<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
</head>
<body text="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<p>Great minutes. Thanks<br>
</p>
<div class="moz-signature"><b>David and Claire Rose in Clearwater,
FL</b><br>
<b><a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:david@bakerinet.com">david@bakerinet.com</a><br>
<br>
</b></div>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 10/16/2017 9:48 PM, Dan Hicks via
NFBF-Tampa wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote type="cite"
cite="mid:0e2b01d346ea$122df650$3689e2f0$@gmail.com">
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered
medium)">
<style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
<div class="WordSection1">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span
style="font-size:16.0pt;color:#002060">Minutes of Tampa
Bay Chapter Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><b><span
style="font-size:16.0pt;color:#002060">September 23, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The meeting was held at Beef O’Brady’s
Restaurant and Sports Bar, 8810 N Himes Ave Tampa, FL 33614.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The meeting was called to order at 12:08 PM
by President Miranda Kilby.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">First, we heard from Jenny George of
CareerSource Tampa Bay. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She said that she is at the North Florida
Address. She says they have stations set up at that location
which have accessible software. They have a database system
which will build a resume for the job-seeker. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is a jobs database, and every job
listed has a “how to apply” link. EmployFlorida uses
commercial services such as Monster and Snag-a-Job, as well as
its own listings. One can search by job title or by company.
They have workshops in various topics. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She talked about SSI and SSDI. People with
a work history and have paid enough into Social Security can
receive SSDI. The amount paid is based on a person’s work
history. The maximum amount of SSI is $731.00 per month. SSDI
has a trial work period. An SSDI recipient has nine months in
which they can work and make an unlimited amount of money. If
you a recipient more than the limit for more than the nine
trial work months. If the recipient gets a good job and loses
SSDI and then lose that job, he or she can go back to Social
Security and – without re-applying – he or she can get your
check back. It takes two or three months. This is called
Extended Eligibility. It lasts for 36 months. After that
Expedited Reinstatement takes over. He or she can still get
the check back. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion Gwizdala brought up the fact that
$1950.00 is the limit that can be earned ty those who are
blind. Also, self-employed recipients can earn more after
expenses. Employees can claim some expenses, too. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jenny said that impairment-related work
expenses can be subtracted from the person’s income when
figuring eligibility. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When an SSI recipient works, it always
affects the amount they receive. Receiving SSI and working can
also affect one’s legibility for other programs. There is a
limit of $2,000.00 in the bank for SSI recipients. This is not
true of an ABLE account. This is a relatively new program. Not
all banks know how to set up and administer an ABLE account. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Only income from work affects the SSDI the
amount of the check. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chapter Vice President Gloria Mills Hicks
said that she had used EmployFlorida to try to find an
employee. Her problem was that most of the applicants made
appointments and then did not keep those appointments, and
usually didn’t call to cancel. They just didn’t show up for
the interview. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Treasurer Dan Hicks said that the
EmployFlorida website is very difficult to use, from the
employer standpoint. In the end, he helped Gloria find her
latest employee on Criag’sList. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Janet Beyer said she has had problems
logging in to the website and creating an account. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jenny said that she only sees things from
the customer side. She said that job seekers can call her and
give her their Social Security numbers, and she can help them.
