From redwing731 at gmail.com  Wed Jul  1 03:56:41 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 20:56:41 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Application for NABS regestration for NFB National
 Convention.
Message-ID: <C0A5E5E5-A327-4D3C-AFE7-FE494DAD0897@gmail.com>

Hi all! 
I’d like to register for NABS again this year like I did at the national convention last year. Unfortunently, I think I accedently deleeted the email with the information on how to do this. I can’t find anything on the website. Does anyone know what’s going on with NABS regestration? 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR 
Chemeketa Community College 
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 
National Federation of the Blind 
 Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 

From redwing731 at gmail.com  Wed Jul  1 04:21:05 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 21:21:05 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Application for NABS regestration for NFB National
 Convention.
In-Reply-To: <C0A5E5E5-A327-4D3C-AFE7-FE494DAD0897@gmail.com>
References: <C0A5E5E5-A327-4D3C-AFE7-FE494DAD0897@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <454C3DF8-DE11-40A2-9C71-27403F4258EC@gmail.com>

Hi all! 
I finally found the information I needed. I had to dig into my Outlook app but I found it there. I’m sorry for the inconvenience! I simply was trying to get in my regestration before the deadline. 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR 
Chemeketa Community College 
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 
National Federation of the Blind 
 Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 

> On Jun 30, 2020, at 20:56, Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi all! 
> I’d like to register for NABS again this year like I did at the national convention last year. Unfortunently, I think I accedently deleeted the email with the information on how to do this. I can’t find anything on the website. Does anyone know what’s going on with NABS regestration? 
> 
> 
> Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
> Stay safe and healthy! 
> Blessed be! 
> Kendra SchabeR 
> Chemeketa Community College 
> Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 
> National Federation of the Blind 
>  Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
> Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
> Member of 350.ORG Salem     
>  

From schoi09 at outlook.com  Wed Jul  1 05:53:58 2020
From: schoi09 at outlook.com (Seyoon Choi)
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 05:53:58 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Application for NABS regestration for NFB National
 Convention.
In-Reply-To: <454C3DF8-DE11-40A2-9C71-27403F4258EC@gmail.com>
References: <C0A5E5E5-A327-4D3C-AFE7-FE494DAD0897@gmail.com>
 <454C3DF8-DE11-40A2-9C71-27403F4258EC@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <374C5E2E-0605-4AA7-91A4-72AFAAB80DA2@outlook.com>

Hello Kendra,

Great to hear that you are wanting to register as a NABS member again. The link to the online Google form for member registration is located below. Be sure to read the page after clicking on “Submit” button to access the instructions on paying your $5 membership dues.

https://forms.gle/eevJ1PM1CdxrBBxH9

Hope this helps!

Take care,
Seyoon

Seyoon Choi, he/him/his)
President: Missouri Association of Blind Students
Co-chair | Outreach Committee
National Association of Blind Students
schoi09 at outlook.com<mailto:schoi09 at outlook.com>
(314) 650-8306

On Jun 30, 2020, at 11:21 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:

Hi all!
I finally found the information I needed. I had to dig into my Outlook app but I found it there. I’m sorry for the inconvenience! I simply was trying to get in my regestration before the deadline.


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message!
Stay safe and healthy!
Blessed be!
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019
National Federation of the Blind
Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Member of 350.ORG<http://350.ORG> Salem


On Jun 30, 2020, at 20:56, Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com<mailto:redwing731 at gmail.com>> wrote:

Hi all!
I’d like to register for NABS again this year like I did at the national convention last year. Unfortunently, I think I accedently deleeted the email with the information on how to do this. I can’t find anything on the website. Does anyone know what’s going on with NABS regestration?


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message!
Stay safe and healthy!
Blessed be!
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019
National Federation of the Blind
Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Member of 350.ORG<http://350.ORG> Salem

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/schoi09%40outlook.com


From schoi09 at outlook.com  Wed Jul  1 18:02:59 2020
From: schoi09 at outlook.com (Seyoon Choi)
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 18:02:59 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] June NABS Notes
Message-ID: <05A76E06-C223-472E-ABDE-24F09043023B@outlook.com>

What’s up, NABS?

Welcome to the first day of July, or just when you realize that we are half way through 2020. We are back at again with the June edition of NABS notes, which includes information on registering for NABS member, convention programming updates, and more. We hope will be a quick but concise read.

Please find the NABS notes below. Happy reading!

http://nabslink.org/content/nabs-notes-june-2020

Take care,
Seyoon

Seyoon Choi, he/him/his)
President: Missouri Association of Blind Students
Co-chair | Outreach Committee
National Association of Blind Students
schoi09 at outlook.com<mailto:schoi09 at outlook.com>
(314) 650-8306


From redwing731 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 02:54:52 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 19:54:52 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
Message-ID: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>

Hi all! 
In the fall, I’m planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish classes. I’ve never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing about accessability, technology, ECT. I’m also going to take it online because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that can’t be taught online. Since English and Spanish don’t require hands on which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online and distance learning. I’m guessing that I’ll be stuck using Zoom which isn’t a problem since I’m racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and probably iPad. I’m supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense that’s currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I think my school is switching online platforms. I’ll have to double check if they’re still doing this because I don’t know how Covid-19 related effects are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion, Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare, I’ve used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which one I’ll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the latest IOS? 
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear from you guys soon! 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR 
Chemeketa Community College 
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 
National Federation of the Blind 
 Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 

From iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 03:04:41 2020
From: iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com (Jorge Alejandro Paez)
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 23:04:41 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <325F4F1F-78FA-45D0-ACD4-8C73B4143CCE@gmail.com>

Hi Kendra:
So a few things.
If you’re switching from BlackBoard, you’re probably switching to Desire to Learn, D2L.
D2L is fully accessible so you won’t have anything to worry about there.
A tool popularly used in language classes seems to be McGrawhill’s Connect.
That is fully accessible as well.
As far as textbooks, if any, you should get your textbooks from Vital Source, they are fully accessible.
Language wise you can always add languages to your IOS devices, though someone else will need to tell you how as I’ve only known how to do it on the Mac, and same for JAWS and NVDA, though I know JAWS has an automatic language function that will start automatically speaking Spanish when using a document in Word.
Hope that helps.





Changing what it means to be blind,



Jorge Alejandro Paez
	National Association of Blind Students, Legislative and Self-Advocacy committee ATAA Taskforce
a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind.

iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com


http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjorgeapaez


> On Jul 1, 2020, at 22:54, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all! 
> In the fall, I’m planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish classes. I’ve never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing about accessability, technology, ECT. I’m also going to take it online because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that can’t be taught online. Since English and Spanish don’t require hands on which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online and distance learning. I’m guessing that I’ll be stuck using Zoom which isn’t a problem since I’m racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and probably iPad. I’m supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense that’s currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I think my school is switching online platforms. I’ll have to double check if they’re still doing this because I don’t know how Covid-19 related effects are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion, Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare, I’ve used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which one I’ll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the latest IOS? 
> I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear from you guys soon! 
> 
> 
> Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
> Stay safe and healthy! 
> Blessed be! 
> Kendra SchabeR 
> Chemeketa Community College 
> Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 
> National Federation of the Blind 
> Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
> Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
> Member of 350.ORG Salem     
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/iamjorgeapaez94%40gmail.com


From ctate2076 at att.net  Thu Jul  2 03:18:20 2020
From: ctate2076 at att.net (ctate2076 at att.net)
Date: Wed, 1 Jul 2020 23:18:20 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>

Kendra: 

I just completed my A.A. and took two semesters of Spanish online, prior to COVID-19. I am not sure how your school will incorporate distance learning with a foreign language, but there are two online platforms that I have used. Vista Higher Learning (VHL), VHLCentral.com, was the most accessible of the two software platforms I used in conjunction with Spanish online. They recently updated the platform, so it will not be usable on Internet Explorer; I used Google Chrome for Spanish 2. The issue I had with their platform was the lessons that were matching exercises. They would present pictures of what would correspond to a vocabulary word and you had to match it. There was no audio description in either English or Spanish, so unless you are given multiple attempts on that lesson, you will run into issues. 

McGraw Hill was used for my first attempt at Spanish 2. Accessing the e-book and vocabulary was difficult. The navigation gave me trouble as well. That is why I withdrew and took the second Spanish 2 class the following semester with the instructor that taught Spanish 1. 

Your biggest accessibility issues will arise with the instructor lessons on the school's distance learning platform. Some instructor lessons may be inaccessible due to the pdf files they use. Also, there are some keyboard shortcuts you should learn, as this will make it easier to write your lessons in Spanish. On this note, those keyboard shortcuts will help you if the instructor uses VHL Central. Using a screen reader may make the accent buttons not work and you will have to type those in. 

It may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but you can be successful. Reach out to the instructor for the class as soon as you are able to. Of course, remain in contact with your school's disability office as well. I have not used Blackboard as a blind student, so I am not familiar with any accessibility issues, but I have used Angel and Canvas. Hopefully, your school will look into Canvas, as I have found that to be the most usable distance learning system. 

I hope this all helps! 

Buena suerte, 
Camille Tate

Sincerely,
Camille Tate 

President, Melbourne Space Coast Chapter, National Federation of the Blind, FL 
Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind, FL 
Email: ctate2076 at att.net 
Phone: 321 372 4899 
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kendra Schaber via NABS-L
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:55 PM
To: Jordan Mirander via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Hi all! 
In the fall, I’m planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish classes. I’ve never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing about accessability, technology, ECT. I’m also going to take it online because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that can’t be taught online. Since English and Spanish don’t require hands on which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online and distance learning. I’m guessing that I’ll be stuck using Zoom which isn’t a problem since I’m racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and probably iPad. I’m supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense that’s currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I think my school is switching online platforms. I’ll have to double check if they’re still doing this because I don’t know how Covid-19 related effects are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion, Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare, I’ve used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which one I’ll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the latest IOS? 
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear from you guys soon! 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 National Federation of the Blind  Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net



From redwing731 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 07:11:35 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 07:11:35 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>,
 <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
Message-ID: <BN6PR20MB193912DB1E8225F5C85DC9BFA86D0@BN6PR20MB1939.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>

Hi!
I think it’s Canvus my school is changing to for fall term but I’ll have to check in the morning. I have to get my Spanish teacher’s contact information anyway. I have to run questions regarding inaccessible pictures and the like, now that I know they exist. Thank you for letting me know about what you ran into! I’m sorry you did run into those problems with accessability! I hope to avoid as many of them as possible!


Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: ctate2076 at att.net <ctate2076 at att.net>
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 20:18
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Cc: 'Kendra Schaber'
Subject: RE: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Kendra:

I just completed my A.A. and took two semesters of Spanish online, prior to COVID-19. I am not sure how your school will incorporate distance learning with a foreign language, but there are two online platforms that I have used. Vista Higher Learning (VHL), VHLCentral.com, was the most accessible of the two software platforms I used in conjunction with Spanish online. They recently updated the platform, so it will not be usable on Internet Explorer; I used Google Chrome for Spanish 2. The issue I had with their platform was the lessons that were matching exercises. They would present pictures of what would correspond to a vocabulary word and you had to match it. There was no audio description in either English or Spanish, so unless you are given multiple attempts on that lesson, you will run into issues.

McGraw Hill was used for my first attempt at Spanish 2. Accessing the e-book and vocabulary was difficult. The navigation gave me trouble as well. That is why I withdrew and took the second Spanish 2 class the following semester with the instructor that taught Spanish 1.

Your biggest accessibility issues will arise with the instructor lessons on the school's distance learning platform. Some instructor lessons may be inaccessible due to the pdf files they use. Also, there are some keyboard shortcuts you should learn, as this will make it easier to write your lessons in Spanish. On this note, those keyboard shortcuts will help you if the instructor uses VHL Central. Using a screen reader may make the accent buttons not work and you will have to type those in.

It may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but you can be successful. Reach out to the instructor for the class as soon as you are able to. Of course, remain in contact with your school's disability office as well. I have not used Blackboard as a blind student, so I am not familiar with any accessibility issues, but I have used Angel and Canvas. Hopefully, your school will look into Canvas, as I have found that to be the most usable distance learning system.

I hope this all helps!

Buena suerte,
Camille Tate

Sincerely,
Camille Tate

President, Melbourne Space Coast Chapter, National Federation of the Blind, FL
Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind, FL
Email: ctate2076 at att.net
Phone: 321 372 4899
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kendra Schaber via NABS-L
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:55 PM
To: Jordan Mirander via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Hi all!
In the fall, I’m planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish classes. I’ve never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing about accessability, technology, ECT. I’m also going to take it online because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that can’t be taught online. Since English and Spanish don’t require hands on which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online and distance learning. I’m guessing that I’ll be stuck using Zoom which isn’t a problem since I’m racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and probably iPad. I’m supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense that’s currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I think my school is switching online platforms. I’ll have to double check if they’re still doing this because I don’t know how Covid-19 related effects are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion, Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare, I’ve used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which one I’ll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the latest IOS?
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear from you guys soon!


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message!
Stay safe and healthy!
Blessed be!
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 National Federation of the Blind  Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon
Member of 350.ORG Salem

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net


From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 12:10:15 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 07:10:15 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
 <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
Message-ID: <00a801d65069$bf4078f0$3dc16ad0$@gmail.com>

D2L is great for on-line learning, too. I use google chrome with it; it no longer works with Internet Explorer.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Camille Tate via NABS-L
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:18 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list' <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: ctate2076 at att.net
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Kendra: 

I just completed my A.A. and took two semesters of Spanish online, prior to COVID-19. I am not sure how your school will incorporate distance learning with a foreign language, but there are two online platforms that I have used. Vista Higher Learning (VHL), VHLCentral.com, was the most accessible of the two software platforms I used in conjunction with Spanish online. They recently updated the platform, so it will not be usable on Internet Explorer; I used Google Chrome for Spanish 2. The issue I had with their platform was the lessons that were matching exercises. They would present pictures of what would correspond to a vocabulary word and you had to match it. There was no audio description in either English or Spanish, so unless you are given multiple attempts on that lesson, you will run into issues. 

McGraw Hill was used for my first attempt at Spanish 2. Accessing the e-book and vocabulary was difficult. The navigation gave me trouble as well. That is why I withdrew and took the second Spanish 2 class the following semester with the instructor that taught Spanish 1. 

Your biggest accessibility issues will arise with the instructor lessons on the school's distance learning platform. Some instructor lessons may be inaccessible due to the pdf files they use. Also, there are some keyboard shortcuts you should learn, as this will make it easier to write your lessons in Spanish. On this note, those keyboard shortcuts will help you if the instructor uses VHL Central. Using a screen reader may make the accent buttons not work and you will have to type those in. 

It may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but you can be successful. Reach out to the instructor for the class as soon as you are able to. Of course, remain in contact with your school's disability office as well. I have not used Blackboard as a blind student, so I am not familiar with any accessibility issues, but I have used Angel and Canvas. Hopefully, your school will look into Canvas, as I have found that to be the most usable distance learning system. 

I hope this all helps! 

Buena suerte,
Camille Tate

Sincerely,
Camille Tate 

President, Melbourne Space Coast Chapter, National Federation of the Blind, FL Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind, FL
Email: ctate2076 at att.net
Phone: 321 372 4899
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kendra Schaber via NABS-L
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:55 PM
To: Jordan Mirander via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Hi all! 
In the fall, I’m planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish classes. I’ve never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing about accessability, technology, ECT. I’m also going to take it online because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that can’t be taught online. Since English and Spanish don’t require hands on which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online and distance learning. I’m guessing that I’ll be stuck using Zoom which isn’t a problem since I’m racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and probably iPad. I’m supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense that’s currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I think my school is switching online platforms. I’ll have to double check if they’re still doing this because I don’t know how Covid-19 related effects are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion, Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare, I’ve used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which one I’ll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the latest IOS? 
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear from you guys soon! 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I’m sorry for any errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 National Federation of the Blind  Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net


_______________________________________________
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NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.com



From adri.banosmendez at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 14:29:18 2020
From: adri.banosmendez at gmail.com (Adriana Sky Mendez)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 09:29:18 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <325F4F1F-78FA-45D0-ACD4-8C73B4143CCE@gmail.com>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
 <325F4F1F-78FA-45D0-ACD4-8C73B4143CCE@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAHH8pbvguEQfPyn1av5HsLMv-B5UY5XTGjLBrHV=u6W11NhSmg@mail.gmail.com>

hi!
, Even though I've not taken Spanish on the college level, I can give you
this much information. JaQS, NVdA, and VoiceOver do have features available
so that you can write in Spanish if the class will require you to do so.
Certain problems you will encounter in the class may be the language
barrier. I suggest downloading translation apps in case they give you a
handout in Spanish, because I know some classes do that.
Depending on the platforms that your professor is using, it generally is
accessible. most of it is just reading, and writing.

i sincerely hope that I've helped a little bit at least.
if you need any assistance when it comes to writing in Spanish, (if the
class requires it,), I can help. The accents and such do change a little
bit. Anyway, hope this helps.

Thank you,
Adriana Banos Mendez

From ctate2076 at att.net  Thu Jul  2 14:29:20 2020
From: ctate2076 at att.net (ctate2076 at att.net)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 10:29:20 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <BN6PR20MB193912DB1E8225F5C85DC9BFA86D0@BN6PR20MB1939.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>,
 <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
 <BN6PR20MB193912DB1E8225F5C85DC9BFA86D0@BN6PR20MB1939.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <00d001d6507d$2d507530$87f15f90$@att.net>

You are most welcome. Glad to be of help.

 

Camille 

 

From: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com> 
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 3:12 AM
To: ctate2076 at att.net; 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

 

Hi! 

I think it's Canvus my school is changing to for fall term but I'll have to
check in the morning. I have to get my Spanish teacher's contact information
anyway. I have to run questions regarding inaccessible pictures and the
like, now that I know they exist. Thank you for letting me know about what
you ran into! I'm sorry you did run into those problems with accessability!
I hope to avoid as many of them as possible! 

 

 

Get Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> 

  _____  

From: ctate2076 at att.net <mailto:ctate2076 at att.net>  <ctate2076 at att.net
<mailto:ctate2076 at att.net> >
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 20:18
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
Cc: 'Kendra Schaber'
Subject: RE: [NABS-L] Spanish Class! 

 

Kendra: 

I just completed my A.A. and took two semesters of Spanish online, prior to
COVID-19. I am not sure how your school will incorporate distance learning
with a foreign language, but there are two online platforms that I have
used. Vista Higher Learning (VHL), VHLCentral.com, was the most accessible
of the two software platforms I used in conjunction with Spanish online.
They recently updated the platform, so it will not be usable on Internet
Explorer; I used Google Chrome for Spanish 2. The issue I had with their
platform was the lessons that were matching exercises. They would present
pictures of what would correspond to a vocabulary word and you had to match
it. There was no audio description in either English or Spanish, so unless
you are given multiple attempts on that lesson, you will run into issues. 

McGraw Hill was used for my first attempt at Spanish 2. Accessing the e-book
and vocabulary was difficult. The navigation gave me trouble as well. That
is why I withdrew and took the second Spanish 2 class the following semester
with the instructor that taught Spanish 1. 

Your biggest accessibility issues will arise with the instructor lessons on
the school's distance learning platform. Some instructor lessons may be
inaccessible due to the pdf files they use. Also, there are some keyboard
shortcuts you should learn, as this will make it easier to write your
lessons in Spanish. On this note, those keyboard shortcuts will help you if
the instructor uses VHL Central. Using a screen reader may make the accent
buttons not work and you will have to type those in. 

It may seem like an insurmountable challenge, but you can be successful.
Reach out to the instructor for the class as soon as you are able to. Of
course, remain in contact with your school's disability office as well. I
have not used Blackboard as a blind student, so I am not familiar with any
accessibility issues, but I have used Angel and Canvas. Hopefully, your
school will look into Canvas, as I have found that to be the most usable
distance learning system. 

I hope this all helps! 

Buena suerte, 
Camille Tate

Sincerely,
Camille Tate 

President, Melbourne Space Coast Chapter, National Federation of the Blind,
FL 
Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind, FL 
Email: ctate2076 at att.net <mailto:ctate2076 at att.net>  
Phone: 321 372 4899 
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> >
On Behalf Of Kendra Schaber via NABS-L
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 10:55 PM
To: Jordan Mirander via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>
Cc: Kendra Schaber <redwing731 at gmail.com <mailto:redwing731 at gmail.com> >
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!

Hi all! 
In the fall, I'm planning on taking the first class of two years of Spanish
classes. I've never taken a foreign language class before. I know nothing
about accessability, technology, ECT. I'm also going to take it online
because my school is still vertual with acception of hands on classes that
can't be taught online. Since English and Spanish don't require hands on
which is unlike science, both my English and Spanish classes will be online
and distance learning. I'm guessing that I'll be stuck using Zoom which
isn't a problem since I'm racking up Zoom hours of experience as the result
of Covid-19 anyway. In addition to Zoom, I have Voice Over on my iPhone and
probably iPad. I'm supposed to get my first iPad this summer. I also have
both JAWS and NVDA on a Dell PC computer. I have a Polaris Braille Sense
that's currently in the shop for repair. I should get it back before summer
ends. I also have AIRA which is on my iPhone, also hope to get more of their
distance learning services from them. I currently have Black Board but I
think my school is switching online platforms. I'll have to double check if
they're still doing this because I don't know how Covid-19 related effects
are going to impact the technical apps, software and so on with my school. I
have YouTube, friends who either know Spanish or have just taken Spanish
this last year. I have the usual Google, Drop Box, MS Office home vertion,
Outlook, Safari, Firefox, Amazon, the usual book apps, Amazon Prime, Apple
T.V., Disney Plus, Netflix and HPO. I also have Sero too. I sometimes use
these services in school, pending class content. Outside of Shakespeare,
I've used YouTube the most outside of in school content that envolves
videos. In any case, I have these resources on hand without knowing which
one I'll be using, though probably sure that screen readers and Office Sweet
plus internet browsers will be on the top of the list. What tools are
commonly used in Spanish classes? What are the common accessability issues
that blind students incounter while taking Spanish classes? Also, how would
I go about language translation using JAWS 2020, NVDA and Voice Over on the
latest IOS? 
I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read this post! I hope to hear
from you guys soon! 


Thank you for taking the time for reading this email! I'm sorry for any
errors that appear in this message! 
Stay safe and healthy! 
Blessed be! 
Kendra SchabeR
Chemeketa Community College
Honor Roll Student for fall term of 2019 National Federation of the Blind
Secretary of the Capitol Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of
Oregon Vice President of the Oregon Association of Blind Students: a
devition of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon 
Member of 350.ORG Salem     
 
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> 
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net


From fairall at panix.com  Thu Jul  2 16:31:25 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 12:31:25 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Spanish Class!
In-Reply-To: <00a801d65069$bf4078f0$3dc16ad0$@gmail.com>
References: <F57CEF2A-6EDA-448B-90F2-FBC8FD15D831@gmail.com>
 <01a401d6501f$70b9ee90$522dcbb0$@att.net>
 <00a801d65069$bf4078f0$3dc16ad0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021229260.11603@panix2.panix.com>

I'm using D2L as well. The main issue I have with Google chrome is the 
inability to view your bill. You still need Internet Explorer for this 
task.

-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From fairall at panix.com  Thu Jul  2 16:42:15 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 12:42:15 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Docs and Slides
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>

Is anyone familiar with Google Docs and Slides? I think they are 
accessible, but I'm more familiar with Office 365. When I tried to access 
Google Slides a week ago, I could type but nothing showed up on my Braille 
display. Any help would be appreciated.

I'd also like to connect with either graduate students or students from 
Florida. I started my MPA this summer and haven't been back in school for 
a long time. Both courses require group projects, and using Google Slides 
seems to be very popular.

-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From fairall at panix.com  Thu Jul  2 16:46:26 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 12:46:26 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Refreshable Bluetooth Braille Displays
In-Reply-To: <BL0PR14MB3907A29BC85C9E230BB0AFA7BF930@BL0PR14MB3907.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BL0PR14MB3907A29BC85C9E230BB0AFA7BF930@BL0PR14MB3907.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021245080.11603@panix2.panix.com>

Ian:

Are you looking for a notetaker/Braille display combination or a 
standalone unit?

-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From braillemasterjustin at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 19:00:21 2020
From: braillemasterjustin at gmail.com (Justin Heard)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 15:00:21 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Docs and Slides
In-Reply-To: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>
References: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>
Message-ID: <4f0222fd-9a93-5acf-966f-a10ddc61c1c1@gmail.com>

Hi there.

I am very familiar with GoogleSlides and GoogleDocs, and they are very 
accessible. I use them with a combination of GoogleCrhome and NVDA and 
they both work well, though the initial set up was a little tricky. 
Sometimes the accessible keyboard shortcuts are not turned on by 
default, and the setting is a little tricky to find. I believe they also 
work well with JAWS. I know of someone who uses JAWS with Firefox, 
though I am sure Chrome would work as well.

Check out google.com/accessibility for more information. Additionally, 
if you would like some one-on-one help, you could email me privately and 
we could set up a time to go over it. Barring any bizarre technical 
difficulties, I can usually teach it in about 15 minutes.

Thanks.

On 7/2/2020 12:42 PM, Leslie Fairall via NABS-L wrote:
> Is anyone familiar with Google Docs and Slides? I think they are 
> accessible, but I'm more familiar with Office 365. When I tried to 
> access Google Slides a week ago, I could type but nothing showed up on 
> my Braille display. Any help would be appreciated.
>
> I'd also like to connect with either graduate students or students 
> from Florida. I started my MPA this summer and haven't been back in 
> school for a long time. Both courses require group projects, and using 
> Google Slides seems to be very popular.
>


From keribcu at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 19:03:25 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 15:03:25 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] stats and excel
Message-ID: <52545cd9-8690-2975-8a97-0314b496ca4f@gmail.com>

hey all,


I remember several months back someone mentioned an addon for excel as 
it relates to stats, can that person remind me of it? Also if any other 
students have used excel successfully with stats I'd like to hear your 
tips and tricks.


thank you,

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From ljmaher03 at outlook.com  Thu Jul  2 19:22:37 2020
From: ljmaher03 at outlook.com (Louis Maher)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 19:22:37 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Docs and Slides
In-Reply-To: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>
References: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>
Message-ID: <SN6PR07MB4976B0C0DED7AE7660BB4D59AA6D0@SN6PR07MB4976.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>

Hello Leslie,

I use NVDA and Chrome, or Edge, or Firefox.  JAWS works fairly well with these browsers as well.

Open a G-suite document and turn on screen reader support: Alt + control + z"  You should only have to do this once.

You should also turn on Braille support in the tools menu:
Alt + shift t
And arrow down to accessibility settings, hit enter and turn on Braille support.

In a google suite document, the google suite menus are accessed with alt + shift: for example alt + shift + f gives you the file menu.
Just hitting alt gives you access to the browser's menus.

To display the keyboard shortcut list in G-suite, press Ctrl + / 
And
Shift + / for another list.

g-suite guide to accessibility 
https://support.google.com/a/answer/1631886?hl=en


Regards
Louis Maher
Phone: 713-444-7838
E-mail ljmaher03 at outlook.com

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Leslie Fairall via NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 2, 2020 11:42 AM
To: Camille Tate via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Leslie Fairall <fairall at panix.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Docs and Slides

Is anyone familiar with Google Docs and Slides? I think they are accessible, but I'm more familiar with Office 365. When I tried to access Google Slides a week ago, I could type but nothing showed up on my Braille display. Any help would be appreciated.

I'd also like to connect with either graduate students or students from Florida. I started my MPA this summer and haven't been back in school for a long time. Both courses require group projects, and using Google Slides seems to be very popular.

--
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com


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From lakeria2009 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  2 19:28:09 2020
From: lakeria2009 at gmail.com (Lakeria Taylor)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 14:28:09 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] stats and excel
In-Reply-To: <52545cd9-8690-2975-8a97-0314b496ca4f@gmail.com>
References: <52545cd9-8690-2975-8a97-0314b496ca4f@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <F2503602-ED49-467B-9734-CFCCF3F6ABF9@gmail.com>

Try to learn as many of the functions as possible.

Sent from LaKeria’s iPhone

> On Jul 2, 2020, at 2:04 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> hey all,
> 
> 
> I remember several months back someone mentioned an addon for excel as it relates to stats, can that person remind me of it? Also if any other students have used excel successfully with stats I'd like to hear your tips and tricks.
> 
> 
> thank you,
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lakeria2009%40gmail.com


From fairall at panix.com  Thu Jul  2 21:14:28 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 17:14:28 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Docs and Slides
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR07MB4976B0C0DED7AE7660BB4D59AA6D0@SN6PR07MB4976.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
References: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021234170.11603@panix2.panix.com>
 <SN6PR07MB4976B0C0DED7AE7660BB4D59AA6D0@SN6PR07MB4976.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007021710170.18691@panix2.panix.com>

Thanks to Lois and Justin for answering my initial question. I may reach 
out again as needed. The main thing I will need to do for this assignment 
is cut and paste a bulleted list onto the Google slide.


-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Thu Jul  2 23:21:01 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 23:21:01 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Secure Accessible Transcribing Software?
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB4447E5244C5632188EF11A54BA6D0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello All,



I am working on a research project this summer that requires me to transcribe recordings on a secure computer server through remote desktop access. Is anyone on the list familiar with any accessible transcribing software that can be used on a secure computer server?



The transcribing software they want to use is InqScribe. However, this software appears to be rather inaccessible. After some further investigation, it appears as though the Express Scribe and Gearplayer Programs would be candidates for accessible transcribing software. I saw more documentation about the Express Scribe program, and believe the full paid version should meet the security qualifications for this project.



Does anyone have any experience using either the Express Scribe or Gearplayer  Transcribing programs? If so, would either one be a good candidate for me to use for this project? And would I be able to use them through remote desktop access? I was informed that I would not be able to hear both my JAWS screen reader and the audio from the recording through a remote desktop connection. So I would greatly appreciate any feedback anyone could provide me.



I am not completely sure which email list would be most appropriate for my questions. So I thought I would try posting them to this email list. However, please feel free to pass along this message to any other appropriate email lists.



Thanks,

Elizabeth






From iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com  Fri Jul  3 00:59:34 2020
From: iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com (Jorge Alejandro Paez)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 20:59:34 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Google Drive/Google Docs Accessibility with Mac and IOS
Message-ID: <EC69BC50-84B9-4633-BD0D-5F87E2E80012@gmail.com>

Hello everyone.
So I’m working with a team right now that uses a lot of tech, which is awesome.
Anyway one of those techs is Google Drive.
The problem I’m having is, I can access everything on the platform except for the document that I’m supposed to read.
I’m getting around this by downloading the document, however I’m wondering if anyone knows the right way to access it with VoiceOver on the Mac and IOS as I’ve heard from people Google Docs and Drive are supposed to be super accessible.



Changing what it means to be blind,



Jorge Alejandro Paez
	National Association of Blind Students, Legislative and Self-Advocacy committee ATAA Taskforce
a proud division of the National Federation of the Blind.

iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com
754.302.4094


http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjorgeapaez



From misokwak12 at gmail.com  Fri Jul  3 02:17:47 2020
From: misokwak12 at gmail.com (Miso Kwak)
Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2020 22:17:47 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Secure Accessible Transcribing Software?
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB4447E5244C5632188EF11A54BA6D0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447E5244C5632188EF11A54BA6D0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CAMe9x_FVoabaTFq7jTrpcQOCcedHgnD-qBuF1L6XSUpBEJEmqg@mail.gmail.com>

Hi, I use Otter for my work. Not sure if it mees the security
standards your work may require but it is decent for accessibility.
There are a few unlabeled buttons, but easy enough to learn your way
around if you spend some time with it. (If you end up using this, I
can also assist if needed)
I also love the quality of their transcription. I do have to go into
the transcript and proofread and compare with the recording to clean
up but it is pretty good.
You can access Otter by typing in otter.ai on the web browser address bar.

Miso


On 7/2/20, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello All,
>
>
>
> I am working on a research project this summer that requires me to
> transcribe recordings on a secure computer server through remote desktop
> access. Is anyone on the list familiar with any accessible transcribing
> software that can be used on a secure computer server?
>
>
>
> The transcribing software they want to use is InqScribe. However, this
> software appears to be rather inaccessible. After some further
> investigation, it appears as though the Express Scribe and Gearplayer
> Programs would be candidates for accessible transcribing software. I saw
> more documentation about the Express Scribe program, and believe the full
> paid version should meet the security qualifications for this project.
>
>
>
> Does anyone have any experience using either the Express Scribe or
> Gearplayer  Transcribing programs? If so, would either one be a good
> candidate for me to use for this project? And would I be able to use them
> through remote desktop access? I was informed that I would not be able to
> hear both my JAWS screen reader and the audio from the recording through a
> remote desktop connection. So I would greatly appreciate any feedback anyone
> could provide me.
>
>
>
> I am not completely sure which email list would be most appropriate for my
> questions. So I thought I would try posting them to this email list.
> However, please feel free to pass along this message to any other
> appropriate email lists.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/misokwak12%40gmail.com
>


From sandragayer7 at gmail.com  Fri Jul  3 09:31:23 2020
From: sandragayer7 at gmail.com (Sandra Gayer)
Date: Fri, 3 Jul 2020 10:31:23 +0100
Subject: [NABS-L] Secure Accessible Transcribing Software?
In-Reply-To: <CAMe9x_FVoabaTFq7jTrpcQOCcedHgnD-qBuF1L6XSUpBEJEmqg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447E5244C5632188EF11A54BA6D0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
 <CAMe9x_FVoabaTFq7jTrpcQOCcedHgnD-qBuF1L6XSUpBEJEmqg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJcYH68QEym_GSLibBVwh20eAPe_JGNBOJN=jb+ALA2-eMMB-w@mail.gmail.com>

Hello Elizabeth,
When I transcribe audio, I use separate machines which means I can
control the volume of Jaws whilst typing on one, listening to the
audio file to be transcribed on the other. I use Sonar which is
designed for music and audio production generally in mind but it's
easiest for me to get exact time stamps. I just email the completed
files to the recipient. I have never had issues with security,
although, for one project, as part of the contract, I was asked to
sign a confidentiality agreement.

HTH.
Very best wishes,
Sandra.






On 7/3/20, Miso Kwak via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi, I use Otter for my work. Not sure if it mees the security
> standards your work may require but it is decent for accessibility.
> There are a few unlabeled buttons, but easy enough to learn your way
> around if you spend some time with it. (If you end up using this, I
> can also assist if needed)
> I also love the quality of their transcription. I do have to go into
> the transcript and proofread and compare with the recording to clean
> up but it is pretty good.
> You can access Otter by typing in otter.ai on the web browser address bar.
>
> Miso
>
>
> On 7/2/20, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello All,
>>
>>
>>
>> I am working on a research project this summer that requires me to
>> transcribe recordings on a secure computer server through remote desktop
>> access. Is anyone on the list familiar with any accessible transcribing
>> software that can be used on a secure computer server?
>>
>>
>>
>> The transcribing software they want to use is InqScribe. However, this
>> software appears to be rather inaccessible. After some further
>> investigation, it appears as though the Express Scribe and Gearplayer
>> Programs would be candidates for accessible transcribing software. I saw
>> more documentation about the Express Scribe program, and believe the full
>> paid version should meet the security qualifications for this project.
>>
>>
>>
>> Does anyone have any experience using either the Express Scribe or
>> Gearplayer  Transcribing programs? If so, would either one be a good
>> candidate for me to use for this project? And would I be able to use them
>> through remote desktop access? I was informed that I would not be able to
>> hear both my JAWS screen reader and the audio from the recording through
>> a
>> remote desktop connection. So I would greatly appreciate any feedback
>> anyone
>> could provide me.
>>
>>
>>
>> I am not completely sure which email list would be most appropriate for
>> my
>> questions. So I thought I would try posting them to this email list.
>> However, please feel free to pass along this message to any other
>> appropriate email lists.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Elizabeth
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/misokwak12%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/sandragayer7%40gmail.com
>


-- 
Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.

Soprano Singer
www.sandragayer.com

Broadcast Presenter
www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html

Actor
www.visablepeople.com

Voiceover Artist
www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer


From elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com  Sun Jul  5 17:00:23 2020
From: elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com (Elizabeth Rouse)
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2020 12:00:23 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] You're Invited! July NABS Fundraising Committee
 Call--Sunday, July 12 at 9 PM EST
Message-ID: <CANGwUJOXkPQa6nSHAM6Wh94Nb6P+hTo9KrXbtASMEw2ha9Q46Q@mail.gmail.com>

Hey NABSters!
Are you ready to kick off National Convention right? Well then you must be
planning to attend the next monthly meeting of the NABS Fundraising
Committee on Sunday, July 12 at 9:00 PM EST.
We’ll be giving our final updates on all things money-making that pertain
to the coming week’s fun. Join us for all the details on how you can
purchase your NABS hoodie or participate in our annual Walk-A-Thon.
Join us using the following link!
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
Meeting ID: 467 883 3687
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,4678833687# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,4678833687# US (Chicago)
Talk with you all very soon!
$Elizabeth$
-- 
Elizabeth Rouse
She/her/hers
Secretary/Treasurer | Iowa Association of Blind Students
Chair | National Association of Blind Students Fundraising Committee
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org
elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com
563-210-1854

From trishak.nfb at gmail.com  Sun Jul  5 19:11:04 2020
From: trishak.nfb at gmail.com (trishak.nfb at gmail.com)
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2020 15:11:04 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Time Is Running Out! Complete NABS Registration by
 Wednesday July 8
Message-ID: <006c01d65300$0883a940$198afbc0$@gmail.com>

Dear Students, 

 

We are rapidly approaching the start of our 2020 virtual convention, and
with it, our various NABS meetings! In order to be considered an official
member that can vote, qualify for door prizes, etc., be sure to register at
the below link and follow the instructions to pay your dues by Wednesday
July 8. Please direct any questions about registration to Elizabeth Rouse at
elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com> .

 

Register Here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpApqBzSYiJvM7__3JsWdIasdD9vbM0FJX
wYmJJ2ITXDxzsw/viewform

 

Being part of a national network of blind students is an experience like
none other, and we hope you will choose to join us!

 

Yours, 

Trisha Kulkarni

Board Member | National Association of Blind Students

A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind

Trishak.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:Trishak.nfb at gmail.com> 

www.nabslink.org


From mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com  Sun Jul  5 19:28:56 2020
From: mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com (Mausam Mehta)
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2020 15:28:56 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Time Is Running Out! Complete NABS Registration by
 Wednesday July 8
In-Reply-To: <006c01d65300$0883a940$198afbc0$@gmail.com>
References: <006c01d65300$0883a940$198afbc0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <43B94DAF-F5ED-49B0-9D07-BD1C47BEF0AB@gmail.com>

Hi all,
Please use the unbroken link below to register.

https://forms.gle/eevJ1PM1CdxrBBxH9

If you have any issues or questions regarding registration, reach out to
Elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com.
Best,
Mausam

Mausam Mehta
Co-chair | Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee
Secretary | National Association of blind students
A proud division of the National Federation of the blind
mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com
|
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 5, 2020, at 3:12 PM, Trisha Kulkarni via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Students, 
> 
> 
> 
> We are rapidly approaching the start of our 2020 virtual convention, and
> with it, our various NABS meetings! In order to be considered an official
> member that can vote, qualify for door prizes, etc., be sure to register at
> the below link and follow the instructions to pay your dues by Wednesday
> July 8. Please direct any questions about registration to Elizabeth Rouse at
> elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com> .
> 
> 
> 
> Register Here:
> 
> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpApqBzSYiJvM7__3JsWdIasdD9vbM0FJX
> wYmJJ2ITXDxzsw/viewform
> 
> 
> 
> Being part of a national network of blind students is an experience like
> none other, and we hope you will choose to join us!
> 
> 
> 
> Yours, 
> 
> Trisha Kulkarni
> 
> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
> 
> A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
> 
> Trishak.nfb at gmail.com <mailto:Trishak.nfb at gmail.com> 
> 
> www.nabslink.org
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mausam.mehta.nfb%40gmail.com


From schoi09 at outlook.com  Sun Jul  5 19:58:36 2020
From: schoi09 at outlook.com (Seyoon Choi)
Date: Sun, 5 Jul 2020 19:58:36 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Your Invited: July NABS Outreach Call on Sunday,
 July 12 at 8 PM Eastern
Message-ID: <B10B2296-0657-4250-ABFD-4F3BBD903693@outlook.com>

What’s up, NABS?

Are you ready to kick off our first virtual national convention? If so, the NABS outreach committee invites you to join us at our next monthly meeting schedule for Sunday, July 12 at 8 PM eastern. The outreach committee is thrilled to welcome all of you as we prepare for the national convention and we’re seeking your outreach ideas to promote the growth of NABS and inviting more students to join us on board. We are also excited to share our committee updates, which covers all areas of outreach within the NABS. Please find the Zoom meeting info below to join us.

https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
Meeting ID: 467 883 3687

One tap mobile: +13126266799,,4678833687# US (Chicago)
+13017158592,,4678833687# US (Germantown)

We also invite you to join us on GroupMe with the link below for more direct communication between outreach leadership and foster growth amongst all committee members.

https://groupme.com/join_group/59878305/69fmgSBg

Talk to you all very soon!

Take care,
Seyoon,

Seyoon Choi, he/him/his)
President: Missouri Association of Blind Students
Co-chair | Outreach Committee
National Association of Blind Students
schoi09 at outlook.com<mailto:schoi09 at outlook.com>
(314) 650-8306


From ninam0814 at gmail.com  Mon Jul  6 19:19:56 2020
From: ninam0814 at gmail.com (Nina Marranca)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 19:19:56 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
Message-ID: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

Hi, all.
I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
Best,
Nina

Nina Marranca
Chair | Outreach Committee
Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
Ninam0814 at gmail.com

From taylorarndt99 at gmail.com  Mon Jul  6 19:49:37 2020
From: taylorarndt99 at gmail.com (Taylor Arndt)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 15:49:37 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>

Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, all.
> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
> Best,
> Nina
> 
> Nina Marranca
> Chair | Outreach Committee
> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com


From tyler at tysdomain.com  Mon Jul  6 20:37:45 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 16:37:45 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6c471d57-3501-c952-51da-b1d6478c38c1@tysdomain.com>

Hello,
emacs and emacspeak works perfectly fine on OSX, you might want to give 
that a whirl. You'll probably have to homebrew emacs, but after that I 
think it was fairly straight forward. Also happy to help if this process 
is confusing.

Thanks,

On 7/6/2020 3:49 PM, Taylor Arndt via NABS-L wrote:
> Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi, all.
>> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
>> Best,
>> Nina
>>
>> Nina Marranca
>> Chair | Outreach Committee
>> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
>> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
>> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


-- 

Take Care,
Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)

Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business 
solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site 
<http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter 
<http://twitter.com/sorressean>



From nesmaaly123 at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 00:09:16 2020
From: nesmaaly123 at gmail.com (nesma aly)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 20:09:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
Message-ID: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>

Hi NABsters,
I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college says
that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and learning allli,
that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I be
looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a incident the
fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  untill the first day and
was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to avoid
this from happening again.

thank you,

Nesma

From kenia.flores at furman.edu  Tue Jul  7 00:10:25 2020
From: kenia.flores at furman.edu (Kenia Flores-Student)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 00:10:25 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] =?windows-1252?q?Announcing_NABS=92_Got_Talent=3A_Submi?=
 =?windows-1252?q?t_Your_Recordings_by_July_10?=
Message-ID: <BN7PR04MB5219D70B56268FC0CBAD5CB9E4660@BN7PR04MB5219.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>

Hello students!!

T-8 days until the start of our 2020 convention! To gear up for the fun to come, we are so excited to introduce a contest for this week. Announcing our first ever… NABS Got Talent!

We know our members are quite talented in a variety of different ways, and we want the opportunity to showcase this diversity during convention. We ask that people submit a video or audio file (not to exceed 3 minutes) showcasing any talent you want to share to Kenia Flores (kenia.flores at furman.edu<mailto:kenia.flores at furman.edu>) by July 10, 2020. Our esteemed panel of judges will pick the top three winners who will receive a prize and be featured during our Success Summit.

Think outside of the box! We invite you to submit recordings of you singing, dancing with descriptions, doing impressions, telling jokes, and anything else you can think up. This is meant to be fun, so don’t be too hard on yourself.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. We wish each of you the best of luck, and we look forward to receiving your submissions by July 10.


Best,
Kenia

Kenia A. Flores
She/Her/Hers
Furman University ‘20
Department of Politics & International Affairs
2nd Vice President | National Association of Blind Students
(704) 476-6629
Kenia.flores at furman.edu


From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Tue Jul  7 00:20:06 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 00:20:06 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB444740CD93FDDF6D95FC0DCABA660@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello nesma,

I usually try to buy my textbooks as soon as possible and when I have funds available to buy them. Most college bookstores have return policies where you can return the textbook for a full refund shortly after the semester starts. This way you can get your money back for the textbook if you decide to drop the class after it starts. 

If the textbook comes with some sort of access key then this access key generally needs to be unopened or unused in order for you to receive a full refund for your textbook.

I hope this information helps.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:09 PM
To: National Association Of Blind Students <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

Hi NABsters,
I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and learning allli, that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  untill the first day and was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to avoid this from happening again.

thank you,

Nesma
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com


From keribcu at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 00:36:42 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 20:36:42 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>

You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I try 
to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.

thank you,

On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> Hi NABsters,
> I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college says
> that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and learning allli,
> that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
> wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I be
> looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a incident the
> fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  untill the first day and
> was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to avoid
> this from happening again.
>
> thank you,
>
> Nesma
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From nesmaaly123 at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 00:58:48 2020
From: nesmaaly123 at gmail.com (nesma aly)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 20:58:48 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
 <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>

I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the
semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not
up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive
technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are
not available elsewhere.

On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I try
> to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>
> thank you,
>
> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> > Hi NABsters,
> > I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college says
> > that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and learning
> allli,
> > that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
> > wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I be
> > looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a incident the
> > fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  untill the first day
> and
> > was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
> avoid
> > this from happening again.
> >
> > thank you,
> >
> > Nesma
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmail.com
>

From ctate2076 at att.net  Tue Jul  7 02:45:57 2020
From: ctate2076 at att.net (ctate2076 at att.net)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 22:45:57 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
 <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>
 <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <012d01d65408$be70bfa0$3b523ee0$@att.net>

If the bookstore doesn't have the books a available or will not be able to tell you when they would be available, I would try to reach out to the instructors about three weeks before classes start. This gives them time to respond to you. Then you have time for your school's disability office to get them to you before classes start. I'm not sure what your school's policy is on how long an instructor has before they must return your messages, but mine is 48 hours, not including holidays or weekends. 

Hope this helps. 

Camille 

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are not available elsewhere.

On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I 
> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>
> thank you,
>
> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> > Hi NABsters,
> > I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college 
> > says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and 
> > learning
> allli,
> > that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am 
> > wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I 
> > be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a 
> > incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  
> > untill the first day
> and
> > was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
> avoid
> > this from happening again.
> >
> > thank you,
> >
> > Nesma
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
> > com
>
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmai
> l.com
>
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net



From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Tue Jul  7 03:50:12 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 03:50:12 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
 <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>
 <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB4447D57DC3B0426DB8A5E5FBBA660@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello nesma,

Please forgive my misunderstanding. I do not have any experience contacting professors to receive a list of the textbooks they are going to use for the class. Instead, they are already entered into a textbook database that can be searched both on my college website as well as a local bookstore website. 

Again, the earlier you contact the professor the better off you will be. You can always contact the professor explaining that you are simply seeking confirmation regarding the textbook list if you have some concerns about whether or not the textbook list will be entered into a database on time for you to receive your textbooks. Although sometimes it is easier to get in touch with someone from the department if the professor does not work over the summer.

I generally start contacting the professor the semester before a class begins if I am concerned about how accessible a class might be. This would include access to textbooks among other things. Sometimes it can take a while to receive a response. So I would say that it is never too early to contact a professor about an upcoming class.

I hope this helps you and provides you with more direction in your search for accessible textbooks for the upcoming semester.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are not available elsewhere.

On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I 
> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>
> thank you,
>
> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> > Hi NABsters,
> > I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college 
> > says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and 
> > learning
> allli,
> > that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am 
> > wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I 
> > be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a 
> > incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  
> > untill the first day
> and
> > was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
> avoid
> > this from happening again.
> >
> > thank you,
> >
> > Nesma
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
> > for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
> > com
>
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmai
> l.com
>
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com

From kmaent1 at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 11:46:53 2020
From: kmaent1 at gmail.com (Karl Martin Adam)
Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2020 07:46:53 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
Message-ID: <5f0460dd.1c69fb81.7f1ad.276c@mx.google.com>

Hi=20Nesma,=20first=20of=20all,=20it's=20amazing=20that=20your=20disability=
=20office=20
can=20get=20you=20books=20so=20quickly.=20=20When=20I=20was=20in=20undergra=
d,=20it=20often=20
took=20much=20longer.=20=20I=20suggest=20talking=20to=20instructors=20as=20=
soon=20as=20
possible.=20=20They've=20almost=20certainly=20had=20to=20put=20book=20order=
s=20in=20
already,=20and=20the=20holdup=20is=20now=20the=20bookstore=20actually=20get=
ting=20the=20
books.=20=20Just=20tell=20your=20instructors=20that=20you're=20blind=20and=
=20so=20you=20
need=20to=20know=20early=20so=20you=20can=20get=20the=20books=20in=20an=20a=
ccessible=20
foormat.=20=20That=20also=20gives=20you=20some=20buffer=20time=20if=20there=
=20is=20an=20
issue=20with=20the=20publisher,=20which=20happens=20sometimes.=20=20Another=
=20thing=20
worth=20doing=20is=20checking=20if=20your=20university=20library=20has=20di=
gital=20
access=20to=20the=20books.=20=20It=20took=20me=20a=20long=20time=20to=20rea=
lize=20just=20how=20
many=20ebooks=20I=20can=20get=20for=20free=20from=20my=20library=20without=
=20going=20
through=20DSS=20or=20Bookshare=20or=20the=20like=20(basically=20all=20books=
=20
published=20in=20the=20last=20decade=20or=20so=20by=20Routledge,=20Springer=
,=20
Cambridge=20University=20Press,=20Oxford=20University=20Press,=20etc.=20are=
=20
probably=20available=20to=20you=20that=20way=20as=20accessible=20PDFs).

Best,
Karl

=20-----=20Original=20Message=20-----
From:=20nesma=20aly=20via=20NABS-L=20<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
To:=20National=20Association=20of=20Blind=20Students=20mailing=20list=20
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Date=20sent:=20Mon,=206=20Jul=202020=2020:58:48=20-0400
Subject:=20Re:=20[NABS-L]=20question=20about=20textbooks=20for=20college

I=20guess=20what=20I=E2=80=99m=20trying=20to=20ask,=20is=20how=20long=20bef=
ore=20the=20
beginning=20of=20the
semester=20should=20I=20be=20emailing=20professors=20asking=20about=20books=
=20if=20
they=E2=80=99re=20not
up=20on=20the=20Bookstore=20website=20keeping=20in=20mind=20the=20fact=20th=
at=20the=20
assistive
technology=20department=20is=20going=20to=20need=20two=20weeks=20to=20get=20=
books=20if=20
they=20are
not=20available=20elsewhere.

On=20Mon,=20Jul=206,=202020=20at=2020:38=20Keri=20Svendsen=20via=20NABS-L=20=

<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
wrote:

=20You=20can=20also=20have=20your=20disability=20services=20=20check=20out=
=20access=20
text.=20I=20try
=20to=20get=20my=20books=20a=20couple=20weeks=20ahead=20of=20time.

=20thank=20you,

=20On=207/6/2020=208:09=20PM,=20nesma=20aly=20via=20NABS-L=20wrote:
=20Hi=20NABsters,
=20I=20have=20a=20question.=20my=20assistive=20technology=20department=20at=
=20my=20
college=20says
=20that=20if=20a=20book=20can't=20be=20found=20on=20things=20like=20booksha=
re=20and=20
learning
=20allli,
=20that=20it=20will=20take=20up=20to=20two=20weeks=20to=20get=20it=20from=20=
the=20publisher.=20
I=20am
=20wondering=20how=20long=20in=20advance=20of=20the=20start=20of=20the=20se=
mester=20
should=20I=20be
=20looking=20at=20the=20bookstore=20for=20books=20before=20I=20worry?=20I=20=
had=20a=20
incident=20the
=20fall=20of=202019=20where=20I=20didn't=20know=20any=20of=20my=20books=20=
=20untill=20the=20
first=20day
=20and
=20was=20forced=20to=20give=20the=20department=20the=20rental=20receit.=20I=
=20would=20
love=20to
=20avoid
=20this=20from=20happening=20again.

=20thank=20you,

=20Nesma
=20_______________________________________________
=20NABS-L=20mailing=20list
=20NABS-L at nfbnet.org
=20http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
=20To=20unsubscribe,=20change=20your=20list=20options=20or=20get=20your=20a=
ccount=20
info=20for
=20NABS-L:
=20
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gma
il.com

=20--
=20Keri=20Svendsen


=20_______________________________________________
=20NABS-L=20mailing=20list
=20NABS-L at nfbnet.org
=20http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
=20To=20unsubscribe,=20change=20your=20list=20options=20or=20get=20your=20a=
ccount=20
info=20for
=20NABS-L:
=20
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%4
0gmail.com

_______________________________________________
NABS-L=20mailing=20list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To=20unsubscribe,=20change=20your=20list=20options=20or=20get=20your=20acco=
unt=20info=20
for=20NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kmaent1%40gma
il.com



From nesmaaly123 at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 14:26:42 2020
From: nesmaaly123 at gmail.com (nesma aly)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 10:26:42 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <5f0460dd.1c69fb81.7f1ad.276c@mx.google.com>
References: <5f0460dd.1c69fb81.7f1ad.276c@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <CAJTqpvQE2kBigGfrx3=YOTtHMLaFwqXhQc0wPwhu4tUPGvXTEA@mail.gmail.com>

Thank you all for your help

On Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 07:49 Karl Martin Adam via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hi Nesma, first of all, it's amazing that your disability office
> can get you books so quickly.  When I was in undergrad, it often
> took much longer.  I suggest talking to instructors as soon as
> possible.  They've almost certainly had to put book orders in
> already, and the holdup is now the bookstore actually getting the
> books.  Just tell your instructors that you're blind and so you
> need to know early so you can get the books in an accessible
> foormat.  That also gives you some buffer time if there is an
> issue with the publisher, which happens sometimes.  Another thing
> worth doing is checking if your university library has digital
> access to the books.  It took me a long time to realize just how
> many ebooks I can get for free from my library without going
> through DSS or Bookshare or the like (basically all books
> published in the last decade or so by Routledge, Springer,
> Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, etc. are
> probably available to you that way as accessible PDFs).
>
> Best,
> Karl
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
> From: nesma aly via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 20:58:48 -0400
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
>
> I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the
> beginning of the
> semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if
> they’re not
> up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the
> assistive
> technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if
> they are
> not available elsewhere.
>
> On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> wrote:
>
>  You can also have your disability services  check out access
> text. I try
>  to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>
>  thank you,
>
>  On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
>  Hi NABsters,
>  I have a question. my assistive technology department at my
> college says
>  that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and
> learning
>  allli,
>  that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher.
> I am
>  wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester
> should I be
>  looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a
> incident the
>  fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books  untill the
> first day
>  and
>  was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would
> love to
>  avoid
>  this from happening again.
>
>  thank you,
>
>  Nesma
>  _______________________________________________
>  NABS-L mailing list
>  NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>  http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>  To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info for
>  NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gma
> il.com
> <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
>
>  --
>  Keri Svendsen
>
>
>  _______________________________________________
>  NABS-L mailing list
>  NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>  http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>  To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account
> info for
>  NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%4
> 0gmail.com
> <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmail.com>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kmaent1%40gma
> il.com
> <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kmaent1%40gmail.com>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmail.com
>

From ADAgostino at ndm.edu  Tue Jul  7 21:33:43 2020
From: ADAgostino at ndm.edu (D'Agostino, Alfred)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 21:33:43 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB4447D57DC3B0426DB8A5E5FBBA660@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CAJTqpvTypfB4Bo_wf6G5XomDM41Zjy+EKUasOWmMQBkDPHJpvA@mail.gmail.com>
 <b3959935-e316-c9d8-e3e6-4fb2448c8cc5@gmail.com>
 <CAJTqpvT-BU1wcXspk__fs_WoEK=pewu9Pd+r-+F3jmCjbbyCOg@mail.gmail.com>,
 <SN6PR03MB4447D57DC3B0426DB8A5E5FBBA660@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <BL0PR01MB45451148602A0916C41E9AD2C4660@BL0PR01MB4545.prod.exchangelabs.com>


The strategy to obtain accessible course materials, including textbooks, in a timely manner is to be proactive – and start early. That is, check the catalog/ schedule (previous and current) for name of faculty that teach the specific section you are interested in and contact the faculty member for text title and advise of your needs (tactile representations). Check for a current/ past syllabus or refer to another section of the course. This should be done concurrently with e-mail/ personal (phone) contact with disability support services and the bookstore (they generally have a book database – there are some federal guidelines that require colleges/ universities to provide early adoptions). If there is a student group within your intended major, contact an upper-class person for info about the major/ texts. It is never too early to make requests for accessible items – oftentimes there is a long lead time for production. Do your own research regarding sources and report your finding (positive or negative) to those you are working with. Through possible networking, you/ service personnel may be able to locate the particular item you need (there may be a prevalent item. somewhere). Make your request through multiple sources (e.g. college/ specialty libraries).


Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Notre Dame of Maryland University
________________________________
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:50 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

CAUTION: This email originated from outside NDMU. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.


Hello nesma,

Please forgive my misunderstanding. I do not have any experience contacting professors to receive a list of the textbooks they are going to use for the class. Instead, they are already entered into a textbook database that can be searched both on my college website as well as a local bookstore website.

Again, the earlier you contact the professor the better off you will be. You can always contact the professor explaining that you are simply seeking confirmation regarding the textbook list if you have some concerns about whether or not the textbook list will be entered into a database on time for you to receive your textbooks. Although sometimes it is easier to get in touch with someone from the department if the professor does not work over the summer.

I generally start contacting the professor the semester before a class begins if I am concerned about how accessible a class might be. This would include access to textbooks among other things. Sometimes it can take a while to receive a response. So I would say that it is never too early to contact a professor about an upcoming class.

I hope this helps you and provides you with more direction in your search for accessible textbooks for the upcoming semester.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth
-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are not available elsewhere.

On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I
> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>
> thank you,
>
> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> > Hi NABsters,
> > I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college
> > says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and
> > learning
> allli,
> > that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
> > wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I
> > be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a
> > incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books
> > untill the first day
> and
> > was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
> avoid
> > this from happening again.
> >
> > thank you,
> >
> > Nesma
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> > for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
> > com
>
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmai
> l.com
>
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/adagostino%40ndm.edu

From ahbeeorton at yahoo.com  Tue Jul  7 22:03:29 2020
From: ahbeeorton at yahoo.com (Ahbee Orton)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 17:03:29 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <BL0PR01MB45451148602A0916C41E9AD2C4660@BL0PR01MB4545.prod.exchangelabs.com>
References: <BL0PR01MB45451148602A0916C41E9AD2C4660@BL0PR01MB4545.prod.exchangelabs.com>
Message-ID: <B9A88BB1-5EAA-4C59-8DFE-90CCD63C299D@yahoo.com>

Hi All, 

I was informed by my academic aadvisor, who is also the main Disabilities services office staff member at my small college that all their books are coming from VitalSource now. I think this change was at least partly due to the pandemic. I know that VitalSource is supposed to be accessible, and I went to their table at the NFB national convention last year. Should I still try to figure out which books I'm needing or wait until closer to time? Thank you.  

Blessings, 
Ahbee   

Vice President, AABS  
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

> On Jul 7, 2020, at 4:35 PM, D'Agostino, Alfred via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> The strategy to obtain accessible course materials, including textbooks, in a timely manner is to be proactive – and start early. That is, check the catalog/ schedule (previous and current) for name of faculty that teach the specific section you are interested in and contact the faculty member for text title and advise of your needs (tactile representations). Check for a current/ past syllabus or refer to another section of the course. This should be done concurrently with e-mail/ personal (phone) contact with disability support services and the bookstore (they generally have a book database – there are some federal guidelines that require colleges/ universities to provide early adoptions). If there is a student group within your intended major, contact an upper-class person for info about the major/ texts. It is never too early to make requests for accessible items – oftentimes there is a long lead time for production. Do your own research regarding sources and report your finding (positive or negative) to those you are working with. Through possible networking, you/ service personnel may be able to locate the particular item you need (there may be a prevalent item. somewhere). Make your request through multiple sources (e.g. college/ specialty libraries).
> 
> 
> Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D.
> Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
> Notre Dame of Maryland University
> ________________________________
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:50 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> 
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside NDMU. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
> 
> 
> Hello nesma,
> 
> Please forgive my misunderstanding. I do not have any experience contacting professors to receive a list of the textbooks they are going to use for the class. Instead, they are already entered into a textbook database that can be searched both on my college website as well as a local bookstore website.
> 
> Again, the earlier you contact the professor the better off you will be. You can always contact the professor explaining that you are simply seeking confirmation regarding the textbook list if you have some concerns about whether or not the textbook list will be entered into a database on time for you to receive your textbooks. Although sometimes it is easier to get in touch with someone from the department if the professor does not work over the summer.
> 
> I generally start contacting the professor the semester before a class begins if I am concerned about how accessible a class might be. This would include access to textbooks among other things. Sometimes it can take a while to receive a response. So I would say that it is never too early to contact a professor about an upcoming class.
> 
> I hope this helps you and provides you with more direction in your search for accessible textbooks for the upcoming semester.
> 
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via NABS-L
> Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> 
> I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are not available elsewhere.
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I
>> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>> 
>> thank you,
>> 
>>> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hi NABsters,
>>> I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college
>>> says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and
>>> learning
>> allli,
>>> that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
>>> wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I
>>> be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a
>>> incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books
>>> untill the first day
>> and
>>> was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
>> avoid
>>> this from happening again.
>>> 
>>> thank you,
>>> 
>>> Nesma
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
>>> for
>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
>>> com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmai
>> l.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/adagostino%40ndm.edu
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com

From clearinghouse at miusa.org  Tue Jul  7 22:30:35 2020
From: clearinghouse at miusa.org (MIUSA Clearinghouse)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 15:30:35 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Virtual Joining Hands Symposium on Disability and
 International Exchange
Message-ID: <CACPRCE6jYAW+J+LWViWOYALA3_UqJC3_uS=zg1dCOAKYFrP0Kg@mail.gmail.com>

Dear NABS

Some of you might remember NCDE’s 2018 Joining Hands Symposium! It was the
perfect opportunity for those passionate about increasing the participation
of students with disabilities in international exchange programs to break
bread and exchange best practices with like-minded folks. It was also a
great opportunity for young aspiring global professionals to meet
practitioners and learn about work/exchange opportunities.

We had plans to convene this summer in partnership with Gallaudet
University for another Joining Hands Symposium, but due to the global
pandemic this event has been postponed until next summer.

BUT…we did not want to cancel. The need and interest to hold a summer 2020
event was still running strong. That is why we are excited to announce that
the Joining Hands “Virtual” Symposium is now official and will be held over
select dates between August 12-August 21st. Utilizing a webinar platform,
the NCDE looks forward to engaging a wider audience across the world with
dynamic sessions, thoughtful speakers, a robust poster fair, and additional
engagement activities!

Please view more details on the official Joining Hands Virtual Symposium
website <https://www.miusa.org/event/2020/joininghands> and register soon!
The program is FREE, but registration is required. I hope that you all will
be there to participate. Also, email clearinghouse at miusa.org if you would
be interested in presenting a session or if you have any questions. If
there are folks out there who have studied or volunteered abroad, or are
interested in doing so, we may also have a need for question plants in the
audience. Essentially you would simply listen in on a presentation or panel
discussion, and ask a question that we would assign you.

Looking forward to having you join us and continuing the momentum that we
built together in 2018!

Best,

Justin Harford (he/him/his)

Program Coordinator (NCDE)

Mobility International USA (MIUSA)

132 E Broadway Suite 343

Eugene OR 97401

541-343-1284 ext 1014 (voice)

jharford at miusa.org (email)

The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) is a project
of the U.S. Department of state's Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, designed to increase the participation of people with disabilities
in international exchange between the United States and other countries,
and is supported in its implementation by Mobility International USA
(MIUSA.) Learn more at www.miusa.org/ncde

From nesmaaly123 at gmail.com  Tue Jul  7 22:37:25 2020
From: nesmaaly123 at gmail.com (nesma aly)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 18:37:25 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <B9A88BB1-5EAA-4C59-8DFE-90CCD63C299D@yahoo.com>
References: <BL0PR01MB45451148602A0916C41E9AD2C4660@BL0PR01MB4545.prod.exchangelabs.com>
 <B9A88BB1-5EAA-4C59-8DFE-90CCD63C299D@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <CAJTqpvSR3+gV6Jk3zn63obw21vBuSdBRVS9y4jvmf0gUC5pheQ@mail.gmail.com>

I don’t understand vital source at all, so if somebody could help explain
it to me and give me a guide on how to use it, that would be great. I’m
interested in figuring out how to download books. I tried to search on the
app, and did not find anything.

On Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 18:07 Ahbee Orton via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I was informed by my academic aadvisor, who is also the main Disabilities
> services office staff member at my small college that all their books are
> coming from VitalSource now. I think this change was at least partly due to
> the pandemic. I know that VitalSource is supposed to be accessible, and I
> went to their table at the NFB national convention last year. Should I
> still try to figure out which books I'm needing or wait until closer to
> time? Thank you.
>
> Blessings,
> Ahbee
>
> Vice President, AABS
> “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
> not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not
> easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil
> but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
> hopes, always perseveres.”
> 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
>
> > On Jul 7, 2020, at 4:35 PM, D'Agostino, Alfred via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > The strategy to obtain accessible course materials, including textbooks,
> in a timely manner is to be proactive – and start early. That is, check the
> catalog/ schedule (previous and current) for name of faculty that teach the
> specific section you are interested in and contact the faculty member for
> text title and advise of your needs (tactile representations). Check for a
> current/ past syllabus or refer to another section of the course. This
> should be done concurrently with e-mail/ personal (phone) contact with
> disability support services and the bookstore (they generally have a book
> database – there are some federal guidelines that require colleges/
> universities to provide early adoptions). If there is a student group
> within your intended major, contact an upper-class person for info about
> the major/ texts. It is never too early to make requests for accessible
> items – oftentimes there is a long lead time for production. Do your own
> research regarding sources and report your finding (positive or negative)
> to those you are working with. Through possible networking, you/ service
> personnel may be able to locate the particular item you need (there may be
> a prevalent item. somewhere). Make your request through multiple sources
> (e.g. college/ specialty libraries).
> >
> >
> > Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D.
> > Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
> > Notre Dame of Maryland University
> > ________________________________
> > From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Elizabeth Mohnke
> via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> > Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:50 PM
> > To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> > Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> >
> > CAUTION: This email originated from outside NDMU. Do not click links or
> open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
> safe.
> >
> >
> > Hello nesma,
> >
> > Please forgive my misunderstanding. I do not have any experience
> contacting professors to receive a list of the textbooks they are going to
> use for the class. Instead, they are already entered into a textbook
> database that can be searched both on my college website as well as a local
> bookstore website.
> >
> > Again, the earlier you contact the professor the better off you will be.
> You can always contact the professor explaining that you are simply seeking
> confirmation regarding the textbook list if you have some concerns about
> whether or not the textbook list will be entered into a database on time
> for you to receive your textbooks. Although sometimes it is easier to get
> in touch with someone from the department if the professor does not work
> over the summer.
> >
> > I generally start contacting the professor the semester before a class
> begins if I am concerned about how accessible a class might be. This would
> include access to textbooks among other things. Sometimes it can take a
> while to receive a response. So I would say that it is never too early to
> contact a professor about an upcoming class.
> >
> > I hope this helps you and provides you with more direction in your
> search for accessible textbooks for the upcoming semester.
> >
> > Warm regards,
> > Elizabeth
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via
> NABS-L
> > Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
> > To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> > Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> >
> > I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the
> semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not
> up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive
> technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are
> not available elsewhere.
> >
> >> On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I
> >> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
> >>
> >> thank you,
> >>
> >>> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
> >>> Hi NABsters,
> >>> I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college
> >>> says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and
> >>> learning
> >> allli,
> >>> that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am
> >>> wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I
> >>> be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a
> >>> incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books
> >>> untill the first day
> >> and
> >>> was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
> >> avoid
> >>> this from happening again.
> >>>
> >>> thank you,
> >>>
> >>> Nesma
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >>> for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
> >>> com
> >>
> >> --
> >> Keri Svendsen
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmai
> >> l.com
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/adagostino%40ndm.edu
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gmail.com
>

From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 00:47:02 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2020 19:47:02 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
In-Reply-To: <B9A88BB1-5EAA-4C59-8DFE-90CCD63C299D@yahoo.com>
References: <BL0PR01MB45451148602A0916C41E9AD2C4660@BL0PR01MB4545.prod.exchangelabs.com>
 <B9A88BB1-5EAA-4C59-8DFE-90CCD63C299D@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <072501d654c1$4c61fdc0$e525f940$@gmail.com>

For the most part, Vital Source is accessible; having said that, I'm currently having an issue where the ap is reading me titles of textbooks in foreign languages; Vital Source is currently working on the issue for me.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Ahbee Orton via NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 5:03 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Ahbee Orton <ahbeeorton at yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college

Hi All, 

I was informed by my academic aadvisor, who is also the main Disabilities services office staff member at my small college that all their books are coming from VitalSource now. I think this change was at least partly due to the pandemic. I know that VitalSource is supposed to be accessible, and I went to their table at the NFB national convention last year. Should I still try to figure out which books I'm needing or wait until closer to time? Thank you.  

Blessings, 
Ahbee   

Vice President, AABS
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

> On Jul 7, 2020, at 4:35 PM, D'Agostino, Alfred via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> The strategy to obtain accessible course materials, including textbooks, in a timely manner is to be proactive – and start early. That is, check the catalog/ schedule (previous and current) for name of faculty that teach the specific section you are interested in and contact the faculty member for text title and advise of your needs (tactile representations). Check for a current/ past syllabus or refer to another section of the course. This should be done concurrently with e-mail/ personal (phone) contact with disability support services and the bookstore (they generally have a book database – there are some federal guidelines that require colleges/ universities to provide early adoptions). If there is a student group within your intended major, contact an upper-class person for info about the major/ texts. It is never too early to make requests for accessible items – oftentimes there is a long lead time for production. Do your own research regarding sources and report your finding (positive or negative) to those you are working with. Through possible networking, you/ service personnel may be able to locate the particular item you need (there may be a prevalent item. somewhere). Make your request through multiple sources (e.g. college/ specialty libraries).
> 
> 
> Alfred T. D'Agostino, Ph.D.
> Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
> Notre Dame of Maryland University
> ________________________________
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Elizabeth Mohnke 
> via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 11:50 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list 
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> 
> CAUTION: This email originated from outside NDMU. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
> 
> 
> Hello nesma,
> 
> Please forgive my misunderstanding. I do not have any experience contacting professors to receive a list of the textbooks they are going to use for the class. Instead, they are already entered into a textbook database that can be searched both on my college website as well as a local bookstore website.
> 
> Again, the earlier you contact the professor the better off you will be. You can always contact the professor explaining that you are simply seeking confirmation regarding the textbook list if you have some concerns about whether or not the textbook list will be entered into a database on time for you to receive your textbooks. Although sometimes it is easier to get in touch with someone from the department if the professor does not work over the summer.
> 
> I generally start contacting the professor the semester before a class begins if I am concerned about how accessible a class might be. This would include access to textbooks among other things. Sometimes it can take a while to receive a response. So I would say that it is never too early to contact a professor about an upcoming class.
> 
> I hope this helps you and provides you with more direction in your search for accessible textbooks for the upcoming semester.
> 
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of nesma aly via 
> NABS-L
> Sent: Monday, July 6, 2020 8:59 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list 
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: nesma aly <nesmaaly123 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] question about textbooks for college
> 
> I guess what I’m trying to ask, is how long before the beginning of the semester should I be emailing professors asking about books if they’re not up on the Bookstore website keeping in mind the fact that the assistive technology department is going to need two weeks to get books if they are not available elsewhere.
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 20:38 Keri Svendsen via NABS-L 
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> You can also have your disability services  check out access text. I 
>> try to get my books a couple weeks ahead of time.
>> 
>> thank you,
>> 
>>> On 7/6/2020 8:09 PM, nesma aly via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hi NABsters,
>>> I have a question. my assistive technology department at my college 
>>> says that if a book can't be found on things like bookshare and 
>>> learning
>> allli,
>>> that it will take up to two weeks to get it from the publisher. I am 
>>> wondering how long in advance of the start of the semester should I 
>>> be looking at the bookstore for books before I worry? I had a 
>>> incident the fall of 2019 where I didn't know any of my books untill 
>>> the first day
>> and
>>> was forced to give the department the rental receit. I would love to
>> avoid
>>> this from happening again.
>>> 
>>> thank you,
>>> 
>>> Nesma
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>> for
>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.
>>> com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nesmaaly123%40gma
>> i
>> l.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmai
> l.com _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/adagostino%40ndm.e
> du _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo
> .com
_______________________________________________
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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.com



From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 19:00:45 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 12:00:45 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Rodewing NABS Membership
Message-ID: <94873B63-F732-466D-ACD6-F835D7D9973B@gmail.com>

Hi, 
I would like to renew my NABS membership dues (what we'd normally pay before going to the NABS meeting). However, on the NABS Web site, although I found a link to donate, I haven't found one to specifically renew membership. Does anyone know where I could do that? 
Thank you, 
Vejas 

From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 19:24:19 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 14:24:19 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Rodewing NABS Membership
In-Reply-To: <94873B63-F732-466D-ACD6-F835D7D9973B@gmail.com>
References: <94873B63-F732-466D-ACD6-F835D7D9973B@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D4BDE872-8C8F-4F45-A9F3-8CF7B21FF26E@gmail.com>

Hi Vejas, 

The donate button on the NABS website will work for renewing your membership dues, since I did that. Just be sure to let a NABS board member know that you paid your dues through the website.  If this does not work, another option is to Venmo your dues. Hope this works. 

Thanks,
Matthew Gip

> On Jul 8, 2020, at 2:02 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> I would like to renew my NABS membership dues (what we'd normally pay before going to the NABS meeting). However, on the NABS Web site, although I found a link to donate, I haven't found one to specifically renew membership. Does anyone know where I could do that? 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/matthewhgip%40gmail.com


From rbacchus228 at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 19:44:15 2020
From: rbacchus228 at gmail.com (Roanna Bacchus)
Date: Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:44:15 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Question About Nfb Convention Streaming
Message-ID: <5f062216.1c69fb81.40976.4d7b@mx.google.com>

Will any of the division meetings be streamed on Youtube or is that just for General Sessions?

Roanna Bacchus

From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 19:54:52 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 14:54:52 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Question About Nfb Convention Streaming
In-Reply-To: <5f062216.1c69fb81.40976.4d7b@mx.google.com>
References: <5f062216.1c69fb81.40976.4d7b@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <6687BDCF-61E7-4E78-ACB9-05C01D7C06B0@gmail.com>

Hi Roanna, 

I believe it is just the General Session that will be available for stream and possibly the banquet as well. I’m sure you can reach out to the president of a specific division you are looking for and they would be more than happy to provide you more information. Hope this helps. 

Thanks,
Matthew Gip

> On Jul 8, 2020, at 2:45 PM, Roanna Bacchus via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Will any of the division meetings be streamed on Youtube or is that just for General Sessions?
> 
> Roanna Bacchus
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/matthewhgip%40gmail.com


From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 20:19:03 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 15:19:03 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] MNABS Monday Madness, July 13, at 7:00 PM CST
Message-ID: <AB171880-267A-4BDF-BF37-4F2A9706651F@gmail.com>

Hey NABSters, 

I hope you’re all doing well, staying safe, and getting pumped up for convention! The Minnesota Association of Blind Students has a kickoff event before convention and everyone is welcome to join. Please see below the details. 

Come one, come all, to our MNABS Monday Madness, as we are kicking off the 2020 National Convention with a twist to trivia and more! All are welcome to attend and join the fun! 

What: MNABS Monday Madness 
When: Monday, July 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM CST 
Where: From the comfort of your own home
https://umn.zoom.us/j/92780633937?pwd=N2ppMnE1eUg1TUlMTlMrVmd1VWhCZz09

Thank you, 
Matthew Gip 
2nd Vice President | Minnesota Association of Blind Students 
A Proud division of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota 



From iperrault at hotmail.com  Wed Jul  8 22:05:54 2020
From: iperrault at hotmail.com (Ian Perrault)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 22:05:54 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB National Convention Agenda, Word Version
Message-ID: <CH2PR14MB3916310EA53C19522AE911E7BF670@CH2PR14MB3916.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>

Hi,
For most of the events, only zoom phone numbers are listed, not zoom links. Also, for some events, there are neither zoom links or zoom phone numbers. I'm talking about the Microsoft Word version of the agenda. Should I rely on the version on the web site? Is that more updated?
Ian

From webmaster at nfb.org  Wed Jul  8 19:45:17 2020
From: webmaster at nfb.org (National Federation of the Blind)
Date: Wed,  8 Jul 2020 19:45:17 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [NABS-L] {Disarmed} Speaker Pelosi to Participate in National
 Federation of the Blind Convention
Message-ID: <20200708194517.DBD35608F86D@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>

 

 		 [1]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SPEAKER PELOSI TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
CONVENTION 

WASHINGTON, DC (JULY 8, 2020): House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will participate
in a dialogue with National Federation of the Blind President Mark
Riccobono as part of the eightieth National Convention of the National
Federation of the Blind on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 2:35 p.m. EDT with
thousands of blind people from America and around the world listening and
viewing via Zoom conference. The presentation will immediately follow
President Riccobono's annual report to the membership and is expected to be
one of the most highly attended sessions of the convention, which already
has 7,251 registered participants. Speaker Pelosi is the highest-ranking
elected official to participate in the convention since 1965. 

"We are pleased and proud that Speaker Pelosi will be a highlight of our
largest and most dynamic convention ever," said Mark Riccobono, President
of the National Federation of the Blind. "I look forward to introducing her
from our headquarters in Baltimore, where she was born and raised. Her
participation in our convention honors the National Federation of the Blind
and demonstrates her passionate commitment to fighting discrimination,
creating opportunity, and achieving equality for all Americans." 

Blind people from across the nation and around the world, as well as
members of the media and other interested parties, are cordially invited to
attend the convention session. They can do so using the following link: 

https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17703&qid=3893828 [2] 

The meeting audio can be accessed by calling +1 301-715-8592. The Zoom
meeting ID is 933 6983 0741. 

### 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org [3]. 

CONTACT: 

Chris Danielsen
 Director of Public Relations
 National Federation of the Blind
 410-659-9314, extension 2330
 410-262-1281 (Cell)
 cdanielsen at nfb.org 

 		 [4] 
 		 [5] 
 		 [6] 
 		 [7] 

 		 [8] 

 		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
21230 | 410-659-9314 

 		 Unsubscribe [9] | Opt Out [10] | Sign Up for Our E-newsletter [11] 

 		 .. 



Links:
------
[1] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17714&qid=3893828
[2] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17703&qid=3893828
[3] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17704&qid=3893828
[4] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17706&qid=3893828
[5] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17707&qid=3893828
[6] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17708&qid=3893828
[7] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17709&qid=3893828
[8] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17711&qid=3893828
[9] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=14568&qid=3893828&h=fd59f5089f2252f0
[10] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=14568&qid=3893828&h=fd59f5089f2252f0
[11] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17712&qid=3893828

From keribcu at gmail.com  Wed Jul  8 22:54:54 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 18:54:54 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB National Convention Agenda, Word Version
In-Reply-To: <CH2PR14MB3916310EA53C19522AE911E7BF670@CH2PR14MB3916.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CH2PR14MB3916310EA53C19522AE911E7BF670@CH2PR14MB3916.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <ea1a3502-2985-f02d-37c8-3d77ac3e3085@gmail.com>

hi Ian,


 From what I'm seeing the meeting IDs are given, you can type that into 
zoom, and they likely aren't using links, because that is easier for 
bots to try and crash meetings and so forth.


thank you,

On 7/8/2020 6:05 PM, Ian Perrault via NABS-L wrote:
> Hi,
> For most of the events, only zoom phone numbers are listed, not zoom links. Also, for some events, there are neither zoom links or zoom phone numbers. I'm talking about the Microsoft Word version of the agenda. Should I rely on the version on the web site? Is that more updated?
> Ian
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From tyler at tysdomain.com  Thu Jul  9 02:28:51 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2020 22:28:51 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] {Disarmed} Speaker Pelosi to Participate in National
 Federation of the Blind Convention
In-Reply-To: <20200708194517.DBD35608F86D@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
References: <20200708194517.DBD35608F86D@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
Message-ID: <b30d8994-49bf-3b5a-fe92-ca04a97f5b99@tysdomain.com>

Just in: she'll be paid in ice cream for her time.



On 7/8/2020 3:45 PM, National Federation of the Blind via NABS-L wrote:
>   
>
>   		 [1]
>
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> SPEAKER PELOSI TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
> CONVENTION
>
> WASHINGTON, DC (JULY 8, 2020): House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will participate
> in a dialogue with National Federation of the Blind President Mark
> Riccobono as part of the eightieth National Convention of the National
> Federation of the Blind on Friday, July 17, 2020, at 2:35 p.m. EDT with
> thousands of blind people from America and around the world listening and
> viewing via Zoom conference. The presentation will immediately follow
> President Riccobono's annual report to the membership and is expected to be
> one of the most highly attended sessions of the convention, which already
> has 7,251 registered participants. Speaker Pelosi is the highest-ranking
> elected official to participate in the convention since 1965.
>
> "We are pleased and proud that Speaker Pelosi will be a highlight of our
> largest and most dynamic convention ever," said Mark Riccobono, President
> of the National Federation of the Blind. "I look forward to introducing her
> from our headquarters in Baltimore, where she was born and raised. Her
> participation in our convention honors the National Federation of the Blind
> and demonstrates her passionate commitment to fighting discrimination,
> creating opportunity, and achieving equality for all Americans."
>
> Blind people from across the nation and around the world, as well as
> members of the media and other interested parties, are cordially invited to
> attend the convention session. They can do so using the following link:
>
> https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17703&qid=3893828 [2]
>
> The meeting audio can be accessed by calling +1 301-715-8592. The Zoom
> meeting ID is 933 6983 0741.
>
> ###
>
> ABOUT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
>
> The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
> the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
> in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
> fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
> blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
> with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
> believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
> transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
> initiatives at www.nfb.org [3].
>
> CONTACT:
>
> Chris Danielsen
>   Director of Public Relations
>   National Federation of the Blind
>   410-659-9314, extension 2330
>   410-262-1281 (Cell)
>   cdanielsen at nfb.org
>
>   		 [4]
>   		 [5]
>   		 [6]
>   		 [7]
>
>   		 [8]
>
>   		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
> 21230 | 410-659-9314
>
>   		 Unsubscribe [9] | Opt Out [10] | Sign Up for Our E-newsletter [11]
>
>   		 ..
>
>
>
> Links:
> ------
> [1] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17714&qid=3893828
> [2] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17703&qid=3893828
> [3] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17704&qid=3893828
> [4] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17706&qid=3893828
> [5] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17707&qid=3893828
> [6] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17708&qid=3893828
> [7] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17709&qid=3893828
> [8] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17711&qid=3893828
> [9] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=14568&qid=3893828&h=fd59f5089f2252f0
> [10] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=14568&qid=3893828&h=fd59f5089f2252f0
> [11] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17712&qid=3893828
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


From mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 20:32:59 2020
From: mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com (Mausam Mehta)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 16:32:59 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Reminder: NABS book club, tonight at 8 PM Eastern
Message-ID: <A67970F5-A477-4065-B2C3-39DA1675C355@gmail.com>

Hey NABSters!
This is your friendly reminder to join us for NABS Book Club tonight at 8 PM Eastern! As this is our final session, You don’t want to miss it! 
We are thrilled to welcome Ever Lee Hairston to our discussion. former affiliate president of California and a current board member of the National Federation of the Blind, her dynamic leadership shines through in her book, Blind Ambition, which we read this week 
The Zoom info is below:
Join via the Zoom app:
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
One-tap mobile:
+1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#
Talk soon!
Mausam



Mausam Mehta
Co-chair | Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee
Secretary | National Association of blind students
A proud division of the National Federation of the blind
mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com
|
www.nabslink.org

From theheathbar123 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 21:38:12 2020
From: theheathbar123 at gmail.com (Luther Fuller)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 16:38:12 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB Training Centers
Message-ID: <5A1004C9-5AD7-44D1-996E-65005AB98746@gmail.com>

Dear NABS members,
I am blind and have recently finished my sophomore year in college. I'm thinking about enrolling in an adult program at one of the training centers this fall. As I have been blind my whole life, I am proficient in Braille and using access technology. The main area that needs a lot of work is my O&M/travel skills. Home management is a close second, but it's the lack of travel skills that has limited my life the most.
I would like to hear your thoughts, experiences and recommendations about the different centers. Are different ones better at different things? etc.
As a matter of disclosure, I attended an eight-week program at CCB two years ago, and found it a good experience. So if there's one I'm leaning towards a bit, it would be CCB, but I want to be thorough in exploring my options.

Thanks,

—Luther

Sent from my iPhone

From nabs.president at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 21:45:59 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (nabs.president at gmail.com)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 17:45:59 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Reminder: NABS book club, tonight at 8 PM Eastern
In-Reply-To: <A67970F5-A477-4065-B2C3-39DA1675C355@gmail.com>
References: <A67970F5-A477-4065-B2C3-39DA1675C355@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <00b001d6563a$55d62dc0$01828940$@gmail.com>

All - You literally won't want to miss it! Come one, come all, whether you have read the book or not, it will be a lively and inspirational discussion!

Love,
Kathryn

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mausam Mehta via NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 4:33 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Mausam Mehta <mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Reminder: NABS book club, tonight at 8 PM Eastern

Hey NABSters!
This is your friendly reminder to join us for NABS Book Club tonight at 8 PM Eastern! As this is our final session, You don’t want to miss it! 
We are thrilled to welcome Ever Lee Hairston to our discussion. former affiliate president of California and a current board member of the National Federation of the Blind, her dynamic leadership shines through in her book, Blind Ambition, which we read this week The Zoom info is below:
Join via the Zoom app:
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
One-tap mobile:
+1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#
Talk soon!
Mausam



Mausam Mehta
Co-chair | Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee Secretary | National Association of blind students A proud division of the National Federation of the blind mausam.mehta.nfb at gmail.com
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www.nabslink.org
_______________________________________________
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NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 21:52:26 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 16:52:26 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB Training Centers
In-Reply-To: <5A1004C9-5AD7-44D1-996E-65005AB98746@gmail.com>
References: <5A1004C9-5AD7-44D1-996E-65005AB98746@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D9A2FB7F-FB7F-4F13-BD35-45E89DC84F42@gmail.com>

Hi Luther, 

I am a graduate of BLIND, Inc. located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All of the three training centers are wonderful in its own unique way. I would recommend training at BLIND, Inc. because you will be able to learn how to travel outdoors around the community using the transit system, indoor travel around the skyway, Mall of America, etc., and you will also get to experience traveling in snow. For me, when I went through training at BLIND, Inc., It was life-changing, in which my confidence increased, my motivation skyrocketed, and my independence skills took a dramatic turn to a positive direction. Good luck on whichever Center you decide to choose and I am sure you will gain beneficial skills wherever you decide to go. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Thanks!

Best,
Matthew Gip

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 4:39 PM, Luther Fuller via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear NABS members,
> I am blind and have recently finished my sophomore year in college. I'm thinking about enrolling in an adult program at one of the training centers this fall. As I have been blind my whole life, I am proficient in Braille and using access technology. The main area that needs a lot of work is my O&M/travel skills. Home management is a close second, but it's the lack of travel skills that has limited my life the most.
> I would like to hear your thoughts, experiences and recommendations about the different centers. Are different ones better at different things? etc.
> As a matter of disclosure, I attended an eight-week program at CCB two years ago, and found it a good experience. So if there's one I'm leaning towards a bit, it would be CCB, but I want to be thorough in exploring my options.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> —Luther
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/matthewhgip%40gmail.com


From nabs.president at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 22:08:04 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (nabs.president at gmail.com)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 18:08:04 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Please Read - 2020 NABS Election Process
Message-ID: <00de01d6563d$6b828d00$4287a700$@gmail.com>

Hi NABS Family!

 

Who is getting pumped for virtual convention? I know I am!!! As we all know,
this year is unique; more unique than any year I've ever lived. With that
said, elections will be unique this year.

 

This email serves as an overview of the election process this year, as well
as a form for those interested in running for office positions to submit. I
will start by outlining this year's process at a high-level and then provide
instructions for those interested in running for an officer position.

Please Note: You may not run for an officer position if you are not a
registered dues-paying member of NABS.

 


Election Process


While elections will be very different from in-person elections, the below
will help you understand the process we've adopted this year:

1. Officer positions will be voted on electronically via Google Form on
Wednesday, July 15 from 12-5pm eastern. The Google form will be open for
only those five hours, you may only submit one response, and only
registrants are able to vote.

2. Board Member positions (non-officer positions) will be voted on live
during the annual business meeting on Wednesday, July 15 at 8pm eastern,
directly after officer position results are shared with the membership.

3. If your dues have not been received, you are not able to vote or run for
a position within the NABS board.

4. The Nominating Committee members are the only ones who will have access
to the voting results; and all members of the Nominating Committee are not
seeking positions on the NABS board.

5. The Nominating Committee has put forth officer names, appearing on the
Google form below. The NABS Board and student division presidents, operating
as delegates, voted and approved the Nominating Committee report, which only
included officer names at this time. We are showing the approved names as a
matter of transparency, but it does not mean eligible members should not run
for positions they feel qualified are interested in seeking.

6. For the Board Member positions, the Nominating Committee will put forth
the names of board members live during the business meeting; and the
membership will vote on said names via Zoom.

7. By the end of our business meeting on Wednesday night, all officer and
board member positions will be voted on and shared widely, welcoming in our
2020-2021 NABS Board!

 


Running for an Officer Position


While the Nominating Committee report for officer positions appears on the
form below, please understand you have until Tuesday at 5pm to submit this
form if you plan to run for an officer position. Each member interested must
submit an audio or video clip via the form. Instructions enclosed!

Please find the officer position form below:

https://forms.gle/xm1ZRbP9Zb1YsnBN6 

The form is due on Tuesday, July 14 at 5pm eastern. No later forms will be
accepted.

 

Please, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions at all! I
can't wait to hear your virtual cheers in five short days!!

 

Love always,

Kathryn Webster

President, National Association of Blind Students

A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind

(203) 273-8463


From zdreicer at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 22:14:30 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary Dreicer)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 16:14:30 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB Training Centers
In-Reply-To: <5A1004C9-5AD7-44D1-996E-65005AB98746@gmail.com>
References: <5A1004C9-5AD7-44D1-996E-65005AB98746@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <5f0796c4.1c69fb81.3aa51.9a3a@mx.google.com>

 Luther 
  Congratulations on finishing your second year!! As for your question, I have attended programs at LCB and CCB. I have never actually been to Minnesota. Of LCB and CCB, both had their own uniquenesses about travel. There is a single bus stop in Ruston, and the greyhound is the only bus which serves the stop. But  if you are looking for more rural setting (with the ability to travel on said bus or with center staff to nearby communities), Shreevport, Monroe and Dallas/FT. Worth have pretty good transportation systems which are inclusive of busses and trains. LCB also offered me an opportunity that CCB did not—although I should have probably been more proactive about it then)—but the ability to safely navigate interstate frontage roads, and use other unfamiliar surfaces to shoreline. Of course CCB has done a lot of  the shorelining techniques, and obviously with you being there, you should be familiar enough with RTD—the first transit agency I used in fact. I am sure that others will have varying things to say but that is what I can think of off the top of my head. All 3 training centers will have virtual events during #NFB20 convention next week, so I encourage your active participation in as many of them as you can make it to. Stay well. 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Luther Fuller via NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 15:39
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Luther Fuller
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB Training Centers

Dear NABS members,
I am blind and have recently finished my sophomore year in college. I'm thinking about enrolling in an adult program at one of the training centers this fall. As I have been blind my whole life, I am proficient in Braille and using access technology. The main area that needs a lot of work is my O&M/travel skills. Home management is a close second, but it's the lack of travel skills that has limited my life the most.
I would like to hear your thoughts, experiences and recommendations about the different centers. Are different ones better at different things? etc.
As a matter of disclosure, I attended an eight-week program at CCB two years ago, and found it a good experience. So if there's one I'm leaning towards a bit, it would be CCB, but I want to be thorough in exploring my options.

Thanks,

—Luther

Sent from my iPhone
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com


From nabs.president at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 22:14:58 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Kathryn Webster, National Student President )
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 18:14:58 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Please Read - 2020 NABS Election Process
References: <00de01d6563d$6b828d00$4287a700$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4FC7B7EF-D70E-4F1E-9BCD-EBB34FF8F1C6@gmail.com>

Hi NABS Family!
>  
> Who is getting pumped for virtual convention? I know I am!!! As we all know, this year is unique; more unique than any year I’ve ever lived. With that said, elections will be unique this year.
>  
> This email serves as an overview of the election process this year, as well as a form for those interested in running for office positions to submit. I will start by outlining this year’s process at a high-level and then provide instructions for those interested in running for an officer position.
> Please Note: You may not run for an officer position if you are not a registered dues-paying member of NABS.
>  
> Election Process
> While elections will be very different from in-person elections, the below will help you understand the process we've adopted this year:
> 1. Officer positions will be voted on electronically via Google Form on Wednesday, July 15 from 12-5pm eastern. The Google form will be open for only those five hours, you may only submit one response, and only registrants are able to vote.
> 2. Board Member positions (non-officer positions) will be voted on live during the annual business meeting on Wednesday, July 15 at 8pm eastern, directly after officer position results are shared with the membership.
> 3. If your dues have not been received, you are not able to vote or run for a position within the NABS board.
> 4. The Nominating Committee members are the only ones who will have access to the voting results; and all members of the Nominating Committee are not seeking positions on the NABS board.
> 5. The Nominating Committee has put forth officer names, appearing on the Google form below. The NABS Board and student division presidents, operating as delegates, voted and approved the Nominating Committee report, which only included officer names at this time. We are showing the approved names as a matter of transparency, but it does not mean eligible members should not run for positions they feel qualified are interested in seeking.
> 6. For the Board Member positions, the Nominating Committee will put forth the names of board members live during the business meeting; and the membership will vote on said names via Zoom.
> 7. By the end of our business meeting on Wednesday night, all officer and board member positions will be voted on and shared widely, welcoming in our 2020-2021 NABS Board!
>  
> Running for an Officer Position
> While the Nominating Committee report for officer positions appears on the form below, please understand you have until Tuesday at 5pm to submit this form if you plan to run for an officer position. Each member interested must submit an audio or video clip via the form. Instructions enclosed!
> Please find the officer position form below:
> https://forms.gle/xm1ZRbP9Zb1YsnBN6
> The form is due on Tuesday, July 14 at 5pm eastern. No later forms will be accepted.
>  
> Please, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions at all! I can’t wait to hear your virtual cheers in five short days!!
>  
> Love always,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
> (203) 273-8463

From redwing731 at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 23:24:38 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 23:24:38 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
Message-ID: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>

Hi all!
I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!


Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

From therealvictormarques at gmail.com  Thu Jul  9 23:52:00 2020
From: therealvictormarques at gmail.com (Victor Marques)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 19:52:00 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <99CB8B31-E712-49E0-AFCF-94E08CC5A5A5@gmail.com>

I am definitely not a rookie when it comes to technology, and I found the app to have some major issues as well. Although I could not replicate the issues of a 404 not found, when I choose a date in the agenda the screen does not seem to refresh. I have to choose several of the dates at random before the screen refreshes with the correct content for the day I am looking for. I was able to create my own schedule, but it was definitely confusing, non-intuitive and not really very accessible because of these issues, and as I say, I’m definitely an experienced user. I think many people are going to struggle with this platform, and it’s not great that this was not accessibility tested in advance, especialy given that this is the NFB we are talking about.

Victor
  

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 7:25 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all!
> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com


From carlymih at comcast.net  Fri Jul 10 01:03:42 2020
From: carlymih at comcast.net (Carly Mihalakis)
Date: Thu, 09 Jul 2020 18:03:42 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.nampr
 d20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <mailman.365.1772982288.2863824.nabs-l_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>

Good evening, Kendra,

Perhaps, it might be safe to say that your experience of previous 
letters was discomforting, even disconcerting? I am, however, really 
interested in being your pen pal. It is my sense that someone like 
you might have been acculturated, that is, lead away from a personal 
cultural/racial identity by an albeit entirely well-meaning adoptive 
family. Weren't you adopted from a far-away land like Vietnam or 
maybe Korea? I could, of course, be flat wrong in which case I hope 
you will tell me?
>Hi all!
>I'm having some major problems with the convention platform app and 
>am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my 
>problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I'm 
>on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen 
>reader is Voice Over.
>First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to 
>get to the screen where I'm supposed to be able to schedule my 
>personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are 
>listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed 
>by Voice Over announcing "Link" for example. Unfortunently, once I 
>click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for 
>in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after 
>that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at 
>the days listed only to get an error message that says "error: 404 
>page not found", without any change in it being fixed over time. 
>Does anyone know what's going on with this platform? Even if you 
>don't, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I'd 
>like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher 
>tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>
>
>Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
>_______________________________________________
>NABS-L mailing list
>NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/carlymih%40comcast.net




From cnusbaumnfb at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 01:13:03 2020
From: cnusbaumnfb at gmail.com (Chris Nusbaum)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 21:13:03 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <1238B764-2B1F-4A4D-A87F-47FA67B05008@gmail.com>

Hi Kendra:

It sounds like you are trying to use the Web interface on your iPhone. Since you have a relatively new phone, I would strongly recommend that you download the app, which is linked to in the email you received from the national office. I have found the app to be very usable, and the creation of a personal schedule to be a very cool feature. I think you'll have much better luck with the actual iOS app. If you are still running into trouble, I would be glad to chat off-list and try to help. Hope this helps.

Chris Nusbaum

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 7:25 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all!
> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cnusbaumnfb%40gmail.com


From redwing731 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 01:36:36 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:36:36 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <5f07bf71.1c69fb81.71db.afa4SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>,
 <5f07bf71.1c69fb81.71db.afa4SMTPIN_ADDED_MISSING@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <BYAPR20MB2726EA3B6A989DD264E615FEA8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>

Hi!
I was not adopted from another land. I was born in the United States. However, I’m a Pagan who was raised non religiously. I was also raised against injustice of all forms including racism and all other names injustice comes in. I also know people who were adopted from India and Caria. I’m not one myself, though I understand some of how they’d feel. I’m also not a top notch speller even though English is my native language. I often write better than I spell. I’m glad to meet you all the same. You can email me:
Redwing731 at gmail.com
Kendra Schaber

Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Carly Mihalakis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 6:03:42 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Carly Mihalakis <carlymih at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!

Good evening, Kendra,

Perhaps, it might be safe to say that your experience of previous
letters was discomforting, even disconcerting? I am, however, really
interested in being your pen pal. It is my sense that someone like
you might have been acculturated, that is, lead away from a personal
cultural/racial identity by an albeit entirely well-meaning adoptive
family. Weren't you adopted from a far-away land like Vietnam or
maybe Korea? I could, of course, be flat wrong in which case I hope
you will tell me?
>Hi all!
>I'm having some major problems with the convention platform app and
>am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my
>problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I'm
>on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen
>reader is Voice Over.
>First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to
>get to the screen where I'm supposed to be able to schedule my
>personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are
>listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed
>by Voice Over announcing "Link" for example. Unfortunently, once I
>click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for
>in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after
>that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at
>the days listed only to get an error message that says "error: 404
>page not found", without any change in it being fixed over time.
>Does anyone know what's going on with this platform? Even if you
>don't, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I'd
>like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher
>tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>
>
>Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
>_______________________________________________
>NABS-L mailing list
>NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/carlymih%40comcast.net



_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/redwing731%40gmail.com

From redwing731 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 01:48:56 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 01:48:56 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <1238B764-2B1F-4A4D-A87F-47FA67B05008@gmail.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>,
 <1238B764-2B1F-4A4D-A87F-47FA67B05008@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <BYAPR20MB27263F910081133469B3B4DBA8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>

Hi Chris!
I was using the website. I have since switched to the app. I’m still having problems. I have logged into the app in two different ways, deleeted it and reinstalled it, and even, closed it and reopened Crowdcast without any luck. I can’t find the button that allows me to find current and up and coming events. I get “settings”, “Live Events”, “Created Events”, “Discover”, and “Joined Events”. I see nothing at all that says “current and upcoming Events”. I have used this app only once before and it remembers this event. Unfortunently, it’s not allowing me to find the NFB National Convention. How do I find the “Current and Upcoming Events” button? Is there something compleetly inaccessible that doesn’t occur in less you have used Crowdcast in the past? Is there an unknown tab that is in an inaccessable location? I’m still on my iPhone se 2020 that’s loaded with the latest IOS software and also has Voice Over.
I’m at:
Redwing731 at gmail.com
I think I’ll need some additional help. Thank you for the assist!


Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Chris Nusbaum via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 6:13:03 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Chris Nusbaum <cnusbaumnfb at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!

Hi Kendra:

It sounds like you are trying to use the Web interface on your iPhone. Since you have a relatively new phone, I would strongly recommend that you download the app, which is linked to in the email you received from the national office. I have found the app to be very usable, and the creation of a personal schedule to be a very cool feature. I think you'll have much better luck with the actual iOS app. If you are still running into trouble, I would be glad to chat off-list and try to help. Hope this helps.

Chris Nusbaum

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 7:25 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi all!
> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>
>
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cnusbaumnfb%40gmail.com

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/redwing731%40gmail.com

From jhud7789 at twc.com  Fri Jul 10 02:14:28 2020
From: jhud7789 at twc.com (joseph hudson)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 21:14:28 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>

Hi Kendra, you're not the only one. I can't even get signed up on the website. To get the platform app so there you go. And I was looking forward to communicating with everyone through our convention as well as planning my day.
joseph hudson

Email FaceTime and iMessage
jhud7789 at twc.com


Office phone/what's up messenger

254-300-7667

Emergency sell

254-813-2461

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.hudson.9404

https://twitter.com/josephhudson89

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 6:24 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all!
> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com



From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 02:31:29 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 19:31:29 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
 <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>
Message-ID: <F6D53124-A07A-4FD6-A355-0D6736272197@gmail.com>

Hi Kendra, Hello all, I was wondering, I registered for the convention, but I did not receive an email with the instructions that they said would be sent to day. I also registered for the NABS meeting and paid my dues last night but I did not receive a notification from NABS as to how I can proceed. I wish I could be of more help to you as I am not sure about any of the issues some of you are having with the website or app. Although iw Ould love to plan out my convention week and communicate with fellow virtual convention attendees.

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 7:14 PM, joseph hudson via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Kendra, you're not the only one. I can't even get signed up on the website. To get the platform app so there you go. And I was looking forward to communicating with everyone through our convention as well as planning my day.
> joseph hudson
> 
> Email FaceTime and iMessage
> jhud7789 at twc.com <mailto:jhud7789 at twc.com>
> 
> 
> Office phone/what's up messenger
> 
> 254-300-7667
> 
> Emergency sell
> 
> 254-813-2461
> 
> https://www.facebook.com/joseph.hudson.9404 <https://www.facebook.com/joseph.hudson.9404>
> 
> https://twitter.com/josephhudson89 <https://twitter.com/josephhudson89>
> 
>> On Jul 9, 2020, at 6:24 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all!
>> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
>> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>> 
>> 
>> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com>
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com>

From redwing731 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 02:55:39 2020
From: redwing731 at gmail.com (Kendra Schaber)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 02:55:39 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>,
 <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>
Message-ID: <BYAPR20MB2726C0AD61570F747CE0BBA7A8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>

Hi All!
I’m wondering if there are some unknown bugs in the system? I hope not! But it wouldn’t surprise me, especially since this is the first time we’ve attempted a vertual convention of any form.


Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
________________________________
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of joseph hudson via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 7:14:28 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: joseph hudson <jhud7789 at twc.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!

Hi Kendra, you're not the only one. I can't even get signed up on the website. To get the platform app so there you go. And I was looking forward to communicating with everyone through our convention as well as planning my day.
joseph hudson

Email FaceTime and iMessage
jhud7789 at twc.com


Office phone/what's up messenger

254-300-7667

Emergency sell

254-813-2461

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.hudson.9404

https://twitter.com/josephhudson89

> On Jul 9, 2020, at 6:24 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Hi all!
> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>
>
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com


_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/redwing731%40gmail.com

From kat.bottner at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 03:19:31 2020
From: kat.bottner at gmail.com (Kat Bottner)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 23:19:31 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB2726C0AD61570F747CE0BBA7A8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB2726C0AD61570F747CE0BBA7A8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <C33890DA-7E64-4494-8761-F1C0B79ACA0C@gmail.com>



> On Jul 9, 2020, at 10:56 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All!
> I’m wondering if there are some unknown bugs in the system? I hope not! But it wouldn’t surprise me, especially since this is the first time we’ve attempted a vertual convention of any form.
> 
> 
> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
> ________________________________
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of joseph hudson via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2020 7:14:28 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: joseph hudson <jhud7789 at twc.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
> 
> Hi Kendra, you're not the only one. I can't even get signed up on the website. To get the platform app so there you go. And I was looking forward to communicating with everyone through our convention as well as planning my day.
> joseph hudson
> 
> Email FaceTime and iMessage
> jhud7789 at twc.com
> 
> 
> Office phone/what's up messenger
> 
> 254-300-7667
> 
> Emergency sell
> 
> 254-813-2461
> 
> https://www.facebook.com/joseph.hudson.9404
> 
> https://twitter.com/josephhudson89
> 
>> On Jul 9, 2020, at 6:24 PM, Kendra Schaber via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all!
>> I’m having some major problems with the convention platform app and am having no luck with getting any assistance. Before I list my problems with the Crowdcast app, I have to mention my platform. I’m on an iPhone se 2020 with the latest version of IOS and my screen reader is Voice Over.
>> First of all, when I log on and clicked the link that allows you to get to the screen where I’m supposed to be able to schedule my personal convention agenda, the links to even see the days that are listed were inaccessible. I could read a date like Tuesday followed by Voice Over announcing “Link” for example. Unfortunently, once I click on to the link I want to get into just to set my schedule for in this case, Tuesday, nothing happens. The next several times after that, I would log on and get to the page to where I could look at the days listed only to get an error message that says “error: 404 page not found”, without any change in it being fixed over time. Does anyone know what’s going on with this platform? Even if you don’t, does anyone know who I can contact to solve this problem? I’d like to be able to plan my personal agenda they way that most higher tech federationists do. Any help would be much appreciated!
>> 
>> 
>> Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/redwing731%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kat.bottner%40gmail.com Yes there are definite bugs, I noticed that the affiliate/division link goes to the national website, I’m not sure if it’s a bug, or if that information is not uploaded yet. The notification button also does not work, so you’re not wrong in that there are bugs. Here’s to hoping they get sorted out soon.
Take Care,

Kat

From th404 at comcast.net  Fri Jul 10 04:20:03 2020
From: th404 at comcast.net (Tina Hansen)
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2020 21:20:03 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Problems with Convention platform app!
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR20MB2726C0AD61570F747CE0BBA7A8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR20MB27267CFD9BA5108A4DBD6BBDA8640@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>,
 <20A063B7-036B-4254-84A8-606C6DDEE08D@twc.com>
 <BYAPR20MB2726C0AD61570F747CE0BBA7A8650@BYAPR20MB2726.namprd20.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <000a01d65671$62ce0390$286a0ab0$@comcast.net>

I'm wondering if you got the wrong app. If anyone missed it, look for Crowd
Compass Attendee Hub in your app store. Kendra, I'll send you the e-mail
everyone got this morning. Thanks.



From ljmaher03 at outlook.com  Fri Jul 10 16:30:42 2020
From: ljmaher03 at outlook.com (Louis Maher)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 16:30:42 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Science and Engineering Division Meeting Announcement
In-Reply-To: <BYAPR07MB496571F90ADC5CBD84885A81AA650@BYAPR07MB4965.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
References: <BYAPR07MB4965480C76798CDA6E04CC21AA650@BYAPR07MB4965.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
 <BYAPR07MB4965B3E12DF96DEF99CA3294AA650@BYAPR07MB4965.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
 <BYAPR07MB496571F90ADC5CBD84885A81AA650@BYAPR07MB4965.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <BYAPR07MB4965058E06F423E4F09ADB5AAA650@BYAPR07MB4965.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>

Hello,

The Science and Engineering division annual meeting will be from 3 PM to 5 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on Thursday, July 16, 2020. The Zoom meeting ID is:
"916 7740 7154<https://zoom.us/j/91677407154>".
You can open this link directly, or attach it to a Zoom number such as:
+13017158592,,91677407154#

Zoom Logistics

Zoom computer shortcut keys:
https://www.howtogeek.com/669467/zoom-keyboard-shortcut-and-how-to-use-them/

Muting and unmuting:
On Windows, "alt + a",
On the MAC, "command + shift + a",
On a dial-in phone, "star + 6".

On Windows, toggle audio on/Off for all except host, "Alt + M".

If the meeting host mutes everyone, then unmutes an individual, that individual is asked then to unmute themselves.  The individual can do this by hitting enter on the Windows Computer. I do not know if hitting enter on the MAC would unmute you. On iOS, double tapping will bring up a question asking if you wish to unmute.  If all else fails, you can always hit your unmute applications button.

Hand Raising and lowering:
On Windows, "alt + y",
On the MAC, "command + shift + y",
On a dial-in phone, "star + 9".

Elections

This year, the entire SEDNFB board is up for election. John Miller (SEDNFB president) has appointed a nominating committee to ensure that we will have a qualified candidate to run for each board position, and to help elections run more smoothly in a virtual meeting. The members of the nominating committee are: Ashley Neybert (committee chair), Louis Maher, and Harry Staley.

The current SEDNFB board members are:
John Miller President
Ashley Neybert Vice President
Louis Maher Secretary
Alfred Maneki Treasurer
Purvi Contractor Board Member
David Hertweck Board Member

Alfred Maneki, the long-time SEDNFB treasurer, has decided not to run for treasurer.

At the beginning of the elections, the nominating committee will read its report, listing the committee's recommendations for each board position. As each board position is considered, nominations will be accepted from the floor.  We will use hand-raising for this process.  We will use hand-raising for each election.

If you have any questions, please contact John Miller "johnmillerphd at hotmail.com<mailto:johnmillerphd at hotmail.com>".

Regards
Louis Maher
Phone: 713-444-7838
E-mail ljmaher03 at outlook.com<mailto:ljmaher03 at outlook.com>


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 22:52:19 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 15:52:19 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: BYE CB01 Thank You!
References: <etPan.5f08d038.5b620478.5286@ilstu.edu>
Message-ID: <F650A52C-F147-4C6C-B601-B04844FB8A21@gmail.com>

Hey folks,

This is a study on accessible technology that has the potential to reach educators, developers, and anyone who could have an impact on accessibility. Natalie is great at designing and conducting research, and making sure that the results reach the right audiences. Especially given the shocking stories about inaccessibility and lack of willingness from educators to be inclusive since COVID started, I ask that you at least consider participating. Thanks. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Shaheen, Natalie" <nlshahe at ilstu.edu>
> Date: July 10, 2020 at 13:31:53 PDT
> To: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
> Subject: BYE CB01 Thank You!
> 
> 
> Cricket: 
> Thank you once again for your time today. Let me know if there is anything else I can ever do to support you. 
> 
> If you have any blind/low-vision friends who you think might be interested in sharing their story with me as you did, I would be so appreciative if you would send them my way. They are welcome to email me or complete the quick background information form  whatever is easier for them. Stories from students are incredibly impactful in changing people’s minds about accessibility.
> 
> I hope to bump into you around the convention. 
> 
> All the best,
> 
> nls
> 
> 
> Natalie L. Shaheen, Ed.D.
> Assistant Professor
> Department of Special Education
> Illinois State University
> nlshaheen.com
> Pronouns: She, her, hers
> 
> 

From nspohn0 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 10 23:04:07 2020
From: nspohn0 at gmail.com (nspohn0 at gmail.com)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 19:04:07 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: BYE CB01 Thank You!
In-Reply-To: <F650A52C-F147-4C6C-B601-B04844FB8A21@gmail.com>
References: <etPan.5f08d038.5b620478.5286@ilstu.edu>
 <F650A52C-F147-4C6C-B601-B04844FB8A21@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <00a701d6570e$6a829630$3f87c290$@gmail.com>

Hello all, 

I participated in this study. It was wonderful to share my experiences with assistive technology. I really think gathering other people's stories will help improve technology. Natalie is great to work with and I am glad to have contributed. I highly recommend participating in this study. 

Regards, 
Nic Spohn 



-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2020 6:52 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: BYE CB01 Thank You!

Hey folks,

This is a study on accessible technology that has the potential to reach educators, developers, and anyone who could have an impact on accessibility. Natalie is great at designing and conducting research, and making sure that the results reach the right audiences. Especially given the shocking stories about inaccessibility and lack of willingness from educators to be inclusive since COVID started, I ask that you at least consider participating. Thanks. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Shaheen, Natalie" <nlshahe at ilstu.edu>
> Date: July 10, 2020 at 13:31:53 PDT
> To: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
> Subject: BYE CB01 Thank You!
> 
> 
> Cricket: 
> Thank you once again for your time today. Let me know if there is anything else I can ever do to support you. 
> 
> If you have any blind/low-vision friends who you think might be interested in sharing their story with me as you did, I would be so appreciative if you would send them my way. They are welcome to email me or complete the quick background information form  whatever is easier for them. Stories from students are incredibly impactful in changing people’s minds about accessibility.
> 
> I hope to bump into you around the convention. 
> 
> All the best,
> 
> nls
> 
> 
> Natalie L. Shaheen, Ed.D.
> Assistant Professor
> Department of Special Education
> Illinois State University
> nlshaheen.com
> Pronouns: She, her, hers
> 
> 
_______________________________________________
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NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nspohn0%40gmail.com



From th404 at comcast.net  Sat Jul 11 05:34:11 2020
From: th404 at comcast.net (Tina Hansen)
Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2020 22:34:11 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
Message-ID: <001001d65744$e879b010$b96d1030$@comcast.net>

There are so many books out there on leadership? Do any of you have
favorites? I want to build my leadership library. Thanks.


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sat Jul 11 06:22:07 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2020 02:22:07 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <001001d65744$e879b010$b96d1030$@comcast.net>
References: <001001d65744$e879b010$b96d1030$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Tina. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a foremost masterpiece on
leadership and team initiative. Dare to Lead is quite a quintessential book
to have in your leadership library alongside On Becoming a Leader by Warren
Bennis. I hope these first two recommendations will lead to many more.
Also, although The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a military strategy book, it
has plenty of important leadership characteristics expressed within and
throughout its chapters. As DJ Khaled would say: “Bless Up.“ Many thanks
and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa


On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:36 AM Tina Hansen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> There are so many books out there on leadership? Do any of you have
> favorites? I want to build my leadership library. Thanks.
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From leena.salim at gmail.com  Sat Jul 11 16:59:19 2020
From: leena.salim at gmail.com (Leena Dawes)
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2020 12:59:19 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>

Anything bye Arbinger Institute. Leadership and self-deception is one, the anatomy of peace is another one. Those are my two favorites, but anything by that author would be great.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 11, 2020, at 2:23 AM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Tina. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a foremost masterpiece on
> leadership and team initiative. Dare to Lead is quite a quintessential book
> to have in your leadership library alongside On Becoming a Leader by Warren
> Bennis. I hope these first two recommendations will lead to many more.
> Also, although The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a military strategy book, it
> has plenty of important leadership characteristics expressed within and
> throughout its chapters. As DJ Khaled would say: “Bless Up.“ Many thanks
> and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> 
> 
>> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:36 AM Tina Hansen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> There are so many books out there on leadership? Do any of you have
>> favorites? I want to build my leadership library. Thanks.
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gmail.com


From justin.williams2 at gmail.com  Sat Jul 11 17:56:16 2020
From: justin.williams2 at gmail.com (Justin Williams)
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2020 13:56:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
 <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0b4801d657ac$93bb10b0$bb313210$@gmail.com>

The seven habits of highly successful people is standard issue.

How to winn friends and influence people is another.


-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Leena Dawes via NABS-L
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2020 12:59 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Leena Dawes <leena.salim at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership

Anything bye Arbinger Institute. Leadership and self-deception is one, the anatomy of peace is another one. Those are my two favorites, but anything by that author would be great.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 11, 2020, at 2:23 AM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Tina. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a foremost masterpiece on 
> leadership and team initiative. Dare to Lead is quite a quintessential 
> book to have in your leadership library alongside On Becoming a Leader 
> by Warren Bennis. I hope these first two recommendations will lead to many more.
> Also, although The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a military strategy book, 
> it has plenty of important leadership characteristics expressed within 
> and throughout its chapters. As DJ Khaled would say: “Bless Up.“ Many 
> thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> 
> 
>> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:36 AM Tina Hansen via NABS-L 
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> There are so many books out there on leadership? Do any of you have 
>> favorites? I want to build my leadership library. Thanks.
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gma
>> il.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gmai
> l.com

_______________________________________________
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NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%40gmail.com



From ninam0814 at gmail.com  Sat Jul 11 21:53:04 2020
From: ninam0814 at gmail.com (Nina Marranca)
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2020 21:53:04 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Don't Miss It! Outreach Committee Call Happening Tomorrow
 at 8 PM Eastern
Message-ID: <SA0PR13MB4014871CD7CE9E0C30429C78F3620@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

Hey, NABS!
Are you as pumped to kick off National Convention as we are! The Outreach Committee would love for you to start this awesome week with us. Our call is happening tomorrow Sunday July 12 at 8 PM Eastern, Zoom info is below.
We will be talking about our next episode of the NABS Now Podcast, how you can get involved in some new initiatives, and so much more! We hope that you will join us!

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
Meeting ID: 4678833687
Please reach out to me with any questions prior to the call.

All the Best,
Nina

Nina Marranca
She/her/hers
Chair | Outreach Committee
Secretary Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List

From hunterkuester2 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 12 16:00:51 2020
From: hunterkuester2 at gmail.com (Hunter Kuester)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:00:51 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] =?utf-8?q?You=E2=80=99re_invited!_July_fundraising_comm?=
	=?utf-8?q?ittee_call_tonight_at_9_PM_EST?=
Message-ID: <CAKY9rHFmV2aPntigUO_JfX-X5To2Gf+KvtCw3XtZKsUrciFfvA@mail.gmail.com>

Hey, what’s up NABS,
I know all of you are as excited about National Convention as we are! Let’s
start the Federation celebration a few days early. What better way to start
the party than with a monthly fundraising committee call?!?!
We hope you can join us to talk through all our virtual convention
fundraisers, specifically the annual NABS Walk-A-Thon and our NABS
sweatshirts. We recognize that everyone will be bombarded with Zoom
fatigue, so we promise it will be a very short call.
Join us tonight at 9 pm Eastern/8 pm Central using the following Zoom info!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
Meeting ID: 467 883 3687
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,4678833687# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,4678833687# US (Chicago)
Keep it classy,
Hunter Kuester
Co-Chair NABS fundraising committee
-- 
Hunter Kuester, Travel Assistant
Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, (BLIND) Inc.
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN  55404
(612) 872-0100 ext. 234
First Vice President of the Minnesota Association of Blind Students
Cell: (920)-285-8530
hunterkuester2 at gmail.com
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT!

From haleythurston1999 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 01:45:41 2020
From: haleythurston1999 at gmail.com (haley thurston)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:45:41 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Don't Miss It! Outreach Committee Call Happening
 Tomorrow at 8 PM Eastern
In-Reply-To: <SA0PR13MB4014871CD7CE9E0C30429C78F3620@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014871CD7CE9E0C30429C78F3620@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <8CBAC748-1266-467D-90C0-5703C8F58A57@gmail.com>

Hi My name is haley Thurston I nead some help  signing up for the walkathon could someone email me the website using this email please. I’m having a hard time getting to that website.   

Haley Thurston

> On Jul 11, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey, NABS!
> Are you as pumped to kick off National Convention as we are! The Outreach Committee would love for you to start this awesome week with us. Our call is happening tomorrow Sunday July 12 at 8 PM Eastern, Zoom info is below.
> We will be talking about our next episode of the NABS Now Podcast, how you can get involved in some new initiatives, and so much more! We hope that you will join us!
> 
> Join Zoom Meeting:
> https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
> Meeting ID: 4678833687
> Please reach out to me with any questions prior to the call.
> 
> All the Best,
> Nina
> 
> Nina Marranca
> She/her/hers
> Chair | Outreach Committee
> Secretary Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/haleythurston1999%40gmail.com


From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 02:11:46 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:11:46 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Don't Miss It! Outreach Committee Call Happening
 Tomorrow at 8 PM Eastern
In-Reply-To: <8CBAC748-1266-467D-90C0-5703C8F58A57@gmail.com>
References: <8CBAC748-1266-467D-90C0-5703C8F58A57@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <C64B67A7-5E63-4B44-9665-95EFD304082E@gmail.com>

Hi Haley, 

Here is the link: go.rallyup.com/nabs2020

Thanks,
Matthew Gip 

> On Jul 12, 2020, at 8:46 PM, haley thurston via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi My name is haley Thurston I nead some help  signing up for the walkathon could someone email me the website using this email please. I’m having a hard time getting to that website.   
> 
> Haley Thurston
> 
>> On Jul 11, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey, NABS!
>> Are you as pumped to kick off National Convention as we are! The Outreach Committee would love for you to start this awesome week with us. Our call is happening tomorrow Sunday July 12 at 8 PM Eastern, Zoom info is below.
>> We will be talking about our next episode of the NABS Now Podcast, how you can get involved in some new initiatives, and so much more! We hope that you will join us!
>> 
>> Join Zoom Meeting:
>> https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
>> Meeting ID: 4678833687
>> Please reach out to me with any questions prior to the call.
>> 
>> All the Best,
>> Nina
>> 
>> Nina Marranca
>> She/her/hers
>> Chair | Outreach Committee
>> Secretary Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
>> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/haleythurston1999%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/matthewhgip%40gmail.com


From maurice at maurice-amines.com  Mon Jul  6 19:58:20 2020
From: maurice at maurice-amines.com (mmines)
Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2020 12:58:20 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <10CA3618-F989-47C2-9277-15B477FDF54A@maurice-amines.com>

Hi, you might wish to post this on the Mac visionaries list. You might make a friend and we don't bite. I'm sure someone can send you a link to several Python editors. You can go to your favorite search engine defined the Mac visionaries list. I don't have and to have that group subscription information in front of me at this very moment. I hope this helps?

> On Jul 6, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Taylor Arndt via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi, all.
>> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
>> Best,
>> Nina
>> 
>> Nina Marranca
>> Chair | Outreach Committee
>> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
>> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
>> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maurice%40maurice-amines.com



From maurice at maurice-amines.com  Sat Jul 11 17:24:34 2020
From: maurice at maurice-amines.com (mmines)
Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2020 10:24:34 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
 <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <67489C9F-0A2E-4065-95FD-A7E0A40E4F43@maurice-amines.com>

The only thing I'll say about leadership books, is if you were in to NFB historical reading, walking alone and marching to gather. This is aunt think is as close to a federation Bible as you can get. It is quite long however and many students might find that to be a bit of an issue. But if you really want to know your Federation history I would extremely highly recommend it. Apart from that, and older book is the man in the movement. I can't remember off the top of my head who wrote that but I believe yet yes the national Federation of the blind. Again let me stress that this may not be everyone's cup of tea but if you want bugs on leader ship, and you're interested in moving forward and your understanding and leader ship within the national Federation I would certainly recommend these two books.

Sincerely Maurice Mines.
Please note I am dictating this message by means of apples built-in dictation software. Some of the text above may not be completely correct. If there something you did not understand, please reach out to me and asked me what my real intent was. I will make every effort to clarify any misunderstandings that may arise. Thank you very much for reading this.

> On Jul 11, 2020, at 9:59 AM, Leena Dawes via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Anything bye Arbinger Institute. Leadership and self-deception is one, the anatomy of peace is another one. Those are my two favorites, but anything by that author would be great.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 11, 2020, at 2:23 AM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Tina. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown is a foremost masterpiece on
>> leadership and team initiative. Dare to Lead is quite a quintessential book
>> to have in your leadership library alongside On Becoming a Leader by Warren
>> Bennis. I hope these first two recommendations will lead to many more.
>> Also, although The Art of War by Sun Tzu is a military strategy book, it
>> has plenty of important leadership characteristics expressed within and
>> throughout its chapters. As DJ Khaled would say: “Bless Up.“ Many thanks
>> and much respect.
>> Sincerely,
>> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
>> 
>> 
>>> On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 1:36 AM Tina Hansen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> There are so many books out there on leadership? Do any of you have
>>> favorites? I want to build my leadership library. Thanks.
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leena.salim%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maurice%40maurice-amines.com



From keribcu at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 02:44:49 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 22:44:49 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] internship leads
Message-ID: <128e2855-a10b-7eaa-86ad-0f898c18d470@gmail.com>

Hi all,


I found out today that it is very likely I won't be allowed to do my 
internship this fall due to the fact the jails may not let us in. I was 
going to be working with a case management team in a regional jail. Now 
I have a month to try and find an alternative placement. I am a forensic 
psychology masters student very focused on the CJ system and how to cut 
recidivism rates. I'm very interested in reentry programs and community 
programs to address these issues. If anyone knows of any company that 
may take a last minute intern, especially a remote intern please let me 
know.


thank you,

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 03:41:47 2020
From: iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com (Jorge Alejandro Paez)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 23:41:47 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] internship leads
In-Reply-To: <128e2855-a10b-7eaa-86ad-0f898c18d470@gmail.com>
References: <128e2855-a10b-7eaa-86ad-0f898c18d470@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6AFFEF23-1BAC-4747-A4AA-A465C83CC62D@gmail.com>

Hi Keri:
So first off where are you?
I did an internship last year the my county’s Public Defender’s office where the attorney I worked with worked mostly with pre-trial intervention program clients and other types of programs like that, including mental health court, veterans court and drug court.
If you are in Broward you should apply there and I’m sure if you’re in another county they should have something similar.
If you’re not but you could get some useful info out of an interview or such please email me:
iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com <mailto:iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com>
and I can put you in touch with the attorney I worked with to talk about things like that.
Another note is that even under the best of time you won’t get accepted into jails.
At my internship last year I was supposed to do the jail-interview notetaking for my attorney, and everyone on the public defender’s office’s staff was very good about meeting my accomodations, but the jails refused to let me in.
So yeah I honestly don’t know if you would’ve had any luck there even under normal circumstances.

Jorge



> On Jul 12, 2020, at 22:44, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> 
> I found out today that it is very likely I won't be allowed to do my internship this fall due to the fact the jails may not let us in. I was going to be working with a case management team in a regional jail. Now I have a month to try and find an alternative placement. I am a forensic psychology masters student very focused on the CJ system and how to cut recidivism rates. I'm very interested in reentry programs and community programs to address these issues. If anyone knows of any company that may take a last minute intern, especially a remote intern please let me know.
> 
> 
> thank you,
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/iamjorgeapaez94%40gmail.com


From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 04:38:52 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 21:38:52 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <10CA3618-F989-47C2-9277-15B477FDF54A@maurice-amines.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
 <10CA3618-F989-47C2-9277-15B477FDF54A@maurice-amines.com>
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGPxZMR=MHdQWjKG5tRYMfqiQAP_26a_xAQ18giu37HRkg@mail.gmail.com>

Hey Nina,

Welcome to the Python club! I personally use Pycharm from JetBrains, which
works relatively well with JAWS after some tinkering with the settings. I
don't know how well it would work with voice over, but maybe it's worth a
shot? I'd also suggest repl.it, an online development environment that
supports python and many other languages, as a band-aid fix if you're
looking to get timely practice while looking for a more permanent solution.

Hope those work, and let me know if you have any questions/want me to help
find python developers who use voice over.

Kindly,
Gene
--
Gene Sung-Ho Kim | Symbolic Systems | Stanford 2023
Secretary | California Association of Blind Students


On Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 7:24 PM mmines via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi, you might wish to post this on the Mac visionaries list. You might
> make a friend and we don't bite. I'm sure someone can send you a link to
> several Python editors. You can go to your favorite search engine defined
> the Mac visionaries list. I don't have and to have that group subscription
> information in front of me at this very moment. I hope this helps?
>
> > On Jul 6, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Taylor Arndt via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some
> accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need
> any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> >> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi, all.
> >> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have
> suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for
> Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
> >> Best,
> >> Nina
> >>
> >> Nina Marranca
> >> Chair | Outreach Committee
> >> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
> >> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
> >> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maurice%40maurice-amines.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com
>

From keribcu at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 10:54:48 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Gmail)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 06:54:48 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] internship leads
In-Reply-To: <6AFFEF23-1BAC-4747-A4AA-A465C83CC62D@gmail.com>
References: <6AFFEF23-1BAC-4747-A4AA-A465C83CC62D@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CC3E2CDE-CFFA-4DEB-8153-136EB263A7B1@gmail.com>

I was going to be in the jail system. I had already been approved. That is something I had lined up months ago. Also, I have already done work in the court and I was hoping to do something different for my internship now. Unfortunately, most places around here already have their interns in place, this area has so many programs and colleges that internships are normally lined up six months ahead of time. If not sooner than that. I’m sorry you got rejected to be in the jail, that really sounds like a very big discrimination issue.

Keri  Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 12, 2020, at 11:42 PM, Jorge Alejandro Paez via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Keri:
> So first off where are you?
> I did an internship last year the my county’s Public Defender’s office where the attorney I worked with worked mostly with pre-trial intervention program clients and other types of programs like that, including mental health court, veterans court and drug court.
> If you are in Broward you should apply there and I’m sure if you’re in another county they should have something similar.
> If you’re not but you could get some useful info out of an interview or such please email me:
> iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com <mailto:iamjorgeapaez94 at gmail.com>
> and I can put you in touch with the attorney I worked with to talk about things like that.
> Another note is that even under the best of time you won’t get accepted into jails.
> At my internship last year I was supposed to do the jail-interview notetaking for my attorney, and everyone on the public defender’s office’s staff was very good about meeting my accomodations, but the jails refused to let me in.
> So yeah I honestly don’t know if you would’ve had any luck there even under normal circumstances.
> 
> Jorge
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 12, 2020, at 22:44, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> 
>> I found out today that it is very likely I won't be allowed to do my internship this fall due to the fact the jails may not let us in. I was going to be working with a case management team in a regional jail. Now I have a month to try and find an alternative placement. I am a forensic psychology masters student very focused on the CJ system and how to cut recidivism rates. I'm very interested in reentry programs and community programs to address these issues. If anyone knows of any company that may take a last minute intern, especially a remote intern please let me know.
>> 
>> 
>> thank you,
>> 
>> -- 
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/iamjorgeapaez94%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com


From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Mon Jul 13 12:09:35 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 07:09:35 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <CAEvYTGPxZMR=MHdQWjKG5tRYMfqiQAP_26a_xAQ18giu37HRkg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
 <10CA3618-F989-47C2-9277-15B477FDF54A@maurice-amines.com>
 <CAEvYTGPxZMR=MHdQWjKG5tRYMfqiQAP_26a_xAQ18giu37HRkg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <F93C7270-ACF7-45CA-83F5-643FBBA32B80@nfbtx.org>

I have a +1 for PyCharm, also I know this may be a bad word but you could always use terminal based editors such as VIM.

