[MN-at-Large] [NFBMN-News] Join Events Next Week for a Discussion of BLIND, Inc., Our Building, and the Future of Training in Minnesota

Sat Jan 13 18:31:51 UTC 2024

Hi,

               Will not be able to be present at the meeting to discuss the future of training services offered through the MN NFB affiliate, wanted to make some comments in light of the suspending of BLIND Inc. services.

               First of all, did attend BLIND Inc. for training.

               Here are some thoughts, now as a senior:

Paid Training & Hardware Support: 

With the significant decline in support and services being offered through SSB, would appreciate having a call-in, and remote screen sharing access to my computer for a variety of software and hardware assistance.  Would even be willing to pay for this service.  If this would be an hourly rate,  a monthly, or annual fee subscription for a fixed number of hours, that would be a possibility.  Training through Freedom Scientific does not seem to work for me, since it is difficult to perform tasks while the training is in progress, and synchronizing tasks along with the tutorials is also difficult.  

Hardware upgrades and installation would be appreciated.  This would be especially true for new system purchases are involved.  Again, if a fee-based approach is required, this may work.

Can a contract arrangement be made through SSB to provide funds and service for qualified clients of SSB?   

Monthly Technology Forum:

               Having a technology forum to provide tips & tricks for common applications, or to encourage use of emerging apps would be a service to consider.  This could be as a one-on-one service, or as a group ZOOM session.  Again, offering this as a remote service, not requiring being at a location would be helpful. 

    Do use APPLE and Microsoft disability help lines; but there may be niche for NFB support.

Thanks for your consideration,

Allen

From: MN-At-Large <mn-at-large-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of David Andrews via MN-At-Large
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 5:25 AM
To: Corbb O'Connor <president at nfbmn.org>; nfbmn-news at nfbnet.org
Cc: David Andrews <dandrews920 at comcast.net>; mn-at-large at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [MN-at-Large] [NFBMN-News] Join Events Next Week for a Discussion of BLIND, Inc., Our Building, and the Future of Training in Minnesota

Because of the number of BLIND Inc.-related activities next week, and their importance, the At Large Chapter of the NFB of Minnesota has decided to cancel its January meeting.

See you in February, if not sooner.

David Andrews, President

At 09:38 PM 1/9/2024, Corbb O'Connor via NFBMN-News wrote:

Bottom-line up front: two meetings next week focused on BLIND, Inc., the sale of our building, and the future of blindness training in Minnesota. Plus, be sure to  <https://forms.gle/os7WAbV7QUkZjuSZ6> register Â for our affiliateâ€™s strategy session on January 20.

Â 

Hello everyone,

Â 

I write to you from my annual horseback trip with my dad and brother. When we started this tradition 13 years ago, I wondered how the wranglers, staff, and even the horses would react to blindness. As herd animals, itâ€™s definitely true that one horse will follow another, but Iâ€™ve learned to also rely on audio cues to stay on course while loping through the Arizona wilderness. Iâ€™ve also been taken back to the roots of my training in nonvisual independence: using the sun as a compass, listening for small changes in airflow to know about trees, hearing the hooves pounding in front of me to make slight left-or-right turns, asking the wrangler to shout about upcoming speed changes, and just enjoy the ride with confidence! I would not have that confidence without the blindness training that I received…trainning that weâ€™re fortunate to have had more than 30 years in Minnesota, too.

Â 

As youâ€™ve heard, BLIND, Inc. is pausing its services while we all work together to imagine the future possibilities for adjustment-to-blindness training in Minnesota. Iâ€™m writing to invite you to a few, upcoming conversations about both our programs and our building. As the Board of Directors of BLIND, Inc. has chosen to sell the building, the affiliateâ€™s Board of Directors must now choose whether we want to keep or sell the building. Before the board makes that decision, though, we want to hear from you. The training-center board also wants to answer your questions and provide you with updates.

Â 

In full recognition that these issues are complex and interrelated, we are hoping to focus each conversation on specific areas. Please read on so that you can bring your questions to the best venue.

Â 

Opportunity #1: BLIND, Inc. Board Meeting

The next public meeting of the Board of Directors of BLIND, Inc., which will take place on Zoom, will have updates and be a chance for you to ask questions of the board about its recent decisions.

Â 

Tuesday, January 16 6:30 PM-8:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting for BLIND, Inc. Board Meeting <https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85237280673?pwd=NzU1eDc0a1hMdk4rNzF2RlpIM1llUT09> 

Â 

Meeting ID: 852 3728 0673

Passcode: 647373

Â 

One tap mobile

+13126266799,,85237280673#,,,,*647373# US (Chicago)

+16469313860,,85237280673#,,,,*647373# US

Â 

Please feel free to reach out to BoardChair at BLINDInc.org <mailto:BoardChair at BLINDInc.org>  with any questions or comments ahead of the meeting.

