[MI-ABS] The MIABS Mosaic Vol. 8.2- Aug. 9TH, 2026

[Jeffery Crouch]

The MIABS Mosaic Vol 8.2
August 9, 2026

Message from the Secretary, Steven Crouch
  Greetings Fellow Students and Federationists! I'd like to welcome you to this week's exciting Mosaic, all about Communications. Summer is almost over, and you know what that means. Fall is just around the corner, and some of you might be starting School, rather this would be High School, a College/University, Blindness Training at your center of Choice, or a post secondary trade school. What ever the direction, MIABS has you Covered. But until your first day of Class commences, I have some Communications updates that will light up your month. From Tech Talk, to Unseen Media Updates, to General Announcements, I got you covered as always in this mosaic. So in the meantime, relax, enjoy the last bits of Summer to the fullest extent by Grilling, swimming, or lounging in the sun. If you have any Feedback or Suggestions regarding the Mosaic, please feel free to email Jeff Crouch, President of the Michigan Association of Blind Students at
miabs-president at outlook.com

Communications
Tech Talk
  Previously on Tech Talk Live, our at large board member Shaun Williams presented part two of his presentation on Zoom. This time, he gave a tutorial on the Zoom platform for the Computer. The Presentation had a good turnout. Find out what Shaun has planned for the Next Tech Talk live event, which is on August 13 at 7:00 PM, so save the date. Also, a Communications Meeting, regarding tech talk and Unseen Media will take place on August 12 at 6:30 PM on the MIABS Zoom, so please drop by, and have your suggestions ready, and have your voice be heard as well. If you have any questions or have any suggestions regarding tech talk, please feel free to email Shaun Williams at
Shaunteckno at gmail.com

Unseen Media
  Previously on Unseen Media Live, Steven Crouch and other participants Gamed for seconds with Jackbox Games. Rather you were on top of the world, or gamed just for Funzies, Steven thanks you for Participating. Find out what Steven will cover in the next episode of Unseen Media live. It might be gaming related, an overview/demonstration of something, an interview with someone, you'll never know what's in-store. The Unseen Media Committee will have it's planning meeting on August 12 at 6:30 PM in the MIABS Zoom, so please show up, and give your opinions on what Steven should cover. Oh, and Unseen Media can't be complete without the live event portion, date is August 23 at 6:00 PM, which happens to be the same day as the members meeting, so please drop by to say hi. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding unseen media, feel free to email Jeff Crouch, President of MIABS at
miabs-president at outlook.com

General 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're 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/5RZi9hXP5pz5GVdd8>

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 1, so secure your spot today!
Click here to register now!!<https://www.zeffy.com/en-us/ticketing/the-miabs-multi-media-mind-melt>!

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<https://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/6326464227?pwd=MV495HQEOlCeI447RZ9LoIyHV0xlWe.1>

• 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/>


In conclusion
  Thank you all for reading, or listening to this mosaic. We post these mosaics out to social media, so please keep your eyes and ears pealed out for notifications. And speaking of having your eyes and ears Pealed, Kashonia Graham is next with her take on membership. So I say this message again. Enjoy the summer, take a good dive into your nearest swimming hole, and as always, 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