> On Jul 12, 2020, at 11:38 PM, Gene Kim via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey Nina,
> 
> Welcome to the Python club! I personally use Pycharm from JetBrains, which
> works relatively well with JAWS after some tinkering with the settings. I
> don't know how well it would work with voice over, but maybe it's worth a
> shot? I'd also suggest repl.it, an online development environment that
> supports python and many other languages, as a band-aid fix if you're
> looking to get timely practice while looking for a more permanent solution.
> 
> Hope those work, and let me know if you have any questions/want me to help
> find python developers who use voice over.
> 
> Kindly,
> Gene
> --
> Gene Sung-Ho Kim | Symbolic Systems | Stanford 2023
> Secretary | California Association of Blind Students
> 
> 
> On Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 7:24 PM mmines via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
> 
>> Hi, you might wish to post this on the Mac visionaries list. You might
>> make a friend and we don't bite. I'm sure someone can send you a link to
>> several Python editors. You can go to your favorite search engine defined
>> the Mac visionaries list. I don't have and to have that group subscription
>> information in front of me at this very moment. I hope this helps?
>> 
>>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Taylor Arndt via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some
>> accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need
>> any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hi, all.
>>>> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have
>> suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for
>> Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
>>>> Best,
>>>> Nina
>>>> 
>>>> Nina Marranca
>>>> Chair | Outreach Committee
>>>> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
>>>> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
>>>> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maurice%40maurice-amines.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com>
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org>

From tyler at tysdomain.com  Mon Jul 13 12:43:57 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 08:43:57 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Python
In-Reply-To: <F93C7270-ACF7-45CA-83F5-643FBBA32B80@nfbtx.org>
References: <SA0PR13MB4014D04C954DFB75DFB60407F3690@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <1572AD9A-4236-4110-9E71-648C8593FF76@gmail.com>
 <10CA3618-F989-47C2-9277-15B477FDF54A@maurice-amines.com>
 <CAEvYTGPxZMR=MHdQWjKG5tRYMfqiQAP_26a_xAQ18giu37HRkg@mail.gmail.com>
 <F93C7270-ACF7-45CA-83F5-643FBBA32B80@nfbtx.org>
Message-ID: <b0e754e6-cef9-e1be-21aa-54fe5ccf739d@tysdomain.com>

I'm very interested to know how you got PyCharm to work with JAWS. I've 
tried but never had much luck, and I would likely write much more Python 
if I had something like that.
Thanks,
On 7/13/2020 8:09 AM, Harry Staley via NABS-L wrote:
> I have a +1 for PyCharm, also I know this may be a bad word but you could always use terminal based editors such as VIM.
>
>> On Jul 12, 2020, at 11:38 PM, Gene Kim via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hey Nina,
>>
>> Welcome to the Python club! I personally use Pycharm from JetBrains, which
>> works relatively well with JAWS after some tinkering with the settings. I
>> don't know how well it would work with voice over, but maybe it's worth a
>> shot? I'd also suggest repl.it, an online development environment that
>> supports python and many other languages, as a band-aid fix if you're
>> looking to get timely practice while looking for a more permanent solution.
>>
>> Hope those work, and let me know if you have any questions/want me to help
>> find python developers who use voice over.
>>
>> Kindly,
>> Gene
>> --
>> Gene Sung-Ho Kim | Symbolic Systems | Stanford 2023
>> Secretary | California Association of Blind Students
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Jul 12, 2020 at 7:24 PM mmines via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi, you might wish to post this on the Mac visionaries list. You might
>>> make a friend and we don't bite. I'm sure someone can send you a link to
>>> several Python editors. You can go to your favorite search engine defined
>>> the Mac visionaries list. I don't have and to have that group subscription
>>> information in front of me at this very moment. I hope this helps?
>>>
>>>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 12:49 PM, Taylor Arndt via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>> Hi, you could give visual studio code to try. I know it had some
>>> accessibility issues, but I’m hoping that they got worked out. If you need
>>> any more help, you can always feel free to reach out to me off the list.
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>>> On Jul 6, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Nina Marranca via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>>> Hi, all.
>>>>> I am beginning to work with Python on a Macbook. Does anyone have
>>> suggestions for an accessible text editor or IDE? I know there are many for
>>> Windows but am having trouble finding one to use with Voiceover.
>>>>> Best,
>>>>> Nina
>>>>>
>>>>> Nina Marranca
>>>>> Chair | Outreach Committee
>>>>> Secretary-Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>> Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List
>>>>> Ninam0814 at gmail.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/taylorarndt99%40gmail.com
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maurice%40maurice-amines.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com>
>>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


-- 

Take Care,
Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)

Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business 
solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site 
<http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter 
<http://twitter.com/sorressean>



From dwiniecki at handid.org  Mon Jul 13 16:05:09 2020
From: dwiniecki at handid.org (Donald Winiecki)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:05:09 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] is PSpice accessible
Message-ID: <CAD5OMmHgXOuM3JSaDkuCUV6p5ygT+GzZy6=MOQhV_CtrENZKbg@mail.gmail.com>

Hi,

We have a maths and electrical engineering dual major at my university who
will be taking the lab for Circuits 2 this fall semester.

Because of COVID-19, it is very likely that some of the labs will have to
be done using PSpice alone.

Does anyone on these lists have experience using PSpice with a screen
reader?

_don winiecki

From dwiniecki at handid.org  Mon Jul 13 16:07:16 2020
From: dwiniecki at handid.org (Donald Winiecki)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 10:07:16 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] is PSpice accessible
In-Reply-To: <CAD5OMmHgXOuM3JSaDkuCUV6p5ygT+GzZy6=MOQhV_CtrENZKbg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAD5OMmHgXOuM3JSaDkuCUV6p5ygT+GzZy6=MOQhV_CtrENZKbg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAD5OMmHSsfMXfZZxshsPJ=7_D8QZOD2iCb=ZpGc41-jfts1x7w@mail.gmail.com>

A quick adaptation from my previous query.

I just got word that the Electrical Engineering department uses LTSpice,
not PSpice.

_don winiecki


On Mon, Jul 13, 2020 at 10:05 AM Donald Winiecki <dwiniecki at handid.org>
wrote:

> Hi,
>
> We have a maths and electrical engineering dual major at my university who
> will be taking the lab for Circuits 2 this fall semester.
>
> Because of COVID-19, it is very likely that some of the labs will have to
> be done using PSpice alone.
>
> Does anyone on these lists have experience using PSpice with a screen
> reader?
>
> _don winiecki
>

From matthewhgip at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 19:36:41 2020
From: matthewhgip at gmail.com (Matthew Gip)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:36:41 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] MNABS Monday Madness, TONIGHT at 7:00 PM CST
Message-ID: <0F3BFB7D-2537-4F28-A0BC-CC608E83C2A2@gmail.com>

Hey NABSters, 

Friendly reminder that The Minnesota Association of Blind Students has a kickoff event before convention and everyone is welcome to join. Please see below the details. 

Come one, come all, to our MNABS Monday Madness, as we are kicking off the 2020 National Convention with a twist to trivia and more! All are welcome to attend and join the fun! 

What: MNABS Monday Madness 
When: Monday, July 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM CST 
Where: From the comfort of your own home
https://umn.zoom.us/j/92780633937?pwd=N2ppMnE1eUg1TUlMTlMrVmd1VWhCZz09

Thank you, 
Matthew Gip 
2nd Vice President | Minnesota Association of Blind Students 
A Proud division of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota 



From ninam0814 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 13 20:43:14 2020
From: ninam0814 at gmail.com (Nina Marranca)
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 2020 20:43:14 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Let's kick off National Convention together! NABS Success
 Summit Happening Tomorrow July 14th at 7 PM Eastern
Message-ID: <SA0PR13MB40141890557803D91059EA4EF3600@SA0PR13MB4014.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

What's up, NABS!
The National Association of Blind Students is so pumped to kick off National Convention with all of you! Mark your calendars; our first event is tomorrow! We hope that you all will join us for Success Summit tomorrow July 14th from 7-8:30 PM Eastern.
Event Description: In lieu of our typical networking event, the National Association of Blind Students is thrilled to kick off our 2020 National Convention programming with an evening of interactive activities and dynamic speakers! This experience will be unlike any other, and you won’t want to miss it! Zoom info is below! :)

When: Tuesday, July 14th, 7:00pm-8:30pm EDT
Where: Zoom

The Zoom meeting ID assigned to your session is: 955 0118 2090.
The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/95501182090
See you tomorrow!
Best,
Nina

Nina Marranca
She/her/hers
Chair | Outreach Committee
Secretary Treasurer | New York Association of Blind Students
Moderator | National Association of Blind Students Mailing List

From schoi09 at outlook.com  Tue Jul 14 03:13:02 2020
From: schoi09 at outlook.com (Seyoon Choi)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 03:13:02 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] #NFB20 Sneak Peek - The Zoom Where It Happens!
Message-ID: <5D5723DB-9EDC-4E32-8A70-11EF192E8038@outlook.com>

What’s up, NABS?

Whose ready for national convention? I sure am, and we hope you all are as much as we are. NABS is excited to give you all an exclusive sneak peek to fill you in on what you could expect at our national convention. Featuring NABS board members, President Mark Riccobono, Pam Allen and Patty Chang.



The Zoom where it happens! The National Federation of the bLind convention goes virtual for the very first time, allowing thousands of members to assemble virtually for what will potentially be the largest gathering of blind people across the nation. Join us as we hear a sneak peek  of our upcoming convention, scheduled to take place from July 14-18, 2020. Special thanks to President Mark Riccobono, Pam Allen, Patty Chang, and NABS board Kathryn Webster, Dustin Cather, Mausam Mehta, and Johna Wright.

Created and produced by: Seyoon Choi and Nina Marranca

Find the National Association of Blind Students on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Nabspage/
Follow the National Association of Blind Students on Twitter and Instagram: @nabslink
Are you interested in assisting in the planning and production of the NABS Now Podcast? Email ninam0814 at gmail.com<mailto:ninam0814 at gmail.com> and Seyoon Choi at: schoi09 at outlook.com<mailto:schoi09 at outlook.com> for more information.

Take care
Seyoon

Seyoon Choi (he/him/his
President: Missouri Association of Blind Students
Co-chair | Outreach Committee
National Association of Blind Students
schoi09 at outlook.com<mailto:schoi09 at outlook.com>
(314) 650-8306
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From rob.parso3389 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 14:50:28 2020
From: rob.parso3389 at gmail.com (Robert Parsons)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:50:28 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Join the Craze: NABS #SpotlightSaturdays
Message-ID: <A847236D-783A-4EBA-A815-2FB5DFD6F40A@gmail.com>

Howdy NABS! 
Who's excited for our first-ever national convention? If the answer is yes, we in the Outreach Committee want to give you a warm welcome to the family reunion. The Federation's  discussions, caucuses, and events will be packed with amazing blind students from all over the country and some other countries as well. As we are on the topic of amazing blind students, NABS is proud to announce that our newest social media initiative, #SpotlightSaturdays, will be launching on July 18! This initiative, where NABS highlights the phenomenal work and accomplishments of a blind student each week, is looking for nominations. If you are or know an amazing blind student, please fill out the nomination form to be considered for the honor. The form is simple, quick, and accessible. You only need to nominate a student once and their name will be in the pool until it is selected, so there is no competition. We look forward to hearing all of your wonderful stories, have an invigorating  convention experience, and take some time to click the attached link. 🙂 


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevMxLD0jxqX13QhSR6ZBQ6lnaeU94vDuUwXGIYAnYWsbZu3g/viewform



All the Best 

 Robert Parsons Jr.
Co-chair, Outreach Committee 



From elana.c03 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 15:10:24 2020
From: elana.c03 at gmail.com (Elana Charles)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 10:10:24 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Wisconsin Association of blind students drawing
Message-ID: <DA2B7DAA-88CF-48B2-B068-BEDA4E3E2247@gmail.com>

Hello Students, the Wisconsin Association of blind Students is doing a drawing and the price is a mystery Apple product with Apple care included tickets are priced at $20 for 10 tickets. Here is a link to the go rally up drawing.  

https://go.rallyup.com/wabsdrawing
Thanks and have a great day
Elana
Sent from my iPhone
Elana Charles WSBVI student
Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 

From elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 19:00:16 2020
From: elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com (Elizabeth Rouse)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 14:00:16 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Sweatshirts Now Available! Order Yours Today!
Message-ID: <CANGwUJNYbAQVdZkPRZTPJO7-fHNTH4EkiOkprON4rp0fkeaz4A@mail.gmail.com>

Hello NABS friends and family,
During this lovely week of convention, the National Association of Blind
Students is proud to present a project months in the making!
NABS sweatshirts are now available; see below for more information.
Description:
Note: Sweatshirts are available in maroon, charcoal gray, and navy blue.
Hoodies come in adult sizes only; crew necks come in children sizes only.

Front of Sweatshirt:
Solid colored hoodie with a White rectangle at the top of the left breast
pocket area, which features black braille reading “FREEDOM”. Directly under
the white braille text box is a white liberty bell. The liberty bell
graphic contains the classic crack at the bottom, giving a historical look.
Directly below is the corresponding print word “FREEDOM" in all caps and
white text. It is written in a simple yet sharp font that stands up well
next to the graphics.

*Back of Sweatshirt:*
In white text, the sweatshirt reads "NATIONAL ASSOCIATION” on the first
line and “OF BLIND STUDENTS” on the line below. The lines utilize slightly
different sizes of the same font as the bottom line is larger in
an aesthetically pleasing manner. As the same font is used on both the
front and back of the sweatshirt, the seismic change slightly emphasizes
the bottom line and, subsequently, the pride we maintain in regards to our
identities as blind students.

Placing an Order:
Orders can be placed anytime between now and 12:00 PM EST on August 4th.
Don’t wait to place your order because NO extension will be available.
Orders for both adult sized hoodies and children sized crew necks can be
placed using the following link.

 bonfire.com/nabs-outerwear

Please note that a shipping charge will be applied to these orders. This
factor was taken into account when pricing our sweatshirts. We understand
that shipping costs are anything but convenient, so we thank you immensely
for your support in the midst of our first ever electronic convention!

We are so proud of these sweatshirts and all the work that went into making
them possible. Please share the link to purchase far and wide, and
encourage your friends and family, both inside and outside of the
Federation, to support NABS!
Any/all questions that pertain to NABS sweatshirts can be directed to me,
Elizabeth Rouse, using this email address or my personal phone number (563)
210-1854.
Thank you!
$Elizabeth$
-- 
Elizabeth Rouse
She/her/hers
Secretary/Treasurer | Iowa Association of Blind Students
Chair | National Association of Blind Students Fundraising Committee
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org
elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com
563-210-1854

From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 21:59:03 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 17:59:03 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Business Meeting HAPPENING TOMORROW
Message-ID: <37B6AFE0-C14B-4DEC-94FD-FC0A499541D7@gmail.com>

Howdy, friends!!

I hope convention is going amazingly for you all so far! There were some great sessions today, and I’m personally very excited for the rest of the week (especially the NABS events)! NABS would like to remind all students to join us for our annual National Association of Blind Students Business Meeting! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.

When: Wednesday July 15th 2020, 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern 
Where: Zoom

The Zoom meeting ID is: 944 6907 5910.

The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/94469075910.

NOTE: you must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position. We accept PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and checks (if postmarked BEFORE July 3rd).
 
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are super excited to see you there! :)

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 22:03:16 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 18:03:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Business Meeting HAPPENING TOMORROW
In-Reply-To: <37B6AFE0-C14B-4DEC-94FD-FC0A499541D7@gmail.com>
References: <37B6AFE0-C14B-4DEC-94FD-FC0A499541D7@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <98B5AC3B-5B14-45E1-A16C-E78CC95E6D90@gmail.com>

CORRECTION: the Business Meeting will take place from 8:00-10:00 pm EDT. I apologize for any confusion! 

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 14, 2020, at 17:59, Johna Wright <johnawright98 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Howdy, friends!!
> 
> I hope convention is going amazingly for you all so far! There were some great sessions today, and I’m personally very excited for the rest of the week (especially the NABS events)! NABS would like to remind all students to join us for our annual National Association of Blind Students Business Meeting! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.
> 
> When: Wednesday July 15th 2020, 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern 
> Where: Zoom
> 
> The Zoom meeting ID is: 944 6907 5910.
> 
> The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/94469075910.
> 
> NOTE: you must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position. We accept PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and checks (if postmarked BEFORE July 3rd).
> 
> If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are super excited to see you there! :)
> 
> Cheers, 
> 
> Johna Wright
> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
> johnawright98 at gmail.com
> (706) 962-2613
> www.nabslink.org


From helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 22:05:05 2020
From: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com (helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 18:05:05 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Registration for the NABS Meeting
Message-ID: <BDF1EE08-CAAC-4C61-AA96-2FE3853F819B@gmail.com>

Hello everyone. Good evening. I would like to register for the NaBS meeting and pay my five dollars  dues. How do I do so? I’m just wondring since I am a university student. Look forwrd to hear from you soon. Thanks so much. 

Helga Schreiber 
Email Address: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com 
Sent from my iPhone 11 Pro Max 

 

From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 14 22:13:48 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 18:13:48 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Registration for the NABS Meeting
In-Reply-To: <BDF1EE08-CAAC-4C61-AA96-2FE3853F819B@gmail.com>
References: <BDF1EE08-CAAC-4C61-AA96-2FE3853F819B@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <B8299A33-3EC6-45B0-A58B-CBB602306679@gmail.com>

Hi, Helga! 

Unfortunately the registration period for the business meeting is over, but you may still attend and become a member after convention. You are welcome at all of our programming, you just will not be eligible to vote in elections this year. We do hope you will still join us. 

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 14, 2020, at 18:06, Helga via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone. Good evening. I would like to register for the NaBS meeting and pay my five dollars  dues. How do I do so? I’m just wondring since I am a university student. Look forwrd to hear from you soon. Thanks so much. 
> 
> Helga Schreiber 
> Email Address: helga.schreiber26 at gmail.com 
> Sent from my iPhone 11 Pro Max 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/johnawright98%40gmail.com


From santiago.blue.hernandez at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 02:43:09 2020
From: santiago.blue.hernandez at gmail.com (Santiago H)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 19:43:09 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Business Meeting HAPPENING TOMORROW
In-Reply-To: <98B5AC3B-5B14-45E1-A16C-E78CC95E6D90@gmail.com>
References: <98B5AC3B-5B14-45E1-A16C-E78CC95E6D90@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <B972580F-B032-4559-B55B-6A1C88F32CA4@gmail.com>

Hi Johna, 
I have a quick question. How will the voting process work tomorrow when it comes to voting for board members and or nominating? 

Thanks, 
Santiago 


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 14, 2020, at 3:04 PM, Johna Wright via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> CORRECTION: the Business Meeting will take place from 8:00-10:00 pm EDT. I apologize for any confusion! 
> 
> Cheers, 
> 
> Johna Wright
> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
> johnawright98 at gmail.com
> (706) 962-2613
> www.nabslink.org
> 
>> On Jul 14, 2020, at 17:59, Johna Wright <johnawright98 at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Howdy, friends!!
>> 
>> I hope convention is going amazingly for you all so far! There were some great sessions today, and I’m personally very excited for the rest of the week (especially the NABS events)! NABS would like to remind all students to join us for our annual National Association of Blind Students Business Meeting! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.
>> 
>> When: Wednesday July 15th 2020, 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern 
>> Where: Zoom
>> 
>> The Zoom meeting ID is: 944 6907 5910.
>> 
>> The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/94469075910.
>> 
>> NOTE: you must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position. We accept PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and checks (if postmarked BEFORE July 3rd).
>> 
>> If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are super excited to see you there! :)
>> 
>> Cheers, 
>> 
>> Johna Wright
>> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
>> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
>> johnawright98 at gmail.com
>> (706) 962-2613
>> www.nabslink.org
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/santiago.blue.hernandez%40gmail.com


From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 03:55:39 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2020 23:55:39 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Business Meeting HAPPENING TOMORROW
In-Reply-To: <B972580F-B032-4559-B55B-6A1C88F32CA4@gmail.com>
References: <B972580F-B032-4559-B55B-6A1C88F32CA4@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <F84DD012-78A8-47F0-AAA4-0322439295C2@gmail.com>

Hi, Santiago! 

Officer elections will be voted on by all dues-paying members tomorrow between noon and 5pm EDT. This will happen via Google Forms. Winners will be announced at the business meeting, and according to how many board spots are open at that point, elections will take place live for those spots. In the case that multiple people run for a single board position, we will hear briefly from all candidates and will then go to a voice vote. If the results are ambiguous, we may have to cross reference the registration list and take some time to gather votes. 

I hope this makes sense. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to me off list. 

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 14, 2020, at 22:44, Santiago H via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Johna, 
> I have a quick question. How will the voting process work tomorrow when it comes to voting for board members and or nominating? 
> 
> Thanks, 
> Santiago 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 14, 2020, at 3:04 PM, Johna Wright via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> CORRECTION: the Business Meeting will take place from 8:00-10:00 pm EDT. I apologize for any confusion! 
>> 
>> Cheers, 
>> 
>> Johna Wright
>> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
>> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
>> johnawright98 at gmail.com
>> (706) 962-2613
>> www.nabslink.org
>> 
>>>> On Jul 14, 2020, at 17:59, Johna Wright <johnawright98 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Howdy, friends!!
>>> 
>>> I hope convention is going amazingly for you all so far! There were some great sessions today, and I’m personally very excited for the rest of the week (especially the NABS events)! NABS would like to remind all students to join us for our annual National Association of Blind Students Business Meeting! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.
>>> 
>>> When: Wednesday July 15th 2020, 7:00-9:00 PM Eastern 
>>> Where: Zoom
>>> 
>>> The Zoom meeting ID is: 944 6907 5910.
>>> 
>>> The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/94469075910.
>>> 
>>> NOTE: you must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position. We accept PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, and checks (if postmarked BEFORE July 3rd).
>>> 
>>> If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are super excited to see you there! :)
>>> 
>>> Cheers, 
>>> 
>>> Johna Wright
>>> Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
>>> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
>>> johnawright98 at gmail.com
>>> (706) 962-2613
>>> www.nabslink.org
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/santiago.blue.hernandez%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/johnawright98%40gmail.com


From webmaster at nfb.org  Wed Jul 15 16:15:17 2020
From: webmaster at nfb.org (National Federation of the Blind)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:15:17 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [NABS-L] {Disarmed} IRS to Implement Process to Provide Accessible
 Tax Notices to the Blind
Message-ID: <20200715161517.ED1C7600AA7A@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>

 

 		 [1]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

IRS TO IMPLEMENT PROCESS TO PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE TAX NOTICES TO THE BLIND

_LAWSUIT FILED BY BLIND TAXPAYERS AND ADVOCATES SETTLED_

SAN FRANCISCO (JULY 15, 2020): Today, as millions of taxpayers file their
income tax returns, the IRS is announcing that it has agreed to develop and
implement a process to allow blind taxpayers to request post-filing tax
notices--such as notices about additional taxes or penalties owed--in
Braille, large print, or electronic formats. The new alternative media
process (AMP) will be in place by January 31, 2022. The agency will also
consider whether it can add audio notices to the alternative formats that
can be requested, work with third-party entities to improve the
accessibility of tax forms and documents, and take other steps to improve
the accessibility of interactions with the agency and its partners. 

The actions to be taken by the IRS resolve a lawsuit [2] filed last year by
individual blind taxpayers, along with the National Federation of the Blind
[2], alleging violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which the agency denies. The legal team in the lawsuit included attorneys
from Brown Goldstein Levy LLP [3] and Disability Rights California [4], the
protection and advocacy system for the state. 

"We are pleased that the IRS has recognized that both the law and
fundamental fairness demand that blind taxpayers receive notices that we
can read and act upon while protecting our privacy and preserving our
independence," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of
the Blind. "We look forward to continued collaboration with the agency to
improve the process of filing and paying taxes in ways that respect the
equality of blind people." 

"Everyone should receive information about the taxes they pay in a format
that is accessible to them," said Autumn Elliott, senior counsel at
Disability Rights California. "We are thrilled that the IRS has committed
itself to sending notices to blind taxpayers that they can read
independently." 

The new process envisioned by this settlement will supplement the many
accessible resources already available to taxpayers with disabilities
through IRS.gov and the IRS's Alternative Media Center. 

"The IRS is strongly committed to ensuring equity and the civil rights of
all taxpayers, including individuals with disabilities," said Carrie Y.
Holland, Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement.
"This settlement demonstrates that we are dedicated to improving
accessibility for blind and low-vision taxpayers. The new policies,
procedures and technology envisioned in this settlement will provide blind
taxpayers equal access to tax notices, enabling them to timely meet their
tax obligations." 

### 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org [5]. 

_DISABILITY RIGHTS CALIFORNIA (DRC)_ is the agency designated under federal
law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with
disabilities. The mission of DRC is to advance the rights, dignity, equal
opportunities, and choices for all people with disabilities. For more
information visit: https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17953&qid=3966410 [4]. 

CONTACT: 

Chris Danielsen
 Director of Public Relations
 National Federation of the Blind
 (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
 (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
 cdanielsen at nfb.org 

Melody Pomraning
 Director of Communications
 Disability Rights California
 (916) 504-5938
 Melody.Pomraning at disabilityrightsca.org 

Ryan Scarafile
 Internal Revenue Service
 (202) 317-4000
 newsroom at irs.gov 

 		 [6] 
 		 [7] 
 		 [8] 
 		 [9] 

 		 [10] 

 		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
21230 | 410-659-9314 

 		 Unsubscribe [11] | Opt Out [12] | Sign Up for Our E-newsletter [13] 

 		 .. 



Links:
------
[1] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17971&qid=3966410
[2] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17939&qid=3966410
[3] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17940&qid=3966410
[4] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17941&qid=3966410
[5] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17942&qid=3966410
[6] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17946&qid=3966410
[7] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17947&qid=3966410
[8] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17948&qid=3966410
[9] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17949&qid=3966410
[10] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17951&qid=3966410
[11] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=14694&qid=3966410&h=37d2fb675de99135
[12] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=14694&qid=3966410&h=37d2fb675de99135
[13] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17952&qid=3966410

From mkvnfb94 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 19:55:24 2020
From: mkvnfb94 at gmail.com (Mariya Vasileva)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:55:24 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Test
Message-ID: <0CB912DD-A4CB-4071-A002-2087C85A998B@gmail.com>



Sent from my iPhone


From mkvnfb94 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 19:56:30 2020
From: mkvnfb94 at gmail.com (Mariya Vasileva)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 15:56:30 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Going to one of the training centers for a short time
Message-ID: <7B5554D0-FAB3-4DF5-AE8D-A96721FEC81F@gmail.com>



Sent from my iPhone
Hi all. I was wondering has anybody on this list gone to any of our training centers for a short term training in order to revitalize a few skills? If you have, what are the pros and cons to that and is it worth it? I am thinking of doing that myself even though I have gone through the nine month program five years ago. Thanks.

From avias at theblindadvocate.net  Wed Jul 15 20:41:34 2020
From: avias at theblindadvocate.net (VIAS, ARMANDO)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:41:34 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Test
In-Reply-To: <0CB912DD-A4CB-4071-A002-2087C85A998B@gmail.com>
References: <0CB912DD-A4CB-4071-A002-2087C85A998B@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <2907A706-4C62-4411-84B7-35B6BD156440@theblindadvocate.net>

Got it.

Armando L. Vias
Owner | The Blind Advocate Network
Getting Advocacy Results For The Blind And Low-visioned

View my LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/armando-vias

Donate via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VLBJCK69NAS3C&source=url
Website: https://theblindadvocate.net
Email: avias at theblindadvocate.net
Phone: (855) 722-3122 Extension 700
Facebook: The Blind Advocate Network
Twitter: @theblndadvn

> On Jul 15, 2020, at 3:56 PM, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/avias%40theblindadvocate.net

From theheathbar123 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 21:12:56 2020
From: theheathbar123 at gmail.com (Luther Fuller)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 16:12:56 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Going to one of the training centers for a short time
In-Reply-To: <7B5554D0-FAB3-4DF5-AE8D-A96721FEC81F@gmail.com>
References: <7B5554D0-FAB3-4DF5-AE8D-A96721FEC81F@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A9A471DB-DE54-43DC-BD46-D486E43BC647@gmail.com>

I'm not sure that's possible. To my knowledge, if you are old enough for a 9-month program, you're too old for the short ones; the cut-off age is 18.

—Luther

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 15, 2020, at 2:57 PM, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> Hi all. I was wondering has anybody on this list gone to any of our training centers for a short term training in order to revitalize a few skills? If you have, what are the pros and cons to that and is it worth it? I am thinking of doing that myself even though I have gone through the nine month program five years ago. Thanks.
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/theheathbar123%40gmail.com


From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 15 23:07:52 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:07:52 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] =?utf-8?q?IT=E2=80=99S_THE_FINAL_=28one_hour=29_COUNTDO?=
 =?utf-8?q?WN_to_Our_Annual_Business_Meeting?=
Message-ID: <55CCE93E-C930-456D-9988-E794748110D2@gmail.com>

Happy day 2 of convention, Federation family! 

We are less than ONE HOUR AWAY from our annual business meeting!! Who’s excited?!?! Let’s celebrate our many accomplishments as an organization over the past year together, express our gratitude to the leadership that has made them possible, and look forward to a new year of progress by electing our new board.

When: Wednesday July 15th 2020, 8:00-10:00 PM Eastern 
Where: Zoom

The Zoom meeting ID is: 944 6907 5910.

The Zoom meeting URL is https://zoom.us/j/94469075910.

NOTE: you must be a dues-paying member to vote in elections or to run for a board position.
 
We are super excited to see you there! 🙂

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 04:45:47 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2020 21:45:47 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Guest speakers on NABS Meeting
Message-ID: <DA301DEB-FCF5-4E42-9C49-2F129E2141F6@gmail.com>

Hi, 
I was wondering if anyone has the name of two of the guest speakers who had videos during the NABS meeting? I missed them, and the chat was disabled. I'm looking for the name of the reporter for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the name of the inclusion specialist with spina bifida. 
Thank you, 
Vejas 

From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 04:54:18 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 00:54:18 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Guest speakers on NABS Meeting
In-Reply-To: <DA301DEB-FCF5-4E42-9C49-2F129E2141F6@gmail.com>
References: <DA301DEB-FCF5-4E42-9C49-2F129E2141F6@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <3CB73DC1-0181-40BD-A883-691198C57DA9@gmail.com>

Hi, Vejas!

The name of the Wall Street Journal reporter is Michelle Hackman, and Amy Smith is the presenter from Deloitte who discussed her disability story. 

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 16, 2020, at 00:47, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> I was wondering if anyone has the name of two of the guest speakers who had videos during the NABS meeting? I missed them, and the chat was disabled. I'm looking for the name of the reporter for the Wall Street Journal, as well as the name of the inclusion specialist with spina bifida. 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/johnawright98%40gmail.com


From elana.c03 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 18:00:28 2020
From: elana.c03 at gmail.com (Elana Charles)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 13:00:28 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Get to know me
Message-ID: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>

Hello my name is Elana Charles, I currently serve his secretary on the Wisconsin Association of blind Students board of directors. I am running for a board position three on the NABS board. What I am going to bring to NABS is accessibility and advocacy in the classroom. I currently attend Wisconsin Center for the blind and visually impaired in Janesville Wisconsin and our students do not get the education that we deserve compared to our sighted  peers. Here is a little background information about me. I got involved with the national Federation for the blind in 2019 because one of the staff members at our school recommended it to me. I served on my school student council as the secretary and treasurer I also competed in track goalball cheerleading swim in forensics. My name passion is to help others and that is why after graduation I want to go to college and work as a nurse. That is all the background information about me and please feel free to cast your vote and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me at any time thank you and have a great day.
Elana

Sent from my iPhone
Elana Charles WSBVI student
Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 

From webmaster at nfb.org  Thu Jul 16 18:00:19 2020
From: webmaster at nfb.org (National Federation of the Blind)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:00:19 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: [NABS-L] {Disarmed} Amazon Agrees to Make Remote Customer Service
 Associate Roles Available to the Blind
Message-ID: <20200716180019.A3F87600AA6D@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>

 

 		 [1]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

AMAZON AGREES TO MAKE REMOTE CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSOCIATE ROLES AVAILABLE TO
THE BLIND

_DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY BLIND WOMAN RESOLVED_

DETROIT (JULY 16, 2020): Maryann Murad, a blind Michigan resident, and the
National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest
organization of blind Americans, have reached an agreement with Amazon.com
resolving the employment discrimination lawsuit they brought in September
of 2019. Without admitting liability or wrongdoing, Amazon has agreed to
implement accessible technology that will allow blind people to work from
home as Amazon customer service representatives. Amazon will also offer Ms.
Murad a work-at-home customer service position upon her successful
completion of the application process and pay an undisclosed amount of
money. 

In 2017, Ms. Murad tried to apply for a virtual customer service (VCS)
position with Amazon, but the proprietary Amazon technology required to
perform the duties of the VCS role was inaccessible with Voiceover, the
Apple text-to-speech screen-reading software that Ms. Murad uses to
complete tasks on her computer. Amazon has created proprietary technology
that is now accessible. 

"We are pleased to reach this agreement with Amazon and hope that it is an
important step in making the company a leader in twenty-first-century
employment for blind people," said Mark Riccobono, President of the
National Federation of the Blind. "Accessible technology is a key to equal
employment of the blind, and this is even more true with remote employment
on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Blind people can and
must be a part of existing and new work environments in order to live the
lives we want, and the National Federation of the Blind will continue to
ensure that blind Americans are connected and protected." 

### 

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND 

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org [2]. 

CONTACT: 

Chris Danielsen
 Director of Public Relations
 National Federation of the Blind
 (410) 659-9314, extension 2330
 (410) 262-1281 (Cell)
 cdanielsen at nfb.org 

 		 [3] 
 		 [4] 
 		 [5] 
 		 [6] 

 		 [7] 

 		 National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD
21230 | 410-659-9314 

 		 Unsubscribe [8] | Opt Out [9] | Sign Up for Our E-newsletter [10] 

 		 .. 



Links:
------
[1] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17995&qid=3973522
[2] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17972&qid=3973522
[3] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17974&qid=3973522
[4] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17975&qid=3973522
[5] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17976&qid=3973522
[6] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17977&qid=3973522
[7] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17979&qid=3973522
[8] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=14714&qid=3973522&h=3b256d0099c02ea9
[9] https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=14714&qid=3973522&h=3b256d0099c02ea9
[10] https://www.nfb.org/libraries/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=17980&qid=3973522

From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 18:13:07 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 11:13:07 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Get to know me
In-Reply-To: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>
References: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <64E66558-754C-4C16-8B36-82D018B58001@gmail.com>

Hi there, what is your email?

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 16, 2020, at 11:01 AM, Elana Charles via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello my name is Elana Charles, I currently serve his secretary on the Wisconsin Association of blind Students board of directors. I am running for a board position three on the NABS board. What I am going to bring to NABS is accessibility and advocacy in the classroom. I currently attend Wisconsin Center for the blind and visually impaired in Janesville Wisconsin and our students do not get the education that we deserve compared to our sighted  peers. Here is a little background information about me. I got involved with the national Federation for the blind in 2019 because one of the staff members at our school recommended it to me. I served on my school student council as the secretary and treasurer I also competed in track goalball cheerleading swim in forensics. My name passion is to help others and that is why after graduation I want to go to college and work as a nurse. That is all the background information about me and please feel free to cast your vote and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me at any time thank you and have a great day.
> Elana
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> Elana Charles WSBVI student
> Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com


From rob.parso3389 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 18:48:02 2020
From: rob.parso3389 at gmail.com (Robert Parsons)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:48:02 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS  Board Position
Message-ID: <CE63034F-B9FF-4BCC-BE0F-28A855B4E96F@gmail.com>




Good Afternoon Students, Friends, and Fellow Federationists 


What a wonderful virtual convention we are experiencing. Aside from the great work that NABS has done with the events and fundraising opportunities this week, I have to highlight the excellent work that our members are doing at attending sessions and being as lively as ever. Many of you know me as Big Rob, the Teddy Bear, or the Chickenologist. For those students and appreciated members that are just getting to know me, I have been a member of NABS for five years. During that time I have: 


1. resurrected the Virginia Association of Blind Students from inactive status to a thriving division. Establishing a strong membership, legacy, and treasury of over $1200 after I moved from the state. 

2. Helped the Michigan Association of Blind Students achieve an active membership, bringing in a national scholarship winner and facilitating a better working relationship with the rehabilitation agency to support our students in attending and engaging in events that NABS and the Federation produces. 

3. Attended four Washington seminars, including the fateful blizzard event we had a few years ago. 

4. Worked personally with the national President and our NABS president at the time in creating the Southeast Regional  Student Seminar, an event that is still highly anticipated. 

5. Worked with NABS and the student division presidents of Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri in establishing excellent programming and registration numbers for our annual Midwest regional Student Seminars. 

6.  Worked with the Outreach committee in providing your "What's On Ya Mind Wednesdays" posts on social media. 

7.  Procured and provided you all with blog posts at a monthly, and now bi-weekly, basis. 


I hope to bring experience, empathy, and laughter to NABS. With me as a board member, you are voting for someone deeply steeped in Federation philosophy. Having worked at our wonderful center, Blind, Inc., I was able to touch and spur confidence in students new to blindness and those familiar with it. my educational goal, to become a graduate rehabilitation counseling educator, is the vehicle I plan to use to improve the lives of blind people everyday, and the experience I will gain from working with NABS will forever ensure that my practice as a counselor and educator will be supported by empirical evidence that Federation philosophy works and can help all blind people live the lives they want. I implore you all to vote if you received a link for the board member vote and to do so with the confidence I know I have in each of you. I love you all and blessings to my opponent, as she is a sister in our NABS family. I look forward to speaking and connecting with you all very soon. 


Best


robert Parsons, Jr. 

Co-Chair, Outreach Committee 

Vice President, Michigan Association of Blind Students 

From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 19:01:20 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:01:20 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Get to know me
In-Reply-To: <64E66558-754C-4C16-8B36-82D018B58001@gmail.com>
References: <64E66558-754C-4C16-8B36-82D018B58001@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A6548D94-C8BD-4CB0-B382-0317F2FBC232@gmail.com>

You show great potential. However, before running for our national student division board perhaps you should learn the name of our organization? In addition while there are no requirements technically to run for the position other than being a student ,it might be prudent to start by joining one of the national student division committees. It seems like you might be interested in our legislative and self advocacy committee. I want to reiterate I respect your enthusiasm for running, premature though it might be.

Kind regards, 

Nick Petrillo
He/Him/his
703-346-9981



> On Jul 16, 2020, at 2:17 PM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi there, what is your email?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 16, 2020, at 11:01 AM, Elana Charles via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello my name is Elana Charles, I currently serve his secretary on the Wisconsin Association of blind Students board of directors. I am running for a board position three on the NABS board. What I am going to bring to NABS is accessibility and advocacy in the classroom. I currently attend Wisconsin Center for the blind and visually impaired in Janesville Wisconsin and our students do not get the education that we deserve compared to our sighted  peers. Here is a little background information about me. I got involved with the national Federation for the blind in 2019 because one of the staff members at our school recommended it to me. I served on my school student council as the secretary and treasurer I also competed in track goalball cheerleading swim in forensics. My name passion is to help others and that is why after graduation I want to go to college and work as a nurse. That is all the background information about me and please feel free to cast your vote and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me at any time thank you and have a great day.
>> Elana
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> Elana Charles WSBVI student
>> Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com


From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 19:08:44 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 14:08:44 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS  Board Position
In-Reply-To: <CE63034F-B9FF-4BCC-BE0F-28A855B4E96F@gmail.com>
References: <CE63034F-B9FF-4BCC-BE0F-28A855B4E96F@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <010a01d65ba4$875028f0$95f07ad0$@gmail.com>

Dear Mr. Parsons:

I appreciate that you are very well-spoken (in both oral and written form),
and I'm proud of all you've done to help build the Federation!

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Robert Parsons via
NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2020 1:48 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Robert Parsons <rob.parso3389 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] NABS Board Position




Good Afternoon Students, Friends, and Fellow Federationists 


What a wonderful virtual convention we are experiencing. Aside from the
great work that NABS has done with the events and fundraising opportunities
this week, I have to highlight the excellent work that our members are doing
at attending sessions and being as lively as ever. Many of you know me as
Big Rob, the Teddy Bear, or the Chickenologist. For those students and
appreciated members that are just getting to know me, I have been a member
of NABS for five years. During that time I have: 


1. resurrected the Virginia Association of Blind Students from inactive
status to a thriving division. Establishing a strong membership, legacy, and
treasury of over $1200 after I moved from the state. 

2. Helped the Michigan Association of Blind Students achieve an active
membership, bringing in a national scholarship winner and facilitating a
better working relationship with the rehabilitation agency to support our
students in attending and engaging in events that NABS and the Federation
produces. 

3. Attended four Washington seminars, including the fateful blizzard event
we had a few years ago. 

4. Worked personally with the national President and our NABS president at
the time in creating the Southeast Regional  Student Seminar, an event that
is still highly anticipated. 

5. Worked with NABS and the student division presidents of Nebraska,
Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Missouri in establishing excellent
programming and registration numbers for our annual Midwest regional Student
Seminars. 

6.  Worked with the Outreach committee in providing your "What's On Ya Mind
Wednesdays" posts on social media. 

7.  Procured and provided you all with blog posts at a monthly, and now
bi-weekly, basis. 


I hope to bring experience, empathy, and laughter to NABS. With me as a
board member, you are voting for someone deeply steeped in Federation
philosophy. Having worked at our wonderful center, Blind, Inc., I was able
to touch and spur confidence in students new to blindness and those familiar
with it. my educational goal, to become a graduate rehabilitation counseling
educator, is the vehicle I plan to use to improve the lives of blind people
everyday, and the experience I will gain from working with NABS will forever
ensure that my practice as a counselor and educator will be supported by
empirical evidence that Federation philosophy works and can help all blind
people live the lives they want. I implore you all to vote if you received a
link for the board member vote and to do so with the confidence I know I
have in each of you. I love you all and blessings to my opponent, as she is
a sister in our NABS family. I look forward to speaking and connecting with
you all very soon. 


Best


robert Parsons, Jr. 

Co-Chair, Outreach Committee 

Vice President, Michigan Association of Blind Students
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
om



From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 19:10:32 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:10:32 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Get to know me
In-Reply-To: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>
References: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <67191231-DFDB-4EAA-9E7E-F9AC9C7704FD@gmail.com>

My apologies, a quick correction to the previous email I believe I included an old title of out reach committee cochair. I no longer hold that title, and don’t want anybody to confuse what I said with what The committee puts out or there point of view on the subject.

Nick Petrillo
He/Him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 16, 2020, at 2:01 PM, Elana Charles via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello my name is Elana Charles, I currently serve his secretary on the Wisconsin Association of blind Students board of directors. I am running for a board position three on the NABS board. What I am going to bring to NABS is accessibility and advocacy in the classroom. I currently attend Wisconsin Center for the blind and visually impaired in Janesville Wisconsin and our students do not get the education that we deserve compared to our sighted  peers. Here is a little background information about me. I got involved with the national Federation for the blind in 2019 because one of the staff members at our school recommended it to me. I served on my school student council as the secretary and treasurer I also competed in track goalball cheerleading swim in forensics. My name passion is to help others and that is why after graduation I want to go to college and work as a nurse. That is all the background information about me and please feel free to cast your vote and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me at any time thank you and have a great day.
> Elana
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> Elana Charles WSBVI student
> Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com


From PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu  Thu Jul 16 19:30:35 2020
From: PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu (Justin Salisbury)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:30:35 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Get to know me
In-Reply-To: <67191231-DFDB-4EAA-9E7E-F9AC9C7704FD@gmail.com>
References: <B7B7E8B1-4481-418D-A3BC-1B2814F90E10@gmail.com>
 <67191231-DFDB-4EAA-9E7E-F9AC9C7704FD@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DM5PR1301MB2043AE631295FD5C7D9C9203897F0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

Hi Nick,

Please don't do that. This is Elana's campaign for NABS Board. I guess we all know who know who you're voting for. Just think: if Elana gets elected, you're going to have to work with her. 

You certainly have the right to speak up, but I prefer that the candidates campaign for themselves.

Aloha,

Justin

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Nico Petrillo via NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2020 3:11 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>; Elana Charles <elana.c03 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Get to know me

My apologies, a quick correction to the previous email I believe I included an old title of out reach committee cochair. I no longer hold that title, and don’t want anybody to confuse what I said with what The committee puts out or there point of view on the subject.

Nick Petrillo
He/Him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 16, 2020, at 2:01 PM, Elana Charles via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello my name is Elana Charles, I currently serve his secretary on the Wisconsin Association of blind Students board of directors. I am running for a board position three on the NABS board. What I am going to bring to NABS is accessibility and advocacy in the classroom. I currently attend Wisconsin Center for the blind and visually impaired in Janesville Wisconsin and our students do not get the education that we deserve compared to our sighted  peers. Here is a little background information about me. I got involved with the national Federation for the blind in 2019 because one of the staff members at our school recommended it to me. I served on my school student council as the secretary and treasurer I also competed in track goalball cheerleading swim in forensics. My name passion is to help others and that is why after graduation I want to go to college and work as a nurse. That is all the background information about me and please feel free to cast your vote and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to reach out to me at any time thank you and have a great day.
> Elana
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> Elana Charles WSBVI student
> Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/president%40alumni.ecu.edu

From mauraloberg at gmail.com  Thu Jul 16 20:03:15 2020
From: mauraloberg at gmail.com (Maura Loberg)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:03:15 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Friendly reminder! Nebraska Basket Raffle closes tomorrow!
Message-ID: <812B2E92-7868-48A6-990D-8D2FA4C7BD51@gmail.com>

Hey students, I hope you are all enjoying convention and feeling the virtual love! Considering that there are so many people registered for the general convention, it's going to be a little more difficult to win door prizes this year, but the Nebraska Association of Blind Students is changing that! If you donate to the student devision, today or early tomorrow, you have a chance to win an awesome goodie basket from your favorite cornhuskers! Our basket includes the following: popcorn of various flavors, local coffee, Covid essentials (you don't want them but you need them), an Apple gift card, Soney bluetooth earbuds, and more! $5 gets you one entry, $10 for 2, $15 for 3, and so on. You can easily make your payment via PayPal by visiting www.ne.nfb.org/nabraffle. The drawing will close at 10:00 A.M. ct tomorrow, so get them in and prepare to win! We will hold our drawing at the end of the Nebraska Caucus. Not from Nebraska? No problem, you don't need to be present to win! I'm done talking, so good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Best,
Maura

Maura J. Loberg
Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024
President
| Nebraska Association of Blind Students



From nabs.president at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 00:59:52 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Kathryn Webster, National Student President )
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 20:59:52 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
Message-ID: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>

Hi fam!

After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻

Kathryn Webster
President, National Association of Blind Students
(203) 273-8463
Sent from my iPhone

From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 01:10:28 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 20:10:28 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
References: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <021101d65bd7$0f5fa130$2e1ee390$@gmail.com>

Congratulations, Robert; I look forward to working with you, and look forward to your leadership in our fantastic organization.

Also, I truly appreciate President Webster's leadership in ensuring a fair and transparent election.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2020 8:00 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result

Hi fam!

After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻

Kathryn Webster
President, National Association of Blind Students
(203) 273-8463
Sent from my iPhone
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.com



From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 01:59:39 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 18:59:39 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: California Caucus
References: <044101d65bd9$8ce3d2a0$a6ab77e0$@nfbcal.org>
Message-ID: <B23383BE-65D5-4194-99FB-BEC3AD1B0F3A@gmail.com>



—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

Begin forwarded message:

> From: president at nfbcal.org
> Date: July 16, 2020 at 18:28:20 PDT
> To: NFBC Board <nfbcboard at nfbcal.org>
> Cc: adepner1425 at gmail.com, cweatherly101 at gmail.com, ms.christina.daniels at gmail.com, cthurston74 at gmail.com, chandtw at pacbell.net, dbravell at samobile.net, debsphilly1 at gmail.com, dsmithnfb at gmail.com, nfb.ca.sj at gmail.com, joystigile at gmail.com, judotina48kg at gmail.com, michaeljr66 at yahoo.com, buhrow at nfbcal.org, nfbcrivercity at gmail.com, rachel.grider at gmail.com, rhouston58 at gmail.com, rstigile at gmail.com, preciousminny32 at att.net, president at nfbcal.org, titostewart08 at gmail.com, ever.hairston at gmail.com, blindwise.jj at gmail.com, cricketbidleman at gmail.com, Tiffany Manosh <tmanosh at gmail.com>
> Subject: California Caucus
> 
> 
> All,
>  
> Please forward this to your chapter lists.  Christina, can you post it on the website?
>  
> Caucus Link and Instructions (This will not be published in the main agenda so mark your calendars now):
> The National Federation of the Blind of California is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
>  
> Topic: NFB of California Caucus
> Time: Jul 17, 2020 08:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
>  
> Join Zoom Meeting
> https://zoom.us/j/94704186196
>  
> Meeting ID: 947 0418 6196
> One tap mobile
> +14086380968,,94704186196# US (San Jose)
> +16699006833,,94704186196# US (San Jose)
>  
> Dial by your location
>         +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)
>         +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
>         +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
>         +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
>         +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
>         +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
>         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
> Meeting ID: 947 0418 6196
> Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adwY2vsGZL
>  
> Join by Skype for Business
> https://zoom.us/skype/94704186196
>  
>  

From jitendradkhar88954 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 02:06:35 2020
From: jitendradkhar88954 at gmail.com (jitendradkhar88954)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 07:36:35 +0530
Subject: [NABS-L] Message of thanks.
Message-ID: <5f1107b0.1c69fb81.3934c.2ef6@mx.google.com>

Hi their, this is Jitendra Dkhar from north east of India. I'm totally blind person, I only third passed and I'm 26 years old. I'm new to the NABs, so I would like to see more others members to come with their subjects what they are doing and plans. Actually I really need help for my dreams to succeed my gold's how to promote for blind people in North East of India) we are here no opportunities that accessible for the visually impaired people.  Here is a lots of things we have to begin the process , please help me to move forward with this matters to achieve  for the gold's of young visually impaired. Very seriously situation that I beging you. I'm looking forward to hearing from you soon if any of the members are interested to help me 😊😊😊😊.

From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 02:33:32 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2020 22:33:32 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
References: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFL5BYx8HLKTxsNMXiN0rHuMrBdrPGv9sjDw9UdSHBdpgQ@mail.gmail.com>

Congratulations Robert and the whole incoming NABS board. Kathryn, thank
you for allowing us the privilege and utmost honor of your transformative,
inspirational, and All Around remarkable leadership over these past years.
Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim

On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:01 PM Kathryn Webster, National Student President
via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi fam!
>
> After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and
> dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for
> receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board
> Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our
> organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide
> our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will
> appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that
> point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out
> to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I
> trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻
>
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> (203) 273-8463
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From keribcu at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 12:32:04 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 08:32:04 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCFL5BYx8HLKTxsNMXiN0rHuMrBdrPGv9sjDw9UdSHBdpgQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
 <CADTXCFL5BYx8HLKTxsNMXiN0rHuMrBdrPGv9sjDw9UdSHBdpgQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0d2c28d4-a659-b454-af98-8f4cd9d562d3@gmail.com>

Congratulations Robert.

On 7/16/2020 10:33 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L wrote:
> Congratulations Robert and the whole incoming NABS board. Kathryn, thank
> you for allowing us the privilege and utmost honor of your transformative,
> inspirational, and All Around remarkable leadership over these past years.
> Many thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim
>
> On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:01 PM Kathryn Webster, National Student President
> via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hi fam!
>>
>> After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and
>> dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for
>> receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board
>> Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our
>> organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide
>> our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will
>> appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that
>> point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out
>> to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I
>> trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻
>>
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> (203) 273-8463
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 19:03:40 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:03:40 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] REMINDER: NABS Resource Fair Happening TOMORROW
Message-ID: <79C2406E-AC87-493B-B2F1-D21C72375A35@gmail.com>

Hello, hello! 

I hope you’re all enjoying day 4 of convention. I just wanted to pop in here and remind you of an awesome event we have planned tomorrow. Details are below: 

Come join the National Association of Blind Students as we explore the many resources available to us! We will hear from innovative companies and organizations who demonstrate a strong commitment to accessibility as we envision a brighter future together. 

When: July 18 from 11am-12:30pm EDT. 

Where: Zoom 

The Zoom meeting ID is: 992 1542 2243.

The Zoom meeting URL is: https://zoom.us/j/99215422243.

See you there!!

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

From ALewis at nfb.org  Fri Jul 17 19:28:10 2020
From: ALewis at nfb.org (Lewis, Anil)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:28:10 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Introducing a New Triad Mentoring Model with the Pearson
 Corporate Disability Mentoring Program
Message-ID: <MN2PR17MB2848A392BDE646D773564FFEC17C0@MN2PR17MB2848.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>

Read below to learn more and apply for the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program<https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1zTEjNCX00e1xRT-DjPjSwxR98UJ7wlJlE5WWkZeSSlUMVEyMkZCUk5OQ0pERVlVSVNTT0tJSTRRRS4u>.


Introducing a New Triad Mentoring Model with the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program
Monday, July 6, 2020

The National Federation of the Blind is an organization of blind people sharing our lived experiences and pioneering strategies with one another in an effort to live the lives we want. Every day, through a variety of acts and deeds, formally and informally, successful blind adults mentor blind young adults so that they can acquire knowledge and skills to accomplish their life's ambitions.

In 2017, NFB President Mark Riccobono, during a meeting with Bjarne Tellmann, then chief legal officer for Pearson<https://www.pearson.com/en-us.html>, described our NFB career mentoring program<https://www.nfb.org/programs-services/career-mentoring>, which uses mentoring pairs between successful blind adults and blind young adults to provide blind young adults with knowledge, skills, and experiences to attain the careers of their choice. Mr. Tellmann explained Pearson's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is focused on eliminating barriers and increasing opportunities for all, which includes people with disabilities. As a result of the discussion, a collaboration between NFB and Pearson emerged.

The Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program expands our career mentoring program through the development of mentoring triads consisting of blind young adults, blind professionals from the NFB, and sighted professionals from Pearson. This three-sided approach has a positive, exponential impact on all participants through the relationships that are created.

NFB Blind Professional (Mentor) to Blind Young Adults (Mentee)

Our lived experience demonstrates that blind adult role models are best able to encourage blind young adults to adopt a positive self-concept about themselves as blind individuals. Successful blind adults demonstrate:

  *   Benefits of mastering the alternative skills of blindness
  *   Effective methods of coping with negative public attitudes about blindness
  *   Strategies for blending in as equals in any environment

All of these life skills are essential to the personal and professional success of any blind person.

The NFB career mentoring program recognizes that there is no substitute for the learning a blind young adult can receive from the lived experiences of a successful blind professional. There are many tools and strategies blind professionals use to be competitive in the workplace. Some are taught by blindness training service programs, but many are innovated by the blind individuals that need solutions to problems that emerge on the job. Through their interactions with blind professionals, mentees observe the problem-solving skills utilized to develop these strategies, and in turn, they are able to use these same skills to develop problem-solving strategies of their own. The mentoring triad helps us adopt a broader intervention to assist in the career development of the blind young adults.

Pearson Sighted Professional (Mentor) to Blind Young Adult (Mentee)

The Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program creates mentoring relationships between sighted Pearson professionals and our blind young adults. This pool of sighted professionals offers our blind young adults greater access to a host of additional beneficial workplace experiences and strategies. Moreover, a key to their success is acquiring the ability to interact effectively with their sighted peers in the workplace. During a six-month-long cohort of mentoring beginning in August 2020, sighted Pearson professionals will provide:

  *   Knowledge on workplace culture and expectations
  *   Strategies for developing career-specific skills
  *   Access to informational interviews
  *   Professional advice and guidance

In order to plan for success, the NFB provides sensitivity and awareness training to the Pearson sighted professionals about blindness, and encourages them to set high expectations for the blind young adults participating in the program. By working to dispel the myths and preconceptions that the sighted professionals may have about blindness and blind people, our mentees are able to access professionals engaged in a career of interest and to obtain all of the natural benefits of mentoring from a broader pool of mentors.

NFB Blind Professional (Mentor) to Pearson Sighted Professional (Mentee)

Despite the training we provide to the sighted professional, they may still be uncertain about how to effectively support a blind mentee. Therefore, we add a successful blind professional to the mix that can demonstrate the strategies, techniques, and technologies blind people use to be competitive in the workplace. The blind professional mentor provides the following to the sighted professional:

  *   Dispels the myths and preconceptions the sighted professionals may have about blindness and blind people
  *   Awareness and resources so that the sighted professional can perpetually educate themselves
  *   A sounding board of advice and support

The Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program expands the opportunity for our blind young adults to have more beneficial, diverse career-related experiences by adding a sighted professional mentor to the mix. The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to be collaborating with Pearson's Corporate Disability Mentoring Program to create the triad mentoring model, which offers the value-added component of the development of a collegial relationship between the blind and sighted professional. Hopefully this will result in a more welcoming work environment for future blind employees and greater employment opportunities for all blind people.

Applications Open Until July 31, 2020

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the triad mentoring model with the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program, please complete the mentoring program application by July 31, 2020. Notifications for mentees and the program will be provided in August 2020. The program is scheduled for August 2020 to February 2021. We look forward to the great opportunities and development made from this program.

Learn more and apply for the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program<https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=1zTEjNCX00e1xRT-DjPjSwxR98UJ7wlJlE5WWkZeSSlUMVEyMkZCUk5OQ0pERVlVSVNTT0tJSTRRRS4u>.


Anil Lewis, M.P.A.
Executive Director
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2374 | alewis at nfb.org<mailto:alewis at nfb.org>
Twitter: @AnilLife


[National Federation of the Blind]<https://nfb.org/>

                         [Facebook] <http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>     [Twitter] <https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>     [Youtube] <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

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From PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu  Fri Jul 17 20:32:36 2020
From: PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu (Justin Salisbury)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:32:36 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
Message-ID: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

Aloha Fellow Federationists,

I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your thoughts. Here is the resolution:

Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the Blind
WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to serve the blind; and
WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of blindness services nationally; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments that follow:
We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of people who are blind.
To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.

We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology. Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures, we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the blind.
We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.


From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Fri Jul 17 20:37:42 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:37:42 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <384D7521-1766-469A-96FF-8256CD8DD826@nfbtx.org>

Good afternoon;

I completely support this resolution and want to say that it is about time that this change happens in these types of organizations.
 
Harry Staley
President

National Federation of the Blind
San Antonio

330-718-1876
Hstaley at nfbtx.org

NFB San Antonio Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/NatlFederationOfTheBlindSATX/

NFB San Antonio Groupme:
https://groupme.com/join_group/38340408/IUF3ab

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 3:32 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
> 
> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your thoughts. Here is the resolution:
> 
> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the Blind
> WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to serve the blind; and
> WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore,
> BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of blindness services nationally; and
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments that follow:
> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of people who are blind.
> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
> 
> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology. Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures, we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the blind.
> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org


From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 20:46:50 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 15:46:50 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <046b01d65c7b$65fa8ce0$31efa6a0$@gmail.com>

I support it.

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
NABS-L
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
pledge resolution?

Aloha Fellow Federationists,

I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
thoughts. Here is the resolution:

Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
that follow:
We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
people who are blind.
To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.

We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
blind.
We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
om



From PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu  Fri Jul 17 22:53:34 2020
From: PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu (Justin Salisbury)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 22:53:34 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <046b01d65c7b$65fa8ce0$31efa6a0$@gmail.com>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>,
 <046b01d65c7b$65fa8ce0$31efa6a0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>

I support it, as well.

What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities?

Sent from my iPhone

Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury

Mobile: 808.797.8606
Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury



On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:

I support it.

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
NABS-L
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
pledge resolution?

Aloha Fellow Federationists,

I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
thoughts. Here is the resolution:

Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
that follow:
We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
people who are blind.
To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.

We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
blind.
We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
om


From eschlenker at cox.net  Fri Jul 17 23:15:24 2020
From: eschlenker at cox.net (Emily Schlenker)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:15:24 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>
References: <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>
Message-ID: <EE2DE4E6-55B0-4228-B963-50DB213F3409@cox.net>

I think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting people in who are not qualified is not reasonable.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I support it, as well.
> 
> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
> 
> Mobile: 808.797.8606
> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
> 
> I support it.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
> pledge resolution?
> 
> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
> 
> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
> 
> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
> that follow:
> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
> people who are blind.
> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
> 
> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
> blind.
> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
> om
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net



From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Fri Jul 17 23:39:34 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:39:34 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <EE2DE4E6-55B0-4228-B963-50DB213F3409@cox.net>
References: <EE2DE4E6-55B0-4228-B963-50DB213F3409@cox.net>
Message-ID: <366873F1-26CA-4952-8F85-1C0F6A6E2E2C@nfbtx.org>

Let me say this. 

The students at Galludette University revolted and protested back in the 70s when a non Deaf president was hired.

How can these organizations justify not hiring Blind people in senior leadership positions of organizations who serve or are designed to employ the Blind.

Harry Staley
(330) 718-1876
hstaley at nfbtx.org

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 18:31, Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting people in who are not qualified is not reasonable.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I support it, as well.
>> 
>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities?
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>> 
>> Mobile: 808.797.8606
>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> I support it.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
>> Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
>> pledge resolution?
>> 
>> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
>> 
>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
>> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
>> 
>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
>> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
>> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
>> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
>> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
>> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
>> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
>> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
>> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
>> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
>> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
>> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
>> that follow:
>> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
>> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
>> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
>> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
>> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
>> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
>> people who are blind.
>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
>> 
>> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
>> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
>> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
>> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
>> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
>> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
>> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
>> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
>> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
>> blind.
>> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
>> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
>> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
>> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
>> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
>> om
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Fri Jul 17 23:43:29 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 16:43:29 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <EE2DE4E6-55B0-4228-B963-50DB213F3409@cox.net>
References: <EE2DE4E6-55B0-4228-B963-50DB213F3409@cox.net>
Message-ID: <0D17BE2D-7ADA-410E-B4AA-403BB774BEBF@gmail.com>

Hi folks,

Interesting conversation. What defines qualified? This is pretty much  affirmative action. What’s your response to affirmative action? And for those who support one  but not the other, why?


Emily, as far as I understand it, this resolution would provide for qualified blind people to get in those organizations to make the appropriate changes. Am I misinterpreting?


Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting people in who are not qualified is not reasonable.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I support it, as well.
>> 
>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities?
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>> 
>> Mobile: 808.797.8606
>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> 
>> I support it.
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
>> Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
>> pledge resolution?
>> 
>> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
>> 
>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
>> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
>> 
>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
>> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
>> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
>> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
>> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
>> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
>> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
>> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
>> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
>> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
>> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
>> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
>> that follow:
>> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
>> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
>> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
>> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
>> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
>> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
>> people who are blind.
>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
>> 
>> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
>> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
>> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
>> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
>> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
>> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
>> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
>> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
>> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
>> blind.
>> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
>> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
>> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
>> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
>> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
>> om
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com

From emitchell927 at icloud.com  Fri Jul 17 23:48:25 2020
From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:48:25 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <DD086995-75BE-4EDC-8453-1DF6DD85A282@icloud.com>

I agree with the concept but don’t agree with the quotas and believe the language needs to be modified and perhaps made clearer to say that All services must be delivered from the blind to the blind. Ps. I appriacate your leadership in making our voices heard.
Emma Jane Mitchell

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:32 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
> 
> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your thoughts. Here is the resolution:
> 
> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the Blind
> WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to serve the blind; and
> WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore,
> BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of blindness services nationally; and
> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments that follow:
> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of people who are blind.
> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
> 
> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology. Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures, we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the blind.
> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/emitchell927%40icloud.com



From eschlenker at cox.net  Fri Jul 17 23:57:17 2020
From: eschlenker at cox.net (Emily Schlenker)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 18:57:17 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <0D17BE2D-7ADA-410E-B4AA-403BB774BEBF@gmail.com>
References: <0D17BE2D-7ADA-410E-B4AA-403BB774BEBF@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <7BB85988-F5D4-418B-863F-0DC46603D1F7@cox.net>

Yes, cricket I think it would be a situation where those who were hired had relevant qualifications. I  know that I have been hearing a bit about affirmative action from some people that I talk to in the Federation, and they seem to automatically assume incompetence when affirmative action is brought up.

 in other words, there’s always a narrative about how so-and-so was put into a position without appropriate qualifications and was incompetent but hired anyway. I don’t buy it, just sharing some experience from the last couple of days when I listen to people talk about this resolution. Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 6:44 PM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> Interesting conversation. What defines qualified? This is pretty much  affirmative action. What’s your response to affirmative action? And for those who support one  but not the other, why?
> 
> 
> Emily, as far as I understand it, this resolution would provide for qualified blind people to get in those organizations to make the appropriate changes. Am I misinterpreting?
> 
> 
> Best,
> CXB
> 
> —
> Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
> Stanford University | Class of 2021
> BA Candidate | Communications 
> Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
> Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
> President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)
> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting people in who are not qualified is not reasonable.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I support it, as well.
>>> 
>>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities?
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>>> 
>>> Mobile: 808.797.8606
>>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
>>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
>>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I support it.
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
>>> Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
>>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
>>> pledge resolution?
>>> 
>>> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
>>> 
>>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
>>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
>>> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
>>> 
>>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
>>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
>>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
>>> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
>>> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
>>> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and
>>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
>>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
>>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
>>> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
>>> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
>>> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July,
>>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
>>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
>>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
>>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
>>> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
>>> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
>>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
>>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind
>>> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
>>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
>>> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help
>>> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
>>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
>>> that follow:
>>> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
>>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
>>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of
>>> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
>>> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
>>> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
>>> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
>>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
>>> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to
>>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
>>> people who are blind.
>>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
>>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
>>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
>>> 
>>> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
>>> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
>>> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
>>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in
>>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
>>> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
>>> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
>>> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
>>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
>>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
>>> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
>>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
>>> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
>>> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
>>> blind.
>>> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
>>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
>>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a
>>> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the
>>> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
>>> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
>>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
>>> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
>>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
>>> om
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
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> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net



From robin-melvin at comcast.net  Sat Jul 18 00:13:41 2020
From: robin-melvin at comcast.net (Robin)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:13:41 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <7BB85988-F5D4-418B-863F-0DC46603D1F7@cox.net>
References: <0D17BE2D-7ADA-410E-B4AA-403BB774BEBF@gmail.com>
 <7BB85988-F5D4-418B-863F-0DC46603D1F7@cox.net>
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20200717171202.022c8ab0@comcast.net>

So "Those People are  No Different than  in the 
Sighted Community as it pertains to Their Beliefs 
when it comes to Affirmative Action , & Based on 
that, I  can presume a  Lot of Things about Them

At 04:57 PM 7/17/2020, you wrote:
>Yes, cricket I think it would be a situation 
>where those who were hired had relevant 
>qualifications. I  know that I have been hearing 
>a bit about affirmative action from some people 
>that I talk to in the Federation, and they seem 
>to automatically assume incompetence when 
>affirmative action is brought up. in other 
>words, there’s always a narrative about how 
>so-and-so was put into a position without 
>appropriate qualifications and was incompetent 
>but hired anyway. I don’t buy it, just sharing 
>some experience from the last couple of days 
>when I listen to people talk about this 
>resolution. Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 17, 
>2020, at 6:44 PM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L 
><nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: > > Hi folks, > > 
>Interesting conversation. What defines 
>qualified? This is pretty much  affirmative 
>action. What’s your response to affirmative 
>action? And for those who support one  but not 
>the other, why? > > > Emily, as far as I 
>understand it, this resolution would provide for 
>qualified blind people to get in those 
>organizations to make the appropriate changes. 
>Am I misinterpreting? > > > Best, > CXB > > — > 
>Crickket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers) > Stanford 
>University | Class of 2021 > BA Candidate | 
>Communications > Accessibility Consultant | 
>Stanford University Computer Science > Director 
>of Communications | Associated Students of 
>Stanford University (ASSU) > President | 
>California Association of Blind Students 
>(CABS) > >> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, Emily 
>Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> 
>wrote: >> >> I think it is a rigid and 
>reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, 
>there are lots and lots of highly educated blind 
>people who could do jobs at these agencies, so 
>the argument that we would be putting people in 
>who are not qualified is not reasonable. >> >> 
>Sent from my iPhone >> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 
>5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L 
><nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>> I support 
>it, as well. >>> >>> What do you all say to the 
>people who are universally opposed to quotas 
>designed to help minorities? >>> >>> Sent from 
>my iPhone >>> >>> Justin Mark Hideaki 
>Salisbury >>> >>> Mobile: 808.797.8606 >>> 
>Email: 
>808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>  
> >>> ResearchGate: 
>https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury  
> >>> LinkedIn: 
>https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury >>>  
> >>> >>> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory 
>McMahon 
><cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> 
>wrote: >>> >>> I support it. >>> >>> 
>-----Original Message----- >>> From: NABS-L 
><nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> 
>On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via >>> NABS-L >>> 
>Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM >>> To: 
>National Association of Blind Students mailing 
>list 
><nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >>> 
>  Cc: Justin Salisbury 
><PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>  
> >>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How 
>do you feel about the agency >>> pledge 
>resolution? >>> >>> Aloha Fellow 
>Federationists, >>> >>> I am enjoying the 
>discussion surrounding one of this year's 
>resolutions. I >>> want to know how our NABS 
>members feel about it, so please share your >>> 
>thoughts. Here is the resolution: >>> >>> 
>Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership 
>at Private Agencies for the >>> Blind WHEREAS, 
>over 200 private agencies in the US have been 
>created to >>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an 
>essential part of the governing structure >>> of 
>an agency for the blind is to include the 
>processes, policies, and >>> procedures that 
>will ensure that the agency for the blind 
>administration is >>> responsive to the 
>interests, needs, and aspirations of its 
>constituency; and >>> WHEREAS, the most 
>authentic representatives of the constituency of 
>agencies >>> that serve the blind are blind 
>people who have the lived experience of >>> 
>blindness and have shown the commitment to 
>engage in self-organization and >>> who are 
>willing to be partners, directors, or managers 
>of agencies for the >>> blind and advisors to 
>them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the 
>National >>> Federation of the Blind in 
>Convention assembled this eighteenth day of 
>July, >>> 2020, that this organization call upon 
>agencies for the blind to adopt the >>> formal 
>goal of committing to a governing structure with 
>numeric parity >>> between blind and sighted 
>directors and managers, which will ensure >>> 
>partnership with the blind who have dedicated 
>their lives to improvement of >>> blindness 
>services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED 
>that we call upon >>> and invite all United 
>States blindness agencies to formally adopt 
>the >>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to 
>wit: >>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], 
>was created and exists to help blind >>> people. 
>We believe that those in whose name we serve 
>should be represented >>> in parity in the 
>governing board of directors and agency 
>management. This >>> parity will result in blind 
>people having a significant contribution to 
>help >>> guide the services our agency provides 
>and guiding the most effective ways >>> to give 
>it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values 
>and commitments >>> that follow: >>> We are 
>managed by executives who are compensated for 
>their work, and those >>> executives, in turn, 
>are managed by a board of directors. We believe 
>that >>> blind people must be a part of any 
>blind agency's management team at both of >>> 
>these levels. While setting any particular 
>percentage may appear to be >>> arbitrary, we 
>know that, without a number it is impossible to 
>measure >>> whether we are meeting our goal of 
>significant involvement. We therefore >>> pledge 
>that this agency will measure, in five years or 
>less, at least half >>> of our management team 
>be composed of people who are blind. We 
>further >>> pledge that within the same 
>five-year period our organization will commit 
>to >>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing 
>Board of Directors be composed of >>> people who 
>are blind. >>> To underscore the importance of 
>parity representing those we serve, we >>> 
>pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the 
>parity, once achieved, will >>> continue as a 
>hallmark and point of pride in our agency in 
>perpetuity. >>> >>> We believe there is no 
>better way to demonstrate our commitment to 
>the >>> constituency we serve than to have blind 
>people contributing by being part >>> of our 
>management. Our agency's current operation and 
>its goals for the >>> future must be informed by 
>those we serve, and we must, in appearance and 
>in >>> fact be guided by blind peoples' 
>experience and aspirations at every level. >>> 
>The effect of blind parity and inclusion will 
>ultimately help our agency >>> address the 
>accessibility needs of those we serve. They will 
>help ensure >>> that every document we create 
>will be accessible. With our full community >>> 
>engaged, we will strive to see that our presence 
>on the World Wide Web is >>> exemplary and 
>serves to demonstrate that websites can be both 
>visually >>> attractive and completely usable 
>with screen reading technology. >>> Furthermore, 
>our commitment to accessibility will extend far 
>beyond the >>> written word. When we produce 
>charts, graphs, and documents with pictures, >>> 
>we will use state-of-the-art technology to make 
>these accessible for the >>> blind. >>> We value 
>the feedback and active participation of blind 
>people in the >>> development and implementation 
>of the services we provide. In addition to >>> 
>reaching parity on our board and management 
>team, we pledge also to create a >>> working 
>committee of the consumers we serve to meet 
>regularly throughout the >>> year and advise on 
>best practices in our programs and services. The 
>members >>> of this independent advisory 
>committee and the chairperson of the 
>committee >>> will be chosen by the consumers 
>themselves and meet at least quarterly with >>> 
>senior management to build an agency which will 
>continue to grow in >>> responsive, relevant and 
>blind-positive ways. >>> >>> 
>_______________________________________________ > 
> >> NABS-L mailing list >>> 
>NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> >>> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or 
>get your account info for >>> NABS-L: >>> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c  
> >>> om >>> >>> 
>_______________________________________________ > 
> >> NABS-L mailing list >>> 
>NABS-L at nfbnet.org >>> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or 
>get your account info for NABS-L: >>> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net  
> >> >> >> 
>_______________________________________________ > 
> > NABS-L mailing list >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or 
>get your account info for NABS-L: >> 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com  
> > 
>_______________________________________________ > 
>  NABS-L mailing list > NABS-L at nfbnet.org > 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or 
>get your account info for NABS-L: > 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net 
>_______________________________________________ 
>NABS-L mailing list NABS-L at nfbnet.org 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org 
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get 
>your account info for NABS-L: 
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/robin-melvin%40comcast.net



From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 00:30:50 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 17:30:50 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <7.0.1.0.2.20200717171202.022c8ab0@comcast.net>
References: <7.0.1.0.2.20200717171202.022c8ab0@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <247C3AE8-DB17-4F8C-97C8-0B0B11F7E1AC@gmail.com>

I think this depends on how you define qualified. In this case, with blind people, I would say that qualified means someone  who is blind, so they know about the problems we  face, and what accommodations and needs we have. Of course, they also have to meet the other qualifications in the job description, so agencies shouldn’t plop someone into a role just because they’re blind and the agency wants to fill a quota.

And here’s where the problem is. It’s almost certain that some agencies will hire blind people just to fill quotas without really caring about their other qualifications. This may be due to voluntary or involuntary ignorance of the fact that there are plenty of qualified blind people out there. I hope this doesn’t happen often.

As for minority quotas and a lack of qualifications some people are referencing, it depends on the scenario. In some cases, people definitely were not qualified by anything other than their minority. In other cases, people are probably just being grumpy. Obviously  I’m not able to give you statistics on that.

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 17:15, Robin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> So "Those People are  No Different than  in the Sighted Community as it pertains to Their Beliefs when it comes to Affirmative Action , & Based on that, I  can presume a  Lot of Things about Them
> 
> At 04:57 PM 7/17/2020, you wrote:
>> Yes, cricket I think it would be a situation where those who were hired had relevant qualifications. I  know that I have been hearing a bit about affirmative action from some people that I talk to in the Federation, and they seem to automatically assume incompetence when affirmative action is brought up. in other words, there’s always a narrative about how so-and-so was put into a position without appropriate qualifications and was incompetent but hired anyway. I don’t buy it, just sharing some experience from the last couple of days when I listen to people talk about this resolution. Sent from my iPhone > On Jul 17, 2020, at 6:44 PM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: > > Hi folks, > > Interesting conversation. What defines qualified? This is pretty much  affirmative action. What’s your response to affirmative action? And for those who support one  but not the other, why? > > > Emily, as far as I understand it, this resolution would provide for qualified blind people to get in those organizations to make the appropriate changes. Am I misinterpreting? > > > Best, > CXB > > — > Crickket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers) > Stanford University | Class of 2021 > BA Candidate | Communications > Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science > Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) > President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS) > >> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >> >> I think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting people in who are not qualified is not reasonable. >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>> I support it, as well. >>> >>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas designed to help minorities? >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury >>> >>> Mobile: 808.797.8606 >>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>  >>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury  >>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury >>>  >>> >>> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote: >>> >>> I support it. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via >>> NABS-L >>> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM >>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >>>  Cc: Justin Salisbury <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>  >>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency >>> pledge resolution? >>> >>> Aloha Fellow Federationists, >>> >>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I >>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your >>> thoughts. Here is the resolution: >>> >>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the >>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to >>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure >>> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and >>> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is >>> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and >>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies >>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of >>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and >>> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the >>> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National >>> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, >>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the >>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity >>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure >>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of >>> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon >>> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the >>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit: >>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind >>> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented >>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This >>> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to help >>> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways >>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments >>> that follow: >>> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those >>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that >>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both of >>> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be >>> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure >>> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore >>> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half >>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further >>> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit to >>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of >>> people who are blind. >>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we >>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will >>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity. >>> >>> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the >>> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part >>> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the >>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and in >>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level. >>> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency >>> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure >>> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community >>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is >>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually >>> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology. >>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the >>> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures, >>> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the >>> blind. >>> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the >>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to >>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create a >>> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout the >>> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members >>> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee >>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with >>> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in >>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways. >>> >>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L mailing list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for >>> NABS-L: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c  >>> om >>> >>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L mailing list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net  >> >> >> _______________________________________________ > > NABS-L mailing list >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com  > _______________________________________________ >  NABS-L mailing list > NABS-L at nfbnet.org > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.net _______________________________________________ NABS-L mailing list NABS-L at nfbnet.org http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/robin-melvin%40comcast.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com

From PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu  Sat Jul 18 01:26:42 2020
From: PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu (Justin Salisbury)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 01:26:42 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <247C3AE8-DB17-4F8C-97C8-0B0B11F7E1AC@gmail.com>
References: <7.0.1.0.2.20200717171202.022c8ab0@comcast.net>
 <247C3AE8-DB17-4F8C-97C8-0B0B11F7E1AC@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <DM5PR1301MB204315071BEE470722C54135897D0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>

Hi everyone,

I want people to remember that this is a resolution, and it's asking agencies to take a pledge. It's not legally binding, so it's more or less an opportunity for agencies to voluntarily identify themselves as cooperative with our initiative to ensure that the talents and lived experiences of blind people are not absent in the management and leadership of these private agencies serving the blind. 

This resolution is not forcing anything. It's not creating a rule or a law.

Since agreeing to this pledge is totally voluntary, I think it's likely that the agencies will listen to our input if they're confused about who to hire, promote, or appoint. Why would they take the pledge if they were not willing to listen to us about how to carry it out? What benefit would they get by taking the pledge and then refusing to listen to us about how to carry it out? If they don't like us or want to listen to us, wouldn't they just not take the pledge, anyway?

Keep the words flowing!

Justin


-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 8:31 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency pledge resolution?

I think this depends on how you define qualified. In this case, with blind people, I would say that qualified means someone  who is blind, so they know about the problems we  face, and what accommodations and needs we have. Of course, they also have to meet the other qualifications in the job description, so agencies shouldn’t plop someone into a role just because they’re blind and the agency wants to fill a quota.

And here’s where the problem is. It’s almost certain that some agencies will hire blind people just to fill quotas without really caring about their other qualifications. This may be due to voluntary or involuntary ignorance of the fact that there are plenty of qualified blind people out there. I hope this doesn’t happen often.

As for minority quotas and a lack of qualifications some people are referencing, it depends on the scenario. In some cases, people definitely were not qualified by anything other than their minority. In other cases, people are probably just being grumpy. Obviously  I’m not able to give you statistics on that.

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 17:15, Robin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> So "Those People are  No Different than  in the Sighted Community as 
> it pertains to Their Beliefs when it comes to Affirmative Action , & 
> Based on that, I  can presume a  Lot of Things about Them
> 
> At 04:57 PM 7/17/2020, you wrote:
>> Yes, cricket I think it would be a situation where those who were 
>> hired had relevant qualifications. I  know that I have been hearing a 
>> bit about affirmative action from some people that I talk to in the 
>> Federation, and they seem to automatically assume incompetence when 
>> affirmative action is brought up. in other words, there’s always a 
>> narrative about how so-and-so was put into a position without 
>> appropriate qualifications and was incompetent but hired anyway. I 
>> don’t buy it, just sharing some experience from the last couple of 
>> days when I listen to people talk about this resolution. Sent from my 
>> iPhone > On Jul 17, 2020, at 6:44 PM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L 
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: > > Hi folks, > > Interesting 
>> conversation. What defines qualified? This is pretty much  
>> affirmative action. What’s your response to affirmative action? And 
>> for those who support one  but not the other, why? > > > Emily, as 
>> far as I understand it, this resolution would provide for qualified 
>> blind people to get in those organizations to make the appropriate 
>> changes. Am I misinterpreting? > > > Best, > CXB > > — > Crickket X. 
>> Bidleman (she/her/hers) > Stanford University | Class of 2021 > BA 
>> Candidate | Communications > Accessibility Consultant | Stanford 
>> University Computer Science > Director of Communications | Associated 
>> Students of Stanford University (ASSU) > President | California 
>> Association of Blind Students (CABS) > >> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, 
>> Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >> >> I 
>> think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, 
>> there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do 
>> jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting 
>> people in who are not qualified is not reasonable. >> >> Sent from my 
>> iPhone >> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via 
>> NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>> I support it, as well. 
>> >>> >>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed 
>> to quotas designed to help minorities? >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone 
>> >>> >>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury >>> >>> Mobile: 808.797.8606 
>> >>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>  >>> 
>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury  
>> >>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury >>>  >>> 
>> >>> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon 
>> <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote: 
>> >>> >>> I support it. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: 
>> NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> 
>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via >>> NABS-L >>> Sent: Friday, July 
>> 17, 2020 3:33 PM >>> To: National Association of Blind Students 
>> mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >>>  Cc: 
>> Justin Salisbury 
>> <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>  >>> 
>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the 
>> agency >>> pledge resolution? >>> >>> Aloha Fellow Federationists, 
>> >>> >>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's 
>> resolutions. I >>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, 
>> so please share your >>> thoughts. Here is the resolution: >>> >>> 
>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies 
>> for the >>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have 
>> been created to >>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part 
>> of the governing structure >>> of an agency for the blind is to 
>> include the processes, policies, and >>> procedures that will ensure 
>> that the agency for the blind administration is >>> responsive to the 
>> interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and >>> 
>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of 
>> agencies >>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived 
>> experience of >>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage 
>> in self-organization and >>> who are willing to be partners, 
>> directors, or managers of agencies for the >>> blind and advisors to 
>> them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National >>> Federation 
>> of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, >>> 
>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to 
>> adopt the >>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with 
>> numeric parity >>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, 
>> which will ensure >>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated 
>> their lives to improvement of >>> blindness services nationally; and 
>> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon >>> and invite all United 
>> States blindness agencies to formally adopt the >>> following 
>> Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit: >>> Our agency, the [NAME OF 
>> ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind >>> people. We 
>> believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented >>> 
>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. 
>> This >>> parity will result in blind people having a significant 
>> contribution to help >>> guide the services our agency provides and 
>> guiding the most effective ways >>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge 
>> ourselves to the values and commitments >>> that follow: >>> We are 
>> managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those 
>> >>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We 
>> believe that >>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's 
>> management team at both of >>> these levels. While setting any 
>> particular percentage may appear to be >>> arbitrary, we know that, 
>> without a number it is impossible to measure >>> whether we are 
>> meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore >>> pledge 
>> that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half 
>> >>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We 
>> further >>> pledge that within the same five-year period our 
>> organization will commit to >>> a minimum of 50 percent of its 
>> governing Board of Directors be composed of >>> people who are blind. 
>> >>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we 
>> serve, we >>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, 
>> once achieved, will >>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in 
>> our agency in perpetuity. >>> >>> We believe there is no better way 
>> to demonstrate our commitment to the >>> constituency we serve than 
>> to have blind people contributing by being part >>> of our 
>> management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the >>> 
>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance 
>> and in >>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and 
>> aspirations at every level. >>> The effect of blind parity and 
>> inclusion will ultimately help our agency >>> address the 
>> accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure >>> that 
>> every document we create will be accessible. With our full community 
>> >>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World 
>> Wide Web is >>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can 
>> be both visually >>> attractive and completely usable with screen 
>> reading technology. >>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility 
>> will extend far beyond the >>> written word. When we produce charts, 
>> graphs, and documents with pictures, >>> we will use state-of-the-art 
>> technology to make these accessible for the >>> blind. >>> We value 
>> the feedback and active participation of blind people in the >>> 
>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In 
>> addition to >>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we 
>> pledge also to create a >>> working committee of the consumers we 
>> serve to meet regularly throughout the >>> year and advise on best 
>> practices in our programs and services. The members >>> of this 
>> independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee 
>> >>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least 
>> quarterly with >>> senior management to build an agency which will 
>> continue to grow in >>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways. 
>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L 
>> mailing list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> >>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To 
>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> >>> NABS-L: >>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40
>> gmail.c  >>> om >>> >>> 
>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L mailing 
>> list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To 
>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> NABS-L: >>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.
>> net  >> >> >> _______________________________________________ > > 
>> NABS-L mailing list >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >> To 
>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> NABS-L: >> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%4
>> 0gmail.com  > _______________________________________________ >  
>> NABS-L mailing list > NABS-L at nfbnet.org > 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  > To 
>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>> NABS-L: > 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.
>> net _______________________________________________ NABS-L mailing 
>> list NABS-L at nfbnet.org 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, 
>> change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/robin-melvin%40co
>> mcast.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40
> gmail.com
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Sat Jul 18 01:56:41 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:56:41 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <DM5PR1301MB204315071BEE470722C54135897D0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
References: <7.0.1.0.2.20200717171202.022c8ab0@comcast.net>
 <247C3AE8-DB17-4F8C-97C8-0B0B11F7E1AC@gmail.com>
 <DM5PR1301MB204315071BEE470722C54135897D0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <3C7B5E61-E899-4732-A640-E92220BC060A@nfbtx.org>

Well said Justin.

First,. as a leader of an organization designed to serve a specific population a that leader needs to have credibility in order to effectively serve their people. It is a large mountain to climb for a leader to gain that credibility if they already are not a member of that people group.

Second, it defies logic that so many organizations for the Blind do not have leaders, senior or otherwise who are Blind.

Case in point National Industries for the Blind is headed by Kevin Lynch who is not Blind and has lead organizations for the Blind his entire career. It is hard to believe that an organization with over 100 associated agencies does not have a Blind Chief Executive Officer. This is not a criticism of Kevin Lynch or specifically his leadership, but I have a tough time believing that there is not one Blind person with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead that organization or a statistically significant sample of the over 100 NIB associated agencies.

> On Jul 17, 2020, at 8:26 PM, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I want people to remember that this is a resolution, and it's asking agencies to take a pledge. It's not legally binding, so it's more or less an opportunity for agencies to voluntarily identify themselves as cooperative with our initiative to ensure that the talents and lived experiences of blind people are not absent in the management and leadership of these private agencies serving the blind. 
> 
> This resolution is not forcing anything. It's not creating a rule or a law.
> 
> Since agreeing to this pledge is totally voluntary, I think it's likely that the agencies will listen to our input if they're confused about who to hire, promote, or appoint. Why would they take the pledge if they were not willing to listen to us about how to carry it out? What benefit would they get by taking the pledge and then refusing to listen to us about how to carry it out? If they don't like us or want to listen to us, wouldn't they just not take the pledge, anyway?
> 
> Keep the words flowing!
> 
> Justin
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L
> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 8:31 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency pledge resolution?
> 
> I think this depends on how you define qualified. In this case, with blind people, I would say that qualified means someone  who is blind, so they know about the problems we  face, and what accommodations and needs we have. Of course, they also have to meet the other qualifications in the job description, so agencies shouldn’t plop someone into a role just because they’re blind and the agency wants to fill a quota.
> 
> And here’s where the problem is. It’s almost certain that some agencies will hire blind people just to fill quotas without really caring about their other qualifications. This may be due to voluntary or involuntary ignorance of the fact that there are plenty of qualified blind people out there. I hope this doesn’t happen often.
> 
> As for minority quotas and a lack of qualifications some people are referencing, it depends on the scenario. In some cases, people definitely were not qualified by anything other than their minority. In other cases, people are probably just being grumpy. Obviously  I’m not able to give you statistics on that.
> 
> Best,
> CXB
> 
> —
> Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
> Stanford University | Class of 2021
> BA Candidate | Communications
> Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)
> 
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 17:15, Robin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> So "Those People are  No Different than  in the Sighted Community as 
>> it pertains to Their Beliefs when it comes to Affirmative Action , & 
>> Based on that, I  can presume a  Lot of Things about Them
>> 
>> At 04:57 PM 7/17/2020, you wrote:
>>> Yes, cricket I think it would be a situation where those who were 
>>> hired had relevant qualifications. I  know that I have been hearing a 
>>> bit about affirmative action from some people that I talk to in the 
>>> Federation, and they seem to automatically assume incompetence when 
>>> affirmative action is brought up. in other words, there’s always a 
>>> narrative about how so-and-so was put into a position without 
>>> appropriate qualifications and was incompetent but hired anyway. I 
>>> don’t buy it, just sharing some experience from the last couple of 
>>> days when I listen to people talk about this resolution. Sent from my 
>>> iPhone > On Jul 17, 2020, at 6:44 PM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L 
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: > > Hi folks, > > Interesting 
>>> conversation. What defines qualified? This is pretty much  
>>> affirmative action. What’s your response to affirmative action? And 
>>> for those who support one  but not the other, why? > > > Emily, as 
>>> far as I understand it, this resolution would provide for qualified 
>>> blind people to get in those organizations to make the appropriate 
>>> changes. Am I misinterpreting? > > > Best, > CXB > > — > Crickket X. 
>>> Bidleman (she/her/hers) > Stanford University | Class of 2021 > BA 
>>> Candidate | Communications > Accessibility Consultant | Stanford 
>>> University Computer Science > Director of Communications | Associated 
>>> Students of Stanford University (ASSU) > President | California 
>>> Association of Blind Students (CABS) > >> On Jul 17, 2020, at 16:31, 
>>> Emily Schlenker via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >> >> I 
>>> think it is a rigid and reactionary way of thinking, Justin. fact is, 
>>> there are lots and lots of highly educated blind people who could do 
>>> jobs at these agencies, so the argument that we would be putting 
>>> people in who are not qualified is not reasonable. >> >> Sent from my 
>>> iPhone >> >>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 5:54 PM, Justin Salisbury via 
>>> NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote: >>> >>> I support it, as well. 
>>>>>>>>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed 
>>> to quotas designed to help minorities? >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone 
>>>>>>>>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury >>> >>> Mobile: 808.797.8606 
>>>>>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>  >>> 
>>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury  
>>>>>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury >>>  >>> 
>>>>>>>>>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon 
>>> <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote: 
>>>>>>>>> I support it. >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: 
>>> NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> 
>>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via >>> NABS-L >>> Sent: Friday, July 
>>> 17, 2020 3:33 PM >>> To: National Association of Blind Students 
>>> mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >>>  Cc: 
>>> Justin Salisbury 
>>> <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>  >>> 
>>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the 
>>> agency >>> pledge resolution? >>> >>> Aloha Fellow Federationists, 
>>>>>>>>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's 
>>> resolutions. I >>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, 
>>> so please share your >>> thoughts. Here is the resolution: >>> >>> 
>>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies 
>>> for the >>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have 
>>> been created to >>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part 
>>> of the governing structure >>> of an agency for the blind is to 
>>> include the processes, policies, and >>> procedures that will ensure 
>>> that the agency for the blind administration is >>> responsive to the 
>>> interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency; and >>> 
>>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of 
>>> agencies >>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived 
>>> experience of >>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage 
>>> in self-organization and >>> who are willing to be partners, 
>>> directors, or managers of agencies for the >>> blind and advisors to 
>>> them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National >>> Federation 
>>> of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of July, >>> 
>>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to 
>>> adopt the >>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with 
>>> numeric parity >>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, 
>>> which will ensure >>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated 
>>> their lives to improvement of >>> blindness services nationally; and 
>>> BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon >>> and invite all United 
>>> States blindness agencies to formally adopt the >>> following 
>>> Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit: >>> Our agency, the [NAME OF 
>>> ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help blind >>> people. We 
>>> believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented >>> 
>>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. 
>>> This >>> parity will result in blind people having a significant 
>>> contribution to help >>> guide the services our agency provides and 
>>> guiding the most effective ways >>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge 
>>> ourselves to the values and commitments >>> that follow: >>> We are 
>>> managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those 
>>>>>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We 
>>> believe that >>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's 
>>> management team at both of >>> these levels. While setting any 
>>> particular percentage may appear to be >>> arbitrary, we know that, 
>>> without a number it is impossible to measure >>> whether we are 
>>> meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore >>> pledge 
>>> that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half 
>>>>>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We 
>>> further >>> pledge that within the same five-year period our 
>>> organization will commit to >>> a minimum of 50 percent of its 
>>> governing Board of Directors be composed of >>> people who are blind. 
>>>>>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we 
>>> serve, we >>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, 
>>> once achieved, will >>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in 
>>> our agency in perpetuity. >>> >>> We believe there is no better way 
>>> to demonstrate our commitment to the >>> constituency we serve than 
>>> to have blind people contributing by being part >>> of our 
>>> management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the >>> 
>>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance 
>>> and in >>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and 
>>> aspirations at every level. >>> The effect of blind parity and 
>>> inclusion will ultimately help our agency >>> address the 
>>> accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure >>> that 
>>> every document we create will be accessible. With our full community 
>>>>>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World 
>>> Wide Web is >>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can 
>>> be both visually >>> attractive and completely usable with screen 
>>> reading technology. >>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility 
>>> will extend far beyond the >>> written word. When we produce charts, 
>>> graphs, and documents with pictures, >>> we will use state-of-the-art 
>>> technology to make these accessible for the >>> blind. >>> We value 
>>> the feedback and active participation of blind people in the >>> 
>>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In 
>>> addition to >>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we 
>>> pledge also to create a >>> working committee of the consumers we 
>>> serve to meet regularly throughout the >>> year and advise on best 
>>> practices in our programs and services. The members >>> of this 
>>> independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee 
>>>>>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least 
>>> quarterly with >>> senior management to build an agency which will 
>>> continue to grow in >>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways. 
>>>>>>>>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L 
>>> mailing list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> >>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To 
>>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>>>>>> NABS-L: >>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40
>>> gmail.c  >>> om >>> >>> 
>>> _______________________________________________ > >> NABS-L mailing 
>>> list >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >>> To 
>>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>>> NABS-L: >>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.
>>> net  >> >> >> _______________________________________________ > > 
>>> NABS-L mailing list >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org >> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  >> To 
>>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>>> NABS-L: >> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%4
>>> 0gmail.com  > _______________________________________________ >  
>>> NABS-L mailing list > NABS-L at nfbnet.org > 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org  > To 
>>> unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
>>> NABS-L: > 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/eschlenker%40cox.
>>> net _______________________________________________ NABS-L mailing 
>>> list NABS-L at nfbnet.org 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org To unsubscribe, 
>>> change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L: 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/robin-melvin%40co
>>> mcast.net
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40
>> gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/president%40alumni.ecu.edu
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org



From embartelt at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 09:50:02 2020
From: embartelt at gmail.com (ellen bartelt)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 04:50:02 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <046b01d65c7b$65fa8ce0$31efa6a0$@gmail.com>
 <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>
Message-ID: <CAD8cDT29ORe66mUp9a0rHSzgjk2ZA31EbX_NyVbBBgU7KQmQ6A@mail.gmail.com>

On 7/17/20, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I support it, as well.
>
> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas
> designed to help minorities?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>
> Mobile: 808.797.8606
> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
>
>
>
> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon
> <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
>
> I support it.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>>
> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: Justin Salisbury
> <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
> pledge resolution?
>
> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
>
> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions. I
> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
>
> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for the
> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing structure
> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration is
> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency;
> and
> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of agencies
> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization and
> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for the
> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the National
> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of
> July,
> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt the
> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement of
> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call upon
> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help
> blind
> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be represented
> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to
> help
> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective ways
> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
> that follow:
> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and those
> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both
> of
> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least half
> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit
> to
> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed of
> people who are blind.
> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved, will
> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
>
> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being part
> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and
> in
> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every level.
> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with pictures,
> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
> blind.
> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to create
> a
> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout
> the
> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The members
> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the committee
> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly with
> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
> om
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/embartelt%40gmail.com
>
Hi Everyone,
This resolution  needs to be passed and have blind people help make
the decisions in agencies. Many times we are told we can't have axis
to certain things such as, updating our technology is outdated. I
remember once my councilor and the superviser were  fighting in front
of me if I needed a new computer. Having blind people making decisions
about blind services. Many things would be taken care of quickly and
the client receives the services they need to be successful in the
classroom or on the job.
Ellen Bartelt


From zdreicer at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 16:46:46 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 10:46:46 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: [Colorado-Talk] [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List]
 Change in agenda today
References: <00ba01d65d22$aec9f2b0$0c5dd810$@labarrelaw.com>
Message-ID: <5FF75B6A-D0CC-436E-8668-5AD6DD01D489@gmail.com>

enjoy the last day of convention. See you guys in New Orleans. 



Sent from my Macbook Pro 13

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: "Scott C. LaBarre via Colorado-Talk" <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Subject: [Colorado-Talk] FW: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Change in agenda today
> Date: July 18, 2020 at 10:44:18 MDT
> To: "'NFB of Colorado Discussion List'" <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: "Scott C. LaBarre" <slabarre at labarrelaw.com>
> Reply-To: slabarre at labarrelaw.com, NFB of Colorado Discussion List <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
> 
> FYI Colorado
>  
> From: State-Affiliate-Leadership-List <state-affiliate-leadership-list-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of President, National Federation of the Blind via State-Affiliate-Leadership-List
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 10:24 AM
> To: State Affiliate Leadership (state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org <mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>) <state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org <mailto:state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: President, National Federation of the Blind <OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org <mailto:OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org>>
> Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Change in agenda today
>  
> Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have changed the order of activities for our first session today. Resolutions will be considered immediately after the financial report followed by elections. We wanted you to be aware as soon as possible. Please spread the word. 
>  
>  
> Mark A. Riccobono, President
> 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
> (410) 659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org <mailto:Officeofthepresident at nfb.org>
> Twitter: @Riccobono
>  
>  
>  <https://nfb.org/>
>  
>                           <http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>     <https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>     <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>
>  
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want. 
>  
>  
> _______________________________________________
> Colorado-Talk mailing list
> Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org <mailto:Colorado-Talk at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for Colorado-Talk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com>
> List archives can be found at <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org <http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/colorado-talk_nfbnet.org>>


From zdreicer at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 20:40:21 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary GriegoDreicer)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:40:21 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
Message-ID: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>

Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.

Sent from my BrailleNote touch

From keribcu at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 21:05:16 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 17:05:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
References: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>

I think this is reasonable.

On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen




From therealvictormarques at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 21:15:54 2020
From: therealvictormarques at gmail.com (Victor Marques)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 17:15:54 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
References: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>

I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4. Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.  That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.

I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate discussion.

Victor Marques
NABS Member

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think this is reasonable.
> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com


From zdreicer at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 21:19:29 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:19:29 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
References: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
 <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <236CC7C8-B63A-490D-A29A-1C450981F3AE@gmail.com>

good job thanks you for supporting my decision. Enjoy the rest of convention.



Sent from my Macbook Pro 13

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 15:15, Victor Marques via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4. Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.  That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> 
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate discussion.
> 
> Victor Marques
> NABS Member
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> -- 
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com>

From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 21:41:19 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 17:41:19 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
References: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <70DA0DB3-D218-4261-B4B7-93457A7C5CF1@gmail.com>

You raise an interesting point. According to our constitution when elections start they shouldn’t finish until a board member or officer has been elected. Also in our constitution it states that the president may conduct any necessary business During the meeting. Due to concerns about who paid and who didn’t as well as other concerns it makes sense that they withheld the election of board member 4 temporarily. Also it should be pointed out that all elections must be done in conjunction with a majority vote of the present Due paying members. My suggestion would be for the president to hold a special meeting to elect this board member At a time that is convenient to the board.

Nick Petrillo
He/Him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:41 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
> 
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com


From nabs.president at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 21:47:39 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Kathryn Webster, National Student President)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 17:47:39 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
References: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
 <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <01b001d65d4d$0ed31db0$2c795910$@gmail.com>

Hi everyone,

First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty. I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation to be in, given the circumstances.

Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the active members present and voting. If there are more than two members seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.

This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the membership is critical in our movement.

While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly, to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.

I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.

I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you; and, at the end of the day, we need you.

Love,
Kathryn Webster
President, National Association of Blind Students
203-273-8463
Nabs.president at gmail.com

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via NABS-L
Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4

I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4. Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.  That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.

I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate discussion.

Victor Marques
NABS Member

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think this is reasonable.
> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:06:34 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:06:34 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <D73D8DBF-4922-4678-B996-3B39A7678918@gmail.com>
References: <D73D8DBF-4922-4678-B996-3B39A7678918@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6DA72FDD-D82F-4885-AE23-553BA586A774@gmail.com>

My apologies that email sent before I was finished but essentially what you’re proposing is unconstitutional regardless of ethics and intentions. There’s no rule about raising objections within a certain timeframe. There is no rule about giving you the authority to appoint or positions. There is no rule That gives you the right to circumvent the rights of that gives you the right to circumvent the rights of Nabs students just because.

Nick Petrillo
He/Him/His
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:02 PM, Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I don’t think anybody doubts that a group of individuals working to elect a port number four will come up with a good candidate. The fact remains appointing a board member like this is unconstitutional. If I’m wrong please point out the line in the constitution which gives you the right to do so. In addition board member 4 is not a one-year position it is a two-year position as outlined in our constitution. Quot
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/Him/His
> Outreach| committee co-chair| NABS
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:48 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty. I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the active members present and voting. If there are more than two members seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly, to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you; and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4. Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.  That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com


From jty727 at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:26:17 2020
From: jty727 at gmail.com (Justin Young)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:26:17 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <01b001d65d4d$0ed31db0$2c795910$@gmail.com>
References: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
 <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
 <01b001d65d4d$0ed31db0$2c795910$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>

Hi All,

Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.

I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
system.

Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.

Justin Young
President, New York Association of Blind Students

On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
> to be in, given the circumstances.
>
> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>
> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
> membership is critical in our movement.
>
> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>
> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>
> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>
> Love,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 203-273-8463
> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> discussion.
>
> Victor Marques
> NABS Member
>
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> I think this is reasonable.
>>
>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>
>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:26:16 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:26:16 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <01b001d65d4d$0ed31db0$2c795910$@gmail.com>
References: <04a697a2-e6bc-f0c7-a791-4de312a90e3f@gmail.com>
 <0D87CD14-6D25-4D1F-AB02-D5B152734B6A@gmail.com>
 <01b001d65d4d$0ed31db0$2c795910$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <56E558A5-9F0F-446D-8617-387B034E230E@gmail.com>

Kathryn, why don’t you post the constitution of the organization we pay to keep running here on this email list and on the Facebook group, and on the email list, without even editing any portion of the constitution? It’s only fair, we can’t just take your word, it needs to be posted for all of us to read. I have a proposition for all the members. How about we not have Kathryn appoint the person to the board position? How about we wait until after the convention, and do whatever we have to in order to to send out a form for all of us to vote on? It’s only fair, it doesn’t matter if it’s a one year position, it’s a position regardless.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 2:47 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty. I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation to be in, given the circumstances.
> 
> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the active members present and voting. If there are more than two members seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
> 
> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the membership is critical in our movement.
> 
> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly, to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
> 
> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
> 
> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you; and, at the end of the day, we need you.
> 
> Love,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 203-273-8463
> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via NABS-L
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> 
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4. Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.  That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> 
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate discussion.
> 
> Victor Marques
> NABS Member
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> -- 
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:35:54 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:35:54 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>

As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.

http://nabslink.org/about/constitution

Nick Petrillo
He/him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> 
> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> system.
> 
> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
> 
> Justin Young
> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>> 
>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com

From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:47:59 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:47:59 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
 <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <E7E629D7-99F4-4080-A694-5B5C2CA7C59D@gmail.com>

Hello all, Kathryn is wrong as to when her term is to end. Here is the constitution, where it says that the terms of the officers elected are to begin at the end of the business meeting in which they were elected.
There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a Second Vice President, a Secretary, and two (2) board members, designated as Board Member 2 and Board Member 4, and in each odd numbered year, A First Vice President, a Treasurer, and two (2) board members, designated as Board Member 1 and Board Member 3. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.

If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 3:35 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
> 
> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution <http://nabslink.org/about/constitution>
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi everyone,
>>> 
>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>> 
>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>> 
>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>> 
>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>> 
>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>> 
>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>> 
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> 203-273-8463
>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>> 
>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>> 
>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>> discussion.
>>> 
>>> Victor Marques
>>> NABS Member
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com>

From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:49:40 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 15:49:40 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
 <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <80157F10-17F9-411F-BA94-1EDAA6A36E0F@gmail.com>

So in essence, it isn’t up to Kathryn as to who becomes the leader. I make a motion that we make the vote happen post or after the convention, so as to make the process fair and we all get a vote. All registered members. Otherwise we should get our refunds.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 3:35 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
> 
> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution <http://nabslink.org/about/constitution>
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi everyone,
>>> 
>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>> 
>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>> 
>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>> 
>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>> 
>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>> 
>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>> 
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> 203-273-8463
>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>> 
>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>> 
>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>> discussion.
>>> 
>>> Victor Marques
>>> NABS Member
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com>
> _______________________________________________
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From nabs.president at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 22:54:07 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Kathryn Webster, National Student President)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:54:07 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
 <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>

Nick and all,

 

I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.

 

Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.

 

I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.

 

It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.

 

Please find our Constitution below:


ARTICLE I. NAME             


The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                    


ARTICLE II. PURPOSE             


The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.  


Article III. Membership


Section 1. -- Members


At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.


Section 2. -- expulsion 


Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.

Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership

A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.


ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties


There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.

 

If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office. 


ARTICLE V. Meetings.


This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.


ARTICLE VI. Committees


The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.


ARTICLE VII. Dues


The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.


ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds


The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.


ARTICLE IX. Affiliation


The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.


ARTICLE X. Dissolution


In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.

 

If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind. 


ARTICLE XI. Amendments


This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.

 

Love,

Kathryn Webster

President, National Association of Blind Students

 

 

 

From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4

 

As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.

 

http://nabslink.org/about/constitution

Nick Petrillo

He/him/his

Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 

703-346-9981

 

 





On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> > wrote:

Hi All,

Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.

I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
system.

Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.

Justin Young
President, New York Association of Blind Students

On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> > wrote:



Hi everyone,

 

First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a

public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I

want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I

also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on

Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made

upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly

talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a

fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and

opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.

I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make

it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the

executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready

to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that

made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation

to be in, given the circumstances.

 

Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This

proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a

clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the

active members present and voting. If there are more than two members

seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would

take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of

votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who

received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until

there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be

received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.

 

This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would

have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to

ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year

position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was

elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I

could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional

perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the

membership is critical in our movement.

 

While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a

great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making

this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am

working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and

most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our

trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This

means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a

discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,

to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on

student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not

on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent

you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the

protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have

the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and

intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are

prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.

 

I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would

prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one

that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right

now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not

initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as

we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to

mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead

continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that

approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.

 

I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me

to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;

and, at the end of the day, we need you.

 

Love,

Kathryn Webster

President, National Association of Blind Students

203-273-8463

Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com> 

 

-----Original Message-----

From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Victor Marques via

NABS-L

Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM

To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> >

Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com> >

Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4

 

I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.

Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was

not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form

vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should

the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.

That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is

perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.

 

I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed

through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate

discussion.

 

Victor Marques

NABS Member

 

On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> >

wrote:

 

I think this is reasonable.

 

On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:

Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of

people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of

the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been

significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion

should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone

who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be

allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member

should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in

this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this

purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would

run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all

positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process

is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest

that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.

I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.

 

Sent from my BrailleNote touch

_______________________________________________

NABS-L mailing list

NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> 

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for

NABS-L:

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

 

--

Keri Svendsen

 

 

 

_______________________________________________

NABS-L mailing list

NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> 

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for

NABS-L:

http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com

 

_______________________________________________

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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for

NABS-L:

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_______________________________________________

NABS-L mailing list

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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org

To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for

NABS-L:

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_______________________________________________
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http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:06:12 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:06:12 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
 <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
 <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A5FBD758-E2BD-439C-A1BB-7D20CD79BC05@gmail.com>

Kathryn, it was impossible for us to even know who voted yes or no in the first place. It is essential that you maintain the trust of the students, as you say, these are unprecedented times, and we are voting virtually, we want a vote, don’t take it away from us. We are the membership, we do dictate what we do or don’t do, or who we put into office or not. What you don’t want is for students to feel used and disenfranchised from voting. If you want the students to be there for NABS in the coming future, and want to start the new president on a good note, then it is best for you to allow us a vote. You have talented students that pulled off a Zoom meeting with over 200 people on Wednesday, and they were able to send out a google forms link the next day without a hitch. So again, I make a motion that we allow for a vote on the board position and that forms be sent out for us to vote. Or have the new president host an emergency meeting, and send out a text and call option like the national center did if it makes you feel better. Other than that, give us our vote. We paid for it.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 3:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Nick and all,
> 
> 
> 
> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
> 
> 
> 
> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
> 
> 
> 
> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
> 
> 
> 
> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
> 
> 
> 
> Please find our Constitution below:
> 
> 
> ARTICLE I. NAME             
> 
> 
> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                
> 
> 
> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE             
> 
> 
> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.  
> 
> 
> Article III. Membership
> 
> 
> Section 1. -- Members
> 
> 
> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> Section 2. -- expulsion 
> 
> 
> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
> 
> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
> 
> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
> 
> 
> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
> 
> 
> 
> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office. 
> 
> 
> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
> 
> 
> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VI. Committees
> 
> 
> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VII. Dues
> 
> 
> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
> 
> 
> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
> 
> 
> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
> 
> 
> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> 
> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind. 
> 
> 
> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
> 
> 
> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
> 
> 
> 
> Love,
> 
> Kathryn Webster
> 
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> 
> 
> 
> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
> 
> 
> 
> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> 
> He/him/his
> 
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> 
> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> system.
> 
> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
> 
> Justin Young
> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> 
> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> 
> 
> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
> 
> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
> 
> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
> 
> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
> 
> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
> 
> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
> 
> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
> 
> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
> 
> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
> 
> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
> 
> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
> 
> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
> 
> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
> 
> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
> 
> to be in, given the circumstances.
> 
> 
> 
> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> 
> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
> 
> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
> 
> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> 
> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
> 
> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
> 
> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
> 
> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
> 
> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
> 
> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
> 
> 
> 
> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
> 
> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
> 
> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
> 
> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
> 
> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
> 
> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
> 
> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
> 
> membership is critical in our movement.
> 
> 
> 
> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
> 
> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
> 
> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
> 
> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
> 
> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
> 
> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
> 
> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> 
> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
> 
> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
> 
> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
> 
> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
> 
> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
> 
> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
> 
> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> 
> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
> 
> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
> 
> 
> 
> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
> 
> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
> 
> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
> 
> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
> 
> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
> 
> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
> 
> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
> 
> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
> 
> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
> 
> 
> 
> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
> 
> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
> 
> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
> 
> 
> 
> Love,
> 
> Kathryn Webster
> 
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 
> 203-273-8463
> 
> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com><mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> 
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org><mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> > On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
> 
> NABS-L
> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> 
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
> 
> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com><mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>> >
> 
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> 
> 
> 
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
> 
> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
> 
> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
> 
> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
> 
> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
> 
> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> 
> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> 
> 
> 
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
> 
> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> 
> discussion.
> 
> 
> 
> Victor Marques
> 
> NABS Member
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
> 
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> I think this is reasonable.
> 
> 
> 
> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> 
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
> 
> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
> 
> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
> 
> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
> 
> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
> 
> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
> 
> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
> 
> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
> 
> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
> 
> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
> 
> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
> 
> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
> 
> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
> 
> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
> 
> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:08:27 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:08:27 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
References: <CA+3U9s4vR+-BFUD2xCy+LffH7W1jQ085Nqc_vdGj1tCkfO1ppw@mail.gmail.com>
 <30810A68-0F1A-461A-803D-0E2B396B6966@gmail.com>
 <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <7F2B3CCF-61ED-4F35-A9CF-2648D77DF6B6@gmail.com>

Also, it is incredible that though the website is not up to date, NABS leadership didn’t post the new constitution on the list serve, or on the Facebook page when it was created in 2018. I was around in 2017, I was on fundraising calls as asked by Kathryn to participate in, I was also at the NABS meeting at the convention that year, and I’ve been here ever since, I don’t remember a new constitution being made or amended. So it was the failure of leadership to give us that information.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 3:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Nick and all,
> 
> 
> 
> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
> 
> 
> 
> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
> 
> 
> 
> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
> 
> 
> 
> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
> 
> 
> 
> Please find our Constitution below:
> 
> 
> ARTICLE I. NAME             
> 
> 
> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                
> 
> 
> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE             
> 
> 
> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.  
> 
> 
> Article III. Membership
> 
> 
> Section 1. -- Members
> 
> 
> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> Section 2. -- expulsion 
> 
> 
> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
> 
> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
> 
> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
> 
> 
> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
> 
> 
> 
> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office. 
> 
> 
> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
> 
> 
> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VI. Committees
> 
> 
> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VII. Dues
> 
> 
> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
> 
> 
> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
> 
> 
> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
> 
> 
> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
> 
> 
> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
> 
> 
> 
> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind. 
> 
> 
> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
> 
> 
> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
> 
> 
> 
> Love,
> 
> Kathryn Webster
> 
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> 
> 
> 
> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
> 
> 
> 
> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> 
> He/him/his
> 
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> 
> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> system.
> 
> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
> 
> Justin Young
> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> 
> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> 
> 
> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
> 
> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
> 
> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
> 
> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
> 
> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
> 
> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
> 
> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
> 
> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
> 
> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
> 
> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
> 
> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
> 
> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
> 
> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
> 
> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
> 
> to be in, given the circumstances.
> 
> 
> 
> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> 
> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
> 
> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
> 
> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> 
> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
> 
> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
> 
> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
> 
> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
> 
> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
> 
> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
> 
> 
> 
> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
> 
> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
> 
> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
> 
> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
> 
> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
> 
> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
> 
> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
> 
> membership is critical in our movement.
> 
> 
> 
> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
> 
> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
> 
> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
> 
> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
> 
> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
> 
> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
> 
> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> 
> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
> 
> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
> 
> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
> 
> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
> 
> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
> 
> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
> 
> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> 
> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
> 
> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
> 
> 
> 
> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
> 
> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
> 
> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
> 
> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
> 
> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
> 
> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
> 
> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
> 
> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
> 
> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
> 
> 
> 
> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
> 
> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
> 
> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
> 
> 
> 
> Love,
> 
> Kathryn Webster
> 
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 
> 203-273-8463
> 
> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com><mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> 
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org><mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> > On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
> 
> NABS-L
> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> 
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
> 
> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com><mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>> >
> 
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> 
> 
> 
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
> 
> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
> 
> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
> 
> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
> 
> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
> 
> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> 
> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> 
> 
> 
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
> 
> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> 
> discussion.
> 
> 
> 
> Victor Marques
> 
> NABS Member
> 
> 
> 
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
> 
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> I think this is reasonable.
> 
> 
> 
> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> 
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
> 
> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
> 
> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
> 
> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
> 
> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
> 
> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
> 
> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
> 
> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
> 
> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
> 
> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
> 
> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
> 
> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
> 
> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
> 
> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
> 
> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 
> NABS-L mailing list
> 
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org> <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>> 
> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
> 
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> 
> NABS-L:
> 
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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> 
> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com


From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:11:36 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:11:36 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>

It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 

Humbly,
Nick Petrillo
He/him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Nick and all,
>  
> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>  
> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>  
> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>  
> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>  
> Please find our Constitution below:
> ARTICLE I. NAME            
> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
> Article III. Membership
> Section 1. -- Members
> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> Section 2. -- expulsion
> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>  
> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
> ARTICLE VI. Committees
> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
> ARTICLE VII. Dues
> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>  
> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>  
> Love,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
>  
>  
>  
> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>  
> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>  
> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
>  
>  
> 
> 
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
> 
> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> 
> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> system.
> 
> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
> 
> Justin Young
> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> 
> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
>  
> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
> to be in, given the circumstances.
>  
> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>  
> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
> membership is critical in our movement.
>  
> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>  
> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>  
> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>  
> Love,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> 203-273-8463
> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>  
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>  
> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>  
> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> discussion.
>  
> Victor Marques
> NABS Member
>  
> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>  
> I think this is reasonable.
>  
> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>  
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>  
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>  
>  
>  
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>  
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>  
>  
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>  
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com

From emitchell927 at icloud.com  Sat Jul 18 23:21:17 2020
From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:21:17 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <A5FBD758-E2BD-439C-A1BB-7D20CD79BC05@gmail.com>
References: <A5FBD758-E2BD-439C-A1BB-7D20CD79BC05@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <31E44063-8E0A-414B-9A8B-9892A8828209@icloud.com>

It is up to Katherine and I believe in her decision.
Emma mitchell

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 7:07 PM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Kathryn, it was impossible for us to even know who voted yes or no in the first place. It is essential that you maintain the trust of the students, as you say, these are unprecedented times, and we are voting virtually, we want a vote, don’t take it away from us. We are the membership, we do dictate what we do or don’t do, or who we put into office or not. What you don’t want is for students to feel used and disenfranchised from voting. If you want the students to be there for NABS in the coming future, and want to start the new president on a good note, then it is best for you to allow us a vote. You have talented students that pulled off a Zoom meeting with over 200 people on Wednesday, and they were able to send out a google forms link the next day without a hitch. So again, I make a motion that we allow for a vote on the board position and that forms be sent out for us to vote. Or have the new president host an emergency meeting, and send out a text and call option like the national center did if it makes you feel better. Other than that, give us our vote. We paid for it.
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 3:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Nick and all,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Please find our Constitution below:
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE I. NAME             
>> 
>> 
>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE             
>> 
>> 
>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.  
>> 
>> 
>> Article III. Membership
>> 
>> 
>> Section 1. -- Members
>> 
>> 
>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> 
>> Section 2. -- expulsion 
>> 
>> 
>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>> 
>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>> 
>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>> 
>> 
>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office. 
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>> 
>> 
>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>> 
>> 
>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>> 
>> 
>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>> 
>> 
>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>> 
>> 
>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>> 
>> 
>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind. 
>> 
>> 
>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>> 
>> 
>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Love,
>> 
>> Kathryn Webster
>> 
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> 
>> He/him/his
>> 
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>> 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> > wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> 
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> 
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> 
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> 
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> 
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> 
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> 
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> 
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> 
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> 
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> 
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> 
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> 
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> 
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> 
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> 
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> 
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> 
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> 
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> 
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> 
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> 
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> 
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> 
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> 
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> 
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> 
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> 
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> 
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> 
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> 
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> 
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> 
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> 
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> 
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> 
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> 
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> 
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> 
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> 
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> 
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> 
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> 
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> 
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> 
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> 
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> 
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> 
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> 
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> 
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> 
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> 
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> 
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> 
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> 
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Love,
>> 
>> Kathryn Webster
>> 
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 203-273-8463
>> 
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com><mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> 
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org><mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>> > On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> 
>> NABS-L
>> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> 
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
>> 
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com><mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>> >
>> 
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> 
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> 
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> 
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> 
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> 
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> 
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> 
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> 
>> discussion.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> 
>> NABS Member
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> >
>> 
>> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> 
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>> 
>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>> 
>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>> 
>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>> 
>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>> 
>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>> 
>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>> 
>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>> 
>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>> 
>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>> 
>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>> 
>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>> 
>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>> 
>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>> 
>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> 
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>> 
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>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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From maria.lu.monteiro.oliveira at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:23:03 2020
From: maria.lu.monteiro.oliveira at gmail.com (MariaLu Monteiro-Oliveira)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:23:03 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
References: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <25242DD7-C190-4DB5-BD4C-4CC1D2C9465A@gmail.com>

No disrespect intended, my fellow students, however, if we the membership were dissatisfied with Kathryn’s decision, as our gracious president said, we should have voiced this dissatisfaction at the business meeting. If we had any questions/concerns about the constitution or any of this, the business meeting would’ve been the time and place to talk about that. It’s not fair to blame our president, who has only been understanding and patient, for making a decision nobody opposed when she asked us if we opposed it. We aren’t disputing whether it was or was not a good decision, just the fact that the time to have argued against it would’ve been then. Is it not unfair to suddenly demand we go against what we ourselves agreed to? Please forgive any offense I may have caused.

“Do not be overcome with hate, but overcome hate with love.” -St Maximos
“Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 7:12 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
> 
> Humbly,
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Nick and all,
>> 
>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>> 
>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>> 
>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>> 
>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>> 
>> Please find our Constitution below:
>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>> Article III. Membership
>> Section 1. -- Members
>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>> 
>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>> 
>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
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>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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> _______________________________________________
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From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:41:19 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:41:19 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <25242DD7-C190-4DB5-BD4C-4CC1D2C9465A@gmail.com>
References: <25242DD7-C190-4DB5-BD4C-4CC1D2C9465A@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <34B29D2E-8E1E-4587-8E29-D436058200D6@gmail.com>

I respect Kathryn‘s leader ship in a lot of ways. Like many of us she was the one who brought me into the organization. In fact I think all of us would agree that under her leader ship the organization has grown exponentially. Over the years it has been hard to disagree with her because of her overwhelming success. However, The website is easily updatable as proven by the COVID 19 tab, yet the updated constitution was not posted. I am not so much worried about the constitution though. I do not wish to speak for all of us because I know I don’t, but for me I have felt like nepotism has been a huge factor in our organization for many years. I just wanted to give every student a chance they deserve, and have a right to to run and be elected by the membership. passing this responsibility back to leader ship makes me question whether that appointment will be fair to those running. Regardless of which side you fall on this issue people will be unhappy, But we will live with it, and learn from it. Despite the outcome of board member 4 we have elected excellent people, and I hope that we continue to thrive as an organization. I also want to commend people for speaking out on both sides of this issue it is always important to challenge in order to grow, and understand.

Nick Petrillo
He/him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 7:23 PM, MariaLu Monteiro-Oliveira <maria.lu.monteiro.oliveira at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> No disrespect intended, my fellow students, however, if we the membership were dissatisfied with Kathryn’s decision, as our gracious president said, we should have voiced this dissatisfaction at the business meeting. If we had any questions/concerns about the constitution or any of this, the business meeting would’ve been the time and place to talk about that. It’s not fair to blame our president, who has only been understanding and patient, for making a decision nobody opposed when she asked us if we opposed it. We aren’t disputing whether it was or was not a good decision, just the fact that the time to have argued against it would’ve been then. Is it not unfair to suddenly demand we go against what we ourselves agreed to? Please forgive any offense I may have caused.
> 
> “Do not be overcome with hate, but overcome hate with love.” -St Maximos
> “Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
> “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.” Proverbs 10:12
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 7:12 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
>> 
>> Humbly,
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Nick and all,
>>> 
>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>> 
>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>> 
>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>> 
>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>>> 
>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>>> Article III. Membership
>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>> 
>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> 
>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>> 
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>> 
>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>> 
>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>>> 
>>> Nick Petrillo
>>> He/him/his
>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>> 703-346-9981
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi All,
>>> 
>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>> 
>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>> system.
>>> 
>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>> 
>>> Justin Young
>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>> 
>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi everyone,
>>> 
>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>> 
>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>> 
>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>> 
>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>> 
>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>> 
>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>> 
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> 203-273-8463
>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>> 
>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>> 
>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>> discussion.
>>> 
>>> Victor Marques
>>> NABS Member
>>> 
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>> 
>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>> 
>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> --
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/maria.lu.monteiro.oliveira%40gmail.com


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:42:29 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:42:29 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <FEEEBBFF-4F84-48C5-A164-4EE866626C36@gmail.com>

Nick and all, if we don’t know what the constitution says, and they didn’t update us, it’s their failure, their faults, and their incompetence. Until it is public, I’m not going by that constitution. Kathryn needs to give us our vote. We run this thing. She says that it was all virtual and nobody really knew what was going on, then obviously they don’t really know who voted yes and who voted no. Give us our vote. If NABS is really on our side and does what we want and ask for, I motion that we get the right to vote for this. Stop disenfranchising our vote.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
> 
> Humbly,
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Nick and all,
>> 
>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>> 
>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>> 
>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>> 
>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>> 
>> Please find our Constitution below:
>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>> Article III. Membership
>> Section 1. -- Members
>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>> 
>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>> 
>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com



From schoi09 at outlook.com  Sat Jul 18 23:43:46 2020
From: schoi09 at outlook.com (Seyoon Choi)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 23:43:46 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <41528F63-629C-4583-A821-4E7C9A194E27@outlook.com>

All,

I strongly feel there is a need for me to voice my opinions in this matter. As someone who have warm heartedly decided to run for this fourth board member spot, I have expected nominations from other active members and nominations of one another to take place, similar to how the in person business meetings would have taken place. Similarly, opposition towards Kathryn’s decisions should have been voiced at the business meetings should there were further disagreements on the decisions made, which was only imposed due to the fact that we may have had to sit for more than several hours which by the time elections were taking place the clock was about to strike midnight for many timezones. I strongly feel this decisions were made with respect to the zoom moderators and seconded by overwhelming majority of NABS board members. Am I disappointed that there was no fair election process for the board member positions that I was running for? Absolutely, by all means, but I do understand our current limitations of virtual environment. I would also like to note that board member positions are only a year long term and elections would be held annually. 

On the other note, I do want to publicly acknowledge Kathryn’s strong leadership and her continued transparency despite intense situations that have unfolded after her announcement to step down as the president. None of us have ever imagined this year’s convention to go virtual, but I praise all the incredible work and effort that NABS leadership and federation leaders have put into to make this convention as seamlessly interactive and fun for all, while being able to conduct business as fairly and transparently as we possibly could. I feel it is often easier for us to forget the amount of work that it takes to organize such a large gathering virtually and let alone holding an election, however, the federation have chosen to conduct business as usual, which other organizations have strictly decided against. Lastly, I feel it is important to mention that neither updated or the previous copy of any NFB bound constitutions does not explicitly state the process for virtually held elections, thus the best call would be for the leaders to decide what is best for this organization as a whole.

Take care,
Seyoon

Seyoon Choi, he/him/his
President: Missouri Association of Blind Students
Co-chair | Outreach Committee
National Association of Blind Students
schoi09 at outlook.com
Cell: (314) 650-8306

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
> 
> Humbly,
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Nick and all,
>> 
>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>> 
>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>> 
>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>> 
>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>> 
>> Please find our Constitution below:
>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>> Article III. Membership
>> Section 1. -- Members
>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>> 
>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>> 
>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
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>> 
>> 
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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> _______________________________________________
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From tyler at tysdomain.com  Sat Jul 18 23:44:30 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:44:30 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
References: <5f135e37.1c69fb81.2e80b.3e3e@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <60173385-2985-556d-ad0f-f43172c2eb38@tysdomain.com>

Why is this being proposed as an issue now rather than Days ago when the 
initial philosophy was set up and explained? This is, to my 
understanding a single year term. If the board handles a google form in 
the way that they previously handle voting:
1) This would require that each time a member is removed were there more 
than one, a new google form provided.
2) If you provide everyone a time period, what do you do if 50% of the 
membership forgets to vote or doesn't see a notification and the numbers 
are all wrong?
3) This feels like it turns the voting process into nothing more than 
"call your friend and tell them to vote for x" and that's less palatable 
than simply allowing the president to appoint a member.

I specifically would appreciate it if we could see less accusatory 
demands and more discussion around a solution that might work. Simply 
stating that this should be ran a specific way is much easier than 
thinking of a way for the board to make this happen.

On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>
> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


-- 

Take Care,
Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)

Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business 
solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site 
<http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter 
<http://twitter.com/sorressean>



From elana.c03 at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:56:56 2020
From: elana.c03 at gmail.com (Elana Charles)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 18:56:56 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] WABS fundraiser
Message-ID: <31C7276E-298F-4BB1-9306-F5B50032B2EC@gmail.com>

Hello members of the Federation family, the Wisconsin Association of blind students is doing a fundraiser and go rally up and the price is a mystery Apple product with AppleCare included. The ticket price is 10 tickets for $20 and our fundraiser ends in August. Here is a link to the go rally up site https://go.rallyup.com/wabsdrawing/JRAE2G
Thank you and have a fantastic weekend
Elana
Sent from my iPhone
Elana Charles WSBVI student
Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 

From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Sat Jul 18 23:59:19 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 16:59:19 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <60173385-2985-556d-ad0f-f43172c2eb38@tysdomain.com>
References: <60173385-2985-556d-ad0f-f43172c2eb38@tysdomain.com>
Message-ID: <E6C28738-2CAA-43F8-81E6-6E2564A0E838@gmail.com>

Hi all,

I will not voice my opinion on this matter, though I do ask that we try to keep this argument from getting personal. There’s no doubt that kathryn has done a lot for the student division, and we should all acknowledge that despite our views on this decision.

