[MD-AtLarge] {Spam?} Chapter Reminder and Minutes

[nfbmd]

Hello all,

 

Happy Valentine's Day! The regular meeting of the At-Large Chapter will take
place on Tuesday, February 16. As usual, the National President's Message
starts at 7:30. The meeting begins at 8 pm. For your reference, the calling
number is 641-715-3272. The access code is 720125. Read the minutes below: 

 

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

Date: Tuesday, January 19, 2016

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. via conference call by
Marguerite Woods. There were around 16 people on the call. Everyone gave
their first and last name and where they were calling from.

 

Everyone was asked whether they receive the Braille monitor and if it is in
the format they prefer. It was pointed out that there is information in the
front about national convention which will be in July in Orlando.

 

Sharon explained that there is currently a petition to persuade the Obama
administration to create regulations to make the internet accessible as a
public accommodation. The goal is 100,000 signatures by February 11. You
must have an email address to sign it. For those that receive Sharon's
monthly email announcements, there is a link there to the petition.

 

The library for the blind will have a workshop in April on how to write
Unified English Braille, or UEB.

 

Sharon made announcements concerning the state convention for this year.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the NFB of MD, so it will be held at
the Baltimore Marriott next to Camden Yards. It will be October 28-30.
Further information will be provided in Sharon's monthly announcements as
details are worked out. Room rates will be $92 plus tax. Several people made
suggestions about things that could be part of the weekend, such as a tour
of the ballpark and of the Jernigan institute.

 

Several people will be going to Annapolis on Thursday, January 21 to meet
with state legislators. Those attending will meet at 8:00 A.M. They will
talk about getting rid of the special certificate used by sheltered
workshops to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. Sharon
explained that when this program was started, there were not as many jobs,
and less was known about what those with disabilities could do. Sharon said
the bill they are trying to pass would involve gradually getting rid of
these certificates by not allowing any more of them to be issued and funding
being cut to places that utilize the program. The second issue that will be
talked about will involve blind parents having more rights in the legal
system in child custody cases. This will include the burden of proof being
shifted to those making accusations against blind parents instead of being
on the parent. It will also require that a blind parent that has a challenge
be given a chance to make things better, and judges involved in these cases
will be required to give a decision in writing when ruling against a blind
parent.

 

Michael asked about ideas related to keeping oneself safe and defending
oneself against others. Suggestions were given including doing things in
daylight instead of darkness, staying away from high-crime areas, and
wearing a whistle or making other noise. It was said that if people were
interested there is a possibility of getting someone to provide us with
personal safety and self-defense techniques. Some people said they carry
things like tasers and pepper spray, though it was pointed out that these
are not always legal so it is important to look into laws before choosing
such options. It was also suggested that one be confident in their mobility
& other blindness skills which will be more of a deterrent to those who may
consider doing them harm.

 

The Washington seminar is coming up on Monday and Tuesday, January 25 and
26. There will be several meetings with legislators involving people from
all over the country. It will end with a reception with all the legislators.

 

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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