[NFBA-Phoenix] Minutes for March 1, 2025 Business Meeting

[Sharonda Goode]

*National Federation of the Blind*

*Phoenix Chapter Meeting Minutes for*

March 1, 2025

Location: Virtual (over Zoom) and at Saavi Services for the Blind



The Meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m.
There were 17 members and two guests in attendance.

Both the *Pledge of Allegiance* and the *NFB Pledge* were recited.

Members shared *prayer requests*, and President Michael Smith led the group
in prayer.



Secretary’s Report:

Sharonda Goode read the meeting minutes of February 1, 2025.

*Joe Goode motioned to accept the minutes as read and Rachel Kuntz seconded
the motion. *

Clarifications noted:

*Concerning Emmanuel Caddy, Rachel clarified* that she was not suggesting
the $30 contribution toward a brick in honor of *Manny *at ACBVI should be
handled any differently than it has been handled in the past.

Also concerning braille, Rachel clarified that she was emphasizing
that *Braille
is our form of literacy, which encompasses both reading and writing.*

After all clarifications were given, the motion was adopted to approve the
minutes with the noted clarifications.



*Treasurer’s Report:*

Jordan Moon moved and Macaulay Beasley seconded to table the Treasurer’s
report due to Donna Silba’s absence. This motion was adopted.



*President’s Comments:*

*President Smith gave the floor to Tony Sohl* who presented information
about *audio description* on Disney DVDs:

The audio description feature on DVD’s can be accessed by pressing the “#5”
key on your remote after the chime. There’s no need to navigate through the
menus.

DVDs can be purchased or borrowed from the library.

*Allison* added that the Disney+ app includes audio description under
"Language Settings" – look for “English AD.”



*Legislative Updates: Jordan Moon*

*The Braille Bill* has passed 7–0 out of the Education and Rules
Committees; now it moves to the House.

*SB1130 (Seniors Bill) has* passed the Senate. It is now heading to the
House.

Jordan is exploring the possibility of a *ceremony with the Governor’s
Office to commemorate the bill’s passing*.

*SB1425 was i*ntroduced by Sen. Werner to provide Braille materials to
inmates. Stay tuned for updates on engagement with this bill.

*DDD Gap Funding Bill:* Darrell Hilliker stated that his family supported
this effort at the Capitol.

Darrell also brought up the possibility of the NFBA having an “intelligence
officer” at the capitol – someone who keeps us updated on critical
happenings. Jordan noted we already work with Mr. *Ted Voght*, a volunteer
lobbyist for NFB of Arizona.

*Federal Lawsuit Update:*

17 states are challenging *Section 504* due to inclusion of gender
dysphoria under the definition of disability.

Our Attorney General, *Kris Mayes*, is not part of this lawsuit.

Darrell emphasized the need to consider writing an *amicus brief* and to
monitor potential threats to our civil rights.

Reminder: *3% of youth receiving special education are served through
Section 504*.

We were encouraged to advocate and do what we can to make sure we keep
Section 504, as many disabilities will be impacted if we are without this
legislation.

*RSA Update:*

Talks continue about *abolishing the U.S. Department of Education*, which
would shift RSA to the Department of Labor.

Jordan reported discussions with Brian Delude who indicated that short-term
funding is available, but a *letter-writing campaign may be needed*.

March 14 is the critical deadline for government funding, so we will know
more by that date.

*HR1525 – Accessible Technology Affordability Act:*

It was introduced by Rep. Mike Kelly. and proposes a *refundable $2,000 tax
credit* for all blind Americans purchasing accessible technology.

Members are encouraged to *call* their representatives rather than email.

*HR1175 – Blind Americans Return to Work Act:*

This legislation is still in progress; support will be needed as it
advances.



The Presidential Release, which gives us information about what is going on
throughout the Federation nationally, was played during today’s meeting.

We were reminded about the following deadlines for scholarships:

*The National Scholarship Deadline:* March 31

*The deadline for Jernigan Scholarship for first-time convention attendees:*
April 15

The State scholarship deadline: May 31.