Point of clarification: all board member and officer positions are two-year terms. However since Elizabeth, Justin, and Trisha became officers, their previous positions became vacant for the remainder of the two-year terms. This is why the board member positions are, this time, one year. Johna is serving the remainder of her term and next year, all board members are up for election. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 16:45, Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Why is this being proposed as an issue now rather than Days ago when the initial philosophy was set up and explained? This is, to my understanding a single year term. If the board handles a google form in the way that they previously handle voting:
> 1) This would require that each time a member is removed were there more than one, a new google form provided.
> 2) If you provide everyone a time period, what do you do if 50% of the membership forgets to vote or doesn't see a notification and the numbers are all wrong?
> 3) This feels like it turns the voting process into nothing more than "call your friend and tell them to vote for x" and that's less palatable than simply allowing the president to appoint a member.
> 
> I specifically would appreciate it if we could see less accusatory demands and more discussion around a solution that might work. Simply stating that this should be ran a specific way is much easier than thinking of a way for the board to make this happen.
> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting. I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com
> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> Take Care,
> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
> 
> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site <http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com

From arielle71 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 00:06:36 2020
From: arielle71 at gmail.com (Arielle Silverman)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:06:36 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Procedures Re:  board position 4
Message-ID: <CALAYQJA8t19RosAvCWvppkVueQiwKdPA1xEv4JVHOmGE5Th6pQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hi all,
As a former NABS president who was involved with some messy NABS
elections once upon a time, and as someone with no skin in the game at
this point, I wanted to offer a few clarifications regarding the
constitution and how I have seen these kinds of matters addressed in
the past.
It is true that the constitution specifies a process for election of
board members by a majority of voting members at a regular business
meeting. However, as the supreme authority of the organization, the
active members present at a business meeting may vote to make one-time
procedural amendments. They may also vote to give certain powers to
the chair of the meeting, in this case the NABS president, depending
on circumstances. There have been rare cases when a chair must decide
the outcome of an election; for example, I had to determine the winner
of one NABS vice-presidential election when there was an exact tie in
the vote.
I was not at Wednesday's business meeting, but as I believe Kathryn is
a person of integrity, I trust that the members at that meeting did
vote to delegate authority to their chair to appoint the board member.
Kathryn is also correct that the business meeting is the ultimate
platform where members can vote on procedures.
While this is perhaps not how I would have handled the situation, it
sounds like the NABS members at a business meeting agreed unanimously
to the procedural change, and this it is legitimate in my opinion.
While dialogue on the NABS list cannot override the will of an
assembled business meeting, these discussions are helpful to learn
from in the future. Hopefully we will not have to deal with the
challenges of a virtual convention in the future. I would, however,
advise to have any modified election procedures adopted by the board
and then presented to and voted upon by the membership prior to
beginning the elections. I can think of at least one way to handle an
election with more than two candidates using a Google form, if we were
to make a one-time change to the rules such that the person with the
highest vote count is elected even if they do not receive 50% of the
vote. This would eliminate the need for follow-up contests. Perhaps
folks already considered my idea, and found an issue with it that I
missed.
Please take my comments in the spirit of education with which they are
intended, and not as a judgment or critique of NABS. The parts of the
NABS programming that I did attend were very well-organized, in my
opinion, and I heard rave reviews from several students afterward.

Best,
Arielle Silverman:
NABS president, 2009-2011;
NABS board member and officer, 2005-2009


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 00:26:01 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 20:26:01 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Procedures Re: board position 4
In-Reply-To: <CALAYQJA8t19RosAvCWvppkVueQiwKdPA1xEv4JVHOmGE5Th6pQ@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CALAYQJA8t19RosAvCWvppkVueQiwKdPA1xEv4JVHOmGE5Th6pQ@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCF+XtbM0cWd7SgsUSnL9XhK33d014bD_nY1tNK7edtyQdw@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Arielle and NABS folks. There were indeed challenges that would have
otherwise been nonexistent if the convention was in person. However, due to
my observed presence at Wednesday evening‘s meeting, the virtual aspect of
the convention business meeting (National Association of Blind Students
business meeting) did pose slight communications challenges. although I
opted not to participate in voting, I could see how slight confusion could
have arose at the time. Communication was effective, but not clear to all.
Other than that, I understand that the constitution does grant the chair of
the business meeting some room, I could understand some folks‘ frustration.
I think a great way to settle this, I’ll be at complicated, would be for
folks bringing forth concerns to say, contextually, where their concerns
lie in the constitution. Otherwise, There did not appear to be any blatant
lack of transparency in Wednesday night‘s elections, from my point of view.
We should all try our hardest to remain impartial, and comments should not
become personal. Thank you Arielle for your clearly impartial point of
view. I must reiterate, I do not have any steak in any results, as I did
not vote Wednesday night and neither was I a paying member at the time. I
just hope my comments, as unnecessary as they may be, could prove to be
treated as points of reflection for those who are exercising their
democratic rights. We are a democratic organization after all. Democracy
shall always prevail. remember, we are a democracy. I hope my statements,
with any added platitudes, may prove to be effective to some. Enjoy this
evening‘s banquet address. Take care all. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sat, Jul 18, 2020 at 8:08 PM Arielle Silverman via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi all,
> As a former NABS president who was involved with some messy NABS
> elections once upon a time, and as someone with no skin in the game at
> this point, I wanted to offer a few clarifications regarding the
> constitution and how I have seen these kinds of matters addressed in
> the past.
> It is true that the constitution specifies a process for election of
> board members by a majority of voting members at a regular business
> meeting. However, as the supreme authority of the organization, the
> active members present at a business meeting may vote to make one-time
> procedural amendments. They may also vote to give certain powers to
> the chair of the meeting, in this case the NABS president, depending
> on circumstances. There have been rare cases when a chair must decide
> the outcome of an election; for example, I had to determine the winner
> of one NABS vice-presidential election when there was an exact tie in
> the vote.
> I was not at Wednesday's business meeting, but as I believe Kathryn is
> a person of integrity, I trust that the members at that meeting did
> vote to delegate authority to their chair to appoint the board member.
> Kathryn is also correct that the business meeting is the ultimate
> platform where members can vote on procedures.
> While this is perhaps not how I would have handled the situation, it
> sounds like the NABS members at a business meeting agreed unanimously
> to the procedural change, and this it is legitimate in my opinion.
> While dialogue on the NABS list cannot override the will of an
> assembled business meeting, these discussions are helpful to learn
> from in the future. Hopefully we will not have to deal with the
> challenges of a virtual convention in the future. I would, however,
> advise to have any modified election procedures adopted by the board
> and then presented to and voted upon by the membership prior to
> beginning the elections. I can think of at least one way to handle an
> election with more than two candidates using a Google form, if we were
> to make a one-time change to the rules such that the person with the
> highest vote count is elected even if they do not receive 50% of the
> vote. This would eliminate the need for follow-up contests. Perhaps
> folks already considered my idea, and found an issue with it that I
> missed.
> Please take my comments in the spirit of education with which they are
> intended, and not as a judgment or critique of NABS. The parts of the
> NABS programming that I did attend were very well-organized, in my
> opinion, and I heard rave reviews from several students afterward.
>
> Best,
> Arielle Silverman:
> NABS president, 2009-2011;
> NABS board member and officer, 2005-2009
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Sun Jul 19 03:02:57 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 03:02:57 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello All,

I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.

There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.

The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.

There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.

Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.

The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
 Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.

It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.

Warm regards,,
Elizabeth


From nabs.president at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 03:48:12 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Kathryn Webster, National Student President )
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 23:48:12 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] 2020 Election Results
Message-ID: <596C8282-2742-4C71-A929-68ADFA3336F1@gmail.com>

Dear NABS Family,
 
When I think about an ideal board to drive our national student division forward, I look for balance. Balance can mean a ton of different things. To me, balance means diversity. It means qualifications that, when combined across the nine personalities, creates a space for all leaders to share, grow, and learn together; it means perspectives to fit our needs; it means so much more, but it prioritizes NABS and our national student membership, not the board members driving the work forward. We are a membership-driven organization and thus serve our members every single day of our lives. We need diversity of age, race, gender, talents, backgrounds, life experiences, involvement in NABS, religion, disability, and of as many identities as we can reach. We must be intentional to meet the changing needs of our members. Simultaneously, we need the strongest leaders from all walks of life to guide our state student divisions forward, facilitate leadership and regional seminars, lead our committees, retain members, and build our organization.
 
I preface all of this to what happened Wednesday night. In person, our protocol would have been to put forth the five names to our active, registered, and dues-paying members. The name with the least amount of votes the first time by voice would have been dropped. We then would have done the same voting procedure for the four, dropped the lowest; and all the way until we got to the remaining two candidates seeking said position. With over 250 participants on our call and no feasible way of one person reaching a majority in the formal way we typically check, including cross-referencing our registrants, I was comfortable with the motion brought to the floor. This motion asked for the discussion to cease; and the appointment of the final 1-year vacated board position be left to the current president. I allowed for ample time to share concerns and received unanimous support to proceed in this way. I am so sincerely sorry that this process did not resonate with everyone. I understand and I am confident that if we are virtual moving forward, voting will be even more mitigated and intentional.
 
To this end, I am thrilled to announce that Shane Wegner has been appointed to the position of board Member 4. They are entering their third year of law school, living in the wonderful city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are a leader in the diversity and inclusion space, ready and eager to approach diversity proactively within our national organization. Moreover, Shane has a wealth of knowledge as it relates to accessibility, intersectionality, graduate studies, and so much more. I am confident in their abilities to represent the future of NABS, as I am with the eight other board members. These nine rock star leaders are authentic, intentional, proactive, honest, collaborative, and transparent.
 
Shane will be a great addition to the 2020-21 organization calendar year; and would be more than happy to chat with any member interested in conversing. So, cheers to the incoming NABS Board and congratulations!!
 
President: Trisha Kulkarni
1st Vice President: Kenia Flores
2nd Vice President: Justin Salisbury
Treasurer: Elizabeth Rouse
Secretary: Mausam Mehta
Board Members: Nina Marranca, Johna Wright, Robert Parsons, and Shane Wegner
 
These leaders will make us so proud! Regardless of my role moving forward, the door is always open. Blind students have the softest place in my heart. I hope we all can put the love, energy, passion, and support behind these incoming leaders. I know I certainly will.
 
I love you all,
Kathryn Webster
President, National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
(203) 273-8463


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 03:51:18 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 23:51:18 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFJCuCDKgne7ATdDxT+Up_to92xt9oR5VZEf3Hf3qmzD4w@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Elizabeth and all. I hope everybody enjoyed this evening‘s Banquet
Address by President Riccobono. Here is my humble slice of advice; I hope
this gives folks inspiration. I will admit, I am using the iPhone‘s
dictation software, so please do not mind slight grammatical, punctuation,
or syntax, (aesthetic), errors.. Below, please find my thoughts. And please
notice, I am currently inactive as a member of The National Association of
Blind Students.
It is essential to uphold the democratic principles we stand by as an
organization; therefore, it is imperative that the voices of dues paying
members are clearly heard and provided the proper platform to be voiced. In
the nature of that spirit,  dues paying members should feel fully entitled
to exercise their rights of democracy. If there is a sizable, substantial
portion of the membership (the active membership) who feel that their
voices may have been suppressed in any way, shape, or form, they must feel,
in a respectful and productive context, that they are given the chance to
organize, strategize, virtually mobilize, and articulate their concerns in
full. I think it is necessary that the leadership take up this concern and
allow the concerned (And properly organized) part of the membership a
proper platform to express A legitimate, organized list of their concerns
surrounding this election. The membership should organize behind a
strategic leader to advocate their point of View collectively and avoid any
personal, or otherwise unproductive criticisms, while articulating and
voicing their legitimate (and potentially deeply rooted) concerns. I will
not be taking up this initiative in any way, as I am currently holding an
inactive status and I am a non-dues paying member (technically rendering me
inactive, or a non-member.) Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sat, Jul 18, 2020 at 11:04 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National
> Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way
> to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>
> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position.
> However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired,
> inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was
> shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I
> imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn
> to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition
> to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather
> difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>
> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often
> controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra
> consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it
> sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by
> Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization,
> then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves
> the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion
> on the matter.
>
> There could have been other options considered for this board position
> that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made
> and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people
> running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I
> remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board
> position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people
> running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While
> some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in
> the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the
> circumstances.
>
> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position.
> Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial
> means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been
> considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered.
> Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in
> opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be
> any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>
> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and
> welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during
> the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though
> there was an authoritative
>  Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization.
> I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have
> mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am
> neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>
> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was
> handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting
> was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an
> example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not
> the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none
> of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the
> election for this board position. No one person should be above the
> organization.
>
> Warm regards,,
> Elizabeth
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From th404 at comcast.net  Sun Jul 19 04:13:55 2020
From: th404 at comcast.net (Tina Hansen)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 21:13:55 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Archives of Seminars
Message-ID: <000001d65d83$04ff2fa0$0efd8ee0$@comcast.net>

I'm not a student, but looking at your elections, I think you have a strong
group of officers going forward.

 

Did you archive any of your student meetings? I know some students might
have missed the calls, so will you be making an archive available? If so,
how will people get it? Thanks.


From keribcu at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 04:13:21 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:13:21 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCFJCuCDKgne7ATdDxT+Up_to92xt9oR5VZEf3Hf3qmzD4w@mail.gmail.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
 <CADTXCFJCuCDKgne7ATdDxT+Up_to92xt9oR5VZEf3Hf3qmzD4w@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <87d69ccf-51fa-5d2a-bcbb-bac46141b1a8@gmail.com>

I will put in my two cents here.

I first will say I was not there for elections, because I was bored out 
of my mind, and after an hour I left. I however see many are unhappy, 
and with that I think leadership should have handled this much much better.

With this said, I also ask leadership to also consider things for the 
future that also draw grad students in. I found all the student events 
very tailored to the younger late teens early 20s crowd, and not a good 
space for those of us in our late 20s and older, in more advanced studies.

Also keep in mind when streaming music and recordings over zoom to be 
careful of the volume, some of it was so overwelming that it was hurting 
my ears. It was so much louder than the general session streams and so 
on. If I struggled with it I'm sure deaf-blind students did too.


thanks,

On 7/18/2020 11:51 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L wrote:
> Hi Elizabeth and all. I hope everybody enjoyed this evening‘s Banquet
> Address by President Riccobono. Here is my humble slice of advice; I hope
> this gives folks inspiration. I will admit, I am using the iPhone‘s
> dictation software, so please do not mind slight grammatical, punctuation,
> or syntax, (aesthetic), errors.. Below, please find my thoughts. And please
> notice, I am currently inactive as a member of The National Association of
> Blind Students.
> It is essential to uphold the democratic principles we stand by as an
> organization; therefore, it is imperative that the voices of dues paying
> members are clearly heard and provided the proper platform to be voiced. In
> the nature of that spirit,  dues paying members should feel fully entitled
> to exercise their rights of democracy. If there is a sizable, substantial
> portion of the membership (the active membership) who feel that their
> voices may have been suppressed in any way, shape, or form, they must feel,
> in a respectful and productive context, that they are given the chance to
> organize, strategize, virtually mobilize, and articulate their concerns in
> full. I think it is necessary that the leadership take up this concern and
> allow the concerned (And properly organized) part of the membership a
> proper platform to express A legitimate, organized list of their concerns
> surrounding this election. The membership should organize behind a
> strategic leader to advocate their point of View collectively and avoid any
> personal, or otherwise unproductive criticisms, while articulating and
> voicing their legitimate (and potentially deeply rooted) concerns. I will
> not be taking up this initiative in any way, as I am currently holding an
> inactive status and I am a non-dues paying member (technically rendering me
> inactive, or a non-member.) Many thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
>
> On Sat, Jul 18, 2020 at 11:04 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National
>> Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way
>> to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>>
>> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position.
>> However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired,
>> inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was
>> shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I
>> imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn
>> to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition
>> to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather
>> difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>>
>> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often
>> controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra
>> consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it
>> sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by
>> Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization,
>> then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves
>> the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion
>> on the matter.
>>
>> There could have been other options considered for this board position
>> that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made
>> and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people
>> running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I
>> remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board
>> position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people
>> running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While
>> some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in
>> the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the
>> circumstances.
>>
>> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position.
>> Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial
>> means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been
>> considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered.
>> Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in
>> opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be
>> any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>>
>> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and
>> welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during
>> the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though
>> there was an authoritative
>>   Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization.
>> I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have
>> mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am
>> neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>>
>> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was
>> handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting
>> was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an
>> example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not
>> the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none
>> of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the
>> election for this board position. No one person should be above the
>> organization.
>>
>> Warm regards,,
>> Elizabeth
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 04:18:43 2020
From: mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com (Nico Petrillo)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:18:43 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>

Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it. But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.

Respectfully, 

Nick Petrillo
He/him/his
Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
703-346-9981



> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
> 
> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
> 
> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.
> 
> There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.
> 
> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
> 
> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
> Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
> 
> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.
> 
> Warm regards,,
> Elizabeth
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 04:47:09 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:47:09 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
 <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFKjNNoDt5F-pBjKgG7ECeYb5rZGMAEo=FFMr06Mmhad+Q@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Brother Nick and all. Brother Nick, While I agree with you in that our
new board is amazing and that we have bigger fish to fry, we should
remember the importance of democracy. We should all take lessons from this
experience, as there are many virtual voting experiences to come. Brother
Nick and NABS Family, Please Allow us to learn together. Welcome and
congratulations, incoming NABS Board. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 12:20 AM Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the
> incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am
> satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent
> people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to
> support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that
> we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to
> build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need
> our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as
> voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak
> out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that
> was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t
> say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing
> else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s
> up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it.
> But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new
> bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the
> blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.
>
> Respectfully,
>
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
> 703-346-9981
>
>
>
> > On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National
> Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way
> to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
> >
> > There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position.
> However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired,
> inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was
> shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I
> imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn
> to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition
> to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather
> difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
> >
> > The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often
> controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra
> consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it
> sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by
> Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization,
> then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves
> the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion
> on the matter.
> >
> > There could have been other options considered for this board position
> that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made
> and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people
> running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I
> remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board
> position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people
> running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While
> some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in
> the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the
> circumstances.
> >
> > Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position.
> Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial
> means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been
> considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered.
> Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in
> opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be
> any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
> >
> > The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open
> and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place
> during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as
> though there was an authoritative
> > Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization.
> I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have
> mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am
> neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
> >
> > It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was
> handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting
> was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an
> example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not
> the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none
> of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the
> election for this board position. No one person should be above the
> organization.
> >
> > Warm regards,,
> > Elizabeth
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 04:51:18 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 00:51:18 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <87d69ccf-51fa-5d2a-bcbb-bac46141b1a8@gmail.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB4447A653EF8CEFB1F5E771FBBA7A0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
 <CADTXCFJCuCDKgne7ATdDxT+Up_to92xt9oR5VZEf3Hf3qmzD4w@mail.gmail.com>
 <87d69ccf-51fa-5d2a-bcbb-bac46141b1a8@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFK4HOsmCgXetSAMZz7TZLjs_NcQyDqNAOjPhHUhx7pPjw@mail.gmail.com>

There are great points raised here. I will certainly be a graduate student
in about a year myself. I think we should definitely be receptive to the
points raised here. Thank you for your input. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 12:15 AM Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> I will put in my two cents here.
>
> I first will say I was not there for elections, because I was bored out
> of my mind, and after an hour I left. I however see many are unhappy,
> and with that I think leadership should have handled this much much better.
>
> With this said, I also ask leadership to also consider things for the
> future that also draw grad students in. I found all the student events
> very tailored to the younger late teens early 20s crowd, and not a good
> space for those of us in our late 20s and older, in more advanced studies.
>
> Also keep in mind when streaming music and recordings over zoom to be
> careful of the volume, some of it was so overwelming that it was hurting
> my ears. It was so much louder than the general session streams and so
> on. If I struggled with it I'm sure deaf-blind students did too.
>
>
> thanks,
>
> On 7/18/2020 11:51 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L wrote:
> > Hi Elizabeth and all. I hope everybody enjoyed this evening‘s Banquet
> > Address by President Riccobono. Here is my humble slice of advice; I hope
> > this gives folks inspiration. I will admit, I am using the iPhone‘s
> > dictation software, so please do not mind slight grammatical,
> punctuation,
> > or syntax, (aesthetic), errors.. Below, please find my thoughts. And
> please
> > notice, I am currently inactive as a member of The National Association
> of
> > Blind Students.
> > It is essential to uphold the democratic principles we stand by as an
> > organization; therefore, it is imperative that the voices of dues paying
> > members are clearly heard and provided the proper platform to be voiced.
> In
> > the nature of that spirit,  dues paying members should feel fully
> entitled
> > to exercise their rights of democracy. If there is a sizable, substantial
> > portion of the membership (the active membership) who feel that their
> > voices may have been suppressed in any way, shape, or form, they must
> feel,
> > in a respectful and productive context, that they are given the chance to
> > organize, strategize, virtually mobilize, and articulate their concerns
> in
> > full. I think it is necessary that the leadership take up this concern
> and
> > allow the concerned (And properly organized) part of the membership a
> > proper platform to express A legitimate, organized list of their concerns
> > surrounding this election. The membership should organize behind a
> > strategic leader to advocate their point of View collectively and avoid
> any
> > personal, or otherwise unproductive criticisms, while articulating and
> > voicing their legitimate (and potentially deeply rooted) concerns. I will
> > not be taking up this initiative in any way, as I am currently holding an
> > inactive status and I am a non-dues paying member (technically rendering
> me
> > inactive, or a non-member.) Many thanks and much respect.
> > Sincerely,
> > Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> >
> > On Sat, Jul 18, 2020 at 11:04 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
> > nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> >> Hello All,
> >>
> >> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National
> >> Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better
> way
> >> to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
> >>
> >> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position.
> >> However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired,
> >> inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition
> was
> >> shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their
> opinion. I
> >> imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for
> Kathryn
> >> to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong
> opposition
> >> to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it
> rather
> >> difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being
> made.
> >>
> >> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often
> >> controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra
> >> consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But
> it
> >> sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created
> by
> >> Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization,
> >> then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves
> >> the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their
> opinion
> >> on the matter.
> >>
> >> There could have been other options considered for this board position
> >> that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion
> made
> >> and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two
> people
> >> running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I
> >> remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board
> >> position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people
> >> running for this board position and it was starting to get very late.
> While
> >> some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in
> >> the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the
> >> circumstances.
> >>
> >> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position.
> >> Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less
> controversial
> >> means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been
> >> considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered.
> >> Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in
> >> opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be
> >> any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
> >>
> >> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open
> and
> >> welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place
> during
> >> the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as
> though
> >> there was an authoritative
> >>   Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the
> organization.
> >> I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not
> have
> >> mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I
> am
> >> neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
> >>
> >> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was
> >> handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This
> meeting
> >> was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as
> an
> >> example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is
> not
> >> the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that
> none
> >> of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding
> the
> >> election for this board position. No one person should be above the
> >> organization.
> >>
> >> Warm regards,,
> >> Elizabeth
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>
> --
> Keri Svendsen
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 05:15:12 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 22:15:12 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
References: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <6A69474A-58D5-4269-8370-711A47C87D06@gmail.com>

Hi Elizabeth. I do think that your analysis is so right. It did feel like the now former president was overbearing, and i do remember when the young student tried expressing her opinio, Kathryn did make it seem like she just wanted to do it all herself because she had the right knowledge to do so. I kow she said in a post and email that she consulted with the board, the new president and others, but that doesn’t change the circumstance. Nobody in the organization got to witness y of those talks, so by any means, we have to assume that there were no such communications unless there are records to prove it. Also, trying to use the virtual situation as an excuse is unacceptable. If the national organization was able to figure votng out during live general sessions, then i do not see why Kathryn and the rest of the board couldn’t do that themselves. You are right that by shutting down the one concern that was raised, most of us felt like she would do the same thing to us. I am so tired of NABS being controversial for the wrong reasons. The shenanigans that leadership pulls off every time are being watched. People go back and they relay that information back to the people back home who couldn’t go to such an expensive convention in person. This was done in such a horrible way. Also, saying that the constitution changed should have been brought up to the members. Saying that oh, the web master is no longer with us and that’s why we couldn’t get the new and updated constitution online, it’s just an excuse as the now forer president said herself that it was changed three years ago without our knowledge, so they had ample time to update it. It was just a power grab. This makes no sense in any fashion. It makes me want to leave the division that has meant so much to me, where i’ve gotten to make so many new friends and expand my family. But with leadership failing to bring a just and Democratic way to vote over and over again, it is horrendous that it keeps happening and doesn’t instill trust in the leadership and nor do they deserve it. I am happy to see what the new board under Trisha Kulkarni will do to expand the students division, although under the same style of leadership as in recent years, and what it will do in advocating for blind students. I have zero confidence in the students division and i am hopeful that the new leadership can change that.
One last thing, we didn’t get our vote and i think that all students should remember this for next time, as the person who lost the third board election was never contacted for the job. Lets remember this. Lastly, i think that there are too many students who are too loyalist and don’t use their own voice to express their own opinion and fail to criticize where it is needed. Those that just go with whatever leader is in charge and what they want to do do not look at things objective and look at things from another viewpoint. 

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 9:19 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it. But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.
> 
> Respectfully, 
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello All,
>> 
>> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>> 
>> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>> 
>> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.
>> 
>> There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>> 
>> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
>> Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>> 
>> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.
>> 
>> Warm regards,,
>> Elizabeth
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 05:19:31 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 01:19:31 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Archives of Seminars
In-Reply-To: <000001d65d83$04ff2fa0$0efd8ee0$@comcast.net>
References: <000001d65d83$04ff2fa0$0efd8ee0$@comcast.net>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFLi9G=WQCMtd4AS0nRyEYqGKMMk0UOW9kzARnye-LJffw@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Tina. I totally agree with you in that there should be a proper process
of archiving. Thus, I believe that the Secretary of NABS recorded the
minutes for the business meeting. And yes, archiving elections is always
great. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 12:14 AM Tina Hansen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> I'm not a student, but looking at your elections, I think you have a strong
> group of officers going forward.
>
>
>
> Did you archive any of your student meetings? I know some students might
> have missed the calls, so will you be making an archive available? If so,
> how will people get it? Thanks.
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 05:23:03 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 01:23:03 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
References: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFJvyfDP1tVOPtia_3mrG5m4iO3wdw_=LOMEJc8gtQCMxg@mail.gmail.com>

Congratulations Robert and the whole incoming NABS board. Kathryn, thank
you for allowing us the privilege and utmost honor of your transformative,
inspirational leadership throughout the past years. Many thanks and much
respect.
Sincerely,
Naim

On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:01 PM Kathryn Webster, National Student President
via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi fam!
>
> After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and
> dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for
> receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board
> Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our
> organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide
> our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will
> appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that
> point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out
> to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I
> trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻
>
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> (203) 273-8463
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 05:23:56 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 01:23:56 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
References: <2F55B9CA-0CB9-4FDB-A99E-722621BF87F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFJZDpkh5H=6EgD3R3_QoWnFFW8eRRN2LZtFB5OPreDd+Q@mail.gmail.com>

Congrats Robert and the whole incoming NABS board. Many thanks and much
respect.
Sincerely,
Naim

On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:01 PM Kathryn Webster, National Student President
via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hi fam!
>
> After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and
> dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for
> receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board
> Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our
> organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide
> our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will
> appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that
> point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out
> to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I
> trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻
>
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> (203) 273-8463
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From rbacchus228 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 06:16:48 2020
From: rbacchus228 at gmail.com (Roanna Bacchus)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 02:16:48 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] 2020 Election Results
In-Reply-To: <596C8282-2742-4C71-A929-68ADFA3336F1@gmail.com>
References: <596C8282-2742-4C71-A929-68ADFA3336F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <3B588096-FDDD-473A-9EF3-33DBCA1C4B1E@gmail.com>

Congratulations to the new board. I wish you the best in your positions. I am so proud of each of you. He will all do a wonderful job representing us.

Sincerely,

Roanna Bacchus

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:49 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear NABS Family,
> 
> When I think about an ideal board to drive our national student division forward, I look for balance. Balance can mean a ton of different things. To me, balance means diversity. It means qualifications that, when combined across the nine personalities, creates a space for all leaders to share, grow, and learn together; it means perspectives to fit our needs; it means so much more, but it prioritizes NABS and our national student membership, not the board members driving the work forward. We are a membership-driven organization and thus serve our members every single day of our lives. We need diversity of age, race, gender, talents, backgrounds, life experiences, involvement in NABS, religion, disability, and of as many identities as we can reach. We must be intentional to meet the changing needs of our members. Simultaneously, we need the strongest leaders from all walks of life to guide our state student divisions forward, facilitate leadership and regional seminars, lead our committees, retain members, and build our organization.
> 
> I preface all of this to what happened Wednesday night. In person, our protocol would have been to put forth the five names to our active, registered, and dues-paying members. The name with the least amount of votes the first time by voice would have been dropped. We then would have done the same voting procedure for the four, dropped the lowest; and all the way until we got to the remaining two candidates seeking said position. With over 250 participants on our call and no feasible way of one person reaching a majority in the formal way we typically check, including cross-referencing our registrants, I was comfortable with the motion brought to the floor. This motion asked for the discussion to cease; and the appointment of the final 1-year vacated board position be left to the current president. I allowed for ample time to share concerns and received unanimous support to proceed in this way. I am so sincerely sorry that this process did not resonate with everyone. I understand and I am confident that if we are virtual moving forward, voting will be even more mitigated and intentional.
> 
> To this end, I am thrilled to announce that Shane Wegner has been appointed to the position of board Member 4. They are entering their third year of law school, living in the wonderful city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are a leader in the diversity and inclusion space, ready and eager to approach diversity proactively within our national organization. Moreover, Shane has a wealth of knowledge as it relates to accessibility, intersectionality, graduate studies, and so much more. I am confident in their abilities to represent the future of NABS, as I am with the eight other board members. These nine rock star leaders are authentic, intentional, proactive, honest, collaborative, and transparent.
> 
> Shane will be a great addition to the 2020-21 organization calendar year; and would be more than happy to chat with any member interested in conversing. So, cheers to the incoming NABS Board and congratulations!!
> 
> President: Trisha Kulkarni
> 1st Vice President: Kenia Flores
> 2nd Vice President: Justin Salisbury
> Treasurer: Elizabeth Rouse
> Secretary: Mausam Mehta
> Board Members: Nina Marranca, Johna Wright, Robert Parsons, and Shane Wegner
> 
> These leaders will make us so proud! Regardless of my role moving forward, the door is always open. Blind students have the softest place in my heart. I hope we all can put the love, energy, passion, and support behind these incoming leaders. I know I certainly will.
> 
> I love you all,
> Kathryn Webster
> President, National Association of Blind Students
> A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind
> (203) 273-8463
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/rbacchus228%40gmail.com


From therealvictormarques at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 06:34:57 2020
From: therealvictormarques at gmail.com (Victor Marques)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 02:34:57 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
References: <12830EED-A837-439B-BBEF-99B325E0E0A8@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <02EF9F81-E311-4DE4-A2B6-D8E4942A0B9B@gmail.com>

Perfectly stated, Nico. I couldn’t have said it better myself. My issue is with the process, not the individuals involved. Congratulations to Shane, thank you for your service Catherine, and may we learn to do this better next time. Let’s go build the federation with blind students out there!

Victor


> On Jul 19, 2020, at 12:20 AM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it. But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.
> 
> Respectfully, 
> 
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello All,
>> 
>> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>> 
>> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>> 
>> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.
>> 
>> There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>> 
>> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
>> Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>> 
>> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.
>> 
>> Warm regards,,
>> Elizabeth
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 06:36:53 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 23:36:53 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <228D15EC-AA3F-46B3-88BD-E632966C974D@gmail.com>

I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
> 
> Humbly,
> Nick Petrillo
> He/him/his
> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
> 703-346-9981
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Nick and all,
>> 
>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>> 
>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>> 
>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>> 
>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>> 
>> Please find our Constitution below:
>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>> Article III. Membership
>> Section 1. -- Members
>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>> 
>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> 
>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>> 
>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>> 
>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>> system.
>> 
>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>> 
>> Justin Young
>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>> 
>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>> 
>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>> 
>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>> 
>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>> membership is critical in our movement.
>> 
>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>> 
>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>> 
>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>> 
>> Love,
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> 203-273-8463
>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>> 
>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>> 
>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>> discussion.
>> 
>> Victor Marques
>> NABS Member
>> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> I think this is reasonable.
>> 
>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>> 
>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> --
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
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> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com



From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 06:38:01 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2020 23:38:01 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] WABS fundraiser
In-Reply-To: <31C7276E-298F-4BB1-9306-F5B50032B2EC@gmail.com>
References: <31C7276E-298F-4BB1-9306-F5B50032B2EC@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <308CE25A-4EC7-4AEE-A3B3-F5BF889B7794@gmail.com>

Is this drawing going to take place in September? If I remember correctly, that is what’s happening unless I am wrong. Please let me know if I am.

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:56 PM, Elana Charles via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello members of the Federation family, the Wisconsin Association of blind students is doing a fundraiser and go rally up and the price is a mystery Apple product with AppleCare included. The ticket price is 10 tickets for $20 and our fundraiser ends in August. Here is a link to the go rally up site https://go.rallyup.com/wabsdrawing/JRAE2G
> Thank you and have a fantastic weekend
> Elana
> Sent from my iPhone
> Elana Charles WSBVI student
> Secretary of the Wisconsin Association of blind students WABS 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com



From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 12:23:44 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 07:23:44 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] 2020 Election Results
In-Reply-To: <596C8282-2742-4C71-A929-68ADFA3336F1@gmail.com>
References: <596C8282-2742-4C71-A929-68ADFA3336F1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <00f001d65dc7$72640180$572c0480$@gmail.com>

Congratulations to the new board; I look forward to opportunities ahead for
us to work together.

Thank-you, Kathryn, for your leadership for the past four years.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Kathryn Webster,
National Student President via NABS-L
Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 10:48 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com>;
OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org
Subject: [NABS-L] 2020 Election Results

Dear NABS Family,
 
When I think about an ideal board to drive our national student division
forward, I look for balance. Balance can mean a ton of different things. To
me, balance means diversity. It means qualifications that, when combined
across the nine personalities, creates a space for all leaders to share,
grow, and learn together; it means perspectives to fit our needs; it means
so much more, but it prioritizes NABS and our national student membership,
not the board members driving the work forward. We are a membership-driven
organization and thus serve our members every single day of our lives. We
need diversity of age, race, gender, talents, backgrounds, life experiences,
involvement in NABS, religion, disability, and of as many identities as we
can reach. We must be intentional to meet the changing needs of our members.
Simultaneously, we need the strongest leaders from all walks of life to
guide our state student divisions forward, facilitate leadership and
regional seminars, lead our committees, retain members, and build our
organization.
 
I preface all of this to what happened Wednesday night. In person, our
protocol would have been to put forth the five names to our active,
registered, and dues-paying members. The name with the least amount of votes
the first time by voice would have been dropped. We then would have done the
same voting procedure for the four, dropped the lowest; and all the way
until we got to the remaining two candidates seeking said position. With
over 250 participants on our call and no feasible way of one person reaching
a majority in the formal way we typically check, including cross-referencing
our registrants, I was comfortable with the motion brought to the floor.
This motion asked for the discussion to cease; and the appointment of the
final 1-year vacated board position be left to the current president. I
allowed for ample time to share concerns and received unanimous support to
proceed in this way. I am so sincerely sorry that this process did not
resonate with everyone. I understand and I am confident that if we are
virtual moving forward, voting will be even more mitigated and intentional.
 
To this end, I am thrilled to announce that Shane Wegner has been appointed
to the position of board Member 4. They are entering their third year of law
school, living in the wonderful city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are a
leader in the diversity and inclusion space, ready and eager to approach
diversity proactively within our national organization. Moreover, Shane has
a wealth of knowledge as it relates to accessibility, intersectionality,
graduate studies, and so much more. I am confident in their abilities to
represent the future of NABS, as I am with the eight other board members.
These nine rock star leaders are authentic, intentional, proactive, honest,
collaborative, and transparent.
 
Shane will be a great addition to the 2020-21 organization calendar year;
and would be more than happy to chat with any member interested in
conversing. So, cheers to the incoming NABS Board and congratulations!!
 
President: Trisha Kulkarni
1st Vice President: Kenia Flores
2nd Vice President: Justin Salisbury
Treasurer: Elizabeth Rouse
Secretary: Mausam Mehta
Board Members: Nina Marranca, Johna Wright, Robert Parsons, and Shane Wegner
 
These leaders will make us so proud! Regardless of my role moving forward,
the door is always open. Blind students have the softest place in my heart.
I hope we all can put the love, energy, passion, and support behind these
incoming leaders. I know I certainly will.
 
I love you all,
Kathryn Webster
President, National Association of Blind Students A proud division of the
National Federation of the Blind
(203) 273-8463

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
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om



From zdreicer at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 12:32:51 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 06:32:51 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] Announcement: Board Member 3 Result
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCFJZDpkh5H=6EgD3R3_QoWnFFW8eRRN2LZtFB5OPreDd+Q@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCFJZDpkh5H=6EgD3R3_QoWnFFW8eRRN2LZtFB5OPreDd+Q@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <B998B9F9-832B-4D33-8B59-DFBD0E14CA0A@gmail.com>

Looks like I missed the email about position 3, in regard to yesterday’s appointment. Please accept my sincerest appology for not reading and responding earlier



“Live the life you want”
-National Federation of the Blind

Sent from my iPhone XS  Using VoiceOver

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 23:25, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Congrats Robert and the whole incoming NABS board. Many thanks and much
> respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim
> 
>> On Thu, Jul 16, 2020 at 9:01 PM Kathryn Webster, National Student President
>> via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi fam!
>> 
>> After ballots were casted via an online form for registered and
>> dues-paying NABS members, I want to congratulate Robert Parsons for
>> receiving the majority of votes, electing him as our 2020-21 NABS Board
>> Member 3. Thank you to those who exercised your right to vote in our
>> organization and for being patient and trusting in my  leadership to guide
>> our elections through a fair and transparent process. As promised, I will
>> appoint Board Member 4 and will announce the appointee by Saturday. At that
>> point, we will also share the final 2020-21 election results. Do reach out
>> to me to voice any questions or concerns. Congratulations again Robert; I
>> trust your leadership and dedication to our movement. 👏🏻
>> 
>> Kathryn Webster
>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>> (203) 273-8463
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 12:43:04 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 05:43:04 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <02EF9F81-E311-4DE4-A2B6-D8E4942A0B9B@gmail.com>
References: <02EF9F81-E311-4DE4-A2B6-D8E4942A0B9B@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <ED17419E-9982-4E97-A2AE-E0194CF59760@gmail.com>

Jason,

I respect your opinion and agree with some of it. Thank you for being willing to bring this forward. I think that it’s time, however, to drop this on the email list. Kathryn is officially out of office, and this debate has gotten increasingly personal, which I don’t appreciate. If you have further concerns, I’d suggest bringing them to the attention of the National office but at this point, carrying out with emails on this isn’t particularly constructive to what I think your intent is. I’m not trying to force you to do anything, or to tell you what I would do in your position. Thank you, once again, for your passion; we need more of that. 

Best,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 18, 2020, at 23:36, Victor Marques via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Perfectly stated, Nico. I couldn’t have said it better myself. My issue is with the process, not the individuals involved. Congratulations to Shane, thank you for your service Catherine, and may we learn to do this better next time. Let’s go build the federation with blind students out there!
> 
> Victor
> 
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 12:20 AM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it. But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.
>> 
>> Respectfully, 
>> 
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>> 703-346-9981
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello All,
>>> 
>>> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>>> 
>>> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>>> 
>>> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.
>>> 
>>> There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.
>>> 
>>> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>>> 
>>> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
>>> Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>>> 
>>> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.
>>> 
>>> Warm regards,,
>>> Elizabeth
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
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> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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From tyler at tysdomain.com  Sun Jul 19 15:17:43 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 11:17:43 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <228D15EC-AA3F-46B3-88BD-E632966C974D@gmail.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
 <228D15EC-AA3F-46B3-88BD-E632966C974D@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <e87e72e1-4be9-ddb7-e681-a3da43c53ead@tysdomain.com>

At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have 
to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal 
attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make 
decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope 
that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it 
more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time 
seems to have been forgotten.

TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls 
under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that 
some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal 
attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going 
back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way 
this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with 
one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort 
forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes 
minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write 
that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.

On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance.
>>
>> Humbly,
>> Nick Petrillo
>> He/him/his
>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>> 703-346-9981
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> Nick and all,
>>>
>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>
>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>
>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>>
>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>>>
>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>> ARTICLE I. NAME
>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.
>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.
>>> Article III. Membership
>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>>
>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>
>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>
>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>>
>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>>>
>>> Nick Petrillo
>>> He/him/his
>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>> 703-346-9981
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi All,
>>>
>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>
>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>> system.
>>>
>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>
>>> Justin Young
>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>
>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi everyone,
>>>
>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>
>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>
>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>
>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>
>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>
>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>
>>> Love,
>>> Kathryn Webster
>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>> 203-273-8463
>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>
>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>
>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>> discussion.
>>>
>>> Victor Marques
>>> NABS Member
>>>
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>
>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>
>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>>
>>> --
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


-- 

Take Care,
Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)

Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business 
solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site 
<http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter 
<http://twitter.com/sorressean>



From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 16:08:16 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:08:16 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <e87e72e1-4be9-ddb7-e681-a3da43c53ead@tysdomain.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
 <228D15EC-AA3F-46B3-88BD-E632966C974D@gmail.com>
 <e87e72e1-4be9-ddb7-e681-a3da43c53ead@tysdomain.com>
Message-ID: <2039C985-DF93-42DC-894C-4837264E84DF@gmail.com>

I implore you to find any of the personal attacks on Kathryn that any of us made. Like find any attacks on her looks, on her strength, on her eyes, weight, intelligence, or any other characteristic of that sort. I am not sure you understand what personal attacks are, maybe you do, but these are not personal attacks. First, the points or “attacks” according to you, that we made are about a specific occurrence that happened due to authoritative leadership. We made suggestions, and we spoke out and exposed excuses being made by leadership that seemed to try and cover up for what is to be a major error, on their part. Also, if someone is worried about what the lasting impression of a president is going to be, then if I were them I would not have gone into the convention with a lack of preparedness for something as sacred and important as voting.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 8:17 AM, Littlefield, Tyler <tyler at tysdomain.com> wrote:
> 
> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time seems to have been forgotten.
> 
> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
> 
> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>> 
>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
>>> 
>>> Humbly,
>>> Nick Petrillo
>>> He/him/his
>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>> 703-346-9981
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> <mailto:nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Nick and all,
>>>> 
>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>> 
>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>> 
>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>>> 
>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>>>> 
>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>>> 
>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>> 
>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>> 
>>>> Love,
>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com> <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>> 
>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>>> 
>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution <http://nabslink.org/about/constitution>
>>>> 
>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>> He/him/his
>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hi All,
>>>> 
>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>> 
>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>>> system.
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>> 
>>>> Justin Young
>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>> 
>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>> 
>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>> 
>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>> 
>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>> 
>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>> 
>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>> 
>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>> 
>>>> Love,
>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>>> NABS-L
>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com> <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>> 
>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>> 
>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>>> discussion.
>>>> 
>>>> Victor Marques
>>>> NABS Member
>>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>> 
>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> --
>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
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>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com>
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com>
> 
> -- 
> 
> Take Care,
> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me/> My personal site <http://tysdomain.com/> My Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield>@Sorressean on Twitter <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
> 


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 16:11:44 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:11:44 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <ED17419E-9982-4E97-A2AE-E0194CF59760@gmail.com>
References: <02EF9F81-E311-4DE4-A2B6-D8E4942A0B9B@gmail.com>
 <ED17419E-9982-4E97-A2AE-E0194CF59760@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8D8E2172-9CBF-4717-87E1-A79DBED3F285@gmail.com>

I appreciate your passion as well. This is not just trying to speak out about Kathryn, she’s gone now as you said. This is also on those on leadership who apparently had a part in making the students portion of the students division happen, they need to do better and their lack of doing so lets me and others know nothing will change. I don’t do personal attacks, just talk about what I see and reply constructively to others, and if others have gotten personal, it’s just the passion they feel and the lack of respect they felt from the leadership of the division. I am willing to let this go, but I just want the new leadership that encompassed the old guard to understand, we will never forget it and they have the responsibility of making it better. Thank you for reaching out and for being an essential part of our organization.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 5:43 AM, Cricket Bidleman via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Jason,
> 
> I respect your opinion and agree with some of it. Thank you for being willing to bring this forward. I think that it’s time, however, to drop this on the email list. Kathryn is officially out of office, and this debate has gotten increasingly personal, which I don’t appreciate. If you have further concerns, I’d suggest bringing them to the attention of the National office but at this point, carrying out with emails on this isn’t particularly constructive to what I think your intent is. I’m not trying to force you to do anything, or to tell you what I would do in your position. Thank you, once again, for your passion; we need more of that. 
> 
> Best,
> CXB
> 
> —
> Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
> Stanford University | Class of 2021
> BA Candidate | Communications 
> Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
> Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
> President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)
> 
>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 23:36, Victor Marques via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>> 
>> Perfectly stated, Nico. I couldn’t have said it better myself. My issue is with the process, not the individuals involved. Congratulations to Shane, thank you for your service Catherine, and may we learn to do this better next time. Let’s go build the federation with blind students out there!
>> 
>> Victor
>> 
>> 
>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 12:20 AM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Regardless of thoughts on this issue It’s important to support the incoming Nabs board. As someone who spoke up today on the list serve I am satisfied in the knowledge that all the elected positions are excellent people. They all want the best for Nabs and have the qualifications to support our great organization. I think many have said today sentiment that we should learn from this, and I agree. However it’s time for all of us to build a bridge and get over it. No more than ever the new board will need our support in the coming year. Issues plaguing our community such as voting rights, and college accommodations. Well it is important to speak out when you feel something is wrong I know many thought the time for that was the business meeting but I think we can all agree that if you didn’t say anything in the email today Then The time has truly passed. If nothing else Kathryn responded to our concerns, and explained her reasoning. It’s up to us to make sure this doesn’t happen again if we truly don’t like it. But now is the time for all of us to be giving our full support to the new bored, and put in another great year in the national Federation of the blind as advocates, mentors, leaders, teachers, and so much more.
>>> 
>>> Respectfully, 
>>> 
>>> Nick Petrillo
>>> He/him/his
>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>> 703-346-9981
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 11:04 PM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Hello All,
>>>> 
>>>> I commend Kathryn for her leadership as the President of the National Association of Blind Students. However, there was definitely a better way to conduct the elections for the fourth board position.
>>>> 
>>>> There was opposition to Kathryn appointing someone to this position. However, it was strongly shot down by Kathryn who appeared to be tired, inpatient, and authoritative. I felt as though the way this opposition was shot down was wrong as every member has the right to voice their opinion. I imagine between the sheer shock of the authoritative decision for Kathryn to appoint someone to this board position along with the strong opposition to the one person who tried to argue against this decision made it rather difficult for anyone else to oppose Kathryn as this decision was being made.
>>>> 
>>>> The elections for the National Association of Blind Students is often controversial. Therefore, it would have been wise to give extra consideration for holding these elections in a virtual environment. But it sounded as though the procedures for conducting elections were created by Kathryn alone. If this organization is truly a democratic organization, then no single person should be making any major decisions that involves the membership without giving all members a chance to voice their opinion on the matter.
>>>> 
>>>> There could have been other options considered for this board position that would have been less controversial. I remember there was a motion made and approved during the 2011 elections to drop all but the top two people running for the final board position after the first round of voting. I remember this taking place because I was in the running for this board position. I remember this being done because there were a lot of people running for this board position and it was starting to get very late. While some may argue this decision violated the election procedure outlined in the constitution, it appeared to be a reasonable compromise given the circumstances.
>>>> 
>>>> Additionally, there is only one year left for this board position. Therefore, leaving it vacant until next year or until a less controversial means of voting could be agreed upon and conducted could have been considered. However, there were no alternatives discussed or considered. Either you agreed with the option Kathryn was proposing, or you were in opposition of what Kathryn was proposing, and there did not appear to be any alternatives that met the approval of the President.
>>>> 
>>>> The code of conduct states that the organization is to provide an open and welcoming place for everyone. But this is not what I saw take place during the elections for the forth board position. Instead, it appeared as though there was an authoritative
>>>> Leader enforcing their own will onto the membership of the organization. I did not voice my opinion during the meeting as I felt it would not have mattered and would not have changed the decision that was being made. I am neither a dues paying member or leader within this organization.
>>>> 
>>>> It is possible the way the elections for the fourth board position was handled may have long term consequences for the organization. This meeting was being conducted online for anyone to see. And it may have served as an example for those who believe the National Federation of the Blind is not the democratic organization that it claims to be. I was surprised that none of the national leaders provided any direction or oversight regarding the election for this board position. No one person should be above the organization.
>>>> 
>>>> Warm regards,,
>>>> Elizabeth
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
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>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>>> 
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>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>> 
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From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 16:49:52 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 09:49:52 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <2039C985-DF93-42DC-894C-4837264E84DF@gmail.com>
References: <2039C985-DF93-42DC-894C-4837264E84DF@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D34A8D98-64AD-44FC-A85F-069E52771D06@gmail.com>

Hi all,

I am concerned that this thread is getting out of control. I think everyone has good intentions, but if this continues it’s not going to go well. To those who believe this wasn’t a good decision, I suggest either bringing it to President Riccobono or working with the current leadership to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Maybe both if you feel like it. To those who agree with the decision, there’s no real need to continue the discussion here. If you feel like debating this privately, that’s one thing. But this email chain is no longer productive, so I’m asking for it to stop. If it continues, I’m asking the moderators to end it. In the meantime, let’s all just chill. We’ve all had a busy convention and recent events have been hard on everyone. Take at least today to decompress. Thanks.

Love,
CXB

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 09:09, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I implore you to find any of the personal attacks on Kathryn that any of us made. Like find any attacks on her looks, on her strength, on her eyes, weight, intelligence, or any other characteristic of that sort. I am not sure you understand what personal attacks are, maybe you do, but these are not personal attacks. First, the points or “attacks” according to you, that we made are about a specific occurrence that happened due to authoritative leadership. We made suggestions, and we spoke out and exposed excuses being made by leadership that seemed to try and cover up for what is to be a major error, on their part. Also, if someone is worried about what the lasting impression of a president is going to be, then if I were them I would not have gone into the convention with a lack of preparedness for something as sacred and important as voting.
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 8:17 AM, Littlefield, Tyler <tyler at tysdomain.com> wrote:
>> 
>> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time seems to have been forgotten.
>> 
>> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>> 
>>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
>>>> 
>>>> Humbly,
>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>> He/him/his
>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> <mailto:nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick and all,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>>>> 
>>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com> <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>>>> 
>>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution <http://nabslink.org/about/constitution>
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>>>> system.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Justin Young
>>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>> 
>>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>>> 
>>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>>> 
>>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>
>>>>> 
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com> <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>>>> discussion.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Victor Marques
>>>>> NABS Member
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
>>>>> 
>>>>> --
>>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com>
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com>
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
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>>> 
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>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> Take Care,
>> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me/> My personal site <http://tysdomain.com/> My Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield>@Sorressean on Twitter <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
>> 
> 
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From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 19:07:21 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 15:07:21 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <e87e72e1-4be9-ddb7-e681-a3da43c53ead@tysdomain.com>
References: <01d901d65d56$58218250$086486f0$@gmail.com>
 <FFC38402-4069-4FBC-87AE-B15726CC70C2@gmail.com>
 <228D15EC-AA3F-46B3-88BD-E632966C974D@gmail.com>
 <e87e72e1-4be9-ddb7-e681-a3da43c53ead@tysdomain.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCF+JvF2Vgngnix-W2hsQYQcVWgUq_qN-=FYW3msqCb+v3Q@mail.gmail.com>

Hi.  From my understanding, and from what I have reviewed of this email
thread, nobody has made, and nobody should be making, personal attacks. It
clearly appears that there are folks reflecting on how the process took
place and speaking out as to how they would have approached the situation
differently. I do believe we have to welcome our new incoming board and
officers, but I believe discussion is always welcomed in a democratic
setting. Tyler, you make a good point and indicating that we should be the
change we wish to see. This is great stuff. Thank you for that amazing
input.  In that, we should reflect on how to better handle virtual voting
situations, as was very well handled at yesterday‘s later general session.
Take care. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa


On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:19 AM Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have
> to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal
> attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make
> decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope
> that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it
> more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time
> seems to have been forgotten.
>
> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls
> under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that
> some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal
> attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going
> back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way
> this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with
> one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort
> forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes
> minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write
> that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>
> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
> > I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in
> 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the
> new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using
> that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
> >
> >> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that
> is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not
> public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly
> informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me
> that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting
> for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both
> as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution
> will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage
> of because of their ignorance.
> >>
> >> Humbly,
> >> Nick Petrillo
> >> He/him/his
> >> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
> >> 703-346-9981
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student
> President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> 
> >>> Nick and all,
> >>>
> >>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think
> that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members.
> I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of
> the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to
> appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to
> this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed.
> Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to
> close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted
> on by our membership prior to adjournment.
> >>>
> >>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division
> constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be
> elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd
> years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected
> below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite
> some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national
> student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB
> server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most
> updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual
> business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are
> elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final.
> This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who
> disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was
> moved by all present and choosing to vote.
> >>>
> >>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that
> reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead
> puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That
> means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization
> forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no
> one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking,
> voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of
> itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the
> final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular
> business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or
> opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared
> around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our
> members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our
> convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National
> Association of Blind Students.
> >>>
> >>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though
> I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and
> today.
> >>>
> >>> Please find our Constitution below:
> >>> ARTICLE I. NAME
> >>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind
> Students.
> >>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
> >>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to
> function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted
> persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and
> carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the
> blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to
> promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social
> advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs
> for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall
> condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an
> integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various
> activities.
> >>> Article III. Membership
> >>> Section 1. -- Members
> >>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be
> blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may
> become an active member of this association, provided that such person
> meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National
> Federation of the Blind.
> >>> Section 2. -- expulsion
> >>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the
> Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any
> member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity
> unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the
> active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this
> association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this
> organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
> >>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
> >>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a
> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or
> special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board
> of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements
> for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National
> Federation of the Blind.
> >>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
> >>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in
> each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice
> President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four
> (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board
> Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board
> members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected
> and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must
> be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of
> the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board
> members must be in school for one year following their election. There
> shall be no proxy votes.
> >>>
> >>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name
> of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of
> nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue
> until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and
> board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The
> officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is
> necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual
> regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board
> member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
> >>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
> >>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual
> convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington
> Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be
> called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of
> directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this
> Association.
> >>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
> >>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of
> the Association deem necessary.
> >>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
> >>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in
> advance.
> >>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
> >>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be
> selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial
> obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on
> order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
> >>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
> >>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the
> National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the
> President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this
> constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the
> names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization
> will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National
> Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this
> Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized
> Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
> >>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
> >>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever
> reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind,
> its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to
> be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of
> the Blind.
> >>>
> >>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this
> Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the
> Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the
> Blind.
> >>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
> >>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
> Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members
> present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the
> President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
> >>>
> >>> Love,
> >>> Kathryn Webster
> >>> President, National Association of Blind Students
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
> >>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
> >>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> >>>
> >>> As a state student division president I also agree having state
> student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline
> like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to
> vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to
> reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we
> abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is
> public on a Our student division website.
> >>>
> >>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
> >>>
> >>> Nick Petrillo
> >>> He/him/his
> >>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
> >>> 703-346-9981
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Hi All,
> >>>
> >>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> >>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> >>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> >>>
> >>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
> >>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
> >>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> >>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> >>> system.
> >>>
> >>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
> >>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
> >>>
> >>> Justin Young
> >>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> >>>
> >>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
> >>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Hi everyone,
> >>>
> >>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
> >>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this
> format. I
> >>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency.
> I
> >>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up
> on
> >>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision
> made
> >>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
> >>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I
> am a
> >>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
> >>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and
> honesty.
> >>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried
> to make
> >>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only
> the
> >>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom
> ready
> >>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction
> that
> >>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough
> situation
> >>> to be in, given the circumstances.
> >>>
> >>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> >>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in
> making a
> >>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
> >>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> >>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We
> would
> >>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least
> amount of
> >>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the
> individual who
> >>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues
> until
> >>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
> >>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
> >>>
> >>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form
> would
> >>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members
> to
> >>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
> >>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
> >>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president,
> I
> >>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a
> constitutional
> >>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
> >>> membership is critical in our movement.
> >>>
> >>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
> >>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in
> making
> >>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters.
> I am
> >>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest
> and
> >>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working
> with our
> >>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive.
> This
> >>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> >>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even
> slightly,
> >>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting.
> Leaning on
> >>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were
> not
> >>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to
> represent
> >>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given
> the
> >>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I
> have
> >>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> >>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4
> are
> >>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
> >>>
> >>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you
> would
> >>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only
> one
> >>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session
> right
> >>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were
> not
> >>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and
> intention as
> >>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
> >>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and
> instead
> >>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with
> that
> >>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
> >>>
> >>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to
> call me
> >>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate
> you;
> >>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
> >>>
> >>> Love,
> >>> Kathryn Webster
> >>> President, National Association of Blind Students
> >>> 203-273-8463
> >>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques
> via
> >>> NABS-L
> >>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> >>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> >>>
> >>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member
> 4.
> >>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who
> was
> >>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google
> Form
> >>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes.
> Should
> >>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second
> vote.
> >>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> >>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> >>>
> >>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was
> pushed
> >>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> >>> discussion.
> >>>
> >>> Victor Marques
> >>> NABS Member
> >>>
> >>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> I think this is reasonable.
> >>>
> >>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> >>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
> >>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
> >>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
> >>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
> >>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that
> everyone
> >>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
> >>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
> >>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve
> in
> >>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
> >>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention
> would
> >>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
> >>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
> >>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
> >>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of
> voting.
> >>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
> >>>
> >>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> Keri Svendsen
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
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> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
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> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >>
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> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
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>
>
> --
>
> Take Care,
> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>
> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business
> solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site
> <http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin
> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter
> <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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From trishak.nfb at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 19:18:17 2020
From: trishak.nfb at gmail.com (Trisha Kulkarni)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 15:18:17 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCF+JvF2Vgngnix-W2hsQYQcVWgUq_qN-=FYW3msqCb+v3Q@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCF+JvF2Vgngnix-W2hsQYQcVWgUq_qN-=FYW3msqCb+v3Q@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>

Dear Students, 
 
I hope this message finds you well during what continues to be a unique time in history. With the close of convention and the appointment of our final board member last night, the 2020 National Association of Blind Students Board is officially in office. This is certainly not what I envisioned my first contact with the membership to be as President, but to me, it is important to address the ongoing conversations on our list serve and social media to ensure that full transparency remains at the core of our movement and that every student knows they have a voice. 
 
I want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s election process. It was clear from the moment that our convention went virtual that we would be navigating a difficult set of circumstances if board vacancies occurred. Kathryn worked closely with the board and national leadership to do what she felt was the most fair, and per the discussion and vote on Wednesday night, our membership agreed to move forward with a Google form vote for board position 3 and an appointment by the current President for board position 4. I want to be clear that the announcement made by Kathryn last night that was sent out on the list serve and social media was made by the 2019 to 2020 board, and her decision on the new leadership is final and non-negotiable. 
 
That being said, our work as an organization is strongly rooted in the voices of each of you as members, and I want to make sure that we use the experiences and frustrations from this week to be more unified moving forward:
Communication: I appreciate that we have outlets to connect and discuss as a membership. However, the conversations I have seen occurring over the past day in these spaces have simply not been productive. In the process of determining a plan of action, we as leadership did not receive any direct communication from any students, but rather public statements of distaste. I ask that you all feel comfortable reaching out to me and the rest of the NABS Board if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about any of the work that we do. Most importantly, direct communication is key for enacting change. I am available by phone at 937-361-2363 and for now by email at trishak.nfb at gmail.com. 
Our NABS Constitution: I am working quickly and diligently to get the NABS Constitution with the amendment from 2017 onto our website and know that it is a priority of ours to ensure that you have full access to the governing principles of this organization. We have been facing challenges due to some updates that need to be made to our server by the national office, but I assure you that this concern of the membership is fully valid and will be resolved as soon as possible. 
The Importance of Active Participation: Finally, I want to reiterate that none of what we do in NABS is possible without all of you. It is important that you get connected, get involved, and get to know us as an organization. That is the best way to make sure that we keep up the awesome momentum that we have and are able to problem solve together when faced with challenges. 
Myself and the rest of the NABS Board is incredibly excited to get to work, and I want to thank you for putting your trust in us to lead this effort forward with integrity.
 
Yours,
Trisha Kulkarni
President | National Association of Blind Students
A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org

> 
> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi.  From my understanding, and from what I have reviewed of this email
> thread, nobody has made, and nobody should be making, personal attacks. It
> clearly appears that there are folks reflecting on how the process took
> place and speaking out as to how they would have approached the situation
> differently. I do believe we have to welcome our new incoming board and
> officers, but I believe discussion is always welcomed in a democratic
> setting. Tyler, you make a good point and indicating that we should be the
> change we wish to see. This is great stuff. Thank you for that amazing
> input.  In that, we should reflect on how to better handle virtual voting
> situations, as was very well handled at yesterday‘s later general session.
> Take care. Many thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:19 AM Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have
>> to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal
>> attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make
>> decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope
>> that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it
>> more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time
>> seems to have been forgotten.
>> 
>> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls
>> under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that
>> some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal
>> attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going
>> back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way
>> this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with
>> one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort
>> forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes
>> minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write
>> that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>> 
>>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in
>> 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the
>> new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using
>> that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that
>> is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not
>> public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly
>> informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me
>> that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting
>> for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both
>> as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution
>> will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage
>> of because of their ignorance.
>>>> 
>>>> Humbly,
>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>> He/him/his
>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student
>> President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick and all,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think
>> that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members.
>> I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of
>> the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to
>> appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to
>> this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed.
>> Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to
>> close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted
>> on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division
>> constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be
>> elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd
>> years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected
>> below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite
>> some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national
>> student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB
>> server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most
>> updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual
>> business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are
>> elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final.
>> This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who
>> disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was
>> moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that
>> reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead
>> puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That
>> means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization
>> forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no
>> one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking,
>> voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of
>> itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the
>> final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular
>> business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or
>> opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared
>> around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our
>> members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our
>> convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National
>> Association of Blind Students.
>>>>> 
>>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though
>> I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and
>> today.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME
>>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind
>> Students.
>>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
>>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to
>> function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted
>> persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and
>> carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the
>> blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to
>> promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social
>> advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs
>> for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall
>> condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an
>> integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various
>> activities.
>>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be
>> blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may
>> become an active member of this association, provided that such person
>> meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National
>> Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the
>> Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any
>> member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity
>> unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the
>> active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this
>> association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this
>> organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a
>> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or
>> special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board
>> of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements
>> for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National
>> Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in
>> each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice
>> President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four
>> (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board
>> Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board
>> members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected
>> and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must
>> be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of
>> the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board
>> members must be in school for one year following their election. There
>> shall be no proxy votes.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name
>> of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of
>> nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue
>> until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and
>> board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The
>> officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is
>> necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual
>> regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board
>> member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual
>> convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington
>> Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be
>> called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of
>> directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this
>> Association.
>>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of
>> the Association deem necessary.
>>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in
>> advance.
>>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be
>> selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial
>> obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on
>> order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the
>> National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the
>> President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this
>> constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the
>> names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization
>> will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National
>> Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this
>> Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized
>> Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever
>> reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind,
>> its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to
>> be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of
>> the Blind.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this
>> Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the
>> Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the
>> Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
>> Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members
>> present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the
>> President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state
>> student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline
>> like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to
>> vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to
>> reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we
>> abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is
>> public on a Our student division website.
>>>>> 
>>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>>>> system.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Justin Young
>>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>> 
>>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this
>> format. I
>>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency.
>> I
>>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up
>> on
>>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision
>> made
>>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I
>> am a
>>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and
>> honesty.
>>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried
>> to make
>>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only
>> the
>>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom
>> ready
>>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction
>> that
>>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough
>> situation
>>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in
>> making a
>>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We
>> would
>>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least
>> amount of
>>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the
>> individual who
>>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues
>> until
>>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>>> 
>>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form
>> would
>>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members
>> to
>>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president,
>> I
>>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a
>> constitutional
>>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>>> 
>>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in
>> making
>>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters.
>> I am
>>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest
>> and
>>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working
>> with our
>>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive.
>> This
>>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even
>> slightly,
>>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting.
>> Leaning on
>>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were
>> not
>>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to
>> represent
>>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given
>> the
>>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I
>> have
>>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4
>> are
>>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you
>> would
>>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only
>> one
>>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session
>> right
>>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were
>> not
>>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and
>> intention as
>>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and
>> instead
>>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with
>> that
>>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to
>> call me
>>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate
>> you;
>>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques
>> via
>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member
>> 4.
>>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who
>> was
>>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google
>> Form
>>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes.
>> Should
>>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second
>> vote.
>>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was
>> pushed
>>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>>>> discussion.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Victor Marques
>>>>> NABS Member
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that
>> everyone
>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve
>> in
>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention
>> would
>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of
>> voting.
>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> --
>>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> Take Care,
>> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>> 
>> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business
>> solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site
>> <http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin
>> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter
>> <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
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>> 
> _______________________________________________
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From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 19:38:56 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 14:38:56 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCF+JvF2Vgngnix-W2hsQYQcVWgUq_qN-=FYW3msqCb+v3Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <014201d65e04$3e85bb00$bb913100$@gmail.com>

Dear Trisha,

I thank-you for such a well-written message below, and wish to congratulate you on your election to the office of President of the National Association of Blind Students (NABS.)

Thank-you for continuing to be transparent with the membership, and I look forward to working with you and the rest of the NABS board and membership to achieve equality for blind students.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Trisha Kulkarni via NABS-L
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 2:18 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Trisha Kulkarni <trishak.nfb at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4

Dear Students, 
 
I hope this message finds you well during what continues to be a unique time in history. With the close of convention and the appointment of our final board member last night, the 2020 National Association of Blind Students Board is officially in office. This is certainly not what I envisioned my first contact with the membership to be as President, but to me, it is important to address the ongoing conversations on our list serve and social media to ensure that full transparency remains at the core of our movement and that every student knows they have a voice. 
 