Â 

Opportunity #2: Affiliate Conversation about the Sale of our Building and the Future of Blindness Training in Minnesota

Our national president will facilitate a virtual conversation with affiliate members about what we want to see in a future training center here in the land of 10,000 lakes and discuss the sale of our headquarters building (the Pillsbury mansion).

Â 

Thursday, January 18, 2024 7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting for Affiliate Conversation <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/91226810860?pwd=djJYUy9Jcm5PMTNFdEYvK0VNeVkxdz09> 

Meeting ID: 912 2681 0860 
Passcode: 355668 

One tap mobile 
+13092053325,,91226810860# US 
+13126266799,,91226810860# US (Chicago) 

Â 

Reminder of January 20 Strategic Planning Session

The purpose of this board meeting, which is open to all members, is to brainstorm and agree upon our most important work for the year. Conventions, legislative advocacy, and membership growth are important; as we do these things, though, what will we do, learn, and feel? Whatâ€™s worked well in past years that we want to replicate? What do we want to do differently? And maybe there are a few things that we want to stop doing so that we can make room for other work. What would make this affiliate â€œeven better if?â€ Please bring your ideas and energy into this intentional space.

Â 

Weâ€™ll have lunch. So, please complete this registration form <https://forms.gle/os7WAbV7QUkZjuSZ6>  as soon as possible but no later than Tuesday, January 16, and include any dietary or access needs for our meeting. If we can help to facilitate transportation for those outside the Metro area, please reach out to me via email.

Â 

*	Saturday, January 20 in-person and following the Metro chapter meeting 
*	10am: Metro Chapter Meeting 
*	12:15pm or so: Lunch 
*	1:30pm: Affiliate strategic planning 
*	5pm: Adjourn 

Â 

Both events will take place in the party room at Five15 on the Park Apartments, 515 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454.Â  The building is less than two blocks from the Cedar-Riverside Light Rail station on the Blue Line. 

Â 

As we announced at the last board meeting, are using this space for the first time, and donâ€™t have the necessary audio equipment to provide an equal experience for virtual attendees, there wonâ€™t be an option to participate or listen by Zoom. Again, please reach out to me if you need assistance securing transportation.

Â 

Upcoming Events

*	Thursday, January 11 7:00 PM-8:00â€¯PM: Riverbend Chapter Meeting 
*	Tuesday, January 16 6:00 PM-8:00â€¯PM: BLIND, Inc. Board Meeting 
*	Thursday, January 18 7:30 PM-9:00â€¯PM: Future of Blindness Training and HQ Building in Minnesota 
*	Saturday, January 20 10:00 AM-12:30â€¯PM: Metro Chapter Meeting 
*	Saturday, January 20 1:30 PM-5:00â€¯PM: Strategic Planning for 2024 
*	Sunday, January 21 7:00 PM-8:30â€¯PM: At Large Chapter Meeting 
*	Tuesday, January 23 7:00 PM-9:00â€¯PM: Rochester chapter meeting 
*	Monday, January 29 – Thursdayy, February 1: Washington Seminar in DC 
*	Thursday, February 8 5:00 PM-8:00 PM: State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind Meeting 
*	Thursday, February 8 7:00 PM-8:00â€¯PM: Riverbend Chapter Meeting 
*	Saturday, February 10 9:00 AM-11:00â€¯AM: Affiliate Board Meeting 
*	Saturday, February 17 10:00 AM-12:30â€¯PM: Metro Chapter Meeting 
*	Sunday, February 18 7:00 PM-8:30â€¯PM: At Large Chapter Meeting 
*	Wednesday, February 21 8:00 AM-4:00 PM: Day at the Capitol in Saint Paul 
*	Tuesday, February 27 7:00 PM-9:00â€¯PM: Rochester chapter meeting 
*	Thursday, March 14 7:00 PM-8:00â€¯PM: Riverbend Chapter Meeting 
*	Saturday, March 16 9:30 AM-12:30â€¯PM: Metro Chapter Meeting 
*	Sunday, March 17 7:00 PM-8:30â€¯PM: At Large Chapter Meeting 
*	Tuesday, March 19 6:00 PM-8:00â€¯PM: BLIND, Inc. Board Meeting 
*	Tuesday, March 26 7:00 PM-9:00â€¯PM: Rochester chapter meeting 
*	Wednesday, July 3-Monday, July 8: National Convention in Orlando, FL 

Â 

I look forward to talking with you soon!

Â 

Corbb O'Connor (he/him), President

National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota

www.nfbmn.org <http://www.nfbmn.org>  | (612) 872-9363

Â 

Â 
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