[MD-AtLarge] June Minutes

[nfbmd]

Hello all,

 

Below are the June minutes.  Please note the new conference call number.  It
is 641-715-3272.  The access code remains the same, it is 720125.  We will
look forward to seeing many of you in Orlando.  For those of you who cannot
make it, be sure to join us on the net.  Go to www.nfb.org
<http://www.nfb.org>  and there will be a link for the streaming.   Look
forward to talking to everyone at our July meeting, which will take place on
Tuesday, July 21.  Happy Independence Day to all!

 

Minutes for the At large chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Maryland

Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2015

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. via conference call by
Marguerite Woods. 

There were around 15 people on the call including 3 new people: Niki Tippet,
Valencia Moody and Angie Cummings. Everyone introduced themselves and told
where they live and how long they have

been with the federation.

 

Sharon spoke about the at large chapter and explained that it is for those
who, for whatever reason, cannot get to meetings of a local chapter. She
said we will try to do things like local chapters as much as possible. As we
have people all over the state, it can be tough to do things together, but
we will try to do some events regionally if possible.

 

Sharon announced that there is a new chapter in Carroll County and a new
president for the chapter in Cumberland. There are also recruitment events
being held in Baltimore. The NFB has a goal of 750 new members this year for
the 75th anniversary, and, as part of that effort, Maryland has a goal of 25
new members by the time of the state convention, which is November 13-15.
Sharon feels we will reach that goal and said the at large chapter will be a
big part of that.

 

Marguerite talked about a demonstration she attended on June 15 by Comcast.
They have added accessibility for the blind to programming for their DVR.
Marguerite announced the phone number for reaching them concerning this,
which is 855-270-0379.

 

Marguerite gave information for conference calls conducted for the NFB's
senior division, though anyone can attend. The calls are to provide various
information of interest. There are nationwide calls which are the second
Tuesday of each month at 4:00 P.M. The number for the calls is 712-432-1500,
and the access code is 759633. These calls are also archived for anyone who
would like to listen to past calls. The number to reach the archived calls
is 712-432-1202. There will also be statewide calls beginning in September
which will be the second Monday of each month.

 

The at large chapter will have a new conference call number beginning in
July. It will be announced before the next meeting. The access code will
remain the same.

 

Anyone who needs to pay membership dues for the at large chapter can go to
nfbmd.org and click on the "Donate" tab to pay via PayPal. Dues can also be
paid by check which can be sent to Sharon. Dues are $5. Sharon's address is:

 

9013 Nelson Way

Columbia MD 21045

 

It was mentioned that there is a lot going on in July with national
convention and people going on vacations. We discussed whether to hold a
meeting and decided to stay on schedule and have one but said people may be
needed to help call people concerning the meeting. A few people volunteered
to do so.

 

Angie announced that she recently attended a seminar on Section 508 and
volunteered to join a team that is being put together to find ways to make
the Department of Defense more accessible for the visually impaired. Other
chapter members gave her names of people to contact and email lists that can
provide her with helpful information.

 

Sharon updated us on the case involving Yasmin, who works for Montgomery
County. The county recently switched to software that is not accessible for
the blind. The NFB sued on Yasmin's behalf and lost the first decision but
appealed and won. The county now must decide whether to accept the latest
decision.

 

The meeting ended at 9:00 P.M.

 

Submitted by Danielle Shives

 

 

Sharon Maneki, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

410-715-9596

 

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