I want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s election process. It was clear from the moment that our convention went virtual that we would be navigating a difficult set of circumstances if board vacancies occurred. Kathryn worked closely with the board and national leadership to do what she felt was the most fair, and per the discussion and vote on Wednesday night, our membership agreed to move forward with a Google form vote for board position 3 and an appointment by the current President for board position 4. I want to be clear that the announcement made by Kathryn last night that was sent out on the list serve and social media was made by the 2019 to 2020 board, and her decision on the new leadership is final and non-negotiable. 
 
That being said, our work as an organization is strongly rooted in the voices of each of you as members, and I want to make sure that we use the experiences and frustrations from this week to be more unified moving forward:
Communication: I appreciate that we have outlets to connect and discuss as a membership. However, the conversations I have seen occurring over the past day in these spaces have simply not been productive. In the process of determining a plan of action, we as leadership did not receive any direct communication from any students, but rather public statements of distaste. I ask that you all feel comfortable reaching out to me and the rest of the NABS Board if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about any of the work that we do. Most importantly, direct communication is key for enacting change. I am available by phone at 937-361-2363 and for now by email at trishak.nfb at gmail.com. 
Our NABS Constitution: I am working quickly and diligently to get the NABS Constitution with the amendment from 2017 onto our website and know that it is a priority of ours to ensure that you have full access to the governing principles of this organization. We have been facing challenges due to some updates that need to be made to our server by the national office, but I assure you that this concern of the membership is fully valid and will be resolved as soon as possible. 
The Importance of Active Participation: Finally, I want to reiterate that none of what we do in NABS is possible without all of you. It is important that you get connected, get involved, and get to know us as an organization. That is the best way to make sure that we keep up the awesome momentum that we have and are able to problem solve together when faced with challenges. 
Myself and the rest of the NABS Board is incredibly excited to get to work, and I want to thank you for putting your trust in us to lead this effort forward with integrity.
 
Yours,
Trisha Kulkarni
President | National Association of Blind Students A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind www.nabslink.org

> 
> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi.  From my understanding, and from what I have reviewed of this 
> email thread, nobody has made, and nobody should be making, personal 
> attacks. It clearly appears that there are folks reflecting on how the 
> process took place and speaking out as to how they would have 
> approached the situation differently. I do believe we have to welcome 
> our new incoming board and officers, but I believe discussion is 
> always welcomed in a democratic setting. Tyler, you make a good point 
> and indicating that we should be the change we wish to see. This is 
> great stuff. Thank you for that amazing input.  In that, we should 
> reflect on how to better handle virtual voting situations, as was very well handled at yesterday‘s later general session.
> Take care. Many thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> 
> 
>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:19 AM Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L < 
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and 
>> have to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your 
>> personal attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have 
>> to make decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you 
>> have to hope that your prior leadership and work will stand for 
>> something. I find it more than a bit sad that all of her work, 
>> effort, leadership and time seems to have been forgotten.
>> 
>> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best 
>> calls under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but 
>> give that some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and 
>> personal attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're 
>> not going back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree 
>> with the way this decision happened, be the change you want to see. 
>> Get in touch with one of the current officers or board members 
>> listed, drive some effort forward to create a plan for how to handle 
>> this next time. It takes minimal effort to write a smug snarky email 
>> (yes, I did just write that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>> 
>>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president 
>>> in
>> 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when 
>> the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to 
>> be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution 
>>>> that
>> is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution 
>> is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To 
>> be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the 
>> organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision 
>> is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper 
>> information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a 
>> concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be 
>> Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance.
>>>> 
>>>> Humbly,
>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>> He/him/his
>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student
>> President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick and all,
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think
>> that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members.
>> I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support 
>> of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that 
>> moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any 
>> opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed.
>> Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion 
>> to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, 
>> and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division
>> constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers 
>> to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during 
>> the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is 
>> reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web 
>> site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset 
>> to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge 
>> into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that 
>> end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted 
>> on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different 
>> information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final.
>> This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who 
>> disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and 
>> this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item 
>>>>> that
>> reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization 
>> instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across 
>> the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to 
>> move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times 
>> right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting 
>> virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about 
>> a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our 
>> membership voted on the decision that I would make the final 
>> appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular 
>> business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings 
>> or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are 
>> shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. 
>> Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing 
>> the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>>>> 
>>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, 
>>>>> though
>> I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced 
>> yesterday and today.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME
>>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind
>> Students.
>>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
>>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to
>> function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested 
>> sighted persons can come together in local, state and national 
>> meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  
>> and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective 
>> action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, 
>> economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to 
>> strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take 
>> such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard 
>> of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the 
>> National Federation of the Blind in its various activities.
>>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization 
>>>>> must be
>> blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies 
>> may become an active member of this association, provided that such 
>> person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the 
>> National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the
>> Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. 
>> Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or 
>> for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a 
>> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular 
>> or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of 
>> the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership A person may be 
>>>>> reinstated to membership in this organization by a
>> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular 
>> or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of 
>> its board of directors, provided that such person meets the 
>> eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to 
>> membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties There shall be elected at 
>>>>> the annual meeting of this organization: in
>> each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a 
>> Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd 
>> numbered year four
>> (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, 
>> Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these 
>> officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at 
>> which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice 
>> Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board 
>> members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this 
>> Association present and voting. All officers and board members must 
>> be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the 
>>>>> name
>> of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the 
>> list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure 
>> shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. 
>> These officers and board members constitute the board of directors 
>> for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized 
>> to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of 
>> this Association between the annual regular meetings of the 
>> Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the 
>>>>> annual
>> convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington 
>> Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind.   Special meetings 
>> may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the 
>> board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the 
>> purposes of this Association.
>>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members 
>>>>> of
>> the Association deem necessary.
>>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in
>> advance.
>>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds The funds of this organization 
>>>>> shall be deposited in a bank to be
>> selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All 
>> financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by 
>> check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the
>> National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to 
>> the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this 
>> constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, 
>> and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This 
>> organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of 
>> the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the 
>> reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization 
>> belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever
>> reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the 
>> Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of 
>> the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the 
>> National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>> 
>>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date 
>>>>> this
>> Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the 
>> Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of 
>> the Blind.
>>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
>> Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active 
>> members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted 
>> to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state
>> student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a 
>> deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a 
>> special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to 
>> the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s 
>> ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is 
>> the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>>>> 
>>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>>>>> 
>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the 
>>>>> rationale behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business 
>>>>> meeting & our elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division 
>>>>> State Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students 
>>>>> division in all
>>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to 
>>>>> all NABS members because their voices might be lost using that 
>>>>> kind of system.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the 
>>>>> Outgoing/Incoming Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Justin Young
>>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L 
>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>> 
>>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns 
>>>>> on a public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in 
>>>>> this
>> format. I
>>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency.
>> I
>>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been 
>>>>> brought up
>> on
>>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the 
>>>>> decision
>> made
>>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have 
>>>>> openly talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you 
>>>>> understand that I
>> am a
>>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, 
>>>>> contributions, and opinions. To that end, I only want full 
>>>>> transparency, fairness, and
>> honesty.
>>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I 
>>>>> tried
>> to make
>>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not 
>>>>> only
>> the
>>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on 
>>>>> Zoom
>> ready
>>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the 
>>>>> direction
>> that
>>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough
>> situation
>>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. 
>>>>> This proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not 
>>>>> suffice in
>> making a
>>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of 
>>>>> the active members present and voting. If there are more than two 
>>>>> members seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following 
>>>>> way. We
>> would
>>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least
>> amount of
>>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the
>> individual who
>>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This 
>>>>> continues
>> until
>>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes 
>>>>> must be received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>>> 
>>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google 
>>>>> form
>> would
>>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of 
>>>>> members
>> to
>>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 
>>>>> 1-year position this time around, as it was vacated by a board 
>>>>> member who was elected to an officer position. To be completely 
>>>>> honest, as president,
>> I
>>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a
>> constitutional
>>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of 
>>>>> the membership is critical in our movement.
>>>>> 
>>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what 
>>>>> completes a great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the 
>>>>> right place in
>> making
>>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters.
>> I am
>>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the 
>>>>> wisest
>> and
>>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am 
>>>>> working
>> with our
>>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive.
>> This
>>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a 
>>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even
>> slightly,
>>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting.
>> Leaning on
>>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that 
>>>>> were
>> not
>>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to
>> represent
>>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible 
>>>>> given
>> the
>>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, 
>>>>> I
>> have
>>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical 
>>>>> and intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board 
>>>>> Member 4
>> are
>>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as 
>>>>> you
>> would
>>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the 
>>>>> only
>> one
>>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General 
>>>>> Session
>> right
>>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that 
>>>>> were
>> not
>>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and
>> intention as
>>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. 
>>>>> Not to mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this 
>>>>> year; and
>> instead
>>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree 
>>>>> with
>> that
>>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to
>> call me
>>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I 
>>>>> appreciate
>> you;
>>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Love,
>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor 
>>>>> Marques
>> via
>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>> 
>>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board 
>>>>> member
>> 4.
>>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual 
>>>>> who
>> was
>>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way 
>>>>> Google
>> Form
>>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes.
>> Should
>>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a 
>>>>> second
>> vote.
>>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms 
>>>>> is perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>>> 
>>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was
>> pushed
>>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without 
>>>>> adequate discussion.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Victor Marques
>>>>> NABS Member
>>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>>> 
>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number 
>>>>> of people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't 
>>>>> approve of the handling of the voting of board position 4. There 
>>>>> has been significant discussion of this topic and I think that the 
>>>>> discussion should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only 
>>>>> fair that
>> everyone
>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be 
>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying 
>>>>> member should be able to vote for the student they believe the 
>>>>> best to serve
>> in
>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this 
>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general 
>>>>> convention
>> would
>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill 
>>>>> all positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my 
>>>>> thought process is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I 
>>>>> would like to suggest that position 4 be elected by google forms 
>>>>> or other fair form of
>> voting.
>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>> for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.c
>> om
>>>>> 
>>>>> --
>>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>> for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarq
>> ues%40gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>> for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40
>> gmail.com
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info 
>>>>> for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail
>>>>> .com
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> _______________________________________________
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>> Take Care,
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>> 
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From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 20:48:07 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 13:48:07 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <D34A8D98-64AD-44FC-A85F-069E52771D06@gmail.com>
References: <2039C985-DF93-42DC-894C-4837264E84DF@gmail.com>
 <D34A8D98-64AD-44FC-A85F-069E52771D06@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D9626A5E-81E6-40F0-A5E7-B834C3CC09FA@gmail.com>

I don’t think it’s fair or right to ask the moderators of this list to stop this thread as it’s limiting our free speech and a way for all of us to contact each other, especially since not all of us are on social media or on the group, not all of us have each other’s contact, and this message thread isn’t abusive, it’s just having a debate. So therefore, it’s wrong to stop a debate, we have the right to discuss this as you do. We could talk to the national office or the current leadership, but we will just be shut down once again.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 9:49 AM, Cricket Bidleman <cricketbidleman at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I am concerned that this thread is getting out of control. I think everyone has good intentions, but if this continues it’s not going to go well. To those who believe this wasn’t a good decision, I suggest either bringing it to President Riccobono or working with the current leadership to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Maybe both if you feel like it. To those who agree with the decision, there’s no real need to continue the discussion here. If you feel like debating this privately, that’s one thing. But this email chain is no longer productive, so I’m asking for it to stop. If it continues, I’m asking the moderators to end it. In the meantime, let’s all just chill. We’ve all had a busy convention and recent events have been hard on everyone. Take at least today to decompress. Thanks.
> 
> Love,
> CXB
> 
> —
> Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
> Stanford University | Class of 2021
> BA Candidate | Communications 
> Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
> Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
> President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 09:09, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I implore you to find any of the personal attacks on Kathryn that any of us made. Like find any attacks on her looks, on her strength, on her eyes, weight, intelligence, or any other characteristic of that sort. I am not sure you understand what personal attacks are, maybe you do, but these are not personal attacks. First, the points or “attacks” according to you, that we made are about a specific occurrence that happened due to authoritative leadership. We made suggestions, and we spoke out and exposed excuses being made by leadership that seemed to try and cover up for what is to be a major error, on their part. Also, if someone is worried about what the lasting impression of a president is going to be, then if I were them I would not have gone into the convention with a lack of preparedness for something as sacred and important as voting.
>> 
>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 8:17 AM, Littlefield, Tyler <tyler at tysdomain.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time seems to have been forgotten.
>>> 
>>> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>>> 
>>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage of because of their ignorance. 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Humbly,
>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student President <nabs.president at gmail.com> <mailto:nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick and all,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members. I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed. Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final. This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking, voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National Association of Blind Students.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and today.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME            
>>>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind Students.                                                                   
>>>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE            
>>>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various activities. 
>>>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may become an active member of this association, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board members must be in school for one year following their election. There shall be no proxy votes.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this Association.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of the Association deem necessary.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in advance.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Love,
>>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> <mailto:mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com> 
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com> <mailto:jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is public on a Our student division website.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution <http://nabslink.org/about/constitution>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President 
>>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>>>>> system.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Justin Young
>>>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this format. I
>>>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency. I
>>>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up on
>>>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision made
>>>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I am a
>>>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and honesty.
>>>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried to make
>>>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only the
>>>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom ready
>>>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction that
>>>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough situation
>>>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in making a
>>>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We would
>>>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least amount of
>>>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the individual who
>>>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues until
>>>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form would
>>>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members to
>>>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president, I
>>>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a constitutional
>>>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in making
>>>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters. I am
>>>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest and
>>>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working with our
>>>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive. This
>>>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even slightly,
>>>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting. Leaning on
>>>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were not
>>>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to represent
>>>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given the
>>>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I have
>>>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4 are
>>>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you would
>>>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only one
>>>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session right
>>>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were not
>>>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and intention as
>>>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and instead
>>>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with that
>>>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to call me
>>>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate you;
>>>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Love,
>>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com <mailto:Nabs.president at gmail.com>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques via
>>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com> <mailto:therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member 4.
>>>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who was
>>>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google Form
>>>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes. Should
>>>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second vote.
>>>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was pushed
>>>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>>>>> discussion.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Victor Marques
>>>>>> NABS Member
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> <mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that everyone
>>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve in
>>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention would
>>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of voting.
>>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com>
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com>
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com>
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org <mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org>
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com <http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com>
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> 
>>> Take Care,
>>> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>>> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me/> My personal site <http://tysdomain.com/> My Linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield>@Sorressean on Twitter <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
>>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com


From mikgephart at icloud.com  Sun Jul 19 21:03:37 2020
From: mikgephart at icloud.com (Mikayla Gephart)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:03:37 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
References: <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8BCD4252-6190-4D9A-891D-F8E7C25A8703@icloud.com>

Welcome to Tricia and the new board. I look forward to seeing what we all can do together.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:19 PM, Trisha Kulkarni via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Students, 
> 
> I hope this message finds you well during what continues to be a unique time in history. With the close of convention and the appointment of our final board member last night, the 2020 National Association of Blind Students Board is officially in office. This is certainly not what I envisioned my first contact with the membership to be as President, but to me, it is important to address the ongoing conversations on our list serve and social media to ensure that full transparency remains at the core of our movement and that every student knows they have a voice. 
> 
> I want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s election process. It was clear from the moment that our convention went virtual that we would be navigating a difficult set of circumstances if board vacancies occurred. Kathryn worked closely with the board and national leadership to do what she felt was the most fair, and per the discussion and vote on Wednesday night, our membership agreed to move forward with a Google form vote for board position 3 and an appointment by the current President for board position 4. I want to be clear that the announcement made by Kathryn last night that was sent out on the list serve and social media was made by the 2019 to 2020 board, and her decision on the new leadership is final and non-negotiable. 
> 
> That being said, our work as an organization is strongly rooted in the voices of each of you as members, and I want to make sure that we use the experiences and frustrations from this week to be more unified moving forward:
> Communication: I appreciate that we have outlets to connect and discuss as a membership. However, the conversations I have seen occurring over the past day in these spaces have simply not been productive. In the process of determining a plan of action, we as leadership did not receive any direct communication from any students, but rather public statements of distaste. I ask that you all feel comfortable reaching out to me and the rest of the NABS Board if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about any of the work that we do. Most importantly, direct communication is key for enacting change. I am available by phone at 937-361-2363 and for now by email at trishak.nfb at gmail.com. 
> Our NABS Constitution: I am working quickly and diligently to get the NABS Constitution with the amendment from 2017 onto our website and know that it is a priority of ours to ensure that you have full access to the governing principles of this organization. We have been facing challenges due to some updates that need to be made to our server by the national office, but I assure you that this concern of the membership is fully valid and will be resolved as soon as possible. 
> The Importance of Active Participation: Finally, I want to reiterate that none of what we do in NABS is possible without all of you. It is important that you get connected, get involved, and get to know us as an organization. That is the best way to make sure that we keep up the awesome momentum that we have and are able to problem solve together when faced with challenges. 
> Myself and the rest of the NABS Board is incredibly excited to get to work, and I want to thank you for putting your trust in us to lead this effort forward with integrity.
> 
> Yours,
> Trisha Kulkarni
> President | National Association of Blind Students
> A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
> www.nabslink.org
> 
>> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi.  From my understanding, and from what I have reviewed of this email
>> thread, nobody has made, and nobody should be making, personal attacks. It
>> clearly appears that there are folks reflecting on how the process took
>> place and speaking out as to how they would have approached the situation
>> differently. I do believe we have to welcome our new incoming board and
>> officers, but I believe discussion is always welcomed in a democratic
>> setting. Tyler, you make a good point and indicating that we should be the
>> change we wish to see. This is great stuff. Thank you for that amazing
>> input.  In that, we should reflect on how to better handle virtual voting
>> situations, as was very well handled at yesterday‘s later general session.
>> Take care. Many thanks and much respect.
>> Sincerely,
>> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
>> 
>> 
>>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:19 AM Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have
>>> to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal
>>> attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make
>>> decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope
>>> that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it
>>> more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time
>>> seems to have been forgotten.
>>> 
>>> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls
>>> under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that
>>> some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal
>>> attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going
>>> back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way
>>> this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with
>>> one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort
>>> forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes
>>> minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write
>>> that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining about.
>>> 
>>>>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in
>>> 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when the
>>> new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be using
>>> that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that
>>> is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is not
>>> public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be properly
>>> informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me
>>> that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into voting
>>> for some thing without proper information in my opinion is deplorable.both
>>> as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated constitution
>>> will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken advantage
>>> of because of their ignorance.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Humbly,
>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student
>>> President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick and all,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think
>>> that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our members.
>>> I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of
>>> the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment, to
>>> appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to
>>> this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been addressed.
>>> Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to
>>> close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and voted
>>> on by our membership prior to adjournment.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division
>>> constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers to be
>>> elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd
>>> years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected
>>> below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for quite
>>> some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national
>>> student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB
>>> server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the most
>>> updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual
>>> business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are
>>> elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made final.
>>> This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who
>>> disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this was
>>> moved by all present and choosing to vote.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item that
>>> reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization instead
>>> puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board. That
>>> means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our organization
>>> forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months ago, no
>>> one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking,
>>> voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and of
>>> itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make the
>>> final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual regular
>>> business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or
>>> opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared
>>> around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our
>>> members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of our
>>> convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the National
>>> Association of Blind Students.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all, though
>>> I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday and
>>> today.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
>>>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME
>>>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind
>>> Students.
>>>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
>>>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to
>>> function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested sighted
>>> persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan and
>>> carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for the
>>> blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to
>>> promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social
>>> advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs
>>> for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall
>>> condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an
>>> integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various
>>> activities.
>>>>>> Article III. Membership
>>>>>> Section 1. -- Members
>>>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must be
>>> blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may
>>> become an active member of this association, provided that such person
>>> meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National
>>> Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
>>>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the
>>> Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any
>>> member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for activity
>>> unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the
>>> active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of this
>>> association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this
>>> organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
>>>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
>>>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a
>>> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or
>>> special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its board
>>> of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility requirements
>>> for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National
>>> Federation of the Blind.
>>>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
>>>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in
>>> each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second Vice
>>> President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year four
>>> (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two, Board
>>> Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and board
>>> members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are elected
>>> and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization must
>>> be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority vote of
>>> the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and board
>>> members must be in school for one year following their election. There
>>> shall be no proxy votes.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name
>>> of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list of
>>> nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall continue
>>> until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and
>>> board members constitute the board of directors for this Association. The
>>> officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is
>>> necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the annual
>>> regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and board
>>> member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
>>>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
>>>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the annual
>>> convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington
>>> Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may be
>>> called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of
>>> directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of this
>>> Association.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
>>>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of
>>> the Association deem necessary.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
>>>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in
>>> advance.
>>>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
>>>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be
>>> selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All financial
>>> obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on
>>> order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
>>>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
>>>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the
>>> National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the
>>> President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this
>>> constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and the
>>> names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This organization
>>> will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National
>>> Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this
>>> Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized
>>> Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to exist.
>>>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
>>>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever
>>> reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the Blind,
>>> its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind to
>>> be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation of
>>> the Blind.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this
>>> Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the
>>> Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the
>>> Blind.
>>>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
>>>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
>>> Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members
>>> present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the
>>> President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular meeting.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Love,
>>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
>>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state
>>> student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a deadline
>>> like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting to
>>> vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want to
>>> reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we
>>> abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is
>>> public on a Our student division website.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Nick Petrillo
>>>>>> He/him/his
>>>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
>>>>>> 703-346-9981
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi All,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
>>>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
>>>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division State
>>>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in all
>>>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
>>>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
>>>>>> system.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the Outgoing/Incoming
>>>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this vacancy.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Justin Young
>>>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
>>>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on a
>>>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this
>>> format. I
>>>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full transparency.
>>> I
>>>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought up
>>> on
>>>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision
>>> made
>>>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have openly
>>>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I
>>> am a
>>>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions, and
>>>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and
>>> honesty.
>>>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried
>>> to make
>>>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only
>>> the
>>>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom
>>> ready
>>>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the direction
>>> that
>>>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough
>>> situation
>>>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
>>>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in
>>> making a
>>>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of the
>>>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
>>>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We
>>> would
>>>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least
>>> amount of
>>>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the
>>> individual who
>>>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues
>>> until
>>>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must be
>>>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form
>>> would
>>>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members
>>> to
>>>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a 1-year
>>>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who was
>>>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as president,
>>> I
>>>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a
>>> constitutional
>>>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of the
>>>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what completes a
>>>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in
>>> making
>>>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance matters.
>>> I am
>>>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest
>>> and
>>>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working
>>> with our
>>>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive.
>>> This
>>>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
>>>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even
>>> slightly,
>>>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting.
>>> Leaning on
>>>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that were
>>> not
>>>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to
>>> represent
>>>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given
>>> the
>>>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I
>>> have
>>>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
>>>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4
>>> are
>>>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as you
>>> would
>>>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the only
>>> one
>>>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session
>>> right
>>>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that were
>>> not
>>>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and
>>> intention as
>>>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not to
>>>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and
>>> instead
>>>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree with
>>> that
>>>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to
>>> call me
>>>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I appreciate
>>> you;
>>>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Love,
>>>>>> Kathryn Webster
>>>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
>>>>>> 203-273-8463
>>>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques
>>> via
>>>>>> NABS-L
>>>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
>>>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
>>>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member
>>> 4.
>>>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual who
>>> was
>>>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way Google
>>> Form
>>>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes.
>>> Should
>>>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second
>>> vote.
>>>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
>>>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was
>>> pushed
>>>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
>>>>>> discussion.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Victor Marques
>>>>>> NABS Member
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> I think this is reasonable.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
>>>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
>>>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve of
>>>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
>>>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
>>>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that
>>> everyone
>>>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
>>>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying member
>>>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve
>>> in
>>>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
>>>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention
>>> would
>>>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
>>>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought process
>>>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to suggest
>>>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of
>>> voting.
>>>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Keri Svendsen
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
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>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> 
>>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
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>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>>> 
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Take Care,
>>> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
>>> 
>>> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business
>>> solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site
>>> <http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin
>>> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter
>>> <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>>> 
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>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
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> _______________________________________________
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From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 21:31:23 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:31:23 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] board position 4
In-Reply-To: <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCF+JvF2Vgngnix-W2hsQYQcVWgUq_qN-=FYW3msqCb+v3Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <FDF30F37-3221-436E-B6B7-CB458F1830BF@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCFJMC37QvGin+7pq23_a-GSnmMQ70H7UFxYteeYvf9o4OQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Trisha and all. Congratulations Trisha and the whole NABS Board for the
2020-2021 NABS Calendar Year. United, let’s do the work of our organized
blind movement. Many thanks and much respect.
Onwards Together,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 3:19 PM Trisha Kulkarni via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Dear Students,
>
> I hope this message finds you well during what continues to be a unique
> time in history. With the close of convention and the appointment of our
> final board member last night, the 2020 National Association of Blind
> Students Board is officially in office. This is certainly not what I
> envisioned my first contact with the membership to be as President, but to
> me, it is important to address the ongoing conversations on our list serve
> and social media to ensure that full transparency remains at the core of
> our movement and that every student knows they have a voice.
>
> I want to thank you for your engagement in this year’s election process.
> It was clear from the moment that our convention went virtual that we would
> be navigating a difficult set of circumstances if board vacancies occurred.
> Kathryn worked closely with the board and national leadership to do what
> she felt was the most fair, and per the discussion and vote on Wednesday
> night, our membership agreed to move forward with a Google form vote for
> board position 3 and an appointment by the current President for board
> position 4. I want to be clear that the announcement made by Kathryn last
> night that was sent out on the list serve and social media was made by the
> 2019 to 2020 board, and her decision on the new leadership is final and
> non-negotiable.
>
> That being said, our work as an organization is strongly rooted in the
> voices of each of you as members, and I want to make sure that we use the
> experiences and frustrations from this week to be more unified moving
> forward:
> Communication: I appreciate that we have outlets to connect and discuss as
> a membership. However, the conversations I have seen occurring over the
> past day in these spaces have simply not been productive. In the process of
> determining a plan of action, we as leadership did not receive any direct
> communication from any students, but rather public statements of distaste.
> I ask that you all feel comfortable reaching out to me and the rest of the
> NABS Board if you have questions, concerns, or ideas about any of the work
> that we do. Most importantly, direct communication is key for enacting
> change. I am available by phone at 937-361-2363 and for now by email at
> trishak.nfb at gmail.com.
> Our NABS Constitution: I am working quickly and diligently to get the NABS
> Constitution with the amendment from 2017 onto our website and know that it
> is a priority of ours to ensure that you have full access to the governing
> principles of this organization. We have been facing challenges due to some
> updates that need to be made to our server by the national office, but I
> assure you that this concern of the membership is fully valid and will be
> resolved as soon as possible.
> The Importance of Active Participation: Finally, I want to reiterate that
> none of what we do in NABS is possible without all of you. It is important
> that you get connected, get involved, and get to know us as an
> organization. That is the best way to make sure that we keep up the awesome
> momentum that we have and are able to problem solve together when faced
> with challenges.
> Myself and the rest of the NABS Board is incredibly excited to get to
> work, and I want to thank you for putting your trust in us to lead this
> effort forward with integrity.
>
> Yours,
> Trisha Kulkarni
> President | National Association of Blind Students
> A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
> www.nabslink.org
>
> >
> > On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > Hi.  From my understanding, and from what I have reviewed of this email
> > thread, nobody has made, and nobody should be making, personal attacks.
> It
> > clearly appears that there are folks reflecting on how the process took
> > place and speaking out as to how they would have approached the situation
> > differently. I do believe we have to welcome our new incoming board and
> > officers, but I believe discussion is always welcomed in a democratic
> > setting. Tyler, you make a good point and indicating that we should be
> the
> > change we wish to see. This is great stuff. Thank you for that amazing
> > input.  In that, we should reflect on how to better handle virtual voting
> > situations, as was very well handled at yesterday‘s later general
> session.
> > Take care. Many thanks and much respect.
> > Sincerely,
> > Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> >
> >
> >> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:19 AM Littlefield, Tyler via NABS-L <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> At some point in your life--when you hold a position with power and have
> >> to make tough decisions, I hope you think back on all of your personal
> >> attacks on Kathryn. No one is perfect. As a leader, you have to make
> >> decisions that impact an organization as a whole, and you have to hope
> >> that your prior leadership and work will stand for something. I find it
> >> more than a bit sad that all of her work, effort, leadership and time
> >> seems to have been forgotten.
> >>
> >> TL/DR: people make mistakes, sometimes people don't make the best calls
> >> under pressure. I'm not saying that's what happened here, but give that
> >> some thought before you continue to hurl your insults and personal
> >> attacks. The current decision now has been made and we're not going
> >> back. So, I say that if this was a problem, if you disagree with the way
> >> this decision happened, be the change you want to see. Get in touch with
> >> one of the current officers or board members listed, drive some effort
> >> forward to create a plan for how to handle this next time. It takes
> >> minimal effort to write a smug snarky email (yes, I did just write
> >> that), it takes a lot more to create the change you are complaining
> about.
> >>
> >>> On 7/19/2020 2:36 AM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L wrote:
> >>> I do wonder why the national association of blind students president in
> >> 2017 didn’t update the website with the new constitution in 2017 when
> the
> >> new constitution was made? It seems a bit shady and defensive to be
> using
> >> that as an excuse when we can poke many holes through it if you ask me.
> >>>
> >>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 4:11 PM, Nico Petrillo via NABS-L <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> It seems I am wrong. My mistake, believing that the constitution that
> >> is public to all was the one we operated off of. If the constitution is
> not
> >> public and its most current state how can you expect Voters To be
> properly
> >> informed of the rules and regulations of the organization. It strikes me
> >> that in the situation Kathryns decision is final duping members into
> voting
> >> for some thing without proper information in my opinion is
> deplorable.both
> >> as a member  and as a concerned party I hope that this updated
> constitution
> >> will be Publicized in the future, so that students aren’t taken
> advantage
> >> of because of their ignorance.
> >>>>
> >>>> Humbly,
> >>>> Nick Petrillo
> >>>> He/him/his
> >>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
> >>>> 703-346-9981
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:54 PM, Kathryn Webster, National Student
> >> President <nabs.president at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> 
> >>>>> Nick and all,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I appreciate the open dialogue on this issue. I do, however, think
> >> that the back-and-forth is not helpful, and instead harmful to our
> members.
> >> I say this because our membership voted on Wednesday night in support of
> >> the decision made to allow me, as the current president at that moment,
> to
> >> appoint the final seat. Full disclosure, there was not any opposition to
> >> this decision at all. If there was, I promise it would have been
> addressed.
> >> Nothing was rushed and nothing was pushed under the rug. The motion to
> >> close discussion and proceed as I outlined was moved, seconded, and
> voted
> >> on by our membership prior to adjournment.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Nick - The link you posted to our national student division
> >> constitution is out of date as we voted in 2017 to allow for officers
> to be
> >> elected on the even year and board members to be elected during the odd
> >> years. This is not reflected on the online version, though is reflected
> >> below. There have been technical difficulties with our web site for
> quite
> >> some time as the late Rachel Olivero was a big asset to our national
> >> student division site, so bear with us as we merge into the updated NFB
> >> server and site in the coming months. To that end, you will find the
> most
> >> updated constitution below, the one voted on during our 2017 annual
> >> business meeting. This has different information around when leaders are
> >> elected. The board begins collectively once all positions are made
> final.
> >> This is interpretation, so I will choose not to argue with those who
> >> disagree. I also offered the idea around the final appointment and this
> was
> >> moved by all present and choosing to vote.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I do want to note that the Constitution will not have a line item
> that
> >> reads that the president can do a specific action. Our organization
> instead
> >> puts a tremendous amount of trust in our presidents across the board.
> That
> >> means, executive decisions are made often in order to move our
> organization
> >> forward. We are living in unprecedented times right now. Six months
> ago, no
> >> one could have imagined voting virtually for NABS. Generally speaking,
> >> voting for NABS brings about a ton of emotions and perspectives in and
> of
> >> itself. Again, our membership voted on the decision that I would make
> the
> >> final appointment. There was not any disagreement during our annual
> regular
> >> business meeting. I appreciate the ideas for holding special meetings or
> >> opening a Google form. I also appreciate the thoughts that are shared
> >> around how you are feeling with the decision that was made. Since our
> >> members voted on said decision and since we are now nearing the end of
> our
> >> convention, this is how we plan to proceed for the benefit of the
> National
> >> Association of Blind Students.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> It is unfortunate that not all decisions can be favored by all,
> though
> >> I really did think this one was until concerns were surfaced yesterday
> and
> >> today.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Please find our Constitution below:
> >>>>> ARTICLE I. NAME
> >>>>> The name of this organization is the National Association of Blind
> >> Students.
> >>>>> ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
> >>>>> The purpose of the National Association of Blind Students is to
> >> function as a mechanism through which blind students and interested
> sighted
> >> persons can come together in local, state and national meetings to plan
> and
> >> carry out our programs to improve educational  and equality of life for
> the
> >> blind; to provide a means of collective action for blind students; to
> >> promote the educational, vocational, economic, cultural, and social
> >> advancement of the blind; to strengthen and enhance educational programs
> >> for the blind; to take such other action as will improve the overall
> >> condition and standard of living of the blind; and to participate as an
> >> integral part of the National Federation of the Blind in its various
> >> activities.
> >>>>> Article III. Membership
> >>>>> Section 1. -- Members
> >>>>> At least a majority of the active members of this organization must
> be
> >> blind. Any student, or anyone interested in the pursuit of studies may
> >> become an active member of this association, provided that such person
> >> meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the National
> >> Federation of the Blind.
> >>>>> Section 2. -- expulsion
> >>>>> Any person who has been expelled by the National Federation of the
> >> Blind shall automatically cease to be a member of this Association. Any
> >> member of this organization may be expelled for misconduct, or for
> activity
> >> unbecoming to a member of this organization by a two-thirds vote of the
> >> active members present and voting at a regular or special meeting of
> this
> >> association, or by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors of this
> >> organization subject to ratification by the general membership.
> >>>>> Section 3. -- reinstatement of membership
> >>>>> A person may be reinstated to membership in this organization by a
> >> two-thirds vote of the active members present and voting at a regular or
> >> special meeting of this Association, or by a two-thirds vote of its
> board
> >> of directors, provided that such person meets the eligibility
> requirements
> >> for membership or for reinstatement to membership in the National
> >> Federation of the Blind.
> >>>>> ARTICLE IV. Officers and Their Duties
> >>>>> There shall be elected at the annual meeting of this organization: in
> >> each even numbered year, a President, a First Vice President, a Second
> Vice
> >> President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary, and in each odd numbered year
> four
> >> (4) board members, designated as Board Member one, board member two,
> Board
> >> Member three, and board member four. The terms of these officers and
> board
> >> members shall begin at the close of the meeting at which they are
> elected
> >> and qualified. The President and Vice Presidents of this organization
> must
> >> be blind. Officers and board members shall be elected by a majority
> vote of
> >> the members of this Association present and voting. All officers and
> board
> >> members must be in school for one year following their election. There
> >> shall be no proxy votes.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> If no nominee receives a majority vote on the first ballot, the name
> >> of the person receiving the fewest votes shall be dropped from the list
> of
> >> nominees and a second ballot shall be taken. This procedure shall
> continue
> >> until one of the nominees receives a majority vote. These officers and
> >> board members constitute the board of directors for this Association.
> The
> >> officers and board members are authorized to conduct such business as is
> >> necessary for the normal operation of this Association between the
> annual
> >> regular meetings of the Association. The duties of each officer and
> board
> >> member shall be those ordinarily associated with the office.
> >>>>> ARTICLE V. Meetings.
> >>>>> This Association will meet twice a year in conjunction with the
> annual
> >> convention of the National Federation of the Blind and the Washington
> >> Seminar of the National Federation of the Blind. � Special meetings may
> be
> >> called by the President of the Association, or by most of the board of
> >> directors to transact business or otherwise to further the purposes of
> this
> >> Association.
> >>>>> ARTICLE VI. Committees
> >>>>> The President may appoint such committees as they or the members of
> >> the Association deem necessary.
> >>>>> ARTICLE VII. Dues
> >>>>> The dues of this Association shall be $5.00 per year payable in
> >> advance.
> >>>>> ARTICLE VIII. Disbursement of Funds
> >>>>> The funds of this organization shall be deposited in a bank to be
> >> selected by the Treasurer with the approval of the President. All
> financial
> >> obligations of this organization shall be discharged by check issued on
> >> order of the President and signed by the Treasurer or the President.
> >>>>> ARTICLE IX. Affiliation
> >>>>> The National Association of Blind Students is a division of the
> >> National Federation of the Blind. The Association shall furnish to the
> >> President of the National Federation of the Blind, a copy of this
> >> constitution and any amendments that may be adopted in the future, and
> the
> >> names and addresses of the members and elected officers. This
> organization
> >> will comply with the provisions of the constitution of the National
> >> Federation of the Blind. In the event of the reorganization of this
> >> Association, the assets of this organization belong to the reorganized
> >> Association, and the former Association shall dissolve and cease to
> exist.
> >>>>> ARTICLE X. Dissolution
> >>>>> In the event of dissolution of this Association, or for whatever
> >> reason it ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the
> Blind,
> >> its assets shall be distributed to the National Federation of the Blind
> to
> >> be held in trust for a reorganized division of the National Federation
> of
> >> the Blind.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> If no division is organized for a one-year period from the date this
> >> Association ceases to be a division of the National Federation of the
> >> Blind, the assets become the property of the National Federation of the
> >> Blind.
> >>>>> ARTICLE XI. Amendments
> >>>>> This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting of the
> >> Association by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the active members
> >> present and voting, provided the amendment has been submitted to the
> >> President in writing, at least one day in advance of the regular
> meeting.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Love,
> >>>>> Kathryn Webster
> >>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> From: Nico Petrillo <mrnicopetrillo at gmail.com>
> >>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 6:36 PM
> >>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>> Cc: Nabs.president at gmail.com; Justin Young <jty727 at gmail.com>
> >>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> >>>>>
> >>>>> As a state student division president I also agree having state
> >> student division presidents vote is not the way to go. Imposing a
> deadline
> >> like this is creating the issues at hand. Simply call a special meeting
> to
> >> vote on board member for when it is convenient to the new board. I want
> to
> >> reiterate I’m not questioning anyone’s ethics or intentions just that we
> >> abide by our constitution. Below is the link to the constitution that is
> >> public on a Our student division website.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> http://nabslink.org/about/constitution
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Nick Petrillo
> >>>>> He/him/his
> >>>>> Virginia Association of Blind Students| President
> >>>>> 703-346-9981
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 6:27 PM, Justin Young via NABS-L <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Hi All,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Thank you Kathryn for your detailed response outlining the rationale
> >>>>> behind the decisions made for the annual NABS business meeting & our
> >>>>> elections.  I support the decision made and the reasons presented.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I have heard a few times now the idea of having Student Division
> State
> >>>>> Presidents as delegates, but until there is a students division in
> all
> >>>>> 52 affiliates, this would never be a fair method or respectful to all
> >>>>> NABS members because their voices might be lost using that kind of
> >>>>> system.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Thanks & I look forward to hearing the result of the
> Outgoing/Incoming
> >>>>> Board & Nominating committee for which student will fill this
> vacancy.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Justin Young
> >>>>> President, New York Association of Blind Students
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On 7/18/20, Kathryn Webster, National Student President via NABS-L
> >>>>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Hi everyone,
> >>>>>
> >>>>> First and foremost, thank you so much for surfacing your concerns on
> a
> >>>>> public platform. I applaud you for exercising your voice in this
> >> format. I
> >>>>> want to clearly explain voting protocol so there is full
> transparency.
> >> I
> >>>>> also want to highlight that these concerns should have been brought
> up
> >> on
> >>>>> Wednesday night, as we felt comfortable and confident in the decision
> >> made
> >>>>> upon adjournment. If that was not the case, I wish we could have
> openly
> >>>>> talked about it regardless of the time. I hope you understand that I
> >> am a
> >>>>> fair leader, one in which values each of your ideas, contributions,
> and
> >>>>> opinions. To that end, I only want full transparency, fairness, and
> >> honesty.
> >>>>> I do not say this to be defensive, I only mention it because I tried
> >> to make
> >>>>> it as clear as possible that I am open to alternative ideas, not only
> >> the
> >>>>> executive decision I made. The entire board would have stayed on Zoom
> >> ready
> >>>>> to go name by name down our registration list if that is the
> direction
> >> that
> >>>>> made the most sense. As I'm sure you can imagine, this is a tough
> >> situation
> >>>>> to be in, given the circumstances.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Each year, we initially rely on voice vote to conduct elections. This
> >>>>> proceeds to a standing vote if the voice vote does not suffice in
> >> making a
> >>>>> clear decision. Any member elected must receive a majority vote of
> the
> >>>>> active members present and voting. If there are more than two members
> >>>>> seeking a given position, then we proceed in the following way. We
> >> would
> >>>>> take a voice vote, dropping the candidate who received the least
> >> amount of
> >>>>> votes. We would then conduct another voice vote, dropping the
> >> individual who
> >>>>> received the least amount of votes that time around. This continues
> >> until
> >>>>> there are two candidates remaining. Again, a majority of votes must
> be
> >>>>> received in order to be fairly and constitutionally elected.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> This year is different due to the virtual environment. A Google form
> >> would
> >>>>> have to be distributed at least four times to the hundreds of members
> >> to
> >>>>> ensure it is done fairly. On the other hand, the final seat is a
> 1-year
> >>>>> position this time around, as it was vacated by a board member who
> was
> >>>>> elected to an officer position. To be completely honest, as
> president,
> >> I
> >>>>> could have appointed all three vacated board positions from a
> >> constitutional
> >>>>> perspective. I did not feel comfortable doing that as the voice of
> the
> >>>>> membership is critical in our movement.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> While we all have extremely passionate emotions around what
> completes a
> >>>>> great NABS Board, I promise that my heart is in the right place in
> >> making
> >>>>> this decision. Diversity matters. Experience matters. Balance
> matters.
> >> I am
> >>>>> working with the outgoing and incoming NABS Board to make the wisest
> >> and
> >>>>> most appropriate decision for the future of NABS. I also am working
> >> with our
> >>>>> trusted Nominating Committee to be intentional, aware, and proactive.
> >> This
> >>>>> means, everyone's opinion matters. However, this also means that a
> >>>>> discussion on the NABS list or on Facebook does not compare, even
> >> slightly,
> >>>>> to allowing for an open forum during our annual business meeting.
> >> Leaning on
> >>>>> student state delegates who were present excludes all states that
> were
> >> not
> >>>>> on at 11:30pm. Not to mention not all states have delegates to
> >> represent
> >>>>> you. Taking a vote via Google form is not logistically feasible given
> >> the
> >>>>> protocol that is needed to follow voting procedures. As president, I
> >> have
> >>>>> the right to proceed in this way, as long as I am being ethical and
> >>>>> intentional. All members who ran for Board Member 3 or Board Member 4
> >> are
> >>>>> prioritized for consideration, without a doubt.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I am saddened that members are not feeling that I am proceeding as
> you
> >> would
> >>>>> prefer. I also hope that you can trust that my opinion is not the
> only
> >> one
> >>>>> that is being taken into account. As we are seeing at General Session
> >> right
> >>>>> now, sometimes the virtual space forces us to make decisions that
> were
> >> not
> >>>>> initially planned. Our NABS board put in a ton of thought and
> >> intention as
> >>>>> we discussed the mitigation strategies for elections this year. Not
> to
> >>>>> mention, many divisions opted to not hold elections this year; and
> >> instead
> >>>>> continue with the current board until next year. We did not agree
> with
> >> that
> >>>>> approach, and thus problem solved ways to be most fair.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I appreciate you reading and truly hope that you feel empowered to
> >> call me
> >>>>> to discuss if you continue to have concerns. I value you; I
> appreciate
> >> you;
> >>>>> and, at the end of the day, we need you.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Love,
> >>>>> Kathryn Webster
> >>>>> President, National Association of Blind Students
> >>>>> 203-273-8463
> >>>>> Nabs.president at gmail.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>> -----Original Message-----
> >>>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Victor Marques
> >> via
> >>>>> NABS-L
> >>>>> Sent: Saturday, July 18, 2020 5:16 PM
> >>>>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>> Cc: Victor Marques <therealvictormarques at gmail.com>
> >>>>> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] board position 4
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I too was dissatisfied with the choice to simply appoint board member
> >> 4.
> >>>>> Those who expressed an interest at the meeting, and the individual
> who
> >> was
> >>>>> not successful for board position 3, should be put into a 5 way
> Google
> >> Form
> >>>>> vote. It would be easy to cross-reference membership and tally votes.
> >> Should
> >>>>> the be a tie for positions 1 and 2, that could be decided by a second
> >> vote.
> >>>>> That’s the democratic way I would have handled this, Google Forms is
> >>>>> perfectly capable as a tool to manage this election.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I’m glad I am not the only one who felt this way.  I felt this was
> >> pushed
> >>>>> through without voting on the rules of engagement or without adequate
> >>>>> discussion.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Victor Marques
> >>>>> NABS Member
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On Jul 18, 2020, at 5:06 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <
> >> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>>>> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> I think this is reasonable.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> On 7/18/2020 4:40 PM, Zachary GriegoDreicer via NABS-L wrote:
> >>>>> Hello, I hope everyone is enjoying convention. I've had a number of
> >>>>> people talking on facebook and to me directly that we don't approve
> of
> >>>>> the handling of the voting of board position 4. There has been
> >>>>> significant discussion of this topic and I think that the discussion
> >>>>> should  be opened to all NABS members. I think it only fair that
> >> everyone
> >>>>> who ran for other board positions, and were not elected, should be
> >>>>> allowed to run again for said position. Further, any dues paying
> member
> >>>>> should be able to vote for the student they believe the best to serve
> >> in
> >>>>> this role. I propose that a second google form be created for this
> >>>>> purpose. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the general convention
> >> would
> >>>>> run perhaps by raising hands in zoom or something similar to fill all
> >>>>> positions....I think we will find out soon enough if my thought
> process
> >>>>> is correct. Thus, in fairness to all involved, I would like to
> suggest
> >>>>> that position 4 be elected by google forms or other fair form of
> >> voting.
> >>>>> I would love everyone's input. Thanks all for your consideration.
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Sent from my BrailleNote touch
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>> NABS-L:
> >>>>>
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>> --
> >>>>> Keri Svendsen
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>> NABS-L:
> >>>>>
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/therealvictormarques%40gmail.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>> NABS-L:
> >>>>>
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nabs.president%40gmail.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>>>> NABS-L:
> >>>>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>>>>
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mrnicopetrillo%40gmail.com
> >>>> _______________________________________________
> >>>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>>>
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>>
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >>
> >> Take Care,
> >> Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)
> >>
> >> Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business
> >> solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site
> >> <http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin
> >> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter
> >> <http://twitter.com/sorressean>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >> NABS-L:
> >>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
> >>
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/trishak.nfb%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 21:36:11 2020
From: bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com (Bhavya shah)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 03:06:11 +0530
Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
 pledge resolution?
In-Reply-To: <CAD8cDT29ORe66mUp9a0rHSzgjk2ZA31EbX_NyVbBBgU7KQmQ6A@mail.gmail.com>
References: <DM5PR1301MB20439E6509C84AEE7FBE1912897C0@DM5PR1301MB2043.namprd13.prod.outlook.com>
 <046b01d65c7b$65fa8ce0$31efa6a0$@gmail.com>
 <D25C5E79-BBDE-4FBA-ACCE-7E32205F2FD9@alumni.ecu.edu>
 <CAD8cDT29ORe66mUp9a0rHSzgjk2ZA31EbX_NyVbBBgU7KQmQ6A@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CACHadJ3+WGQSnSu+9Cvq8ZnNSkKFxFh43oTNHN5rgwPZ9QEUGw@mail.gmail.com>

Dear all,

This resolution, among all on the floor,  fascinated me the most. On
balance, there is a good chance I would end up supporting this
resolution - I haven't made up my mind for certain - but I can
certainly see grounds for resistance. Anyways, as a newbie to NFB, I
have a few questions regarding this resolution:

* Is there precedent for NFB advocating for changes in other blindness
agencies? In other words, have there been resolutions in the past
wherein NFB resolved to bring about changes in structure and
composition, policies and programs, goals and priorities, etc. of
other agencies for the blind? If so, what sorts of actions and
outcomes resulted from these resolutions?

* Does this resolution include numerical parity in staff as well?
Board of directors is clear to me, but I am not entirely sure what
positions are encompassed by agency management.

I realize that I have too many questions all the time, but thanks for
bearing with me. :)

Thanks.

On 7/18/20, ellen bartelt via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> On 7/17/20, Justin Salisbury via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> I support it, as well.
>>
>> What do you all say to the people who are universally opposed to quotas
>> designed to help minorities?
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> Justin Mark Hideaki Salisbury
>>
>> Mobile: 808.797.8606
>> Email: 808salisbury at gmail.com<mailto:808salisbury at gmail.com>
>> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Justin_Salisbury
>> LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-salisbury
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, Cory McMahon
>> <cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com<mailto:cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>
>> I support it.
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L
>> <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org>>
>> On Behalf Of Justin Salisbury via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 3:33 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org<mailto:nabs-l at nfbnet.org>>
>> Cc: Justin Salisbury
>> <PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu<mailto:PRESIDENT at alumni.ecu.edu>>
>> Subject: [NABS-L] Conversation Starter: How do you feel about the agency
>> pledge resolution?
>>
>> Aloha Fellow Federationists,
>>
>> I am enjoying the discussion surrounding one of this year's resolutions.
>> I
>> want to know how our NABS members feel about it, so please share your
>> thoughts. Here is the resolution:
>>
>> Resolution 2020-05: Regarding Blind Leadership at Private Agencies for
>> the
>> Blind WHEREAS, over 200 private agencies in the US have been created to
>> serve the blind; and WHEREAS, an essential part of the governing
>> structure
>> of an agency for the blind is to include the processes, policies, and
>> procedures that will ensure that the agency for the blind administration
>> is
>> responsive to the interests, needs, and aspirations of its constituency;
>> and
>> WHEREAS, the most authentic representatives of the constituency of
>> agencies
>> that serve the blind are blind people who have the lived experience of
>> blindness and have shown the commitment to engage in self-organization
>> and
>> who are willing to be partners, directors, or managers of agencies for
>> the
>> blind and advisors to them: Now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the
>> National
>> Federation of the Blind in Convention assembled this eighteenth day of
>> July,
>> 2020, that this organization call upon agencies for the blind to adopt
>> the
>> formal goal of committing to a governing structure with numeric parity
>> between blind and sighted directors and managers, which will ensure
>> partnership with the blind who have dedicated their lives to improvement
>> of
>> blindness services nationally; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we call
>> upon
>> and invite all United States blindness agencies to formally adopt the
>> following Blindness Parity Pledge, to wit:
>> Our agency, the [NAME OF ORGANIZATION], was created and exists to help
>> blind
>> people. We believe that those in whose name we serve should be
>> represented
>> in parity in the governing board of directors and agency management. This
>> parity will result in blind people having a significant contribution to
>> help
>> guide the services our agency provides and guiding the most effective
>> ways
>> to give it. Therefore, we pledge ourselves to the values and commitments
>> that follow:
>> We are managed by executives who are compensated for their work, and
>> those
>> executives, in turn, are managed by a board of directors. We believe that
>> blind people must be a part of any blind agency's management team at both
>> of
>> these levels. While setting any particular percentage may appear to be
>> arbitrary, we know that, without a number it is impossible to measure
>> whether we are meeting our goal of significant involvement. We therefore
>> pledge that this agency will measure, in five years or less, at least
>> half
>> of our management team be composed of people who are blind. We further
>> pledge that within the same five-year period our organization will commit
>> to
>> a minimum of 50 percent of its governing Board of Directors be composed
>> of
>> people who are blind.
>> To underscore the importance of parity representing those we serve, we
>> pledge to amend our by-laws to ensure that the parity, once achieved,
>> will
>> continue as a hallmark and point of pride in our agency in perpetuity.
>>
>> We believe there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the
>> constituency we serve than to have blind people contributing by being
>> part
>> of our management. Our agency's current operation and its goals for the
>> future must be informed by those we serve, and we must, in appearance and
>> in
>> fact be guided by blind peoples' experience and aspirations at every
>> level.
>> The effect of blind parity and inclusion will ultimately help our agency
>> address the accessibility needs of those we serve. They will help ensure
>> that every document we create will be accessible. With our full community
>> engaged, we will strive to see that our presence on the World Wide Web is
>> exemplary and serves to demonstrate that websites can be both visually
>> attractive and completely usable with screen reading technology.
>> Furthermore, our commitment to accessibility will extend far beyond the
>> written word. When we produce charts, graphs, and documents with
>> pictures,
>> we will use state-of-the-art technology to make these accessible for the
>> blind.
>> We value the feedback and active participation of blind people in the
>> development and implementation of the services we provide. In addition to
>> reaching parity on our board and management team, we pledge also to
>> create
>> a
>> working committee of the consumers we serve to meet regularly throughout
>> the
>> year and advise on best practices in our programs and services. The
>> members
>> of this independent advisory committee and the chairperson of the
>> committee
>> will be chosen by the consumers themselves and meet at least quarterly
>> with
>> senior management to build an agency which will continue to grow in
>> responsive, relevant and blind-positive ways.
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org<mailto:NABS-L at nfbnet.org>
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
>> om
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/embartelt%40gmail.com
>>
> Hi Everyone,
> This resolution  needs to be passed and have blind people help make
> the decisions in agencies. Many times we are told we can't have axis
> to certain things such as, updating our technology is outdated. I
> remember once my councilor and the superviser were  fighting in front
> of me if I needed a new computer. Having blind people making decisions
> about blind services. Many things would be taken care of quickly and
> the client receives the services they need to be successful in the
> classroom or on the job.
> Ellen Bartelt
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bhavya.shah125%40gmail.com
>


-- 
Best Regards
Bhavya Shah

Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/
E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/


From syedrizvinfb at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 22:21:18 2020
From: syedrizvinfb at gmail.com (Syed Rizvi)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 17:21:18 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
Message-ID: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Students,



The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.



If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.



I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
platforms can no longer continue.



Respectfully,

               Syed Rizvi

From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 22:45:47 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 15:45:47 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <9CB4EBA1-D928-44D6-B121-AF5211CD7236@gmail.com>

First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct, you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone, we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said, the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same stance.

This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands if they are not.

So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Students,
> 
> 
> 
> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
> 
> 
> 
> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
> 
> 
> 
> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
> platforms can no longer continue.
> 
> 
> 
> Respectfully,
> 
>               Syed Rizvi
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com



From lakeria2009 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 19 23:50:53 2020
From: lakeria2009 at gmail.com (LaKeria Taylor)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 18:50:53 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <9CB4EBA1-D928-44D6-B121-AF5211CD7236@gmail.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <9CB4EBA1-D928-44D6-B121-AF5211CD7236@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADPHSh8GhzHXH90nM6aWQ-wpZ+h8BfZ5nMXUBhhPE8RVFm5LGg@mail.gmail.com>

Wow, if I were the members of this board, I would make sure that you
are never elected to the board ever.

The election is done, please stop clogging up people's email. Go talk
with the current board members directly and cut this nonsense out. I'm
sick of reading about it.

On 7/19/20, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct,
> you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as
> well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we
> discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate
> that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the
> mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone,
> we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of
> that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the
> errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people
> trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of
> the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said,
> the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the
> board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were
> there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same
> stance.
>
> This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because
> you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because
> members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when
> the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this
> conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it
> takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they
> have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands
> if they are not.
>
> So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be
> coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as
> we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.
>
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Dear Students,
>>
>>
>>
>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>>
>>
>>
>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time,
>> stop
>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk.
>> One
>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>>
>>
>>
>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of
>> the
>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>> platforms can no longer continue.
>>
>>
>>
>> Respectfully,
>>
>>               Syed Rizvi
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lakeria2009%40gmail.com
>


From leadershipjba at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 01:07:29 2020
From: leadershipjba at gmail.com (JASON ALAMILLO)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 18:07:29 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <CADPHSh8GhzHXH90nM6aWQ-wpZ+h8BfZ5nMXUBhhPE8RVFm5LGg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <9CB4EBA1-D928-44D6-B121-AF5211CD7236@gmail.com>
 <CADPHSh8GhzHXH90nM6aWQ-wpZ+h8BfZ5nMXUBhhPE8RVFm5LGg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <45D1A699-0D0E-483B-B7DD-2EF86F8B3335@gmail.com>

I have never and still have no interest in becoming a board member of this division, I’m ok with just being a regular member, so I’ve already made that decision.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 4:50 PM, LaKeria Taylor via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Wow, if I were the members of this board, I would make sure that you
> are never elected to the board ever.
> 
> The election is done, please stop clogging up people's email. Go talk
> with the current board members directly and cut this nonsense out. I'm
> sick of reading about it.
> 
> On 7/19/20, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct,
>> you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as
>> well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we
>> discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate
>> that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the
>> mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone,
>> we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of
>> that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the
>> errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people
>> trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of
>> the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said,
>> the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the
>> board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were
>> there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same
>> stance.
>> 
>> This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because
>> you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because
>> members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when
>> the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this
>> conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it
>> takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they
>> have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands
>> if they are not.
>> 
>> So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be
>> coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as
>> we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.
>> 
>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Dear Students,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time,
>>> stop
>>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk.
>>> One
>>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of
>>> the
>>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>>> platforms can no longer continue.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Respectfully,
>>> 
>>>              Syed Rizvi
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lakeria2009%40gmail.com
>> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com



From wmodnl at hotmail.com  Mon Jul 20 01:12:15 2020
From: wmodnl at hotmail.com (wmodnl wmodnl)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:12:15 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <45D1A699-0D0E-483B-B7DD-2EF86F8B3335@gmail.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <9CB4EBA1-D928-44D6-B121-AF5211CD7236@gmail.com>
 <CADPHSh8GhzHXH90nM6aWQ-wpZ+h8BfZ5nMXUBhhPE8RVFm5LGg@mail.gmail.com>
 <45D1A699-0D0E-483B-B7DD-2EF86F8B3335@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <8AAFE673-C70B-4473-BEB7-7200592A7509@hotmail.com>

What happened? I’m not caught up thanks.


> On Jul 19, 2020, at 8:07 PM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I have never and still have no interest in becoming a board member of this division, I’m ok with just being a regular member, so I’ve already made that decision.
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 4:50 PM, LaKeria Taylor via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Wow, if I were the members of this board, I would make sure that you
>> are never elected to the board ever.
>> 
>> The election is done, please stop clogging up people's email. Go talk
>> with the current board members directly and cut this nonsense out. I'm
>> sick of reading about it.
>> 
>> On 7/19/20, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct,
>>> you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as
>>> well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we
>>> discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate
>>> that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the
>>> mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone,
>>> we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of
>>> that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the
>>> errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people
>>> trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of
>>> the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said,
>>> the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the
>>> board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were
>>> there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same
>>> stance.
>>> 
>>> This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because
>>> you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because
>>> members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when
>>> the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this
>>> conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it
>>> takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they
>>> have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands
>>> if they are not.
>>> 
>>> So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be
>>> coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as
>>> we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.
>>> 
>>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Dear Students,
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>>>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>>>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>>>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>>>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>>>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>>>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>>>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>>>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>>>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>>>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>>>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time,
>>>> stop
>>>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>>>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>>>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>>>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk.
>>>> One
>>>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>>>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>>>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of
>>>> the
>>>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>>>> platforms can no longer continue.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> Respectfully,
>>>> 
>>>>             Syed Rizvi
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lakeria2009%40gmail.com
>>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/wmodnl%40hotmail.com


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 01:23:46 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket Bidleman)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 18:23:46 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <8AAFE673-C70B-4473-BEB7-7200592A7509@hotmail.com>
References: <8AAFE673-C70B-4473-BEB7-7200592A7509@hotmail.com>
Message-ID: <76883382-5BBE-4DB1-B247-4F919B81411E@gmail.com>

Hi,

If you want to catch up on what happened, I suggest reading the messages. I wouldn’t normally say that, but it’s been very contentious and it’s not worth rehashing here. Or text me and I’ll catch you up. My number is probably all over the place at this point. Thanks.

Best,
CXB 

—
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications 
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science 
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 18:13, wmodnl wmodnl via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> What happened? I’m not caught up thanks.
> 
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 8:07 PM, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> I have never and still have no interest in becoming a board member of this division, I’m ok with just being a regular member, so I’ve already made that decision.
>> 
>>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 4:50 PM, LaKeria Taylor via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Wow, if I were the members of this board, I would make sure that you
>>> are never elected to the board ever.
>>> 
>>> The election is done, please stop clogging up people's email. Go talk
>>> with the current board members directly and cut this nonsense out. I'm
>>> sick of reading about it.
>>> 
>>> On 7/19/20, JASON ALAMILLO via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>> First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct,
>>>> you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as
>>>> well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we
>>>> discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate
>>>> that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the
>>>> mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone,
>>>> we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of
>>>> that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the
>>>> errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people
>>>> trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of
>>>> the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said,
>>>> the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the
>>>> board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were
>>>> there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same
>>>> stance.
>>>> 
>>>> This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because
>>>> you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because
>>>> members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when
>>>> the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this
>>>> conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it
>>>> takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they
>>>> have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands
>>>> if they are not.
>>>> 
>>>> So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be
>>>> coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as
>>>> we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Dear Students,
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>>>>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>>>>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>>>>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>>>>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>>>>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>>>>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>>>>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>>>>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>>>>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>>>>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>>>>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time,
>>>>> stop
>>>>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>>>>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>>>>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>>>>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk.
>>>>> One
>>>>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>>>>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>>>>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of
>>>>> the
>>>>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>>>>> platforms can no longer continue.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Respectfully,
>>>>> 
>>>>>            Syed Rizvi
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>>> NABS-L:
>>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lakeria2009%40gmail.com
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/leadershipjba%40gmail.com
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/wmodnl%40hotmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cricketbidleman%40gmail.com

From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Mon Jul 20 01:55:31 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:55:31 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB4447DABB949513B4DEEA9BACBA7B0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello Syed,

There are many points of your email in which I disagree. However, I believe the one thing we can agree on is that there is no need for this discussion to continue on the email list.

It appears to me that everyone who has an opinion in regards to this matter have posted their thoughts to the email list. So there is really no need to repeat what has already been said. If anyone is still passionate about this issue then I would encourage you to take action by getting involved to create the change in which you seek.

The National Association of Blind Students board does not operate on its own. It takes general members to make things happen within this organization. As the newly elected President, Trisha has offered an invitation to work with anyone who was not happy with the way the elections for the fourth board position were conducted. And both Trisha and Syed have respectfully asked for this discussion to stop on the email list.

It is perfectly fine to disagree with someone. But there are ways to disagree with someone while still treating the other person with respect. So I encourage those of you who disagree to treat the new members of the National Association of Blind Students with the respect they deserve.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth Mohnke
way

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Syed Rizvi via NABS-L
Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 6:21 PM
To: nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Syed Rizvi <syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve

Dear Students,



The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.



If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.



I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
platforms can no longer continue.



Respectfully,

               Syed Rizvi
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 02:35:31 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 22:35:31 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB4447DABB949513B4DEEA9BACBA7B0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <CAAqtePQxQNfDhSOVNWF=v5=OjhSjF2pUyA7TXXXfg+XT=2=P_Q@mail.gmail.com>
 <SN6PR03MB4447DABB949513B4DEEA9BACBA7B0@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCF+u1g+qDNmJr1q6yBkBa8O9CtoV46vercFRyVKD-fifOg@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Folks. All those who are concerned should organize off of this email
list and mobilize to make the changes y’all find necessary. Regardless of
decisions made, respectful and productive advocacy is the name of the game.
Remember folks, respectful and productive. Be organized, effective, and
strategic in your methods. Good Luck Y’all! Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 9:56 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello Syed,
>
> There are many points of your email in which I disagree. However, I
> believe the one thing we can agree on is that there is no need for this
> discussion to continue on the email list.
>
> It appears to me that everyone who has an opinion in regards to this
> matter have posted their thoughts to the email list. So there is really no
> need to repeat what has already been said. If anyone is still passionate
> about this issue then I would encourage you to take action by getting
> involved to create the change in which you seek.
>
> The National Association of Blind Students board does not operate on its
> own. It takes general members to make things happen within this
> organization. As the newly elected President, Trisha has offered an
> invitation to work with anyone who was not happy with the way the elections
> for the fourth board position were conducted. And both Trisha and Syed have
> respectfully asked for this discussion to stop on the email list.
>
> It is perfectly fine to disagree with someone. But there are ways to
> disagree with someone while still treating the other person with respect.
> So I encourage those of you who disagree to treat the new members of the
> National Association of Blind Students with the respect they deserve.
>
> Warm regards,
> Elizabeth Mohnke
> way
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Syed Rizvi via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 6:21 PM
> To: nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Syed Rizvi <syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
> Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
>
> Dear Students,
>
>
>
> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>
>
>
> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>
>
>
> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
> platforms can no longer continue.
>
>
>
> Respectfully,
>
>                Syed Rizvi
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Mon Jul 20 03:50:26 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 22:50:26 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <CADTXCF+u1g+qDNmJr1q6yBkBa8O9CtoV46vercFRyVKD-fifOg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CADTXCF+u1g+qDNmJr1q6yBkBa8O9CtoV46vercFRyVKD-fifOg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <11E089D9-F0A7-408A-8D39-3D239153C5BB@nfbtx.org>

I agree with this. Alway be agents and doers of the change you want to see.

