[NFB-Utah] February 2026 board zoom meeting minutes
nfbutah at gmail.com
nfbutah at gmail.com
Sat Feb 7 13:30:38 UTC 2026
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND OF UTAH
February 2026
Board of Directors Meeting
www.nfbutah.org <http://www.nfbutah.org>
You can live the life you want; blindness does not hold you back
Wednesday, February 4, 7:30 – 9:01 PM.
Minutes
No motions were made or passed.
Important links
<http://www.nfbutah.org> NFB of Utah
<https://le.utah.gov/> Utah Legislature
<https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfUtah/_2026NFBOfUtahConventionRegistration> register for the 2026 NFB of Utah Convention
<https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfUtah/NationalFed%20erationOfTheBlindOfUtah2026ScholarshipApplication> Utah Scholarship Application
<file:///C:/Users/belliott/Documents/Apply%20for%20the%202026%20scholarship%20program> Apply for the 2026 National scholarship program.
Independence Market <https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market> .
Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar. <https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work>
Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness Webinar. <https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/disaster-and-financial-preparedness-webinar>
<file:///C:/Users/belliott/Documents/nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98451413858> Museum updates town hall meeting
February <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2602/bm2602tc.htm> Braille Monitor.
1. Roll call:
Everette Bacon: President: Present
Cheralyn Johnson: 1st Vise President: Not Present
Karl Smith: 2nd Vise President: Present
Mark Turley: Treasurer: Present
Barbie Elliott: Secretary: Present
Laura Vincent: board Member: Present
Kenn Duke: board Member: Present
Ned Lindholm: Board Member: Not Present
Willie Black: Board Member: Present
Jessie Kramer: Board Member: Not Present
The public was invited, 23 participants including board members were present.
2. National news.
A. Washington Seminar
It was not snowmagedon it was an ice storm!!!
We met with the house on Tuesday via zoom with Maloy and Owens. Owens signed onto the access to affordable Technology Act prior to meeting with us!
We met with both Senator Lee and Senator Curtis and representative Moor in person on Wednesday.
Everette encouraged us to send email to our congressmen thanking them for meeting with us and asking for their support. For contact information for your state and national congress go to https://le.utah.gov/.
Thoughts from participants:
Kirt talked about the lack of people and the interesting weather.
Barbie talked about how all of the staff and congress people from Utah began the conversation with how Utah does snow removal better than Washington D.C. Barbie used that to tell some of the congress people that just like the TOOLS, preparation and training in Utah makes snow removal happen better in Utah, when blind people have tools, preparation and training THE barriers are still there, but WE are able to manage them better.
Kaycey talked about getting involved because there were so few people at Washington Seminar because of weather related travel restrictions he and Zachary got to do more and meet more people.
Karl suggests that we meet with senators and representatives here in Utah as well as meeting with them in D.C.
C. The Nation’s blind podcast will have Barbie and others talking about Washington Seminar next week.
D. NFB Scholarship Program:
The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals.
In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program> Apply for the 2026 scholarship program. The application deadline is March 31, 2026. Students may <https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program/scholarship-program-faqs> review the eligibility requirements, rules, and submission checklist for more information.
E. 2026 Jacobus ten Broek Disability Law Symposium:
This year’s Jacobus tenBroek Disability Law Symposium will take place March 26–27 at the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. Our theme for 2026 is "Collaboration and Creativity: Addressing Challenges and Advancing Opportunities Now and in the Future. We may have people from the Utah Disability Law Center at the symposium.
F. Independence Market Specialized Product Support:
The National Federation of the Blind Independence Market is committed to providing excellent customer service. That includes answering general questions about the products we offer to our members and customers, and while many items are familiar to our team, some specialized products may require customers to contact the manufacturer directly for detailed support. If this is the case, an Independence Market specialist is happy to assist with providing the appropriate contact information. To reach us, call 410-659-9314, then press 3, email us at <mailto:independencemarket at nfb.org> independencemarket at nfb.org, or you can browse the catalog and shop online on the NFB website at <https://nfb.org/programs-services/independence-market> Independence Market.
