[MI-ABS] The MIABS Mosaic Vol. 8.1- Aug. 2ND, 2026

[Jeffery Crouch]

The MIABS Mosaic Vol. 8.1
August 2ND, 2026

Message from President Jeffery Crouch
  Greetings all, I hope you all had a great July. For those who are in the middle of summer classes, you've got this, your half way there. For those who had a shortened summer term, congrats, you have completed it and you are one step closer to graduating.
  We have several updates and announcements for you all, so let's dive right in!
  If you have any feedback for the mosaic or would like to see something included, please Email miabs-president at outlook.com

Advocacy
  On Aug. 5TH, at 7:00PM, we will be having a special advocacy committee meeting to read the completed advocacy toolkit. We want to extend a very special thank you to all those who joined us last month and provided testimonials that were included in the toolkit. Your stories will assist future students and current students in feeling empowered to use their own advocacy bone to make sure they are getting the services and accommodations they have a right to.
  We would love for everyone to join and listen to this great resource that has been put together. So, make sure to mark your calendar.

Announcements
MIABS Financial Assistance for State Convention
  The financial assistance form to request financial assistance to attend the NFBMI 2026 State Convention is live. If you looking for assistance to attend convention, please make sure to fill out the form. We want to get as many of our members to the convention as we can. Convention is an amazing time to gather together and learn, share and enjoy what the federation is all about. So, please make sure to get your form in by Aug. 15TH as this is the deadline.
Please fill out the form by visiting
this google forms page.<https://forms.gle/3nKMF1YnbcWhHLrLA>

The MIABS Multi-Media Mind-Melt Virtual Event
MIABS invites you to register and join us for: The MIABS Multi-Media Mind-Melt on September 19th, at 6:00PM!
  Are you a certified couch potato? A music maven? A master of NFB history? It’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Join the Michigan Association of Blind Students for a spectacular, energetic, fun, virtual Jeopardy-style night of trivia. We’re covering everything from “finish those lyrics” and “name that tune” to iconic commercial jingles and NFB history. Whether you want to play to win, test your luck, or just sit back and enjoy the show, we have a spot for you!
The competitor bracket ($10 entry fee)
  Think you have what it takes to clear the board? Compete against the best for some massive prizes: * First place: State convention registration, a banquet ticket, AND a $50 cash stipend! * Second place: state convention registration, a banquet ticket, AND a $25 cash stipend! * Third place: state convention registration AND a banquet ticket!
The door prize spectator ($5 entry fee)
  Don’t want to compete but still want a chance to walk away a winner? Grab a spectator door prize ticket! We will be giving away some awesome prizes, including: * Two state convention registration fees * Two bags of DELICIOUS Double Good popcorn * Two $25 cash stipends.
Purely for the “fan” of it (FREE)
  Just want to cheer on your friends and enjoy the entertainment? Audience members who don’t want a chance at prizes can join the virtual audience absolutely free!
Space is limited, registration closes Sep. 1St, so secure your spot today!
Click here to register now!!!<https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-miabs-multi-media-mind-melt>

MIABS Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser
  We will be holding a week long fundraiser with Double Good. Get a chance to get some of your favorite flavors while supporting Michigan's amazing students. The fundraiser is set to go live on Aug. 3RD. So, keep your eyes pealed for all the details tomorrow.

Future Fundraisers
  We will be holding two other fundraisers. As we are preparing to launch them, we will provide all those details in the upcoming Mosaics. These are some really unique fundraisers that I think everyone will enjoy.

MIABS Market
  Don't forget that the MIABS Market is up and running. Go check out what we are offering by visiting
the MIABS Market<http://www.zeffy.com/en-us/ticketing/miabs-market>
Items are always being updated, so don't miss out.

Calendar of Events
To join any of our meetings, please use the
student zoom room<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5368095926?pwd=04Tsi6F1xvcxP0iVL3hy0otQeVFQVn.1>


  *
Aug. 5TH: 7:00PM- Special advocacy committee meeting
  *
Aug. 6TH: 7:00PM- Students of Tomorrow Committee
  *
Aug. 12TH: 6:30PM- Communications, Unseen Media and TechTalk Committees
  *
Aug. 13TH: 7:00PM- TechTalk Live
  *
Aug. 15TH: 10:00AM- In person Affiliate Board Meeting in Grand Rapids
  *
Aug. 22ND: 3:00PM- Events Committee
  *
Aug. 23RD: 6:00PM- Unseen Media Live
  *
Aug. 23RD: 7:00PM- Members Meeting
  *
Aug. 26TH: 7:00PM- Fundraising and Membership Committee Meetings
  *
Aug. 29TH: 7:00PM- Project Prepare Committee Meeting (TBD)

Connect With Us
Youtube<http://youtube.com/@miabs_social>
Kick<http://kick.com/miabs-social>
Facebook<http://facebook.com/miabssocial>
Instagram<http://instagram.com/miabs_social>
Tiktok<http://tiktok.com/@miabs_social>
X<http://x.com/@miabs_social>
Mastodon<http://mastodon.social/@miabs_social>
Blog<http://miabssocial.wordpress.com/>

Inconclusion
 Thank you for reading this weeks Mosaic. Please Join Secretary Steven Crouch for all things communication related next Sunday.
We appreciate everyone who is part of this movement and helping to build a brighter future for all blind students in Michigan.
Let's go build the Federation!

     
The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Sincerely,
Jeffery Crouch
President: Michigan Association of Blind Students