Harry Staley
(330) 718-1876
hstaley at nfbtx.org

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 21:37, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Folks. All those who are concerned should organize off of this email
> list and mobilize to make the changes y’all find necessary. Regardless of
> decisions made, respectful and productive advocacy is the name of the game.
> Remember folks, respectful and productive. Be organized, effective, and
> strategic in your methods. Good Luck Y’all! Many thanks and much respect.
> Sincerely,
> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> 
>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 9:56 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello Syed,
>> 
>> There are many points of your email in which I disagree. However, I
>> believe the one thing we can agree on is that there is no need for this
>> discussion to continue on the email list.
>> 
>> It appears to me that everyone who has an opinion in regards to this
>> matter have posted their thoughts to the email list. So there is really no
>> need to repeat what has already been said. If anyone is still passionate
>> about this issue then I would encourage you to take action by getting
>> involved to create the change in which you seek.
>> 
>> The National Association of Blind Students board does not operate on its
>> own. It takes general members to make things happen within this
>> organization. As the newly elected President, Trisha has offered an
>> invitation to work with anyone who was not happy with the way the elections
>> for the fourth board position were conducted. And both Trisha and Syed have
>> respectfully asked for this discussion to stop on the email list.
>> 
>> It is perfectly fine to disagree with someone. But there are ways to
>> disagree with someone while still treating the other person with respect.
>> So I encourage those of you who disagree to treat the new members of the
>> National Association of Blind Students with the respect they deserve.
>> 
>> Warm regards,
>> Elizabeth Mohnke
>> way
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Syed Rizvi via
>> NABS-L
>> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 6:21 PM
>> To: nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Syed Rizvi <syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
>> 
>> Dear Students,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>> platforms can no longer continue.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Respectfully,
>> 
>>               Syed Rizvi
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org


From syedrizvinfb at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 05:23:35 2020
From: syedrizvinfb at gmail.com (Syed Rizvi)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:23:35 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
Message-ID: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>

Hey All,
I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does KNFB reader not work anymore? 

Thank you,
 Syed 

From ammar.tarin at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 05:39:39 2020
From: ammar.tarin at gmail.com (Ammar Tarin)
Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2020 22:39:39 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <40DA341C-798B-4999-A345-F43092F6002F@gmail.com>

Hey syed!

Be my eyes is a great app to use! You can call an agent and they are pretty much available 24/7. The agents are volunteers, and the app service is free. I find it really useful, it being a free app.

Sincerely,
Ammar

Ammar Tarin
1st vice president
National Federation Of The Blind of Arizona East Valley chapter
480-580-7874
Ammar.tarin at gmail.com
The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 10:24 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey All,
> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does KNFB reader not work anymore? 
> 
> Thank you,
> Syed 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ammar.tarin%40gmail.com

From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Mon Jul 20 05:51:04 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:51:04 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <40DA341C-798B-4999-A345-F43092F6002F@gmail.com>
References: <40DA341C-798B-4999-A345-F43092F6002F@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <BDBD15CE-8F31-45EB-929A-28FC2378AE65@nfbtx.org>

I second seeing AI.

Harry Staley
(330) 718-1876
hstaley at nfbtx.org

> On Jul 20, 2020, at 00:40, Ammar Tarin via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey syed!
> 
> Be my eyes is a great app to use! You can call an agent and they are pretty much available 24/7. The agents are volunteers, and the app service is free. I find it really useful, it being a free app.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Ammar
> 
> Ammar Tarin
> 1st vice president
> National Federation Of The Blind of Arizona East Valley chapter
> 480-580-7874
> Ammar.tarin at gmail.com
> The National Federation of the Blind knows 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. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 10:24 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey All,
>> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does KNFB reader not work anymore? 
>> 
>> Thank you,
>> Syed 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ammar.tarin%40gmail.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org


From ldvincent54 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 06:15:53 2020
From: ldvincent54 at gmail.com (Laura Vincent)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:15:53 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CALGuHmYAKzcHdjuRF9FFpucxKmzvsd94_PMS5V0E9vTga2M==g@mail.gmail.com>

I noticed that my KNDB Reader app has been having a LOT of issues lately!
Im not sure if it’s an updated needed type of thing but yes.

On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:25 PM Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hey All,
> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my
> iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend
> those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my
> phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized
> I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does
> KNFB reader not work anymore?
>
> Thank you,
>  Syed
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ldvincent54%40gmail.com
>
-- 
Laura vincent
(801) 602-5638
Chapter President,
National Federation of the Blind of Utah
www.nfbutah.org

From mauraloberg at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 06:24:38 2020
From: mauraloberg at gmail.com (Maura Loberg)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 01:24:38 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <11E089D9-F0A7-408A-8D39-3D239153C5BB@nfbtx.org>
References: <11E089D9-F0A7-408A-8D39-3D239153C5BB@nfbtx.org>
Message-ID: <AE437682-7296-479C-8318-583A9D075939@gmail.com>

Hello folks. Although I, like many others, was unhappy with the way things were handled, it is over so there is no sense going on about it. I realize that this is somewhat hypocritical for me to say, since I'm talking about it. If you are not willing to act like an adult and bring your concerns through the appropriate channels, and you instead choose to continue whining about how much you dislike the decision after a clear opportunity for discussion passed you by, then you have no business being a member of this association. We are a group of adults who do serious work, and constant fighting for the sake of fighting is not mature or effective. If you feel the need to keep venting about the way things went, that is fine, but please do it in private for the sake of everyone's inboxes. I am a president of a state student division, so my heart goes out to Kathryn. She truly did what she thought was best. This email list is not the place to shame or belittle anyone because that is simply not what this division is all about. On a related note, I would suggest heavier moderator activity on this list. I understand it is meant to be an open discussion forum, but it would prevent fights like this from disrupting more important emails.
Thanks
Maura

Maura J. Loberg
Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024
President
| Nebraska Association of Blind Students


> On Jul 19, 2020, at 10:51 PM, Harry Staley via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I agree with this. Alway be agents and doers of the change you want to see.
> 
> Harry Staley
> (330) 718-1876
> hstaley at nfbtx.org
> 
>> On Jul 19, 2020, at 21:37, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Folks. All those who are concerned should organize off of this email
>> list and mobilize to make the changes y’all find necessary. Regardless of
>> decisions made, respectful and productive advocacy is the name of the game.
>> Remember folks, respectful and productive. Be organized, effective, and
>> strategic in your methods. Good Luck Y’all! Many thanks and much respect.
>> Sincerely,
>> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
>> 
>>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 9:56 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
>>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hello Syed,
>>> 
>>> There are many points of your email in which I disagree. However, I
>>> believe the one thing we can agree on is that there is no need for this
>>> discussion to continue on the email list.
>>> 
>>> It appears to me that everyone who has an opinion in regards to this
>>> matter have posted their thoughts to the email list. So there is really no
>>> need to repeat what has already been said. If anyone is still passionate
>>> about this issue then I would encourage you to take action by getting
>>> involved to create the change in which you seek.
>>> 
>>> The National Association of Blind Students board does not operate on its
>>> own. It takes general members to make things happen within this
>>> organization. As the newly elected President, Trisha has offered an
>>> invitation to work with anyone who was not happy with the way the elections
>>> for the fourth board position were conducted. And both Trisha and Syed have
>>> respectfully asked for this discussion to stop on the email list.
>>> 
>>> It is perfectly fine to disagree with someone. But there are ways to
>>> disagree with someone while still treating the other person with respect.
>>> So I encourage those of you who disagree to treat the new members of the
>>> National Association of Blind Students with the respect they deserve.
>>> 
>>> Warm regards,
>>> Elizabeth Mohnke
>>> way
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Syed Rizvi via
>>> NABS-L
>>> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 6:21 PM
>>> To: nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Syed Rizvi <syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
>>> 
>>> Dear Students,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
>>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
>>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
>>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
>>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
>>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
>>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
>>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
>>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
>>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
>>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
>>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
>>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
>>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
>>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
>>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
>>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
>>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
>>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
>>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
>>> platforms can no longer continue.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Respectfully,
>>> 
>>>              Syed Rizvi
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmail.com


From nmabuelhawa at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 06:39:27 2020
From: nmabuelhawa at gmail.com (Naim Abu-ElHawa)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 02:39:27 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
In-Reply-To: <AE437682-7296-479C-8318-583A9D075939@gmail.com>
References: <11E089D9-F0A7-408A-8D39-3D239153C5BB@nfbtx.org>
 <AE437682-7296-479C-8318-583A9D075939@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADTXCF+Adwa=RhhgVTbZ-_UqAqHU4+AhvSe+fVib2N+MjOBfTQ@mail.gmail.com>

Thank you Maura. We should all conduct ourselves with respect on public
email list serves, as I understand we all have thus far. Let’s build the
Federation together. This is all that y’all will here from me. No more from
me. Many thanks and much respect.
Sincerely,
Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 2:25 AM Maura Loberg via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hello folks. Although I, like many others, was unhappy with the way things
> were handled, it is over so there is no sense going on about it. I realize
> that this is somewhat hypocritical for me to say, since I'm talking about
> it. If you are not willing to act like an adult and bring your concerns
> through the appropriate channels, and you instead choose to continue
> whining about how much you dislike the decision after a clear opportunity
> for discussion passed you by, then you have no business being a member of
> this association. We are a group of adults who do serious work, and
> constant fighting for the sake of fighting is not mature or effective. If
> you feel the need to keep venting about the way things went, that is fine,
> but please do it in private for the sake of everyone's inboxes. I am a
> president of a state student division, so my heart goes out to Kathryn. She
> truly did what she thought was best. This email list is not the place to
> shame or belittle anyone because that is simply not what this division is
> all about. On a related note, I would suggest heavier moderator activity on
> this list. I understand it is meant to be an open discussion forum, but it
> would prevent fights like this from disrupting more important emails.
> Thanks
> Maura
>
> Maura J. Loberg
> Nebraska Wesleyan University, class of 2024
> President
> | Nebraska Association of Blind Students
>
>
> > On Jul 19, 2020, at 10:51 PM, Harry Staley via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
> >
> > I agree with this. Alway be agents and doers of the change you want to
> see.
> >
> > Harry Staley
> > (330) 718-1876
> > hstaley at nfbtx.org
> >
> >> On Jul 19, 2020, at 21:37, Naim Abu-ElHawa via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Folks. All those who are concerned should organize off of this email
> >> list and mobilize to make the changes y’all find necessary. Regardless
> of
> >> decisions made, respectful and productive advocacy is the name of the
> game.
> >> Remember folks, respectful and productive. Be organized, effective, and
> >> strategic in your methods. Good Luck Y’all! Many thanks and much
> respect.
> >> Sincerely,
> >> Naim Muawia Abu-El Hawa
> >>
> >>> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 9:56 PM Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <
> >>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Hello Syed,
> >>>
> >>> There are many points of your email in which I disagree. However, I
> >>> believe the one thing we can agree on is that there is no need for this
> >>> discussion to continue on the email list.
> >>>
> >>> It appears to me that everyone who has an opinion in regards to this
> >>> matter have posted their thoughts to the email list. So there is
> really no
> >>> need to repeat what has already been said. If anyone is still
> passionate
> >>> about this issue then I would encourage you to take action by getting
> >>> involved to create the change in which you seek.
> >>>
> >>> The National Association of Blind Students board does not operate on
> its
> >>> own. It takes general members to make things happen within this
> >>> organization. As the newly elected President, Trisha has offered an
> >>> invitation to work with anyone who was not happy with the way the
> elections
> >>> for the fourth board position were conducted. And both Trisha and Syed
> have
> >>> respectfully asked for this discussion to stop on the email list.
> >>>
> >>> It is perfectly fine to disagree with someone. But there are ways to
> >>> disagree with someone while still treating the other person with
> respect.
> >>> So I encourage those of you who disagree to treat the new members of
> the
> >>> National Association of Blind Students with the respect they deserve.
> >>>
> >>> Warm regards,
> >>> Elizabeth Mohnke
> >>> way
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Syed Rizvi via
> >>> NABS-L
> >>> Sent: Sunday, July 19, 2020 6:21 PM
> >>> To: nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>> Cc: Syed Rizvi <syedrizvinfb at gmail.com>
> >>> Subject: [NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve
> >>>
> >>> Dear Students,
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few
> days
> >>> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up
> concerns
> >>> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their
> wildly
> >>> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
> >>> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
> >>> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
> >>> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
> >>> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email
> list
> >>> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter,
> rather
> >>> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
> >>> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged,
> then
> >>> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time,
> stop
> >>> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
> >>> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your
> concerns,
> >>> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
> >>> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the
> talk. One
> >>> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
> >>> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
> >>> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal
> of the
> >>> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
> >>> platforms can no longer continue.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Respectfully,
> >>>
> >>>              Syed Rizvi
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
> >>>
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
> >>>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> NABS-L mailing list
> >> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mauraloberg%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/nmabuelhawa%40gmail.com
>

From louvins at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 12:30:49 2020
From: louvins at gmail.com (Joshua Hendrickson)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:30:49 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <CALGuHmYAKzcHdjuRF9FFpucxKmzvsd94_PMS5V0E9vTga2M==g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
 <CALGuHmYAKzcHdjuRF9FFpucxKmzvsd94_PMS5V0E9vTga2M==g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CADUoy9tWt0zW8TPGohFVsZbiR+vgMMysWet41C3gSEiWFgbCWw@mail.gmail.com>

The two apps I use most on my iPhone, are bard mobile which lets me
download books from the NLS bard service.  That app is free and works
very well.  Also, I use voice dream reader that app is so cool.  It
costs $15, but is totally worth every penny.  You can easily download
books from bookshare, and project gutenberg.  You can also download
books from librivox if you want.  You can also use something like
dropbox to add audio books and listen to them through voice dream
reader.  Pandora would be good for listening to music.  Also, the
Elexa app or google assistant depending on if you have a google home
or similar smart speaker.

On 7/20/20, Laura Vincent via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I noticed that my KNDB Reader app has been having a LOT of issues lately!
> Im not sure if it’s an updated needed type of thing but yes.
>
> On Sun, Jul 19, 2020 at 11:25 PM Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
>> Hey All,
>> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my
>> iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend
>> those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping
>> my
>> phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have
>> realized
>> I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does
>> KNFB reader not work anymore?
>>
>> Thank you,
>>  Syed
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ldvincent54%40gmail.com
>>
> --
> Laura vincent
> (801) 602-5638
> Chapter President,
> National Federation of the Blind of Utah
> www.nfbutah.org
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/louvins%40gmail.com
>


-- 
Joshua Hendrickson

Joshua Hendrickson


From mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 13:30:41 2020
From: mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com (Gabriel Mendez-Frances)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 08:30:41 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFLM_bjvrgzVt6WZZRcGrvtrGseQBfBm0zfVFXUtrPcFAaJiAg@mail.gmail.com>

Hey Syed, it’s good to hear from you again!

I have a few apps in mind, Seeing AI included for its versatility, but some
more context would help. What are you exactly looking to do? The
aforementioned has done a pretty solid job so far for me. What’s your focus?

Cheers,
Gabriel Mendez-Frances

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 12:25 AM Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hey All,
> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my
> iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend
> those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my
> phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized
> I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does
> KNFB reader not work anymore?
>
> Thank you,
>  Syed
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mendezgabriel2000%40gmail.com
>

From tyler at tysdomain.com  Mon Jul 20 13:55:38 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:55:38 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <a54b7712-afd8-7a2c-af20-d126db6d3f2f@tysdomain.com>

Hello,
I've never really like KNFB. Seeing AI works great.
Also when it doesn't work, I really do like Voice Dream Scanner.
For getting around, I like soundscape and blindsquare. I also tend to 
use Google maps over apple maps.
It's hard to know what exactly you're trying to accomplish to make 
further recommendations, but those are the most simple.

On 7/20/2020 1:23 AM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L wrote:
> Hey All,
> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does KNFB reader not work anymore?
>
> Thank you,
>   Syed
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


-- 

Take Care,
Tyler Littlefield (he/him/his)

Tyler Littlefield Consulting: website development and business 
solutions. <http://tylerlittlefield.me> My personal site 
<http://tysdomain.com> My Linkedin 
<https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-lerlittlefield> @Sorressean on Twitter 
<http://twitter.com/sorressean>



From ahbeeorton at yahoo.com  Mon Jul 20 14:25:47 2020
From: ahbeeorton at yahoo.com (Ahbee Orton)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:25:47 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <CAFLM_bjvrgzVt6WZZRcGrvtrGseQBfBm0zfVFXUtrPcFAaJiAg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAFLM_bjvrgzVt6WZZRcGrvtrGseQBfBm0zfVFXUtrPcFAaJiAg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4F0C3149-2B23-4DB0-BC8E-3188788AB429@yahoo.com>

Hi Syed, 

I like using Seeing AI and Voice Dream Reader. Some of the other apps people have mentioned, I'm still learning how to use or haven't had enough experience to speak on them. 

Blessings, 
Ahbee   

Vice President, AABS  
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

> On Jul 20, 2020, at 8:33 AM, Gabriel Mendez-Frances via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey Syed, it’s good to hear from you again!
> 
> I have a few apps in mind, Seeing AI included for its versatility, but some
> more context would help. What are you exactly looking to do? The
> aforementioned has done a pretty solid job so far for me. What’s your focus?
> 
> Cheers,
> Gabriel Mendez-Frances
> 
>> On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 12:25 AM Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Hey All,
>> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on my
>> iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't recommend
>> those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I like keeping my
>> phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing AI and have realized
>> I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. Also is it just me or does
>> KNFB reader not work anymore?
>> 
>> Thank you,
>> Syed
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> 
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mendezgabriel2000%40gmail.com
>> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com

From justin.williams2 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 14:32:28 2020
From: justin.williams2 at gmail.com (Justin Williams)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 10:32:28 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps
In-Reply-To: <CAFLM_bjvrgzVt6WZZRcGrvtrGseQBfBm0zfVFXUtrPcFAaJiAg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <12BF733D-6AA3-45F6-AC98-F47F8DB8E1F2@gmail.com>
 <CAFLM_bjvrgzVt6WZZRcGrvtrGseQBfBm0zfVFXUtrPcFAaJiAg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <001a01d65ea2$98962d20$c9c28760$@gmail.com>

The AIRA App is a good one, also.

Justin


-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Gabriel Mendez-Frances via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 9:31 AM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Gabriel Mendez-Frances <mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Best Blind Apps

Hey Syed, it’s good to hear from you again!

I have a few apps in mind, Seeing AI included for its versatility, but some more context would help. What are you exactly looking to do? The aforementioned has done a pretty solid job so far for me. What’s your focus?

Cheers,
Gabriel Mendez-Frances

On Mon, Jul 20, 2020 at 12:25 AM Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hey All,
> I am looking for the best blindness related apps I should download on 
> my iPhone. I do not want a hundred useless apps so please don't 
> recommend those apps that sound cool but no one ever actually uses. I 
> like keeping my phone relatively simple. I just found out about Seeing 
> AI and have realized I've been sleeping on blindness related apps. 
> Also is it just me or does KNFB reader not work anymore?
>
> Thank you,
>  Syed
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mendezgabriel2000%
> 40gmail.com
>
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin.williams2%40gmail.com



From churchm94 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 20:21:49 2020
From: churchm94 at gmail.com (Mary Church)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:21:49 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Thanking myNabs Family
Message-ID: <4EB8418B-5460-4254-91DE-849342F81262@hxcore.ol>

An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/attachments/20200720/d8516c90/attachment.htm>

From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 20:39:15 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:39:15 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Thanking myNabs Family
In-Reply-To: <4EB8418B-5460-4254-91DE-849342F81262@hxcore.ol>
References: <4EB8418B-5460-4254-91DE-849342F81262@hxcore.ol>
Message-ID: <05c701d65ed5$d5be6cc0$813b4640$@gmail.com>

Aww, thanks, Mary; I’m glad to hear that your Dad is on the road to recovery.

 

Sincerely,

 

Cory McMahon

 

From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mary Church via NABS-L
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 3:22 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Mary Church <churchm94 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Thanking myNabs Family

 

  Greetings fellow members:

What a convention! Everyone who helped put it together did a fabulous job making things work. 

 

    I just want to thank you for all the support During this

Last tough Year. I am happy

to say That things have gotten better. My 

Dad is grateful for all of your kind wishes. He still has a long road, but is getting better. Congratulations to the new board and I look forward to working together. 

Best,

Mary C

hurch 

 

Ne Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986>  for Windows 10

Who 


From elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com  Mon Jul 20 21:22:10 2020
From: elizabethrouse.nfb at gmail.com (Elizabeth Rouse)
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 2020 16:22:10 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Details Enclosed: Order Your NABS Sweatshirt Today!
Message-ID: <6DF96E03-C24B-408A-86CE-34D1C6A41EBF@gmail.com>

Hello NABSters!
Reminder of the information below, and don’t forget to order your NABS sweatshirt before our campaign closes on August 4th at 12:00 PM EST!
Description:
Note: Sweatshirts are available in maroon, charcoal gray, and navy blue. Hoodies come in adult sizes only; crew necks come in children sizes only.

Front of Sweatshirt:
Solid colored hoodie with a White rectangle at the top of the left breast pocket area, which features black braille reading “FREEDOM”. Directly under the white braille text box is a white freedom bell, distributed by our national training centers as a sign of independence upon graduation from training programs. Directly below is the corresponding print word “FREEDOM" in all caps and white text. It is written in a simple yet sharp font that stands up well next to the graphics.

Back of Sweatshirt:
In white text, the sweatshirt reads "NATIONAL ASSOCIATION” on the first line and “OF BLIND STUDENTS” on the line below. The lines utilize slightly different sizes of the same font as the bottom line is larger in an aesthetically pleasing manner. As the same font is used on both the front and back of the sweatshirt, the seismic change slightly emphasizes the bottom line and, subsequently, the pride we maintain in regards to our identities as blind students.

Placing an Order:
Orders can be placed anytime between now and 12:00 PM EST on August 4th. Don’t wait to place your order because NO extension will be available. Orders for both adult sized hoodies and children sized crew necks can be placed using the following link.
>  bonfire.com/nabs-outerwear <http://bonfire.com/nabs-outerwear>

Please note that a shipping charge will be applied to these orders. This factor was taken into account when pricing our sweatshirts. We understand that shipping costs are anything but convenient, so we thank you immensely for your support in the midst of our first ever electronic convention!

We are so proud of these sweatshirts and all the work that went into making them possible. Please share the link to purchase far and wide, and encourage your friends and family, both inside and outside of the Federation, to support NABS!
Any/all questions that pertain to NABS sweatshirts can be directed to me, Elizabeth Rouse, using this email address or my personal phone number (563) 210-1854.
Thank you!
$Elizabeth$

From trishak.nfb at gmail.com  Tue Jul 21 04:18:10 2020
From: trishak.nfb at gmail.com (Trisha Kulkarni)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:18:10 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] You're Invited: Meet the Board Membership Call This Sunday
 at 9:00pm eastern
Message-ID: <D1D8BB35-377A-4E19-91DA-F12C4140A1F6@gmail.com>


What’s Up Students!
 
After a busy and empowering week of virtual convention, I hope that you all have had time to relax and reflect on the largest gathering of blind people to date. That being said, the fun doesn’t stop just because banquet is over.
 
We are excited to kick off the year with our first membership call this Sunday, July 26, at 9:00pm eastern. All are welcome to join us to meet the 2020 NABS Board, ask questions, and share your ideas for the year to come. Zoom information below:
 
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
One-tap mobile: +1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#
 
We look forward to your energy and fresh perspectives!
 
Yours,
Trisha Kulkarni
President | National Association of Blind Students
A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org

From emitchell927 at icloud.com  Tue Jul 21 17:47:43 2020
From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:47:43 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Contact information
Message-ID: <2132DB09-6756-456A-A044-C5123CC95F14@icloud.com>

I am looking for the contact information for Lynn Heitz because I need a letter of justification for why Louisana center for the blind is the best option for training given my multiple disabilities to present to my pa vr counselor.
Emma
Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you,
Emma Jane Mitchell

From shane at mediate.tech  Tue Jul 21 18:34:21 2020
From: shane at mediate.tech (Shane Lowe)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:34:21 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Supersense: The New and Improved OCR scanning app
Message-ID: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>

Hi everyone,
My name is Shane Lowe, and I work for Mediate, an MIT spinoff
app-development company. Our debut product is an app called
Supersense, designed to be the most efficient and effective OCR
scanner on iOS and Android, and if you have the time, we'd like to get
your feedback on it.

Supersense features a unique guidance system, designed to capture any
document as quickly and accurately as possible. You can also use the
app to scan barcodes and currency, import photos from your library,
and soon we will have integrated a color identifier and indoor
navigation technology.

As a blind student myself, I have been working with Mediate since the
beginning of 2020 to insure this app is ideal for students, and we'd
like to see what you think. Feel free to access Supersense from the
link below, and reach out to me with any questions or comments you may
have.

All the best,
Shane Lowe.
Community Specialist @ Mediate
502-435-2671
Download Supersense on iOS:
https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?pt=119769173&ct=S-O9&mt=8
Download Supersense on android:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense&hl=en_US


From tbrown.brl at gmail.com  Tue Jul 21 18:48:20 2020
From: tbrown.brl at gmail.com (Tom Brown)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:48:20 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Contact information
In-Reply-To: <2132DB09-6756-456A-A044-C5123CC95F14@icloud.com>
References: <2132DB09-6756-456A-A044-C5123CC95F14@icloud.com>
Message-ID: <5E6F61AB-AB54-4643-86FE-5D5C2FB40031@gmail.com>



She can be reached at president at nfbp.org Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 21, 2020, at 1:48 PM, Emma Mitchell via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I am looking for the contact information for Lynn Heitz because I need a letter of justification for why Louisana center for the blind is the best option for training given my multiple disabilities to present to my pa vr counselor.
> Emma
> Any help would be appreciated!
> Thank you,
> Emma Jane Mitchell
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tbrown.brl%40gmail.com


From zdreicer at gmail.com  Tue Jul 21 19:25:25 2020
From: zdreicer at gmail.com (Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 13:25:25 -0600
Subject: [NABS-L] Supersense: The New and Improved OCR scanning app
In-Reply-To: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <ADEEBA5A-E3D9-4630-B462-F705244960A1@gmail.com>

Definitely sounds like an interesting thing and I will give it a try. whats different or better about this as compared to KNFB reader?



“Live the life you want”
-National Federation of the Blind

Sent from my iPhone XS  Using VoiceOver

> On Jul 21, 2020, at 12:35, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> My name is Shane Lowe, and I work for Mediate, an MIT spinoff
> app-development company. Our debut product is an app called
> Supersense, designed to be the most efficient and effective OCR
> scanner on iOS and Android, and if you have the time, we'd like to get
> your feedback on it.
> 
> Supersense features a unique guidance system, designed to capture any
> document as quickly and accurately as possible. You can also use the
> app to scan barcodes and currency, import photos from your library,
> and soon we will have integrated a color identifier and indoor
> navigation technology.
> 
> As a blind student myself, I have been working with Mediate since the
> beginning of 2020 to insure this app is ideal for students, and we'd
> like to see what you think. Feel free to access Supersense from the
> link below, and reach out to me with any questions or comments you may
> have.
> 
> All the best,
> Shane Lowe.
> Community Specialist @ Mediate
> 502-435-2671
> Download Supersense on iOS:
> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?pt=119769173&ct=S-O9&mt=8
> Download Supersense on android:
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense&hl=en_US
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com


From shane at mediate.tech  Tue Jul 21 20:24:44 2020
From: shane at mediate.tech (Shane Lowe)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 16:24:44 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Supersense: The New and Improved OCR scanning app
In-Reply-To: <ADEEBA5A-E3D9-4630-B462-F705244960A1@gmail.com>
References: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>
 <ADEEBA5A-E3D9-4630-B462-F705244960A1@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CABbrTbj-BWSzsVO5yu47k0fGHcV8Gc10z2y32Tz3sRDJhOK_4w@mail.gmail.com>

Zachary,
Thanks so much for your reply, I'm glad to hear that you're curious!
The goal with Supersense is to streamline the process of scanning
text. The app will automatically figure out where the text is relative
to your camera, and give you a series of simple directions to help you
get the best image possible, without the need to take multiple
pictures. We are also working on technology within the app that will
automatically figure out what you're trying to read, such as a
document, product barcode, currency, etc, and scan it accordingly to
minimize how much you have to interact with Supersense.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with!


On 7/21/20, Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer <zdreicer at gmail.com> wrote:
> Definitely sounds like an interesting thing and I will give it a try. whats
> different or better about this as compared to KNFB reader?
>
>
>
> “Live the life you want”
> -National Federation of the Blind
>
> Sent from my iPhone XS  Using VoiceOver
>
>> On Jul 21, 2020, at 12:35, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Hi everyone,
>> My name is Shane Lowe, and I work for Mediate, an MIT spinoff
>> app-development company. Our debut product is an app called
>> Supersense, designed to be the most efficient and effective OCR
>> scanner on iOS and Android, and if you have the time, we'd like to get
>> your feedback on it.
>>
>> Supersense features a unique guidance system, designed to capture any
>> document as quickly and accurately as possible. You can also use the
>> app to scan barcodes and currency, import photos from your library,
>> and soon we will have integrated a color identifier and indoor
>> navigation technology.
>>
>> As a blind student myself, I have been working with Mediate since the
>> beginning of 2020 to insure this app is ideal for students, and we'd
>> like to see what you think. Feel free to access Supersense from the
>> link below, and reach out to me with any questions or comments you may
>> have.
>>
>> All the best,
>> Shane Lowe.
>> Community Specialist @ Mediate
>> 502-435-2671
>> Download Supersense on iOS:
>> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?pt=119769173&ct=S-O9&mt=8
>> Download Supersense on android:
>> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense&hl=en_US
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com
>


From LBlake at nfb.org  Tue Jul 21 20:17:53 2020
From: LBlake at nfb.org (Blake, Lou Ann)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 20:17:53 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Transition age blind and low-vision students needed for
 research study
Message-ID: <MN2PR17MB2816F065B94D7C6D9953A4EFC9780@MN2PR17MB2816.namprd17.prod.outlook.com>

The below research participant solicitation is being provided for informational purposes only. The National Federation of the Blind has no involvement in this research, but we believe that it may contribute to our research mission.

Learning Ally's College Success Program wants to hear from you! We are
developing a program for transition-aged students who plan to attend
college, and we need your help. What is working well in your
transition plan? What is not working at all? And what is missing?

We want to hear from blind or low vision students ages 14-22 who are
planning to attend college or who are already in college. Please note:
there is no compensation to participate in this survey, as we have
received a lot of student feedback, and the drawing has closed.
However, if you would like to give us your thoughts anyway in order to
help the next generation of students, we truly appreciate your
thoughts and will consider them as we figure out program
implementation!

Please email any questions to Kristen Witucki at
kwitucki at learningally.org<mailto:kwitucki at learningally.org>.

Thank you for your time and candid responses!


Link to student survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv3wvvIwVCbWpiENFCxpr-tz2Kw25ORPy_vtYarbyi-HdYCg/viewform


Lou Ann Blake, J.D.
Deputy Executive Director, Blindness Initiatives
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, extension 2221 | lblake at nfb.org<mailto:lblake at nfb.org>


[National Federation of the Blind]<https://nfb.org/>

                         [Facebook] <http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>     [Twitter] <https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>     [Youtube] <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.

From jty727 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 21 20:50:26 2020
From: jty727 at gmail.com (Justin Young)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 16:50:26 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Supersense: The New and Improved OCR scanning app
In-Reply-To: <CABbrTbj-BWSzsVO5yu47k0fGHcV8Gc10z2y32Tz3sRDJhOK_4w@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>
 <ADEEBA5A-E3D9-4630-B462-F705244960A1@gmail.com>
 <CABbrTbj-BWSzsVO5yu47k0fGHcV8Gc10z2y32Tz3sRDJhOK_4w@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CA+3U9s7yqm6XKDp_Nu7W-3W9QmKhXLBWS2c0zx47tiqMZ4eLWA@mail.gmail.com>

Hello!

Is this app currently available on the iOS app store or is it coming
soon?  I'm definitely interested in testing it and learning more!

Thanks,

Justin Young

On 7/21/20, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Zachary,
> Thanks so much for your reply, I'm glad to hear that you're curious!
> The goal with Supersense is to streamline the process of scanning
> text. The app will automatically figure out where the text is relative
> to your camera, and give you a series of simple directions to help you
> get the best image possible, without the need to take multiple
> pictures. We are also working on technology within the app that will
> automatically figure out what you're trying to read, such as a
> document, product barcode, currency, etc, and scan it accordingly to
> minimize how much you have to interact with Supersense.
>
> Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with!
>
>
> On 7/21/20, Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer <zdreicer at gmail.com> wrote:
>> Definitely sounds like an interesting thing and I will give it a try.
>> whats
>> different or better about this as compared to KNFB reader?
>>
>>
>>
>> “Live the life you want”
>> -National Federation of the Blind
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone XS  Using VoiceOver
>>
>>> On Jul 21, 2020, at 12:35, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi everyone,
>>> My name is Shane Lowe, and I work for Mediate, an MIT spinoff
>>> app-development company. Our debut product is an app called
>>> Supersense, designed to be the most efficient and effective OCR
>>> scanner on iOS and Android, and if you have the time, we'd like to get
>>> your feedback on it.
>>>
>>> Supersense features a unique guidance system, designed to capture any
>>> document as quickly and accurately as possible. You can also use the
>>> app to scan barcodes and currency, import photos from your library,
>>> and soon we will have integrated a color identifier and indoor
>>> navigation technology.
>>>
>>> As a blind student myself, I have been working with Mediate since the
>>> beginning of 2020 to insure this app is ideal for students, and we'd
>>> like to see what you think. Feel free to access Supersense from the
>>> link below, and reach out to me with any questions or comments you may
>>> have.
>>>
>>> All the best,
>>> Shane Lowe.
>>> Community Specialist @ Mediate
>>> 502-435-2671
>>> Download Supersense on iOS:
>>> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?pt=119769173&ct=S-O9&mt=8
>>> Download Supersense on android:
>>> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense&hl=en_US
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>


From shane at mediate.tech  Tue Jul 21 21:07:25 2020
From: shane at mediate.tech (Shane Lowe)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:07:25 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Supersense: The New and Improved OCR scanning app
In-Reply-To: <CA+3U9s7yqm6XKDp_Nu7W-3W9QmKhXLBWS2c0zx47tiqMZ4eLWA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CABbrTbhPpnRLToGEFq+cOrJUdFUxZYa-1vmy7qQ_p-jHKt2G0g@mail.gmail.com>
 <ADEEBA5A-E3D9-4630-B462-F705244960A1@gmail.com>
 <CABbrTbj-BWSzsVO5yu47k0fGHcV8Gc10z2y32Tz3sRDJhOK_4w@mail.gmail.com>
 <CA+3U9s7yqm6XKDp_Nu7W-3W9QmKhXLBWS2c0zx47tiqMZ4eLWA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CABbrTbjUvcdK+kRBwrV+jRuZmQUkaiNTipL7WmF1u-kHAPf6EA@mail.gmail.com>

Hey Justin,
Yes, the app is on both the app and Play stores. The link at the
bottom of my initial email will also take you to the app. We use those
links to help keep track of how many downloads we get from each
advertising campaign. For example, in this case, if you use the link I
sent earlier we would see a new download from the NABS app testing
project.


On 7/21/20, Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hello!
>
> Is this app currently available on the iOS app store or is it coming
> soon?  I'm definitely interested in testing it and learning more!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Justin Young
>
> On 7/21/20, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Zachary,
>> Thanks so much for your reply, I'm glad to hear that you're curious!
>> The goal with Supersense is to streamline the process of scanning
>> text. The app will automatically figure out where the text is relative
>> to your camera, and give you a series of simple directions to help you
>> get the best image possible, without the need to take multiple
>> pictures. We are also working on technology within the app that will
>> automatically figure out what you're trying to read, such as a
>> document, product barcode, currency, etc, and scan it accordingly to
>> minimize how much you have to interact with Supersense.
>>
>> Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with!
>>
>>
>> On 7/21/20, Zachary N. Griego-Dreicer <zdreicer at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Definitely sounds like an interesting thing and I will give it a try.
>>> whats
>>> different or better about this as compared to KNFB reader?
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> “Live the life you want”
>>> -National Federation of the Blind
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone XS  Using VoiceOver
>>>
>>>> On Jul 21, 2020, at 12:35, Shane Lowe via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi everyone,
>>>> My name is Shane Lowe, and I work for Mediate, an MIT spinoff
>>>> app-development company. Our debut product is an app called
>>>> Supersense, designed to be the most efficient and effective OCR
>>>> scanner on iOS and Android, and if you have the time, we'd like to get
>>>> your feedback on it.
>>>>
>>>> Supersense features a unique guidance system, designed to capture any
>>>> document as quickly and accurately as possible. You can also use the
>>>> app to scan barcodes and currency, import photos from your library,
>>>> and soon we will have integrated a color identifier and indoor
>>>> navigation technology.
>>>>
>>>> As a blind student myself, I have been working with Mediate since the
>>>> beginning of 2020 to insure this app is ideal for students, and we'd
>>>> like to see what you think. Feel free to access Supersense from the
>>>> link below, and reach out to me with any questions or comments you may
>>>> have.
>>>>
>>>> All the best,
>>>> Shane Lowe.
>>>> Community Specialist @ Mediate
>>>> 502-435-2671
>>>> Download Supersense on iOS:
>>>> https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1484547836?pt=119769173&ct=S-O9&mt=8
>>>> Download Supersense on android:
>>>> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mediate.supersense&hl=en_US
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>>> NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/zdreicer%40gmail.com
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/shane%40mediate.tech
>


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Tue Jul 21 21:50:07 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket X. Bidleman)
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 14:50:07 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] California Student Facebook Group
Message-ID: <CABP7S8OaBQ2HjMX47Qt3PCXvhE-VnHURDNPEP04u3O5OS7u3EQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hello NABS family,

I hope you are all taking some time to relax after a busy convention
week. This summer has been tough for everyone, and we could all use a
place to socialize. This is why the California student division (CABS)
has created a Facebook group, which we hope you'll join. Please share
this link with anyone who you think would be interested:

https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F3765687470113250%2F%3Fref%3Dpages_profile_groups_tab%26source_id%3D166747930401206

Thanks, and have a great rest of the summer!

Best,
CXB

-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)


From justin at ekis.us  Wed Jul 22 22:31:01 2020
From: justin at ekis.us (Justin Ekis)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:31:01 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
Message-ID: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>

Hey there Nabsters, 

This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking. 

I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through. 

When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.

If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access? 

Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow? 

Thanks in advance for any help. 




From goosie1011 at gmail.com  Wed Jul 22 23:21:08 2020
From: goosie1011 at gmail.com (Garrett Kearns)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:21:08 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
References: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
Message-ID: <CAPYPraz0-=eMSYgfev9X7O86B=6qa=0RQEBMLxfJQJ9nM=bCYw@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Justin,

This seems to be a policy at all American colleges. In my experience,
the publishers are fairly responsive. I see no reason why you wouldn't
be able to get your books in time for the first day of class.

Garrett

On 7/22/20, Justin Ekis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Hey there Nabsters,
>
> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt
> at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors
> are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>
> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither
> Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required
> material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I
> requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>
> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for
> disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions
> directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts
> showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I
> can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the
> financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2
> weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2
> weeks of class.
>
> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds
> that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are
> published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from
> Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage
> learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or
> might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>
> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy
> seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is
> working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved
> somehow?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/goosie1011%40gmail.com
>


From kmaent1 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 00:01:16 2020
From: kmaent1 at gmail.com (Karl Martin Adam)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:01:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
Message-ID: <5f18d370.1c69fb81.54f98.753b@mx.google.com>

Hi=20Justin,=20the=20policy=20you=20mention=20is=20federal=20law.=20=20The=
=20law=20allows=20
you=20to=20get=20a=20digital=20copy=20of=20your=20books=20from=20the=20publ=
isher,=20but=20
it=20requires=20you=20to=20pay=20for=20them=20like=20everyone=20else.=20=20=
That's=20
equality=20not=20discrimination=20(the=20financial=20aid=20policies,=20on=20=
the=20
other=20hand,=20are=20awful,=20and=20I'm=20sorry=20you=20have=20to=20deal=20=
with=20that).=20=20
You=20might,=20however,=20be=20able=20to=20work=20with=20your=20disabled=20=
student=20
services=20and=20arrange=20for=20them=20to=20order=20your=20books=20now=20b=
ut=20not=20
give=20you=20the=20files=20until=20you=20show=20them=20a=20receipt.=20=20In=
=20my=20
experience=20two=20weeks=20is=20pushing=20it=20for=20turnaround.=20=20The=20=
person=20at=20
your=20disabled=20student=20services=20who=20actually=20orders=20the=20book=
s=20will=20
probably=20have=20the=20best=20assessment=20of=20the=20turnaround=20time=20=
for=20
those=20specific=20publishers.=20=20Also,=20FYI=20Bookshare's=20speed=20for=
=20
ordering=20and=20preparing=20books=20is=20usually=202-4=20months,=20though=
=20
they've=20slowed=20down=20significantly=20with=20the=20pandemic.

HTH,
Karl

=20-----=20Original=20Message=20-----
From:=20Justin=20Ekis=20via=20NABS-L=20<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
To:=20nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Date=20sent:=20Wed,=2022=20Jul=202020=2017:31:01=20-0500
Subject:=20[NABS-L]=20Trouble=20obtaining=20accessible=20textbooks.

Hey=20there=20Nabsters,

This=20fall,=20I=20will=20be=20heading=20back=20to=20community=20college=20=
for=20my=20
second=20attempt=20at=20an=20associate=E2=80=99s=20degree=20in=20Computer=20=
Information=20
Technology.=20My=20duel=20majors=20are=20concentrations=20in=20Cyber=20defe=
nce=20
and=20networking.

I=20am=20having=20a=20great=20deal=20of=20trouble=20obtaining=20accessible=
=20
textbooks.=20Neither=20Bookshare=20or=20learning=20ally=20have=20the=20corr=
ect=20
editions=20of=20the=20required=20material.=20For=20one=20title,=20no=20edit=
ion=20is=20
available=20from=20these=20services.=20I=20requested=20them=20to=20be=20add=
ed=20in=20
may,=20but=20they=20have=20not=20yet=20come=20through.

When=20I=20contacted=20the=20Center=20for=20access=20at=20my=20college,=20t=
he=20
coordinator=20for=20disability=20services=20informed=20me=20that=20they=20c=
ould=20
request=20accessible=20versions=20directly=20from=20the=20publishers.=20
However,=20I=20would=20have=20to=20provide=20receipts=20showing=20that=20I=
=20had=20
purchased=20the=20books=20first.=20On=20my=20SSDI,=20there=E2=80=99s=20no=20=
way=20I=20can=20
afford=20those=20books=20until=20I=20get=20my=20Financial=20aid=20funds.=20=
According=20
to=20the=20financial=20aid=20office,=20they=20won=E2=80=99t=20distribute=20=
the=20
bookstore=20voucher=20until=202=20weeks=20before=20classes=20start,=20and=20=
the=20
rest=20of=20the=20money=20after=20the=20=20first=202=20weeks=20of=20class.

If=20I=20can=E2=80=99t=20request=20the=20books=20until=202=20weeks=20before=
=20class,=20what=20
are=20the=20odds=20that=20I=20will=20receive=20all=204=20of=20them=20before=
=20the=20first=20
day?=20two=20of=20my=20books=20are=20published=20by=20Pearson=20Education,=
=20i=20
can=E2=80=99t=20tell=20whether=20another=20one=20=20is=20from=20=20Pearson=
=20IT=20
Certification=20or=20Cisco=20press,=20and=20the=20last=20one=20is=20from=20=
cengage=20
learning.=20Does=20anyone=20know=20whether=20this=20rule=20comes=20from=20t=
he=20
publishers,=20or=20might=20it=20be=20simply=20the=20policy=20of=20our=20cen=
ter=20for=20
access?

Is=20there=20anything=20I=20can=20do=20to=20get=20my=20materials=20more=20q=
uickly?=20This=20
policy=20seems=20to=20discriminate=20against=20low=20income=20disabled=20
students.=20Now=20that=20NFB=20is=20working=20more=20closely=20with=20Pears=
on,=20
might=20they=20be=20able=20to=20get=20involved=20somehow?

Thanks=20in=20advance=20for=20any=20help.



_______________________________________________
NABS-L=20mailing=20list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To=20unsubscribe,=20change=20your=20list=20options=20or=20get=20your=20acco=
unt=20info=20
for=20NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kmaent1%40gma
il.com



From keribcu at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 00:15:37 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:15:37 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
References: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
Message-ID: <99e9d5a7-8c64-72f3-69c5-7671f69d7b33@gmail.com>

hey,


Some publishers do require proof of purchase, while others don't. Ask 
your center to check access text. I have had great success in the past 
with access text.

On 7/22/2020 6:31 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
> Hey there Nabsters,
>
> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>
> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>
> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
>
> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>
> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
>
> Thanks in advance for any help.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From mkvnfb94 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 00:52:16 2020
From: mkvnfb94 at gmail.com (Mariya Vasileva)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:52:16 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <99e9d5a7-8c64-72f3-69c5-7671f69d7b33@gmail.com>
References: <99e9d5a7-8c64-72f3-69c5-7671f69d7b33@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <32D32F27-9497-4FB2-A066-F35204515FF7@gmail.com>

Hi Justin, you can also try Vital Source. The account is free, and their EPub books are around 80% off traditional bookstore books. Their bookshelf app is free and easy to use, and you can import the books directly from the website into the app.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 22, 2020, at 8:16 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> hey,
> 
> 
> Some publishers do require proof of purchase, while others don't. Ask your center to check access text. I have had great success in the past with access text.
> 
>> On 7/22/2020 6:31 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hey there Nabsters,
>> 
>> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>> 
>> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>> 
>> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
>> 
>> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>> 
>> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
>> 
>> Thanks in advance for any help.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com


From justin at ekis.us  Thu Jul 23 00:59:56 2020
From: justin at ekis.us (Justin Ekis)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 19:59:56 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <5f18d370.1c69fb81.54f98.753b@mx.google.com>
References: <5f18d370.1c69fb81.54f98.753b@mx.google.com>
Message-ID: <7347C76E-A608-4EBA-8B15-8B3B0D0F87B7@ekis.us>

Hi Karl, 

I agree in principle. Ideally, that policy would represent the perfect picture of equality. In actuality,  it directly leads to an unequal situation where students who depend on financial aid are placed at high risk of falling behind before the class really begins, at no fault of their own and with no recourse to avoid the damage. Laws should account for the complexities that exist when those policies interact with other conditions that may be in place. 

One of the two laws must change to create actual equality. I agree that it is only right that we pay like everyone else. That's obvious. So the best approach would be that the federal student aid laws require institutions disperse a portion of the grant funds at least 30 days prior to the start of the term. Alternately, this law about accessibility should be amended to insure that the books are received on time. Either an option to have a portion of the grant automatically remitted directly to the publishers, the chance to sign a legally binding contract to purchase the books, or a mandate for a 3 day turnaround time. Otherwise, the current situation is paper equality only. 

Best, 

Justin 
 

> On Jul 22, 2020, at 7:03 PM, Karl Martin Adam via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Justin, the policy you mention is federal law.  The law allows you to get a digital copy of your books from the publisher, but it requires you to pay for them like everyone else.  That's equality not discrimination (the financial aid policies, on the other hand, are awful, and I'm sorry you have to deal with that).  You might, however, be able to work with your disabled student services and arrange for them to order your books now but not give you the files until you show them a receipt.  In my experience two weeks is pushing it for turnaround.  The person at your disabled student services who actually orders the books will probably have the best assessment of the turnaround time for those specific publishers.  Also, FYI Bookshare's speed for ordering and preparing books is usually 2-4 months, though they've slowed down significantly with the pandemic.
> 
> HTH,
> Karl
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Justin Ekis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> Date sent: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 17:31:01 -0500
> Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
> 
> Hey there Nabsters,
> 
> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
> 
> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
> 
> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
> 
> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
> 
> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help.
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kmaent1%40gma
> il.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin%40ekis.us



From justin at ekis.us  Thu Jul 23 01:18:24 2020
From: justin at ekis.us (Justin Ekis)
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2020 20:18:24 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <32D32F27-9497-4FB2-A066-F35204515FF7@gmail.com>
References: <32D32F27-9497-4FB2-A066-F35204515FF7@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <9DB5EB55-A9A2-417F-A543-727F900EFC8C@ekis.us>

Hi Mariya, 

Thank you for the excellent suggestion. I have considered vitalsource. I would much rather go this route and not even mess with the publishers and the center for access at all. I wonder though, is it guarantied that every title on vitalsource will be fully accessible? One of my courses is on HTML and CSS, and another is on programming logic and design. I can just imagine code examples in these books being presented in figures, graphics that screenreaders will not read. If I get an accessible file from the publisher, I would be confident that such content would be presented in a usable way. For a commercial ebook, I’m quite dubious indeed. 

The other problem is paying for them. Two weeks before class, I will receive a $500 voucher for the college bookstore. It cannot be redeemed at vitalsource. I will receive the rest of the pell grant funds via direct deposit 2 weeks into the semester. So even if Vitalsource content is fully accessible, I cannot purchase it until well into the courses. 

Thanks so much for trying to help though, your idea is the one I most want to use. 

Best, 

Justin 



> On Jul 22, 2020, at 7:53 PM, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Justin, you can also try Vital Source. The account is free, and their EPub books are around 80% off traditional bookstore books. Their bookshelf app is free and easy to use, and you can import the books directly from the website into the app.
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 22, 2020, at 8:16 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> hey,
>> 
>> 
>> Some publishers do require proof of purchase, while others don't. Ask your center to check access text. I have had great success in the past with access text.
>> 
>>>> On 7/22/2020 6:31 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
>>> Hey there Nabsters,
>>> 
>>> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>>> 
>>> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>>> 
>>> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
>>> 
>>> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>>> 
>>> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
>>> 
>>> Thanks in advance for any help.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>> 
>> -- 
>> Keri Svendsen
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin%40ekis.us



From mkvnfb94 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 11:03:51 2020
From: mkvnfb94 at gmail.com (Mariya Vasileva)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 07:03:51 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <9DB5EB55-A9A2-417F-A543-727F900EFC8C@ekis.us>
References: <9DB5EB55-A9A2-417F-A543-727F900EFC8C@ekis.us>
Message-ID: <EEDEB1CB-DA2F-4710-9209-6530AAC18C7A@gmail.com>

Well, as far as the photos are concerned, yeah some of the books will have images in them, but usually the context surrounding them can help you visualize what they are. As far as the payment goes, because they are 80% off most of the time, the most you will be paying for a book is 100 dollars. Whatever you’ll be getting will cover it, and you immediately get the books once they’re paid for the same day. now, most of your books will be on there, but don’t be surprised at all if not all of the books that you will be meeting for the remainder of your semesters will be available there. So, I would also recommend creating a book share account and sending them your national library service information if you’re connected with them for proof of disability in order to get the account for free instead of paying $50 once a year unless you want to go down that route. You can also use them as a resource to find some of your books if some of them aren’t on vital source. I’m just telling you this now, because that doesn’t mean 100% of your books every Time will be available with in that resource. you’re welcome, I don’t mind helping people whenever they need it.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 22, 2020, at 9:19 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Mariya, 
> 
> Thank you for the excellent suggestion. I have considered vitalsource. I would much rather go this route and not even mess with the publishers and the center for access at all. I wonder though, is it guarantied that every title on vitalsource will be fully accessible? One of my courses is on HTML and CSS, and another is on programming logic and design. I can just imagine code examples in these books being presented in figures, graphics that screenreaders will not read. If I get an accessible file from the publisher, I would be confident that such content would be presented in a usable way. For a commercial ebook, I’m quite dubious indeed. 
> 
> The other problem is paying for them. Two weeks before class, I will receive a $500 voucher for the college bookstore. It cannot be redeemed at vitalsource. I will receive the rest of the pell grant funds via direct deposit 2 weeks into the semester. So even if Vitalsource content is fully accessible, I cannot purchase it until well into the courses. 
> 
> Thanks so much for trying to help though, your idea is the one I most want to use. 
> 
> Best, 
> 
> Justin 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 22, 2020, at 7:53 PM, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Justin, you can also try Vital Source. The account is free, and their EPub books are around 80% off traditional bookstore books. Their bookshelf app is free and easy to use, and you can import the books directly from the website into the app.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Jul 22, 2020, at 8:16 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> hey,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Some publishers do require proof of purchase, while others don't. Ask your center to check access text. I have had great success in the past with access text.
>>> 
>>>>> On 7/22/2020 6:31 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> Hey there Nabsters,
>>>> 
>>>> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>>>> 
>>>> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>>>> 
>>>> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
>>>> 
>>>> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>>>> 
>>>> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks in advance for any help.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin%40ekis.us
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com


From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 15:22:18 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:22:18 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <9DB5EB55-A9A2-417F-A543-727F900EFC8C@ekis.us>
References: <9DB5EB55-A9A2-417F-A543-727F900EFC8C@ekis.us>
Message-ID: <3C03B2BF-2FD9-43FE-9F2F-1CFE7F4A5A07@gmail.com>

Hi Justin, 
I'm sorry to hear about the trouble you're going through to get your books. 
I just wanted to comment on diagrams and images not always being accessible in electronic format. I had two classes, math and abnormal psychology, where the books had lots of images, and had a reader provided to me by Disability Services with whom I would meet once a week. The use of the reader was an accommodation, and since my Disability Services provided them they were at no cost to me. In both cases, the professors were happy to supply me with a print version of the textbook for the reader to use, as long as I returned it after the end of the semester. 
If you decide to go this route, just make sure to let your disability services know that you want someone familiar with computer science and coding. For my math class, my reader had taken the same course with the professor the semester before, and my psychology reader had a major somewhere in the sciences. This would maximize the benefit you would have from a reader who is more likely to be more familiar with the images. 
If I'm honest, the image descriptions helped a bit, but most of my success in the classes came from me studying the materials. Sometimes Bookshare (if the books you requested end up on there) will have useful figure descriptions. I still recommend a reader if you can, though. 
Vejas   

> On Jul 22, 2020, at 18:19, Justin Ekis via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Mariya, 
> 
> Thank you for the excellent suggestion. I have considered vitalsource. I would much rather go this route and not even mess with the publishers and the center for access at all. I wonder though, is it guarantied that every title on vitalsource will be fully accessible? One of my courses is on HTML and CSS, and another is on programming logic and design. I can just imagine code examples in these books being presented in figures, graphics that screenreaders will not read. If I get an accessible file from the publisher, I would be confident that such content would be presented in a usable way. For a commercial ebook, I’m quite dubious indeed. 
> 
> The other problem is paying for them. Two weeks before class, I will receive a $500 voucher for the college bookstore. It cannot be redeemed at vitalsource. I will receive the rest of the pell grant funds via direct deposit 2 weeks into the semester. So even if Vitalsource content is fully accessible, I cannot purchase it until well into the courses. 
> 
> Thanks so much for trying to help though, your idea is the one I most want to use. 
> 
> Best, 
> 
> Justin 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 22, 2020, at 7:53 PM, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Justin, you can also try Vital Source. The account is free, and their EPub books are around 80% off traditional bookstore books. Their bookshelf app is free and easy to use, and you can import the books directly from the website into the app.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>>> On Jul 22, 2020, at 8:16 PM, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> hey,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Some publishers do require proof of purchase, while others don't. Ask your center to check access text. I have had great success in the past with access text.
>>> 
>>>>> On 7/22/2020 6:31 PM, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
>>>> Hey there Nabsters,
>>>> 
>>>> This fall, I will be heading back to community college for my second attempt at an associate’s degree in Computer Information Technology. My duel majors are concentrations in Cyber defence and networking.
>>>> 
>>>> I am having a great deal of trouble obtaining accessible textbooks. Neither Bookshare or learning ally have the correct editions of the required material. For one title, no edition is available from these services. I requested them to be added in may, but they have not yet come through.
>>>> 
>>>> When I contacted the Center for access at my college, the coordinator for disability services informed me that they could request accessible versions directly from the publishers. However, I would have to provide receipts showing that I had purchased the books first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford those books until I get my Financial aid funds. According to the financial aid office, they won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 weeks before classes start, and the rest of the money after the  first 2 weeks of class.
>>>> 
>>>> If I can’t request the books until 2 weeks before class, what are the odds that I will receive all 4 of them before the first day? two of my books are published by Pearson Education, i can’t tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether this rule comes from the publishers, or might it be simply the policy of our center for access?
>>>> 
>>>> Is there anything I can do to get my materials more quickly? This policy seems to discriminate against low income disabled students. Now that NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might they be able to get involved somehow?
>>>> 
>>>> Thanks in advance for any help.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
>>> 
>>> -- 
>>> Keri Svendsen
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/justin%40ekis.us
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/alpineimagination%40gmail.com


From cricketbidleman at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 15:38:32 2020
From: cricketbidleman at gmail.com (Cricket X. Bidleman)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:38:32 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] California Student elections 2020
Message-ID: <CABP7S8N3Y5QFN0aPT8NqVon6_sKxM7Hnmg1S1Fp5CYmRpjru7w@mail.gmail.com>

Dear students:

Sorry for the long email. We are so excited to be approaching the NFB
of California state convention, which will take place on the weekend
of October 22nd. We hope you’ll join us--it will be much easier since
it's virtual this year. One challenge many chapters and divisions are
facing is how to conduct elections; CABS is no exception. Below, I’ve
outlined the procedure that the current CABS board has agreed upon. If
you have any questions, please email any or all of us; we want to
promote fairness.

President Cricket Bidleman:  cricketbidleman at gmail.com
Vice President Mary Church:  churchm94 at gmail.com
Secretary Gene Kim:  gene.sh.kim at gmail.com
Treasurer Barbara Harrison:  harrison.barbara679 at gmail.com
Board member Kyle Garcia:  kgarcia2432 at gmail.com

We ask that everyone who wishes to become a CABS member (or to
maintain CABS membership) Venmo Rochelle Houston $5--the annual
membership dues. Anyone can be a member. Rochelle's venmo username is
Rochelle-Houston-1. In the description field, please write CABS dues
2020. In addition, please email me ( cricketbidleman at gmail.com) so I
can confirm your payment. Membership dues are welcome at any time, but
to run or vote for elections, your payment must be received by the end
of October 1st, 2020. An email will be sent to all dues-paying members
on the morning of October 2nd, 2020 as a reminder of election
procedures. Anyone can be a CABS member, but in order to run for the
board you must be attending a California school. You can live
anywhere, but you must be attending at least one class in a California
school, either in-person or online. Anyone running for a board
position will have until the end of October 15, 2020 to send me an
audio or video clip of their campaign speech. Clips may not exceed one
minute in length.

On the morning of October 16, 2020,  an email with campaign speeches
and a voting Google form  will be sent to all dues-paying members
whose payments were received by the end of October 1st, 2020. Only one
vote per person will be counted. If you want to change your vote, you
may submit a second form with your name, followed by (official) or
something similar. Each person will have until the end of the day
prior to the CABS business meeting to place their votes; any vote
received after that deadline will not be counted. I can't provide an
exact date yet, but a deadline will be provided by October 2nd, 2020.

All officer and board member positions are up for election. Officer
positions are president, VP, secretary, and treasurer.  As per the
constitution, the current president may declare if we have one or
three board members. If only one or two people run for board member,
we will have one board member position. If three or more people run
for board member, we will have three board member positions; the
candidates with the three largest numbers of votes will be Board
Members 1, 2, and 3. Each term is one year in length. Since I am
running for president again, I will ensure that a neutral third party
reviews the voting results. Ideally, that person will also present the
results at the CABS business meeting. Yay for cameos!

This is the election process, which has been reviewed by the current
CABS board and Rochelle Houston, 1st VP of the NFB of California. Got
questions or comments? Email one of the addresses above and we'll get
those answered as soon as possible. Remember that you can become a
CABS member at any time, but in order to run or vote this year, dues
must be received by the end of October 1st, 2020. We hope you have a
great rest of the summer, and we can't wait to see you at the CABS
business meeting!

Best,
CXB


-- 
Cricket X. Bidleman (she/her/hers)
Stanford University | Class of 2021
BA Candidate | Communications
Accessibility Consultant | Stanford University Computer Science
Director of Communications | Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU)
President | California Association of Blind Students (CABS)


From nabs.president at gmail.com  Thu Jul 23 17:28:05 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Trisha Kulkarni, National Student President)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:28:05 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Get Involved: Announcing NABS Committees!
Message-ID: <F8B19D53-F3DB-429E-9695-7D31C228A833@gmail.com>



Dear Students,
 
I'm so excited to be announcing our NABS committee leadership! As we look forward to a new year of progress in NABS, our committees are wonderful spaces to get involved with the work that we do and are at the core of driving our efforts forward. I encourage all of you to consider joining a committee by reaching out to the chair or checking out their August meeting. Please see below for our awesome chairs and co-chairs of our four committees as well as our monthly call schedule.
 
Outreach Committee
Chair: Nina Marranca, ninam0814 at gmail.com
Co-Chairs: Seyoon Choi, Elizabeth Rouse, and Luke Seibert
Monthly Committee Call: second Sunday of the month at 8:00pm eastern
 
Fundraising Committee
Chair: Robert Parsons, Robert.E.Parsons at wmich.edu
Co-Chairs: Johna Wright and Hunter Kuester
Monthly Committee Call: second Sunday of the month at 9:00pm eastern
 
Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee
Chair: Justin Salisbury, president at alumni.ecu.edu
Co-Chairs: Mausam Mehta, Justin Young, and Lizzy Schoen
Monthly Committee Call: third Sunday of the month at 8:00pm eastern
 
Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Chair: Shane Wegner, shanew at outlook.com
Co-Chairs: Qualik Ford and Sara Luna
Monthly Committee Call: third Sunday of the month at 9:00pm eastern
 
All committee calls will occur at the NABS Zoom information below:
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
One-tap mobile: +1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#
 
Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. I am so excited to see what we can accomplish together!
 
Yours,
Trisha Kulkarni
President | National Association of Blind Students
A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org

From emitchell927 at icloud.com  Thu Jul 23 17:39:25 2020
From: emitchell927 at icloud.com (Emma Mitchell)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:39:25 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Get Involved: Announcing NABS Committees!
In-Reply-To: <F8B19D53-F3DB-429E-9695-7D31C228A833@gmail.com>
References: <F8B19D53-F3DB-429E-9695-7D31C228A833@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <BA81673F-4A6E-4088-99C0-7D4EE402A04B@icloud.com>

Can someone help me get involved with diversity and outreach committees
Emma 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 23, 2020, at 1:29 PM, Trisha Kulkarni, National Student President via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Dear Students,
> 
> I'm so excited to be announcing our NABS committee leadership! As we look forward to a new year of progress in NABS, our committees are wonderful spaces to get involved with the work that we do and are at the core of driving our efforts forward. I encourage all of you to consider joining a committee by reaching out to the chair or checking out their August meeting. Please see below for our awesome chairs and co-chairs of our four committees as well as our monthly call schedule.
> 
> Outreach Committee
> Chair: Nina Marranca, ninam0814 at gmail.com
> Co-Chairs: Seyoon Choi, Elizabeth Rouse, and Luke Seibert
> Monthly Committee Call: second Sunday of the month at 8:00pm eastern
> 
> Fundraising Committee
> Chair: Robert Parsons, Robert.E.Parsons at wmich.edu
> Co-Chairs: Johna Wright and Hunter Kuester
> Monthly Committee Call: second Sunday of the month at 9:00pm eastern
> 
> Legislative and Self-Advocacy Committee
> Chair: Justin Salisbury, president at alumni.ecu.edu
> Co-Chairs: Mausam Mehta, Justin Young, and Lizzy Schoen
> Monthly Committee Call: third Sunday of the month at 8:00pm eastern
> 
> Diversity and Inclusion Committee
> Chair: Shane Wegner, shanew at outlook.com
> Co-Chairs: Qualik Ford and Sara Luna
> Monthly Committee Call: third Sunday of the month at 9:00pm eastern
> 
> All committee calls will occur at the NABS Zoom information below:
> https://zoom.us/j/4678833687
> One-tap mobile: +1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#
> 
> Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. I am so excited to see what we can accomplish together!
> 
> Yours,
> Trisha Kulkarni
> President | National Association of Blind Students
> A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
> www.nabslink.org
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/emitchell927%40icloud.com


From carlymih at comcast.net  Thu Jul 23 20:06:02 2020
From: carlymih at comcast.net (Carly Mihalakis)
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2020 13:06:02 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Trouble obtaining accessible textbooks.
In-Reply-To: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
References: <CE02EFD6-3093-4055-BB49-91F6E16D13A3@ekis.us>
Message-ID: <mailman.366.1772982288.2863824.nabs-l_nfbnet.org@nfbnet.org>

Good afternoon, Justin Ekis,

The odds of having all your materials upon the 
beginning of the course, as usual, are shitty! 
This should not, however, preclude you from 
endeavoring this subject matter if that's what 
you want. Is it feasible for you to buy a print 
copy ahead of the check so that you might recruit 
a reader (or 2)  to work in person or with media 
so that you may begin with the rest of the class? 
I don't know, but methinks the computer cannot 
interpret technical and graphic writing  the same way as a human animal can.
03:31 PM 7/22/2020, Justin Ekis via NABS-L wrote:
Keep us posted of your time, okay?
Carly Mihalakis of Berkeley, California
408-209-3239

publishers. However, I would have to provide 
receipts showing that I had purchased the books 
first. On my SSDI, there’s no way I can afford 
those books until I get my Financial aid funds. 
According to the financial aid office, they 
won’t distribute the bookstore voucher until 2 
weeks before classes start, and the rest of the 
money after the  first 2 weeks of class. If I 
can’t request the books until 2 weeks before 
class, what are the odds that I will receive all 
4 of them before the first day? two of my books 
are published by Pearson Education, i can’t 
tell whether another one  is from  Pearson IT 
Certification or Cisco press, and the last one is 
from cengage learning. Does anyone know whether 
this rule comes from the publishers, or might it 
be simply the policy of our center for access? Is 
there anything I can do to get my materials more 
quickly? This policy seems to discriminate 
against low income disabled students. Now that 
NFB is working more closely with Pearson, might 
they be able to get involved somehow? Thanks in 
advance for any help. 
_______________________________________________ 
NABS-L mailing list NABS-L at nfbnet.org 
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org 
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get 
your account info for NABS-L: 
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/carlymih%40comcast.net



From lizmohnke at hotmail.com  Fri Jul 24 12:27:44 2020
From: lizmohnke at hotmail.com (Elizabeth Mohnke)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 12:27:44 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for Giving a Scripted Presentation?
Message-ID: <SN6PR03MB444761FE767BFAB59F0E6599BA770@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>

Hello All,

I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for giving a presentation that needs to be read word for word. I have never done a presentation this way before as I am not a very good Braille reader. I usually Braille out some key notes on index cards to help me remember what I want to say. But I am not good at reading Braille word for word aloud.