G. NEW: Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act:
The National Federation of the Blind, the National Association of Blind Merchants, and several blind entrepreneurs have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the US Department of Education’s approval of an Army‑wide waiver that eliminates the Randolph‑Sheppard Act priority for blind vendors operating dining facilities on Army installations. Filed in the District of Maryland, the suit argues that the Department of Education exceeded its authority, failed to follow required procedures, and relied on unsupported claims. This action threatens the livelihoods of blind vendors nationwide. Read the press release announcement at “ <https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-and-blind-entrepreneurs-file-federal-lawsuit> National Federation of the Blind and Blind Entrepreneurs File Federal Lawsuit Challenging Army-Wide Waiver of Randolph-Sheppard Act.”
H. Blindness Rehabilitation Panel:
In recognition of Black History Month, the National Federation of the Blind National Organization of Blind Black Leaders Division will host a panel discussion featuring three Black Federationists who are succeeding in the field of blindness rehabilitation. Roland Allen, Monique Melton, and Jordan Moon will share their experiences and answer questions related to their work as rehabilitation specialists.
This event was held on Wednesday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m., Eastern.
Zoom link: <https://nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286?omn=96185224498%23success> nfb-org.zoom.us/j/8204086286
I. Where the Blind Work Webinar:
Join the National Federation of the Blind for the “Where the Blind Work Webinar: Orientation and Mobility” on February 5, 8:00–9:00 p.m. Eastern, via Zoom. This informative discussion will feature a panel of blind professionals sharing insights into their typical workdays, how they advocate job accommodations, and the techniques they use to succeed at work. Our panelists are Carley Mullen, NOMC, Cane Travel Instructor, Maryland, Joni Martinez, NOMC, Blindness Skills Trainer, Admissions Coordinator, Texas, and Dezman Jackson, NOMC, Independent Contractor, Maryland.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/employment/where-blind-work> Register for the Where the Blind Work Webinar. Registration closes February 5.
J. Upcoming Webinar: Strengthen Your Emergency Readiness:
Be ready before disaster strikes. Join the National Federation of the Blind, the American Red Cross, and Operation HOPE for a webinar on February 11 at 2:00 p.m., Eastern, on emergency and financial preparedness. Learn strategies to stay safe, explore Red Cross tools and apps, and build financial resilience.
<https://nfb.org/programs-services/training-and-education/disaster-and-financial-preparedness-webinar> Register for the Disaster and Financial Preparedness Webinar.
K. There will be a town hall meeting on zoom about the museum of the blind people’s movement on Feb. 19th.
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android:
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=41753&qid=12261115> nfb-org.zoom.us/j/98451413858
Phone one-tap:
+13017158592,,98451413858# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,98451413858# US (Chicago)
Join via audio:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
+1 646 931 3860 US
+1 305 224 1968 US
L. Read the <https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm26/bm2602/bm2602tc.htm> February Braille Monitor.
M. Dates to Keep in Mind:
July 3-8, 2026: National Convention; Austin, Texas
July 2-7, 2027: National Convention; Austin, Texas
July 3-8, 2028: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois
July 2-7, 2029: National Convention; Chicago, Illinois
N. National convention registration and hotel reservations are now available. We may choose to have an NFB of Utah table again this year at national convention.
3. Utah business
1. Treasurer’s report: We did better in 2025 than in 2024. We spent less on our investments, and the investment funds were up. Our total amount was $60,000 last year. Mark will have a report to send to the board this week. Mark confirmed that 1090 Tax forms were sent and received.
4. State convention
1. start Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026, End Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
2. The theme is "Possibilities in Motion: Bridging Policy, Purpose, and Personal Potential."
3. Scholarships: All application materials must be received by March 31st, 2026. Please submit all materials in a word document or PDF to Rebekah Jakeman Rebekah.jakeman at gmail.com <mailto:Rebekah.jakeman at gmail.com>
Or upload them as you fill out the scholarship online form.
