. Each table costs $50 for exhibitors.
Justin advised that we could look into political party exhibitors as the
Democratic party has a Disability Outreach Committee Brian suggested we could
have an exhibitor related to accessible voting<span>
</span><span> </span>Shara suggested contacting EMERGE
which recruits women into the political arena Please begin thinking of any
ideas for resolutions or presentations.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Upcoming Events<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">11/7: affiliate board meeting 7pm<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">12/11: Cambridge Chapter annual holiday party<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">1/29 - 2/1: Washington Seminar<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Debbie encouraged us to contact our local and state
representatives regarding our legislative priorities as every contact helps<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Justin is researching introducing existing NFB Parents'
Rights' legislation here in MA. He is working alongside Basil Maurice.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Justin also emphasized the importance of evaluating
state-level legislation regarding abolishing sub-minimum wages for people with
disabilities.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Debbie asked us to begin thinking about a fundraiser for the
beginning of next year.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">We would like to hold a Secret Santa gift exchange during
our meeting in December. That meeting will take place on Dec. 12th at 7:00PM.
We will get the Secret Santa gift questionnaire out to members before the next
meeting.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">If there are any questions, Debbie can be reached at 774
786-0177 or <a href="mailto:dmalone510@gmail.com">dmalone510@gmail.com</a><span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">Our next meeting will be Thursday Nov. 14th at 7PM.<span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">The meeting adjourned at 8:01PM.<span></span></p>
</div></div></div></div>