[NFB-DB] Fwd: Ideas for the DB Community

[Tracie Inman]

Hey Maurice,
 I sent the below email to you privately but it bounced back. I decided to
send it to you on list to ensure you receive it.

Kind Regards,
Tracie

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Tracie Inman <tracielinman at gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 1:29 PM
Subject: Ideas for the DB Community
To: <mmines at mmauricemines.org>


Hi Maurice,
Congrats again on your election as President of the NFB DB division. I am
thankful they elected someone who is a long-time member of the Federation &
the Division itself. Experience  and knowledge of the philosophy of the
NFB, and the History of the Division are important to its future.
  I could probably write a book with all that needs to be done, but I shall
refrain from lengthy dialogue in which you may not have the time to read it
through.  That being said, here are just a few highlights of priorities
that you might consider to be important to the DeafBlind community,
empowerment of independence, and the sustainability of this diverse
population.
1. Beginning within the NFB DeafBlind Division. Change starts at home.
Please consider meeting with President Riccobono (at the very least via
phone or Zoom) to discuss changes for the Division's future.  This
includes, but is not limited to, allowing those attending meetings
virtually to have voting rights.  I know this is a hot topic. However, keep
in mind the unique needs of the Deafblind Community.  Many of us have
additional challenges and can not travel, or have limited ability to
travel, to and from conventions. I know the Federation is against this due
to its ability to decrease physical attendance of conventions. I believe
the DeafBlind members of the NFB should have full inclusion with and
without the ability to  physically attend conventions.
2. Find ways for the Deafblind  community to attend National Conventions.
If we wish to grow the division, and make it possible for as many people as
possible to physically attend conventions and division meetings, then it
must be a priority of the division to remove the barrier.  There are
several ways to make it possible.  Again, this may be a discussion you
could have with President Riccobono.  It might be possible to create a
special fund on the National Level to help those with low income and
diverse needs and a companion who could assist as a SSP/CoNavigator to
attend conventions. Another thing you could do is set up a monthly payment
plan to allow Deafblind people who wish to attend, but do not have credit
cards or credit ability to make payments towards attending the convention
with the stipulation that the total cost of the lodging must be paid in
full 30 days prior to convention. (Travel expenses on-your-own)
3. Creating a Task Force to discuss and determine Priorities & Goals for
the Division for the next 4 years. This would help you determine which
direction your board should take and ensure the division is moving in the
right direction.
4. Setting up an Advocacy Committee.  The committee could review  the 2023
Resolutions from the National Convention which passed and determine which
ones  most benefit the DeafBlind population, determine ways in which they
apply to the Deafblind population, and set next steps for advocacy. Once
again, our National Leadership must be told that the DeafBlind must be
included.  The Washington Seminare must have representatives from the
DeafBlind Community that speak for the DeafBlind Community. We can not be
represented by non- DeafBlind members of the Federation who neither know,
nor understand, our needs.
5. Work towards creating Legislation to establish Support Service
Providers/CoNavigators as a Reasonable Accommodation under the Americans
With Disabilities Act.  This is long overdue.  Until it is done many states
will continue to struggle to get funding for SSP/CN programs.  Federal
guidance and rule revision is needed.
  I'll stop there as those are the most pressing needs. Please do not
hesitate to call on me to assist, serve, etc. as needed.
  Wishing you the very best as you serve this group of diverse people.

Kind Regards,
Tracie Inman

"Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

-- 
*Tracie Inman*





-- 
*Tracie Inman*
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