[NFBF-Tampa] Tampa Bay Chapter meeting Minutes March 2020

Thu Apr 23 18:59:13 UTC 2020

Hello to all,

The March meeting minutes are pasted and attached. I hope we can match, or
better yet exceed, last month's turnout of 17 participants, which was
wonderful!

Can't wait to hear your voice on Saturday's call!

Sherrill

Tampa Bay Chapter         

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Chapter Meeting Minutes

March 28, 2020

Because of the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the
chapter members met from our homes by conference call via the Zoom meeting
platform

The meeting was called to order by President Miranda Kilby at 12:05PM.

She introduced a guest speaker, Joel Pursinger, from the company Vispero. It
is headquartered in Clearwater, and is a conglomerate of assistive
technology providers including Freedom Scientific.

Joel gave a brief history of the company. Vispero would like him to test
some of their designs. He invited us to help with his research by
participating in two online surveys he is conducting. He wants to get
feedback from users on both current products and those being designed. He
commented that too often when blind people purchase their products they do
not fully integrate them into their daily lives. Louise suggested that
Vispero create and keep on hand a few Braille manuals for those preferring
that format. Joel will send an email to Miranda with the details and links
to the surveys, and she will pass it along to the chapter list.

Miranda thanked him for speaking to us about the work he is doing and for
his interest in our feedback and suggestions.

Everyone then introduced themselves, and there were 17 members in
attendance, including our state president Denise Valkema.

Paul led us in the NFB Pledge.

Secretary and Treasurer'sReports

A motion was made by Barbara, seconded by Louise, to accept the February
2020 meeting minutes as emailed. The motion passed.

Dan gave the treasurer's report. Our current balance is $2,187.33.

A motion was made by Sherrill, seconded by Paul, to approve the treasurer's
report. The motion passed.

President's Report

Miranda said we are uncertain about whether the date of our state convention
will need to be changed. NFB President Riccobono advises that we wait a bit
before making any decisions, giving the hotel the incentive to work with us
if we have to move the date. This will most likely insure that we will not
incur a financial penalty. Miranda said we do have  a good relationship with
the hotel.

Nevertheless, our planning committee will continue to meet as usual, with
Tampa and Tallahassee the host chapters.

New Business

Paul announced that NFB President Riccobono will host the first-ever
"Presidential Release Live", to be held by teleconference via Zoom  on April
2 at 8PMEDT. Denise announced that the affiliate will hold a teleconference
this upcoming Tuesday, March 31, and encouraged all to call in so we can
connect with one another in this difficult time.

Miranda called for a discussion of how we can continue to do the work of the
chapter, and how we can stay connected with each other during this time of
sheltering in place.

Miranda: planning for a fundraiser can be done over the phone and can begin
right away

Marion: planning for Meet the Blind Month can also be accomplished with
phone meetings

Gloria: we can use this time to make calls to and catch up with chapter
members 

Louise: we could share recipes via the chapter list

Our next meeting will be held on April 25, and once again it will be a
conference call via Zoom. 

Miranda thanked Marion for allowing us to use the NAGDU Zoom account.

Barbara asked if the Talking Book library might be willing to send out a
notice that our meeting will be held via teleconference. Miranda said she
will look into that possibility.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:19Pm

Respectfully submitted

Sherrill O'Brien, Secretary

Tampa Bay Chapter

National Federation of the Blind of Florida

Phone 813-935-0474, cell 813-767-1890

Email Sherrill.obrien at verizon.net

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind people
and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds
you bac

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