I have tested my computer set up so I can access Zoom on my IPhone while reading my presentation word for word using JAWS on my computer. However, it feels rather awkward and unnatural repeating the words aloud as I am hearing my screen reader read them to me. I am giving my presentation along with someone else and I am worried that my awkward unnatural pacing of the words will mess up the timing for the speech. I did not have any say regarding this joint presentation. And we are being required to read the script word for word even though we are only given five minutes each for the presentation.

I have thought about writing out my part of the speech in grade one Braille to see if that would help. But I need to be able to do a recording for the presentation today. And I am not sure if I will have time to do this after meeting with my presentation partner to agree on the final script for the presentation. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might be able to do for this presentation? My current technology devices include my computer, my IPhone, and a Braille writer, and a slate and stylus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Elizabeth

From princesssabrina924 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 24 14:03:59 2020
From: princesssabrina924 at gmail.com (Sabrina Kimbrough)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 09:03:59 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for Giving a Scripted Presentation?
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB444761FE767BFAB59F0E6599BA770@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB444761FE767BFAB59F0E6599BA770@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <E940E2C6-BA1D-4ED8-8EA3-3E6E68D7601E@gmail.com>

Elizabeth, First of all, giving a presentation verbatim is not easy, so don’t feel alone. Having said that, I have three suggestions. First, let your audience know you are reading your script. In most cases, people are more understandings when forewarned. Second, familiarize yourself with the presentation. Then repeat what JAWS says after a number of words or att natural places. As horrible as it feels, it usually isn’t noticeable to the audience. Finally, practice the recording multiple tines. That will allow you to work out more kinks. I hope this is helpful. 

 Whether you can or you can’t , you’re right! Henry Ford

> On Jul 24, 2020, at 7:44 AM, Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for giving a presentation that needs to be read word for word. I have never done a presentation this way before as I am not a very good Braille reader. I usually Braille out some key notes on index cards to help me remember what I want to say. But I am not good at reading Braille word for word aloud.
> 
> I have tested my computer set up so I can access Zoom on my IPhone while reading my presentation word for word using JAWS on my computer. However, it feels rather awkward and unnatural repeating the words aloud as I am hearing my screen reader read them to me. I am giving my presentation along with someone else and I am worried that my awkward unnatural pacing of the words will mess up the timing for the speech. I did not have any say regarding this joint presentation. And we are being required to read the script word for word even though we are only given five minutes each for the presentation.
> 
> I have thought about writing out my part of the speech in grade one Braille to see if that would help. But I need to be able to do a recording for the presentation today. And I am not sure if I will have time to do this after meeting with my presentation partner to agree on the final script for the presentation. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might be able to do for this presentation? My current technology devices include my computer, my IPhone, and a Braille writer, and a slate and stylus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> Elizabeth
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/princesssabrina924%40gmail.com


From shanew at outlook.com  Fri Jul 24 15:17:25 2020
From: shanew at outlook.com (Shane Wegner)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 15:17:25 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for Giving a Scripted Presentation?
In-Reply-To: <SN6PR03MB444761FE767BFAB59F0E6599BA770@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
References: <SN6PR03MB444761FE767BFAB59F0E6599BA770@SN6PR03MB4447.namprd03.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <DM6PR05MB67478067A5E84F9EC8881E3CDA770@DM6PR05MB6747.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

Hi Elizabeth,

I hope this isn't too late for your presentation. Though Sabrina's ideas are quite good also.

One thing to try is have jaws read single words and advance the speech using control right arrow word by word. If JAWS is at a fast rate, it's going to be able to get that information to you fairly efficiently.

The downside to this is that you need to know your speech fairly well to know where to add the emphasis and pauses. I've heard people read this way without knowing their speeches and it can make for some awkward pauses and sentence endings.

The other idea I have if it's open to you is to prerecord. That way you could chunk it into paragraphs, do some audio editing and make it sound perfect.

Shane

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Elizabeth Mohnke via NABS-L
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2020 7:28 AM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for Giving a Scripted Presentation?

Hello All,

I am wondering if anyone has any ideas for giving a presentation that needs to be read word for word. I have never done a presentation this way before as I am not a very good Braille reader. I usually Braille out some key notes on index cards to help me remember what I want to say. But I am not good at reading Braille word for word aloud.

I have tested my computer set up so I can access Zoom on my IPhone while reading my presentation word for word using JAWS on my computer. However, it feels rather awkward and unnatural repeating the words aloud as I am hearing my screen reader read them to me. I am giving my presentation along with someone else and I am worried that my awkward unnatural pacing of the words will mess up the timing for the speech. I did not have any say regarding this joint presentation. And we are being required to read the script word for word even though we are only given five minutes each for the presentation.

I have thought about writing out my part of the speech in grade one Braille to see if that would help. But I need to be able to do a recording for the presentation today. And I am not sure if I will have time to do this after meeting with my presentation partner to agree on the final script for the presentation. Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might be able to do for this presentation? My current technology devices include my computer, my IPhone, and a Braille writer, and a slate and stylus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Elizabeth
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/shanew%40outlook.com


From rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 24 18:18:58 2020
From: rahul.bajaj1038 at gmail.com (Rahul Bajaj)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 23:48:58 +0530
Subject: [NABS-L] Rhodes Scholarship
Message-ID: <7F6BE814-D547-4B8D-8531-E539393F1D53@gmail.com>

Hey, all. some of us have put together this video, to encourage applicants with disabilities to apply for the Rhodes and to address potential inhibitions. Please do share it with anyone you feel might benefit :)
https://www.facebook.com/331853270241045/posts/3162955920464085/?vh=e


Rahul

Sent from my iPhone

From mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 24 18:46:14 2020
From: mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com (Gabriel Mendez-Frances)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:46:14 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Rhodes Scholarship
In-Reply-To: <7F6BE814-D547-4B8D-8531-E539393F1D53@gmail.com>
References: <7F6BE814-D547-4B8D-8531-E539393F1D53@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFLM_bjphWCzOMXYwAiDCMrJKizUN6F73uQQ84pO6y=J+LzNJg@mail.gmail.com>

hey Rahul,

This is incredible! I don't know all that much about the Rhodes Scholarship
except for the name and I ended up watching the video and doing extensive
research on it. Thank you for helping put this together, it was absolutely
inspirational.

Cheers,
Gabriel Mendez-Frances
   Student   |   The University of Alabama in Huntsville
[image: linkedin icon] <https://www.linkedin.com/in/gmf/>
phone: 205-569-9852 | email: mendezgabriel2000 at gmail.com


On Fri, Jul 24, 2020 at 1:20 PM Rahul Bajaj via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hey, all. some of us have put together this video, to encourage applicants
> with disabilities to apply for the Rhodes and to address potential
> inhibitions. Please do share it with anyone you feel might benefit :)
> https://www.facebook.com/331853270241045/posts/3162955920464085/?vh=e
>
>
> Rahul
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mendezgabriel2000%40gmail.com
>

From hunterkuester2 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 24 22:01:50 2020
From: hunterkuester2 at gmail.com (Hunter Kuester)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:01:50 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] MNABS Monday Madness trivia night
Message-ID: <CAKY9rHHWgRLS04abWHxivWpeKchUMJ6Mf_qvT_rs0L0=7OY_Fg@mail.gmail.com>

Good afternoon NABS! We know how much all of you missed being on zoom since
National Convention. So The Minnesota Association of Blind Students is back
at ya with  MNABS Monday Madness! OH you betcha fun is on the agenda with
the trivia with a twist we got lined up for everyone.

When: Monday, July 27, 2020 7 PM Central

Where: zoom

To join us:


Samantha F Flax is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.




Topic: Samantha F Flax's Personal Meeting Room




Join Zoom Meeting


https://umn.zoom.us/j/2373422839




Meeting ID: 237 342 2839


One tap mobile


+16513728299,,2373422839# US (St. Paul)


+16465588656,,2373422839# US (New York)




Dial by your location


        +1 651 372 8299 US (St. Paul)


        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)


        +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)


        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)


        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)


        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)


        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)


Meeting ID: 237 342 2839


Find your local number: https://umn.zoom.us/u/acwBKF3d0C




Join by SIP


2373422839 at zoomcrc.com




Join by H.323


162.255.37.11 (US West)


162.255.36.11 (US East)


221.122.88.195 (China)


115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)


115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)


213.19.144.110 (EMEA)


103.122.166.55 (Australia)


209.9.211.110 (Hong Kong SAR)


64.211.144.160 (Brazil)


69.174.57.160 (Canada)


207.226.132.110 (Japan)


Meeting ID: 237 342 2839
-- 
Hunter Kuester, Travel Assistant
Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, (BLIND) Inc.
100 East 22nd Street
Minneapolis, MN  55404
(612) 872-0100 ext. 234
First Vice President of the Minnesota Association of Blind Students
Cell: (920)-285-8530
hunterkuester2 at gmail.com
LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT!

From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Sat Jul 25 01:32:53 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 18:32:53 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Stanford data accessibility survey + chance to win $20
 Amazon gift card
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGMp+xgzQVS9hh=ihYWUPVRTy9dtPZA0PLKvR1cBsb08zA@mail.gmail.com>

Hey everyone,



I hope you’re having a restful post-convention! My name is Gene, and I’m
working on a few accessibility-related research projects as a summer intern
with Stanford Shape lab. To inform our project, we’re conducting an online
survey that investigates the experiences of blind/low-vision adults when
working with multi-modal representations of data. We hope to use the survey
findings to understand and implement solutions to improve accessibility in
authoring and consuming data graphics. 15 survey respondents will be chosen
at random to receive a $20 Amazon gift card by e-mail. It would help me
tremendously if you could complete the survey linked here by early next
week:

https://accessibledata.stanford.edu/survey

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me (
gene.sh.kim at stanford.edu  or 650.660.5475), or Alexa Siu, one of the
project leads (afsiu at stanford.edu or phone 404.543.8057)



Kindly,

Gene

--

Gene Sung-Ho Kim | B.S. Symbolic Systems | Stanford 2023

Secretary | California Association of Blind Students

From bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com  Sat Jul 25 22:00:56 2020
From: bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com (Bhavya shah)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 03:30:56 +0530
Subject: [NABS-L] Virtual Audio Lessons for Mathematics
Message-ID: <CACHadJ1ek4vbJz9W=zEJOcusN5FEGTTP-PFj0UgOVBJCZUYu_w@mail.gmail.com>

Dear NABS family,

I am Bhavya Shah, a blind mathematics enthusiast and a student at
Stanford University. I am currently working on Math By Ear, a virtual
audio lesson series teaching Math to blind and visually impaired
school students.

While many of us recently enjoyed the incredible virtual convention,
something blind students often don't get to enjoy is Math. Whether it
is graphs and figures, absence of Nemeth Braille and Math ML material,
all too often are we confronted with artificial barriers to an
accessible Math education. As someone who has faced and overcome these
challenges first-hand, I am trying to bridge this gap through Math By
Ear.

As part of Math By Ear, I am creating free audio lessons teaching Math
- concepts, logic, practice questions and everything in between - for
blind students to access online at their own pace, at their own
convenience. I am delighted to share that audio lessons covering the
entirety of Linear Equations in One Variable are now up at
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWw5teCwHdlCEvGuz5f8kTaCr_Td6Ntt5.

Whether you are a middle/secondary/high school blind student yourself
or are an ally of one, I would love to hear your feedback on Math By
Ear. Do you think something isn't working and needs to change? Is
there a specific chapter I should cover next? Do you have any
questions or concerns about this project? Comments, criticisms and
compliments are always welcome! As a blind student lucky to have
discovered the beauty of mathematics, this is my attempt at giving
back.

Best Regards,
Bhavya Shah
Stanford University | Class of 2024


From kenia.flores at furman.edu  Sun Jul 26 02:40:39 2020
From: kenia.flores at furman.edu (Kenia Flores-Student)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 02:40:39 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Reminder: You're Invited:Meet the Board Membership call
 tomorrow at 9pm eastern!
Message-ID: <DM6PR04MB629807E3F5AC4C6D575B2382E4750@DM6PR04MB6298.namprd04.prod.outlook.com>

Hi students!


I hope you had a wonderful national convention experience-I know I certainly did. I hope that you all have had time to relax and reflect on the largest gathering of blind people to date! That being said, the fun doesn't stop just because banquet is over.

We are excited to kick off the Federation year with our first membership call this Sunday, July 26, at 9:00pm eastern. All are welcome to join us to meet the 2020 NABS Board, ask questions, and share your ideas for the year to come. Zoom information can be found below:

https://zoom.us/j/4678833687

One-tap mobile: +1 (646) 876-9923,,,4678833687#

We look forward to your energy and the perspective you bring to our organization!



Best,

Kenia Flores


Kenia A. Flores
She/Her/Hers
Furman University '20
Department of Politics & International Affairs
1st Vice President | National Association of Blind Students
(704) 476-6629
Kenia.flores at furman.edu


From mkvnfb94 at gmail.com  Sun Jul 26 13:35:41 2020
From: mkvnfb94 at gmail.com (Mariya Vasileva)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 09:35:41 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Virtual Audio Lessons for Mathematics
In-Reply-To: <CACHadJ1ek4vbJz9W=zEJOcusN5FEGTTP-PFj0UgOVBJCZUYu_w@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CACHadJ1ek4vbJz9W=zEJOcusN5FEGTTP-PFj0UgOVBJCZUYu_w@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <618BEA3A-EDE8-4D71-AF0B-DF6DC5E0F057@gmail.com>

I think that’s a really cool program for people to utilize if you don’t have access to resources for braille to do math with. However, have you ever considered adding college level math like calculus or linear algebra for students that are in those courses that always can’t get Braille  resources, especially if they’re using my math lab and other online math programs. send

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 25, 2020, at 6:02 PM, Bhavya shah via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear NABS family,
> 
> I am Bhavya Shah, a blind mathematics enthusiast and a student at
> Stanford University. I am currently working on Math By Ear, a virtual
> audio lesson series teaching Math to blind and visually impaired
> school students.
> 
> While many of us recently enjoyed the incredible virtual convention,
> something blind students often don't get to enjoy is Math. Whether it
> is graphs and figures, absence of Nemeth Braille and Math ML material,
> all too often are we confronted with artificial barriers to an
> accessible Math education. As someone who has faced and overcome these
> challenges first-hand, I am trying to bridge this gap through Math By
> Ear.
> 
> As part of Math By Ear, I am creating free audio lessons teaching Math
> - concepts, logic, practice questions and everything in between - for
> blind students to access online at their own pace, at their own
> convenience. I am delighted to share that audio lessons covering the
> entirety of Linear Equations in One Variable are now up at
> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWw5teCwHdlCEvGuz5f8kTaCr_Td6Ntt5.
> 
> Whether you are a middle/secondary/high school blind student yourself
> or are an ally of one, I would love to hear your feedback on Math By
> Ear. Do you think something isn't working and needs to change? Is
> there a specific chapter I should cover next? Do you have any
> questions or concerns about this project? Comments, criticisms and
> compliments are always welcome! As a blind student lucky to have
> discovered the beauty of mathematics, this is my attempt at giving
> back.
> 
> Best Regards,
> Bhavya Shah
> Stanford University | Class of 2024
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com


From gutz2020 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 27 01:25:53 2020
From: gutz2020 at gmail.com (Daniel Gutz)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 20:25:53 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Netflix party
In-Reply-To: <20200528203019.B7BB6610A879@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
References: <20200528203019.B7BB6610A879@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
Message-ID: <1A925F33-CF10-4BB6-ABC9-88B374C81775@gmail.com>

Hey folks,

I’ve been wanting to do a Netflix party with a couple of friends but I can’t figure out how to start the video. I can create a virtual party and send the link, but when they join we’re not sure how to start the video playback on both ends. Does anyone have any tips for this? I thought I saw a thread about this a couple of months ago but I can’t seem to find it in the archive.
THanks,
Daniel

From cookcafe at sc.rr.com  Mon Jul 27 01:41:45 2020
From: cookcafe at sc.rr.com (Steve & Shannon Cook)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 21:41:45 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] NFB of SC State Convention
Message-ID: <002501d663b7$16639bc0$432ad340$@sc.rr.com>

EVERYONE IS INVITED!

 

For the first time ever, the National Federation of the Blind of South
Carolina (NFB of SC) will hold its state convention virtually!  The dates
for the NFB of SC's convention will be August 21 & 22, 2020. Here is your
chance to find out what is going on with the NFB of SC on a state level. You
can also hear from the NFB national representative, hear from speakers
working with the blind here in SC,  Meet the 2020 scholarship winners, and
so much more! 

 

How many reasons do you need to register by July 31, 2020? 

 

*	By registering for the state convention before July 31, 2020, you
will be eligible for door prizes!
*	If your dues are paid by July 1, 2020, and you register, you are
eligible to vote in the convention election!!!
*	Registration  is free: no travel fees, no hotel fees, and no
expensive restaurants! 
*	You will help the NFB of SC collect current contact information for
everyone who registers!
*	You can wear shorts and flip flops to all of the sessions, even the
banquet!  
*	No need to get up early! 
*	All of the money you save can be donated to your favorite charity,
the NFB of SC!





If you need assistance registering, please call Steve or Shannon Cook at
(803) 254-0222.  Leave a message and we will get back to you promptly.  

To register, go to www.nfbofsc.org <http://www.nfbofsc.org>  and we look
forward to you attending our state convention!

 

Steve Cook

 


From fairall at panix.com  Mon Jul 27 01:59:56 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 21:59:56 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Filing Taxes
In-Reply-To: <27FF3ACF-7CC9-4A7A-951E-600D6467C007@nfbtx.org>
References: <FB24F2BB-F2B9-4C1A-A10B-5BCA9117221E@nfbtx.org>
 <65479C9F-5878-44B1-B213-B759377B1B84@yahoo.com>
 <27FF3ACF-7CC9-4A7A-951E-600D6467C007@nfbtx.org>
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007262158460.25539@panix3.panix.com>

Another accessible website for filing taxes independently is 
www.taxact.com. I've used this site with the latest version of Jaws for 
years now.

-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From fairall at panix.com  Mon Jul 27 02:55:24 2020
From: fairall at panix.com (Leslie Fairall)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 22:55:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <67489C9F-0A2E-4065-95FD-A7E0A40E4F43@maurice-amines.com>
References: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
 <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
 <67489C9F-0A2E-4065-95FD-A7E0A40E4F43@maurice-amines.com>
Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007262237020.25539@panix3.panix.com>

I am almost done with Leadership and Organizational Behavior for the 
summer. We used the following book:

The Practice of Adaptive Leadership

Heifetz, R. A., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The practice of adaptive 
leadership: Tools and tactics for changing your organization and the 
world.
This book gives you the tools to resolve your problems and challenges and 
think of them in a different way.

-- 
Leslie Fairall
mailto:fairall at panix.com



From hstaley at nfbtx.org  Mon Jul 27 03:24:18 2020
From: hstaley at nfbtx.org (Harry Staley)
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2020 22:24:18 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Books on Leadership
In-Reply-To: <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007262237020.25539@panix3.panix.com>
References: <CADTXCFLjtzPsFcyzFjp+sSDhhnwNUEQHnQcDwwQQztzF4+rb2A@mail.gmail.com>
 <EC23FA7E-1D93-42A6-8F34-445C46900544@gmail.com>
 <67489C9F-0A2E-4065-95FD-A7E0A40E4F43@maurice-amines.com>
 <alpine.NEB.2.22.394.2007262237020.25539@panix3.panix.com>
Message-ID: <EA413BAF-183D-4F08-B78B-F3E404E8DC8E@nfbtx.org>

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win <https://www.theceolibrary.com/extreme-ownership-u-s-navy-seals-lead-win-3738.html>
The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win <https://www.theceolibrary.com/the-dichotomy-of-leadership-balancing-the-challenges-of-extreme-ownership-to-lead-and-win-14582.html>
Beyond Band of Brothers: The War Memoirs of Major Dick Winters <https://www.theceolibrary.com/beyond-band-of-brothers-the-war-memoirs-of-major-dick-winters-14993.html>
Leaders Eat Last

How to Make Friends and Influence People

The Art of War

walking alone and marching to gather

Start With Why

Emotional Intelligence <https://www.amazon.com/dp/055380491X/?tag=sounexecbooks-20>

> On Jul 26, 2020, at 9:55 PM, Leslie Fairall via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I am almost done with Leadership and Organizational Behavior for the summer. We used the following book:
> 
> The Practice of Adaptive Leadership
> 
> Heifetz, R. A., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). The practice of adaptive leadership: Tools and tactics for changing your organization and the world.
> This book gives you the tools to resolve your problems and challenges and think of them in a different way.
> 
> -- 
> Leslie Fairall
> mailto:fairall at panix.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/hstaley%40nfbtx.org


From bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com  Mon Jul 27 16:03:41 2020
From: bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com (Bhavya shah)
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:33:41 +0530
Subject: [NABS-L] Virtual Audio Lessons for Mathematics
In-Reply-To: <618BEA3A-EDE8-4D71-AF0B-DF6DC5E0F057@gmail.com>
References: <CACHadJ1ek4vbJz9W=zEJOcusN5FEGTTP-PFj0UgOVBJCZUYu_w@mail.gmail.com>
 <618BEA3A-EDE8-4D71-AF0B-DF6DC5E0F057@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CACHadJ3A+0PhUQOZ1+jQPuuGkQkq9n4ZHcAgsqtQm8QniNqWLQ@mail.gmail.com>

Dear Mariya,

Thank you so much for your kind words and your thoughtful suggestion.
Unfortunately, I am not currently looking at teaching college-level
Math because (a) I am in the early stages of my own undergraduate
studies so am unqualified to teach linear algebra to others, and (b)
my belief and personal experience has been that a solid foundation in
Math enables you to manage higher level Math with greater ease despite
greater accessibility challenges. Therefore, I think I will focus on
school level Math for now so as to help students build that
foundation. Having said that, I will note down your suggestion of
calculus and linear algebra in my to-do list so that I can consider
covering those topics in the future. Again, many thanks for your
input!

Thanks.

On 7/26/20, Mariya Vasileva via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I think that’s a really cool program for people to utilize if you don’t have
> access to resources for braille to do math with. However, have you ever
> considered adding college level math like calculus or linear algebra for
> students that are in those courses that always can’t get Braille  resources,
> especially if they’re using my math lab and other online math programs. send
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jul 25, 2020, at 6:02 PM, Bhavya shah via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Dear NABS family,
>>
>> I am Bhavya Shah, a blind mathematics enthusiast and a student at
>> Stanford University. I am currently working on Math By Ear, a virtual
>> audio lesson series teaching Math to blind and visually impaired
>> school students.
>>
>> While many of us recently enjoyed the incredible virtual convention,
>> something blind students often don't get to enjoy is Math. Whether it
>> is graphs and figures, absence of Nemeth Braille and Math ML material,
>> all too often are we confronted with artificial barriers to an
>> accessible Math education. As someone who has faced and overcome these
>> challenges first-hand, I am trying to bridge this gap through Math By
>> Ear.
>>
>> As part of Math By Ear, I am creating free audio lessons teaching Math
>> - concepts, logic, practice questions and everything in between - for
>> blind students to access online at their own pace, at their own
>> convenience. I am delighted to share that audio lessons covering the
>> entirety of Linear Equations in One Variable are now up at
>> https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWw5teCwHdlCEvGuz5f8kTaCr_Td6Ntt5.
>>
>> Whether you are a middle/secondary/high school blind student yourself
>> or are an ally of one, I would love to hear your feedback on Math By
>> Ear. Do you think something isn't working and needs to change? Is
>> there a specific chapter I should cover next? Do you have any
>> questions or concerns about this project? Comments, criticisms and
>> compliments are always welcome! As a blind student lucky to have
>> discovered the beauty of mathematics, this is my attempt at giving
>> back.
>>
>> Best Regards,
>> Bhavya Shah
>> Stanford University | Class of 2024
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mkvnfb94%40gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/bhavya.shah125%40gmail.com
>


-- 
Best Regards
Bhavya Shah

Blogger at Hiking Across Horizons: https://bhavyashah125.wordpress.com/
E-mail Address: bhavya.shah125 at gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavyashah125/


From jhud7789 at twc.com  Mon Jul 27 20:23:00 2020
From: jhud7789 at twc.com (joseph hudson)
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:23:00 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Netflix party
In-Reply-To: <1A925F33-CF10-4BB6-ABC9-88B374C81775@gmail.com>
References: <20200528203019.B7BB6610A879@lx-web-pri.nfb.org>
 <1A925F33-CF10-4BB6-ABC9-88B374C81775@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <31AD277C-C5B5-4896-8AF6-46DD6779DB20@twc.com>

Hi Daniel, do you have to hit the button and say screen share with sound if you're going to use a computer. If you refrain on how to get the information into zoom.
> On Jul 26, 2020, at 8:25 PM, Daniel Gutz via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hey folks,
> 
> I’ve been wanting to do a Netflix party with a couple of friends but I can’t figure out how to start the video. I can create a virtual party and send the link, but when they join we’re not sure how to start the video playback on both ends. Does anyone have any tips for this? I thought I saw a thread about this a couple of months ago but I can’t seem to find it in the archive.
> THanks,
> Daniel
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jhud7789%40twc.com



From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 18:11:42 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 11:11:42 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
Message-ID: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>

Hi, 
Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
Thank you, 
Vejas 

From garywunder at me.com  Tue Jul 28 18:23:35 2020
From: garywunder at me.com (Gary Wunder)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:23:35 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for delivering remarks that must follow a script
Message-ID: <003101d6650c$35e0b4a0$a1a21de0$@me.com>

Hello, Elizabeth. I think that you have touched on a most intriguing topic.
We have argued for a long time that most of us get too little Braille too
late. Mostly we have suggested that people speak from notes, the advantage
being that you don't need as much Braille speed and in the right case you
can add spontaneity to what you're saying. But there are times when what is
said has to be very scripted. So what is the Braille reader who reads so
slowly that it does not sound natural do? What does the reader who reads
print but has to hold it up to his or her face do in the same situation?

By no means do I have definitive answers. I know one person who gives
significant speeches and simply memorizes them. He has a Braille card which
prompts him with a few words from each paragraph, but there is no question
that he has an ability that many of us do not have or certainly have not
cultivated.

I know another person or two who use a Victor Stream with a near phone. They
write in text the speech they want to deliver. Then they play with learning
to listen and to speak. You have certainly seen this done when translators
at the United Nations do what they do. Very often when I transcribe, I do
this very thing, and when I am lucky, I can insert the correct punctuation
on the fly. But often I am not lucky, so it often takes a second look. I
have never tried the technique of taking a text document and seeing if I can
speak from it and have the result be anything like spontaneous or acceptable
as a speech. What will be crucial, of course, is that you have a device that
will allow for an immediate stop and an immediate restart. The second thing
that I am quite sure will be required is repeated practice. You will
certainly not want your words to come out with the same intonation given by
the synthesizer. In addition to that, you really won't want them to come out
sounding as though you have read them. Some politicians are able to speak
from a transcript through a Teleprompter, and what they say does not sound
read. George W. Bush could do it. Jimmy Carter could do it. I think that
Barack Obama was pretty good at it, but I have so enjoyed media parities of
him that they get in my way when I try to remember exactly how he sounded.

I hope this is not the end of this discussion. We love and encourage
Braille. We love for people to use large print when they can. We want people
to adopt any speaking style that a situation requires, and I don't think
we've talked about the alternatives that will allow that to happen in a way
that sounds natural and easy. I am always fishing for a piece we can use in
the Braille Monitor, and may be a discussion on this list might be just what
we need. We might have a panel discussion with opinions that converge and
diverge. Maybe finding the right way means presenting people with several of
them from which to choose. Maybe our discussions will create ways we have
not thought of.

Warmly,

Gary 



From rob.parso3389 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 18:25:59 2020
From: rob.parso3389 at gmail.com (Robert Parsons)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:25:59 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Fwd: Calling All Students: NFB-Mi State Scholarship Program
References: <DM6PR08MB399434413C367D264A691B8EC3730@DM6PR08MB3994.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
Message-ID: <A122F412-3BE5-4416-AA60-D02E2B166643@gmail.com>

Good Morning Friends and Federation Family
>  
> 
> I hope that this message finds you all in excellent health and spirit. I am writing to get our students excited once again for the Michigan affiliate’s annual scholarship program. Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan USED to provide a scholarship opportunity for two students to receive financial support in their post-secondary educational journey. This year, with the incredible work done by the Michigan Association of Blind Students, the Michigan affiliate is proud to announce that this year’s, and future years’, scholarship program will now encompass three awards. They include:
> 
> The Gere Wilcox Scholarship ($1000): Named after our late past affiliate president, Gere Wilcox was a proponent of providing blind people with opportunities. This is echoed in not only his service as affiliate president, but also his support of our various transition-aged programs in the Michigan affiliate. This award is to be distributed to the student applicant that showcases academic accomplishment, community engagement, and a positive personification of Federation philosophy (or potential to do so) in their interactions with the public.
> The Joy and Allen Harris Award ($500): Named after two pivotal members of the Michigan affiliate, Joy and Allen Harris have tirelessly worked to increase outreach and membership for the Federation on the state and national stage. Their work with the national office to provide opportunities for first-time convention attendees to experience the national convention is not only memorable, but also a reason many Michiganders are still members of the Federation. In their fashion, this award is to be given to the student applicant that represents the same work ethic.
> The Larry Posont Award ($250): Created by the Michigan Association of Blind Students in 2019. The Larry Posont award was created by the Michigan Student division as a way to give back to the affiliate for the opportunities provided to them prior to their current active status. Larry Posont, another past affiliate president, is still an influential figure in the Michigan affiliate who oversaw many Federation programs that directly affected the current student membership and leadership. This award serves as both a recognition of the work the student applicant has done in their academic institution as well as a form of gratitude towards Larry, who we look forward to connecting with at our upcoming virtual convention.
>  
> 
> As with all Federation scholarship programs, a student need only apply once to be considered for all three wards. In order to be considered for one of the scholarships, the applicant must be:
> 
> Legally blind
> A full-time student from Michigan or attending a college/university in Michigan
> A part-time student with added responsibilities of consideration (a parent, employed full or part time)
> Willing to fully participate in the 2020 NFB of Michigan state convention, November 6-8.
> Willing to become a member of the Michigan Association of Blind Students and participate in the program at the virtual state convention
>  
> 
> The application can be accessed in two different ways.
> 
> To download a copy of the application as a word document, please visit https://www.nfbmi.org/scholarship-programs/state-scholarship/application-form and download the application. Once you have completed the application, e-mail the required items and the completed form to scholarships at nfbmi.org prior to the submission deadline of September 30, 2020.
> To complete the online application, simply submit the required fields at https://www.nfbmi.org/scholarship-programs/state-scholarship/application-form and press the submit button at the bottom of the page. After doing this, send the required documentation to scholarships at nfbmi.org prior to the submission deadline of September 30, 2020.
>  
> 
> As a reminder, late applications will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be considered. We look forward to reading the applications submitted and connecting with potential candidates of these awards. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Robert Parsons, scholarship chair, at scholarships at nfbmi.org.
> 
>  
> 
> Best Regards
> 
>  Robert Parsons, Jr. 
> 
Board Member, National Association of Blind Students 
>  
> 

From ahbeeorton at yahoo.com  Tue Jul 28 18:25:24 2020
From: ahbeeorton at yahoo.com (Ahbee Orton)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 13:25:24 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
References: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A7F5E558-CB7F-436C-A5BE-DADE62936AB3@yahoo.com>

Hi Vejas, 

Yes, Canvas seems fairly accessible. I've used it with my braille display and iPhone paired together. It will also work fairly well on the computer. On the phone, I would suggest using the website more so than the app. We used Canvas last semester, and we will probably use it again this semester in college, which I'm grateful for. 

Hope that helps, 
Ahbee 

Vice President, AABS  
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

> On Jul 28, 2020, at 1:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
> My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com

From mikgephart at icloud.com  Tue Jul 28 18:43:34 2020
From: mikgephart at icloud.com (Mikayla Gephart)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:43:34 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
References: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <EF8437DC-E6D8-424D-9F9A-F06399D2B2EB@icloud.com>

It is accessible with iPhone and Mac with voiceover, but I am not sure about jaws or other screenreaders.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 28, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
> My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mikgephart%40icloud.com


From shanew at outlook.com  Tue Jul 28 18:53:24 2020
From: shanew at outlook.com (Shane Wegner)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:53:24 +0000
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for delivering remarks that must follow a script
In-Reply-To: <003101d6650c$35e0b4a0$a1a21de0$@me.com>
References: <003101d6650c$35e0b4a0$a1a21de0$@me.com>
Message-ID: <DM6PR05MB6747CB59BD160F11A812D8C6DA730@DM6PR05MB6747.namprd05.prod.outlook.com>

Gary,

Your ideas on this are excellent and the Victor stream idea gave me a thought. At my dentist's office, the tech uses a computer to record her findings on my teeth. She Speaks her finding, the software records it, advances to the next tooth and she speaks the next finding. It's totally hands off for her.

This has a fairly easy software solution for an iOS developer. Imagine a presenter wearing an earbud or air pods in transparency mode. The speech has been preloaded into an iPhone app and the presenter starts the speech by clicking her headset. Voiceover or Apple TTS starts reading the speech in small sections. As the speech is read, the presenter speaks. Any modern device has speech recognition so can understand the words and based on the speech of the presenter is able to start speaking the next section as the presenter is coming to the end of her phrase. Software is not perfect so a click of the headset will manually advance and a double click repeats the phrase if it is lost in applause for example.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot of the detail on this but the idea is software that automatically advances a prewritten speech based on the speaker's voice. Not hard only because Apple gives us all the APIs to do it. TTS and voice recognition is all there, the app just needs to tie it together with a user interface. I would be a little surprised if this didn't already exist somewhere.

S

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Gary Wunder via NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 1:24 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list' <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Gary Wunder <garywunder at me.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for delivering remarks that must follow a script

Hello, Elizabeth. I think that you have touched on a most intriguing topic.
We have argued for a long time that most of us get too little Braille too late. Mostly we have suggested that people speak from notes, the advantage being that you don't need as much Braille speed and in the right case you can add spontaneity to what you're saying. But there are times when what is said has to be very scripted. So what is the Braille reader who reads so slowly that it does not sound natural do? What does the reader who reads print but has to hold it up to his or her face do in the same situation?

By no means do I have definitive answers. I know one person who gives significant speeches and simply memorizes them. He has a Braille card which prompts him with a few words from each paragraph, but there is no question that he has an ability that many of us do not have or certainly have not cultivated.

I know another person or two who use a Victor Stream with a near phone. They write in text the speech they want to deliver. Then they play with learning to listen and to speak. You have certainly seen this done when translators at the United Nations do what they do. Very often when I transcribe, I do this very thing, and when I am lucky, I can insert the correct punctuation on the fly. But often I am not lucky, so it often takes a second look. I have never tried the technique of taking a text document and seeing if I can speak from it and have the result be anything like spontaneous or acceptable as a speech. What will be crucial, of course, is that you have a device that will allow for an immediate stop and an immediate restart. The second thing that I am quite sure will be required is repeated practice. You will certainly not want your words to come out with the same intonation given by the synthesizer. In addition to that, you really won't want them to come out sounding as though you have read them. Some politicians are able to speak from a transcript through a Teleprompter, and what they say does not sound read. George W. Bush could do it. Jimmy Carter could do it. I think that Barack Obama was pretty good at it, but I have so enjoyed media parities of him that they get in my way when I try to remember exactly how he sounded.

I hope this is not the end of this discussion. We love and encourage Braille. We love for people to use large print when they can. We want people to adopt any speaking style that a situation requires, and I don't think we've talked about the alternatives that will allow that to happen in a way that sounds natural and easy. I am always fishing for a piece we can use in the Braille Monitor, and may be a discussion on this list might be just what we need. We might have a panel discussion with opinions that converge and diverge. Maybe finding the right way means presenting people with several of them from which to choose. Maybe our discussions will create ways we have not thought of.

Warmly,

Gary 


_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/shanew%40outlook.com


From ctate2076 at att.net  Tue Jul 28 18:55:34 2020
From: ctate2076 at att.net (ctate2076 at att.net)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 14:55:34 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <EF8437DC-E6D8-424D-9F9A-F06399D2B2EB@icloud.com>
References: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
 <EF8437DC-E6D8-424D-9F9A-F06399D2B2EB@icloud.com>
Message-ID: <018401d66510$ad396430$07ac2c90$@att.net>

I have used Canvas for my A.A. program and will be using it at a different school for my B.A. I find it to be mostly accessible. My only issue has been with using the video camera for courses that require video authentication and for individual instructor content (which really doesn't have much to do with Canvas itself). Otherwise, it is a great LMS. I have not used it on the IOS platform. 

Camille 

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mikayla Gephart via NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 2:44 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Mikayla Gephart <mikgephart at icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Canvas

It is accessible with iPhone and Mac with voiceover, but I am not sure about jaws or other screenreaders.

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 28, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
> My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mikgephart%40icloud.com

_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net



From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 19:03:48 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:03:48 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <018401d66510$ad396430$07ac2c90$@att.net>
References: <054DA00A-6A7D-4282-B6F5-49CFE043D169@gmail.com>
 <EF8437DC-E6D8-424D-9F9A-F06399D2B2EB@icloud.com>
 <018401d66510$ad396430$07ac2c90$@att.net>
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGNpTvxYQMnGrQnhn=f=HuxBvRi3TwYwz+o62vJR5VJ1tQ@mail.gmail.com>

This might be implied by what's been said already, but the site works great
with JAWS as well!

Kindly,
Gene
--
Gene Sung-Ho Kim | B.S. Symbolic Systems | Stanford 2023
Secretary | California Association of Blind Students

On Tue, Jul 28, 2020 at 11:57 AM Camille Tate via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> I have used Canvas for my A.A. program and will be using it at a different
> school for my B.A. I find it to be mostly accessible. My only issue has
> been with using the video camera for courses that require video
> authentication and for individual instructor content (which really doesn't
> have much to do with Canvas itself). Otherwise, it is a great LMS. I have
> not used it on the IOS platform.
>
> Camille
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Mikayla Gephart via
> NABS-L
> Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 2:44 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> >
> Cc: Mikayla Gephart <mikgephart at icloud.com>
> Subject: Re: [NABS-L] Canvas
>
> It is accessible with iPhone and Mac with voiceover, but I am not sure
> about jaws or other screenreaders.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Jul 28, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes?
> > My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it
> is either with an iPhone or computer.
> > Thank you,
> > Vejas
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> >
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/mikgephart%40icloud.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com
>

From ctate2076 at att.net  Tue Jul 28 19:07:32 2020
From: ctate2076 at att.net (ctate2076 at att.net)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:07:32 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for delivering remarks that must follow a script
In-Reply-To: <003101d6650c$35e0b4a0$a1a21de0$@me.com>
References: <003101d6650c$35e0b4a0$a1a21de0$@me.com>
Message-ID: <019001d66512$591abeb0$0b503c10$@att.net>

 Elizabeth: 

I am just starting to learn Braille, so I can't give any good advice on that
topic. However, I do give "speeches" fairly regularly. I have used some
techniques I employed prior to becoming blind. If I have to speak for longer
than ten minutes, I record certain phrases in the order I wish to speak,
unless I am directly quoting a source and therefore must have those
notations in my recording. Anything less than ten minutes, I can memorize.
What I find most effective is to write it out and listen to it with JAWS or
whatever screen reader/voice over you are comfortable with. If you have a
Victor Reader Stream, you can place pauses using the notes function that can
help segue into more fluid speaking. Practice, practice, practice. Even if
you need a prompt, it will make speaking more fluid. There will never be a
substitute for practicing. 

Camille 

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Gary Wunder via NABS-L
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 2:24 PM
To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Gary Wunder <garywunder at me.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Ideas for delivering remarks that must follow a script

Hello, Elizabeth. I think that you have touched on a most intriguing topic.
We have argued for a long time that most of us get too little Braille too
late. Mostly we have suggested that people speak from notes, the advantage
being that you don't need as much Braille speed and in the right case you
can add spontaneity to what you're saying. But there are times when what is
said has to be very scripted. So what is the Braille reader who reads so
slowly that it does not sound natural do? What does the reader who reads
print but has to hold it up to his or her face do in the same situation?

By no means do I have definitive answers. I know one person who gives
significant speeches and simply memorizes them. He has a Braille card which
prompts him with a few words from each paragraph, but there is no question
that he has an ability that many of us do not have or certainly have not
cultivated.

I know another person or two who use a Victor Stream with a near phone. They
write in text the speech they want to deliver. Then they play with learning
to listen and to speak. You have certainly seen this done when translators
at the United Nations do what they do. Very often when I transcribe, I do
this very thing, and when I am lucky, I can insert the correct punctuation
on the fly. But often I am not lucky, so it often takes a second look. I
have never tried the technique of taking a text document and seeing if I can
speak from it and have the result be anything like spontaneous or acceptable
as a speech. What will be crucial, of course, is that you have a device that
will allow for an immediate stop and an immediate restart. The second thing
that I am quite sure will be required is repeated practice. You will
certainly not want your words to come out with the same intonation given by
the synthesizer. In addition to that, you really won't want them to come out
sounding as though you have read them. Some politicians are able to speak
from a transcript through a Teleprompter, and what they say does not sound
read. George W. Bush could do it. Jimmy Carter could do it. I think that
Barack Obama was pretty good at it, but I have so enjoyed media parities of
him that they get in my way when I try to remember exactly how he sounded.

I hope this is not the end of this discussion. We love and encourage
Braille. We love for people to use large print when they can. We want people
to adopt any speaking style that a situation requires, and I don't think
we've talked about the alternatives that will allow that to happen in a way
that sounds natural and easy. I am always fishing for a piece we can use in
the Braille Monitor, and may be a discussion on this list might be just what
we need. We might have a panel discussion with opinions that converge and
diverge. Maybe finding the right way means presenting people with several of
them from which to choose. Maybe our discussions will create ways we have
not thought of.

Warmly,

Gary 


_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ctate2076%40att.net



From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 19:13:33 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 12:13:33 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <A7F5E558-CB7F-436C-A5BE-DADE62936AB3@yahoo.com>
References: <A7F5E558-CB7F-436C-A5BE-DADE62936AB3@yahoo.com>
Message-ID: <16D151EC-58A1-45D8-A22A-4DCD4FB24A4E@gmail.com>

Hi, 
Thank you all for the replies about Canvas. Sounds like it's fairly accessible overall. 
Vejas 

> On Jul 28, 2020, at 11:29, Ahbee Orton via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Vejas, 
> 
> Yes, Canvas seems fairly accessible. I've used it with my braille display and iPhone paired together. It will also work fairly well on the computer. On the phone, I would suggest using the website more so than the app. We used Canvas last semester, and we will probably use it again this semester in college, which I'm grateful for. 
> 
> Hope that helps, 
> Ahbee 
> 
> Vice President, AABS  
> “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
> 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
> 
>> On Jul 28, 2020, at 1:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi, 
>> Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
>> My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
>> Thank you, 
>> Vejas 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/alpineimagination%40gmail.com


From mikgephart at icloud.com  Tue Jul 28 19:16:39 2020
From: mikgephart at icloud.com (Mikayla Gephart)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:16:39 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Is Labster accessible
Message-ID: <F259D6A3-6AF9-4F24-B9C1-C6B530DFE1B1@icloud.com>

Hi everyone,

   I hope you are all doing well and staying safe during this time. I am getting ready to go back to school, I can’t believe it my summer has flown by so quickly.
   I am a sophomore, and will be taking a biology class. I’m not going to be a science major, but this course is required for my major. both the lecture in the lab will be conducted virtually. We will be using a software called Labster to conduct our labs. does anyone know if the software is accessible?

Thank you,
Mikayla

From nabs.president at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 19:37:23 2020
From: nabs.president at gmail.com (Trisha Kulkarni, National Student President)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:37:23 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] {Disarmed} Deadline Approaching: Apply to the Pearson
 Corporate Disability Mentoring Program
Message-ID: <1AF30419-E399-4F11-A377-9D237E69EAB2@gmail.com>


Happy Tuesday Students!
 
Just wanted to pass along the below information for those students interested in applying for this awesome mentoring opportunity.
 
Yours,
Trisha Kulkarni
President | National Association of Blind Students
A Proud Division of the National Federation of the Blind
www.nabslink.org
From: Cascone, Stephanie <scascone at nfb.org> 
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 10:17 AM
To: Webster, Kathryn <nabs.president at gmail.com>
Subject: Professional Mentoring Opportunities for Blind College Students
 
Hi Trisha – will you please share the below information to the NABS list? That’ll be greatly appreciated. Let me know if you have questions. Thank you! Stephanie Cascone, Director of Communications & Marketing.
 
 
 


Applications Open for Expanded Career Mentoring Program

Applications open for new mentoring program between National Federation of the Blind and Pearson which expands our career mentoring program to consist of blind young adults, blind professionals from the NFB, and sighted professionals from Pearson.

This three-sided approach has a positive, exponential impact on all participants through the relationships that are created. Learn more about this new triad mentoring model with the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program.

How to Apply

Below are the requirements for eligibility to participate in this six-month opportunity:

Be a blind or low-vision person
Agree to program requirements
Be an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate (2012 or later)
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the Triad Mentoring Model with the Pearson Corporate Disability Mentoring Program. Please complete the Mentoring Program Application by July 31, 2020. Notifications for mentees and the program will be provided in August 2020.

 
 






National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230 | 410-659-9314
Unsubscribe | Opt Out |  Sign Up for Our E-newsletter
..

From princesssabrina924 at gmail.com  Tue Jul 28 20:55:58 2020
From: princesssabrina924 at gmail.com (Sabrina Kimbrough)
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2020 15:55:58 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Canvas
In-Reply-To: <16D151EC-58A1-45D8-A22A-4DCD4FB24A4E@gmail.com>
References: <16D151EC-58A1-45D8-A22A-4DCD4FB24A4E@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <A3787F87-0F33-471C-A215-D0543F1C21C9@gmail.com>

Hey, I have used Canvas since 2018. I use JAWS and ny iPhone and can accomplish most things. The more you need to write, then a computer is preferred; unless you retake quizzes that require short answers. Also, I find camera better than audio recording because of BO navigation. Lastly, I am a huge proponents of the mobile app.

 Whether you can or you can’t , you’re right! Henry Ford

> On Jul 28, 2020, at 2:16 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi, 
> Thank you all for the replies about Canvas. Sounds like it's fairly accessible overall. 
> Vejas 
> 
>> On Jul 28, 2020, at 11:29, Ahbee Orton via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Vejas, 
>> 
>> Yes, Canvas seems fairly accessible. I've used it with my braille display and iPhone paired together. It will also work fairly well on the computer. On the phone, I would suggest using the website more so than the app. We used Canvas last semester, and we will probably use it again this semester in college, which I'm grateful for. 
>> 
>> Hope that helps, 
>> Ahbee 
>> 
>> Vice President, AABS  
>> “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
>> 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
>> 
>>>> On Jul 28, 2020, at 1:13 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi, 
>>> Has anyone used the Canvas platform for their classes? 
>>> My school is going to be using it, and I was wondering how accessible it is either with an iPhone or computer. 
>>> Thank you, 
>>> Vejas 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/ahbeeorton%40yahoo.com
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/alpineimagination%40gmail.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/princesssabrina924%40gmail.com


From abigaileduffy at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 00:17:36 2020
From: abigaileduffy at gmail.com (Abigail Duffy)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:17:36 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
Message-ID: <CAMt73k8+WBSHnkMnOc_1ObRt0-xK7s4KS7Vjp-Ru0Oj_p29uLA@mail.gmail.com>

Hello everyone.
 Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions as to
which ones are the most accessible!
Thanks
Abby Duffy

From kat.bottner at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 00:20:13 2020
From: kat.bottner at gmail.com (Kat Bottner)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:20:13 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
In-Reply-To: <CAMt73k8+WBSHnkMnOc_1ObRt0-xK7s4KS7Vjp-Ru0Oj_p29uLA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAMt73k8+WBSHnkMnOc_1ObRt0-xK7s4KS7Vjp-Ru0Oj_p29uLA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <353C3D53-28E5-4443-BA66-2AABBED87FDB@gmail.com>



> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:18 PM, Abigail Duffy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone.
> Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
> Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions as to
> which ones are the most accessible!
> Thanks
> Abby Duffy
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kat.bottner%40gmail.com


The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.

From kat.bottner at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 00:21:41 2020
From: kat.bottner at gmail.com (Kat Bottner)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:21:41 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
In-Reply-To: <353C3D53-28E5-4443-BA66-2AABBED87FDB@gmail.com>
References: <353C3D53-28E5-4443-BA66-2AABBED87FDB@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <2B54DAD6-A286-442B-94D9-A89BA364BAF5@gmail.com>






> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:20 PM, Kat Bottner <kat.bottner at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:18 PM, Abigail Duffy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello everyone.
>> Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
>> Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions as to
>> which ones are the most accessible!
>> Thanks
>> Abby Duffy
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kat.bottner%40gmail.com
> 
> 
> The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.



The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.

From tyler at tysdomain.com  Thu Jul 30 00:29:59 2020
From: tyler at tysdomain.com (Littlefield, Tyler)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:29:59 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
In-Reply-To: <CAMt73k8+WBSHnkMnOc_1ObRt0-xK7s4KS7Vjp-Ru0Oj_p29uLA@mail.gmail.com>
References: <CAMt73k8+WBSHnkMnOc_1ObRt0-xK7s4KS7Vjp-Ru0Oj_p29uLA@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <1c94d7f3-a6b0-29cd-1483-000ea3996b54@tysdomain.com>

Hi Abby,

I honestly prefer using Google Calendar. It's easy and integrates with a 
lot; if you have a google assistant you can quickly add things. Works 
great on phone and there are a lot of tools to use to manage it. I use 
Outlook/office 365 for work, but Google Calendar for events and meetings 
with customers outside of that.

HTH,



On 7/29/2020 8:17 PM, Abigail Duffy via NABS-L wrote:
> Hello everyone.
>   Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
> Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions as to
> which ones are the most accessible!
> Thanks
> Abby Duffy
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/tyler%40tysdomain.com


From jty727 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 00:31:44 2020
From: jty727 at gmail.com (Justin Young)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:31:44 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
In-Reply-To: <2B54DAD6-A286-442B-94D9-A89BA364BAF5@gmail.com>
References: <353C3D53-28E5-4443-BA66-2AABBED87FDB@gmail.com>
 <2B54DAD6-A286-442B-94D9-A89BA364BAF5@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CA+3U9s6SFMvwjBvj6S72mh6AzM71FDcK9nuJuYRYb1vxxctyMg@mail.gmail.com>

I would agree the iOS calendar on iPhones is very accessible.  Besides
this calendar, I've only used the Google Calendar app which also is
very user friendly in my opinion.

Happy Calendar exploring!

Justin Young

On 7/29/20, Kat Bottner via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:20 PM, Kat Bottner <kat.bottner at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:18 PM, Abigail Duffy via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello everyone.
>>> Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
>>> Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions as
>>> to
>>> which ones are the most accessible!
>>> Thanks
>>> Abby Duffy
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> NABS-L mailing list
>>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>>> NABS-L:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kat.bottner%40gmail.com
>>
>>
>> The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.
>
>
>
> The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
>


From abigaileduffy at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 00:35:58 2020
From: abigaileduffy at gmail.com (Abigail Duffy)
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 2020 20:35:58 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Accessible calendars for iPhone
In-Reply-To: <CA+3U9s6SFMvwjBvj6S72mh6AzM71FDcK9nuJuYRYb1vxxctyMg@mail.gmail.com>
References: <353C3D53-28E5-4443-BA66-2AABBED87FDB@gmail.com>
 <2B54DAD6-A286-442B-94D9-A89BA364BAF5@gmail.com>
 <CA+3U9s6SFMvwjBvj6S72mh6AzM71FDcK9nuJuYRYb1vxxctyMg@mail.gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAMt73k_EwL+y5eYTO7CtmKHs8wY1TYrKxQx1TUGUrSCOMsM_Uw@mail.gmail.com>

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I’m already checking them out.
Abby

On Wed, Jul 29, 2020 at 8:33 PM Justin Young via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> I would agree the iOS calendar on iPhones is very accessible.  Besides
> this calendar, I've only used the Google Calendar app which also is
> very user friendly in my opinion.
>
> Happy Calendar exploring!
>
> Justin Young
>
> On 7/29/20, Kat Bottner via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:20 PM, Kat Bottner <kat.bottner at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> 
> >>
> >>> On Jul 29, 2020, at 8:18 PM, Abigail Duffy via NABS-L <
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Hello everyone.
> >>> Does anybody have any suggestions for an app on iPhone to use for a
> >>> Calendar. I’ve tried out a couple, but I would appreciate suggestions
> as
> >>> to
> >>> which ones are the most accessible!
> >>> Thanks
> >>> Abby Duffy
> >>> _______________________________________________
> >>> NABS-L mailing list
> >>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> >>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> >>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> >>> NABS-L:
> >>>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kat.bottner%40gmail.com
> >>
> >>
> >> The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.
> >
> >
> >
> > The calendar app on the iPhone itself is very accessible.
> > _______________________________________________
> > NABS-L mailing list
> > NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> > NABS-L:
> > http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/jty727%40gmail.com
> >
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/abigaileduffy%40gmail.com
>

From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 22:04:58 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:04:58 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5
Message-ID: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>

Hi everyone. 
I'm about to start my masters in rehabilitation counseling, and one of the required texts is the DSM-5. I know vaguely about it due to having taken abnormal psychology in my undergraduate, but we never actually used it. 
I downloaded it from Bookshare and it seems fairly accessible. Typically, when textbooks have diagrams, I read the text and go over the diagrams with a reader. I would have thought the DSM-5, being such an important text, would have diagrams, but searching in the text for "picture" or "figure" don't seem to lead to anything, even a figure description. 
For these of you who have had to use the DSM-5, have there been any accessibility barriers in navigating it? 
Thank you, 
Vejas 

From cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 22:17:57 2020
From: cory.j.mcmahon at gmail.com (Cory McMahon)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 17:17:57 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5
In-Reply-To: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
References: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <040c01d666bf$4844bf60$d8ce3e20$@gmail.com>

I, personally, did not have any that I can remember; but, I used it for a
course a couple of years ago, and since it was a hard class, I tried to
forget everything about it, including the DSM-5.

Sincerely,

Cory McMahon

-----Original Message-----
From: NABS-L <nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Vejas Vasiliauskas via
NABS-L
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2020 5:05 PM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Vejas Vasiliauskas <alpineimagination at gmail.com>
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5

Hi everyone. 
I'm about to start my masters in rehabilitation counseling, and one of the
required texts is the DSM-5. I know vaguely about it due to having taken
abnormal psychology in my undergraduate, but we never actually used it. 
I downloaded it from Bookshare and it seems fairly accessible. Typically,
when textbooks have diagrams, I read the text and go over the diagrams with
a reader. I would have thought the DSM-5, being such an important text,
would have diagrams, but searching in the text for "picture" or "figure"
don't seem to lead to anything, even a figure description. 
For these of you who have had to use the DSM-5, have there been any
accessibility barriers in navigating it? 
Thank you, 
Vejas 
_______________________________________________
NABS-L mailing list
NABS-L at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
NABS-L:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/cory.j.mcmahon%40gmail.c
om



From johnawright98 at gmail.com  Thu Jul 30 22:22:55 2020
From: johnawright98 at gmail.com (Johna Wright)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 17:22:55 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5
In-Reply-To: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
References: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <D537A430-E412-4C13-9CB0-DB9755AB431A@gmail.com>

Hi, Vejas,

I have worked extensively with the DSM-5, and since it’s a diagnostic tool utilized by psychiatrists and psychologists as opposed to a traditional textbook, there aren’t many figures or charts. It’s organized in a list structure, giving you symptoms in groups. I hope this makes sense.

Cheers, 

Johna Wright
Board Member | National Association of Blind Students
A proud division of the National Federation of the Blind 
johnawright98 at gmail.com
(706) 962-2613
www.nabslink.org

> On Jul 30, 2020, at 17:06, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone. 
> I'm about to start my masters in rehabilitation counseling, and one of the required texts is the DSM-5. I know vaguely about it due to having taken abnormal psychology in my undergraduate, but we never actually used it. 
> I downloaded it from Bookshare and it seems fairly accessible. Typically, when textbooks have diagrams, I read the text and go over the diagrams with a reader. I would have thought the DSM-5, being such an important text, would have diagrams, but searching in the text for "picture" or "figure" don't seem to lead to anything, even a figure description. 
> For these of you who have had to use the DSM-5, have there been any accessibility barriers in navigating it? 
> Thank you, 
> Vejas 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/johnawright98%40gmail.com


From keribcu at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 00:09:38 2020
From: keribcu at gmail.com (Keri Svendsen)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 20:09:38 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5
In-Reply-To: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
References: <99CF9F16-A761-4F01-B96A-66B3198BB873@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <b9c49698-0a34-4453-17ae-52663227662d@gmail.com>

good evening,


the DSM5 is easy to use once you know the layout. It is on bookshare by 
the way if you hadn't found that.

On 7/30/2020 6:04 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L wrote:
> Hi everyone.
> I'm about to start my masters in rehabilitation counseling, and one of the required texts is the DSM-5. I know vaguely about it due to having taken abnormal psychology in my undergraduate, but we never actually used it.
> I downloaded it from Bookshare and it seems fairly accessible. Typically, when textbooks have diagrams, I read the text and go over the diagrams with a reader. I would have thought the DSM-5, being such an important text, would have diagrams, but searching in the text for "picture" or "figure" don't seem to lead to anything, even a figure description.
> For these of you who have had to use the DSM-5, have there been any accessibility barriers in navigating it?
> Thank you,
> Vejas
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com

-- 
Keri Svendsen



From alpineimagination at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 01:11:26 2020
From: alpineimagination at gmail.com (Vejas Vasiliauskas)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 2020 18:11:26 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Question about DSM-5
In-Reply-To: <b9c49698-0a34-4453-17ae-52663227662d@gmail.com>
References: <b9c49698-0a34-4453-17ae-52663227662d@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <4D0F7B35-B155-4D9F-8645-E85BF230BD08@gmail.com>

Hi, 
Thank you all for the responses. That's good to know. The copy I have is from Bookshare and looks accessible, but I just wanted to see if there were any accessibility barriers. 
Thanks again, 
Vejas 

> On Jul 30, 2020, at 17:10, Keri Svendsen via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> good evening,
> 
> 
> the DSM5 is easy to use once you know the layout. It is on bookshare by the way if you hadn't found that.
> 
>> On 7/30/2020 6:04 PM, Vejas Vasiliauskas via NABS-L wrote:
>> Hi everyone.
>> I'm about to start my masters in rehabilitation counseling, and one of the required texts is the DSM-5. I know vaguely about it due to having taken abnormal psychology in my undergraduate, but we never actually used it.
>> I downloaded it from Bookshare and it seems fairly accessible. Typically, when textbooks have diagrams, I read the text and go over the diagrams with a reader. I would have thought the DSM-5, being such an important text, would have diagrams, but searching in the text for "picture" or "figure" don't seem to lead to anything, even a figure description.
>> For these of you who have had to use the DSM-5, have there been any accessibility barriers in navigating it?
>> Thank you,
>> Vejas
>> _______________________________________________
>> NABS-L mailing list
>> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/keribcu%40gmail.com
> 
> -- 
> Keri Svendsen
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/alpineimagination%40gmail.com


From braillemasterjustin at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 16:32:15 2020
From: braillemasterjustin at gmail.com (Justin Heard)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:32:15 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Urgent: Calling All Marching Band Students
Message-ID: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>

Hello all!

Next week, my Mom is meeting with a blind student interested in 
participating in marching band, but no one knows how a blind person can 
do this. I know I've heard of blind students being successful in this 
area, but I do not know any specific names. If you have any experiences 
and/or tips to share, please reach out. I want to make sure this student 
has the same opportunity as her sighted peers.

Lets turn her dream into a reality!




From gene.sh.kim at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 16:37:22 2020
From: gene.sh.kim at gmail.com (Gene Kim)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:37:22 -0700
Subject: [NABS-L] Urgent: Calling All Marching Band Students
In-Reply-To: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
References: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAEvYTGMM8raX2LNkKS7zD_iKMmpkLa9rVpaXq8-MRjLLsX_OpQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hey Justin,

A friend of mine did marching band in high school, and I'm sure he'd love
to share how he/the band approached it. Could you send me a private e-mail?
gene.sh.kim at stanford.edu

Kindly,
Gene
--
Gene Sung-Ho Kim | B.S. Symbolic Systems | Stanfored 2023
Secretary | California Association of Blind Students

On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 9:33 AM Justin Heard via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hello all!
>
> Next week, my Mom is meeting with a blind student interested in
> participating in marching band, but no one knows how a blind person can
> do this. I know I've heard of blind students being successful in this
> area, but I do not know any specific names. If you have any experiences
> and/or tips to share, please reach out. I want to make sure this student
> has the same opportunity as her sighted peers.
>
> Lets turn her dream into a reality!
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/gene.sh.kim%40gmail.com
>

From kinshuk.tella at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 17:06:29 2020
From: kinshuk.tella at gmail.com (Kinshuk Tella)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:06:29 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Urgent: Calling All Marching Band Students
In-Reply-To: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
References: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAFXV1qWrXWHKxaWkB_zkkuK7MSo=Vaih26r=zZ-6J+TdTqb_KQ@mail.gmail.com>

Hi Justin,

     I am glad you came to this platform to seek contacts about this. I am
myself a blind student and am heavily involved with marching band and the
performwence arts in general. I have 6 years of marching band under my belt
and have done both highschool and college. I would be more than happy to
speak to this student and family about the activity and going about
pursuing it. Please feel free to contact me at 937-708-9930 or
kinshuk.tella at gmail.com.


On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 12:33 PM Justin Heard via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hello all!
>
> Next week, my Mom is meeting with a blind student interested in
> participating in marching band, but no one knows how a blind person can
> do this. I know I've heard of blind students being successful in this
> area, but I do not know any specific names. If you have any experiences
> and/or tips to share, please reach out. I want to make sure this student
> has the same opportunity as her sighted peers.
>
> Lets turn her dream into a reality!
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/kinshuk.tella%40gmail.com
>
-- 
Kinshuk Tella
He/Him/His
937-708-9930

From princesssabrina924 at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 17:27:28 2020
From: princesssabrina924 at gmail.com (Sabrina Kimbrough)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:27:28 -0500
Subject: [NABS-L] Urgent: Calling All Marching Band Students
In-Reply-To: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
References: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <E88CAD8D-E4D0-4410-A173-8755F4C52776@gmail.com>

Justin, I did band a little and my siblings were heavily in band. If you want, we can exchange e-mains and go from there. My e-mail is princesssabrina at gmail.com.

 Whether you can or you can’t , you’re right! Henry Ford

> On Jul 31, 2020, at 11:37 AM, Justin Heard via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello all!
> 
> Next week, my Mom is meeting with a blind student interested in participating in marching band, but no one knows how a blind person can do this. I know I've heard of blind students being successful in this area, but I do not know any specific names. If you have any experiences and/or tips to share, please reach out. I want to make sure this student has the same opportunity as her sighted peers.
> 
> Lets turn her dream into a reality!
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NABS-L:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/princesssabrina924%40gmail.com


From abigaileduffy at gmail.com  Fri Jul 31 18:02:45 2020
From: abigaileduffy at gmail.com (Abigail Duffy)
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 2020 14:02:45 -0400
Subject: [NABS-L] Urgent: Calling All Marching Band Students
In-Reply-To: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
References: <9f692cb8-79e2-9552-c5ce-ce2d3ca72690@gmail.com>
Message-ID: <CAMt73k8rLsKVynvDA1ZVWjC=8p24Pqbi6VQhpc2EzXR6eRbRsA@mail.gmail.com>

I don’t know if this helps, but in my experience, and what my friends have
said, usually the blind person will have a buddy who also plays the same
instrument. You will either have like locked arms with that person
depending on how you play your instrument, or they will kind of tell you if
you need to do turns or what have you. Also in marching band you walk in a
pretty particular pace, and you practice it a lot, so it’s never been An
 issue for me when I did.
I also never did this in marching band, but they could probably ask the
person standing in front of them to put bright duck tape on the back of
their uniform, if they had some residual vision.
Hope this helped
Abby Duffy

On Fri, Jul 31, 2020 at 12:37 PM Justin Heard via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Hello all!
>
> Next week, my Mom is meeting with a blind student interested in
> participating in marching band, but no one knows how a blind person can
> do this. I know I've heard of blind students being successful in this
> area, but I do not know any specific names. If you have any experiences
> and/or tips to share, please reach out. I want to make sure this student
> has the same opportunity as her sighted peers.
>
> Lets turn her dream into a reality!
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NABS-L mailing list
> NABS-L at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NABS-L:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/abigaileduffy%40gmail.com
>