Finalists will be notified of their selection by April 14th. They will receive free admission and accommodation at the NFB of Utah convention in Ogden, Utah April 23rd-25, 2026. Attendance
At this convention is mandatory for all finalists.
airship form
https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfUtah/NationalFed erationOfTheBlindOfUtah2026ScholarshipApplication.
4. Registration is new and better this year. Use email from the of Utah or click on the links in these minutes to register. https://www.cognitoforms.com/NationalFederationOfTheBlindOfUtah/_2026NFBOfUtahConventionRegistration
5. Hotel reservations are also available. The cost will be $129, which is a deal compared with the regular rate of $329 per night. You can reserve your room by calling 801-627-1190.
6. The sponsorship request letter will be attached to the minutes.
7. Auction items are being requested, and the donation letter will be attached to the minutes.
8. Everette has requested Karl and maybe someone else drive to the hotel on Friday February 27th. Anyone who would like to go please let Everette know.
9. Karl will chair the resolutions committee. If you have a resolution idea, let Everette and Karl know.
10. The Friday Entertainment committee was hosted by Cheralyn and Ulvia last year, if anyone is interested please let Everette know.
11. Everette would like the agenda to be out by April 1st. Let him know if you have agenda items.
5. Division and chapter news.
1. Students: Kaycie excitedly told us that on Friday Feb. 13th, they will hold a “Love is blind” event about dating both the fun and the awkward, great and not so great stuff. Scholarships are being promoted, Zachary and Kaycie are excited to help people get scholarships and apply for them.
2. Spanish Division: Ulvia reports that a small group met and talked about creating businesses as entrepreneurs. Several members have become naturalized, and they would like to know more about voting and participating in our democracy. Everette suggests having Sherry Newton present about voting. Everette asked for a presentation at convention from some of our naturalized members.
3. Sarah said that parents had a fun meeting last Friday about blind hockey. Sarah said about 95 people signed up and about 80 people came to the event.t. They have applied for a grant to support learning rollerblade and ice skate. In March they hope to have someone from OCR talk to the families about health care and recreation. There is also a lot going on about education and we will have updates in March.
4. Kenn announced that the Salt Lake Chapter had a hybrid meeting in January about goals for 2026. Elections will be in February with almost all officer and board positions up for election. Jennifer Kennedy is the nominating committee chair. February 28th will be the elections chapter meeting.
5. The red Rocks chapter will hold elections in February. Saturday March 21st will be a chapter meeting with a 5k in the park and elections on March 21st.
6. Willie let us know that Weber-Davis went to Les Misérables where Grant a high school age a chapter member participated in a starring role. On February 21st there will be a business meeting at the Clearfield Library. On March 20th, they will hold elections at Grant Christianson’s house.
7. Utah valley held elections on Saturday Kirt is president, Carmelin vise, Rebecca Jakeman second vise, Lisa Roberry is secretary, Meg Swanson and milt Taylor board members. Other officers as presently constituted. They will hold a toy drive to donate to roads home and also plan to make a meal for them.
8. Newsletter time: Kaycie wants to publish the newsletter information for chapters and divisions by Friday February 27th with a publication date of sometime around March 7th.
9. Tina related that she attended a stem to you training in Baltimore. Utah will hold an event on May 16th at DSBVI from 10 to 3. The theme will be solving the mystery through scientific methods.
10. Karl says that the DWS grant will help fund any seminars such as the stem to you event and other student events. Karl would like receipts and funds early because the fiscal year ends on June 30th.
11. The film festival offered us tickets to see the documentary “Joy Bubbles” 14 people came and enjoyed it.
6. Other business:
1. Sarah is writing a literacy grant from IHC but needs a non-profit to sign on with her to receive it.
7. Adjourn:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 P.M.
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