*Committee & Division Reports*

*Membership: Monica Nunez, Chair*

No report was given as Monica was absent due to illness.

*New Visitor,* Yulondia Grubbs, was welcomed into our meeting.

She was invited by Macaulay Beasley. She is a part of

Saavi's Silver Canes program. We are looking forward to her becoming a
member of  our Chapter.



*Outreach: Vicki Farley, Chair*

Due to Vicki’s absence, no report was given. Work continues on the NFB
Membership Portal and coin project.



*Social Committee – Lori Kirsop, Chair*

*Lori announced that today’s lunch would be at* Miracle Mile Deli. A table
for 10 has been reserved.

*Chapter Picnic:*

The Norma Robertson-Wagner annual picnic will take place on April 12, from
11:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Volunteers are still needed for setup, cleanup, and food service.

*Sharonda and Monica* will be calling members to coordinate side dishes and
other items needed.

The next planning meeting is *March 6, and all are welcome*.

*Fun activities happening at the picnic include*

The Hawaii-themed photo booth by Scott

Raffle prizes, and kids’ activities.

Come to socialize and have fun!



*Game Event – March Madness*

Sharonda stated that the committee tried something different this time.
This is why our game event will be held the same day as the meeting at 2:30
p.m.

*Cost:* $10/person or $20/family (kids 16 and under eat free).

This evening’s games will be Uno, 21, and dominoes

Sharonda asked for volunteers to help with setup/cleanup



*Arizona Association of Blind Students (AABS):*

The report was given by President Smit.

The scholarship deadlines were reiterated and the dates were given for
the *Midwest
Seminar* -- March 9–11.



*Parents of Blind Children (POBC):*

President Smith reminded us of the Stem2U event taking place on

April 5 here at Saavi. This is why our April chapter meeting will be
virtual.



*NFBA Technology Committee *

*Joe discussed the AI Seminar planned by the committee. It will take place
on* March 22 from 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

*Their Special Guest is *Jonathan Mosen, who will speak on *prompt
engineering*.



*Seniors Division *

*Kimberly Fetterman reminded us of Freedom Fridays:* 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at
Saavi Tucson & Phoenix

*On March 7 they will have a* Pizza Party.

Tina and Tony have kindly been bringing tech tools for seniors to explore

*On March 14* Saavi will be volunteering at the *Talking Book Library Open
House in the morning. In the afternoon, the seniors will have *line dancing
lessons.

*In May* *Senator Cavanaugh will visit the Center.*



*New Business*

Chapter *Board Meetings:* 4th Thursday of each month. The board meets in
preparation of the Chapter meeting. This is an open meeting for any and all
members to attend.

*BELL Program:* Start thinking about how you can support this summer's
program. Last year, we celebrated taco Tuesday with the kids by purchasing
tacos and ice cream.

*National Convention:* Takes place July 8–13 in *New Orleans. Registration
is* $25 and the  *Banquet is* $80. Register as soon as possible.



*PAC Plan – Macaulay Beasley*

We were encouraged to sign up to support national programs like
scholarships and Washington Seminar.

A person can donate as little as *$5/month or as much as they choose.*

Arizona is currently *#12, which allowed us to bring the PAC rat home.
However, our* goal is to be in the *Top 10.*



*Philosophy*

*After *the *NFB Belief Statement was read, m*embers engaged in a
thoughtful discussion on what the message means to them both individually
and collectively. There was great participation.



*Announcements*

   - *Be Tactile Craft Event:* March 24 at Saavi – sign up by March 14
   - *The April 5 Chapter Meeting is *Virtual due to the STEM2U event
   happening at Saavi.
   - *First Friday Outings:* Contact Beasley if interested
   - *ABC Classes:* Another round starts March 4. They are held each
   Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until noon.

Following the announcements, the meeting was adjourned.



*Respectfully submitted,*

*Sharonda Goode, Secretary*
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