She can refer employers to the Business Services Department. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paul Martinez asked about recipients that
receive both SSI and SSDI. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jenny said that they can generate an Excel
spreadsheet showing the affect of earning various amounts. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vandelon Holland brought up a situation
where a person was told that because of a pension, that person
could not receive SSDI.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jenny said that is not true. She said she
has heard many cases where the information that was given to
people by Social Security was wrong. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She said that EmployFlorida is grant
funded. They have lost some funding. They have lost 20 staff
members, just recently. Still, they have a lot of programs,
one for veterans, one for people who need GEDs, one for
English as a second language. She tries to stress to everyone
that when they make an appointment, they should show up. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gloria asked if one could continue to work
after age 66 and earn more Social Security, until age 70. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jenny said that it will increase a bit, but
not a lot. If one can wait until 70 to claim one’s own Social
Security, he or she will receive a larger check. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She said that one thing that can stop an
SSDI check from coming is a medical review that shows the
person is no longer disabled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion Gwizdala said that he is
self-employed, but still paid into the insurance fund. He
asked if those payments will increase is Social Security at
retirement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda thanked Jenny for the fine and
informative presentation. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda asked all who were present to
introduce themselves. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Treasurer Dan Hicks gave the Treasurer’s
Report. We have $2,524.57.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Board Member Barbara Gaw moved, seconded by
Marion, that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as read. The
motion passed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The 50/50 drawing was held. The winner was
Lynn Golden, who won $21.00. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda asked for a moment of silence in
honor of those who have lost their lives in the recent
hurricanes. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said that Secretary Sherrill
O’Brien is not present today. She emailed the minutes to the
chapter list. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Motion by Board Member Barbara Gaw to
accept the minutes as emailed, seconded by Dan Hicks. The
motion passed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said that there have been a couple
of meetings of chapter members and with members of the
Suncoast Chapter, to discuss the upcoming State Convention,
which they are both cohosting. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Friday, October 6, will be our Spirit Night
at Beef O’Brady’s. Fifteen per cent of the gross proceeds for
the food sold will go to the chapter. We will have a table in
the front of the restaurant with literature and information. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion asked if the restaurant would let us
set up a sound system for the event. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said she would find out. She said,
in the past, they have let us shout out whatever we have
needed to, but she did not know about a sound system. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">She mentioned the event in the park on
Friday, October 20. We are getting the insurance paperwork and
approval from the City of Tampa. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Pancake Breakfast is October 21, at
Beef O’Brady’s. Miranda will let us know about tickets. We
should be able to print them at home. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said she has spoken with Ms.
Pierse, an HCC professor. She asked if she could borrow our
copy of <i>Do You Dream in Color?</i> She wants to show it to
a psychology class. If chapter members would like to go to the
class to answer questions, that might be helpful and
informative. We don’t know the date. It might be November 29.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The chapter agreed that she can use our
copy of the film. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion said that if the event is on
November 29, he believes that he can be there. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara said she would like someone to go
with her the last Friday of October to Grass Roots, an event
for people with disabilities. The focus of the meeting will be
technology. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paul said he would go with her. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda mentioned the NFBF raffle. There
are no tickets left to distribute, so she asked anyone who
knows that they will not be able to sell their tickets, to
please return them to her so they can be sold. Tickets that
have been sold can be turned in with the money at the October
20 event or at the pancake breakfast. The drawings start on
November 1. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dan asked Paul about posting the drawings
on Youtube or as live drawings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paul said he and Dan will get together
later to work that out <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said that drawing results will be
posted on NFB email lists. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Paul mentioned that he has been in contact
with NFB members in Puerto Rico. He said that any help that
people can give the people hit by the hurricane, via local
churches or otherwise, would be greatly appreciated. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There followed a discussion of the damage
in Puerto Rico. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda mentioned that there is help for
those in Florida who were impacted by the hurricane. For
instance, those who receive food stamps will automatically
receive a 40 per cent increase in their food stamp allotment
for the month. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion said that some credit companies are
deferring payments for those affected by the hurricane without
charging late fees or interest. He asked Gloria about IRS
extensions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gloria said that the IRS is deferring
extensions through January 31, 2018. Those who owe will still
pay interest, back to April 15 for individuals and to March
15, for corporations. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jeanette Torres said that she applied for a
job with Spectrum. Their application site is not accessible. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gloria mentioned that Spectrum does not
give its business telephone customers with disabilities free
long distance. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vandelon Holland gave an update on
activities sponsored by the Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind.
On Friday October 13, there will be a White Cane celebration.
At 11:30 there will be a cookout followed by a White Cane
Walk. On October 7, there will be a Dining in the Dark
fundraiser at the Tampa Club. The tickets are $125.00 each. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion said that the NFB opposes Dining in
the Dark activities because they portray a negative image of
blindless. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said that there will be a meetings
of the Tampa Bay and Suncoast Chapters to make plans for the
convention. We are looking for a theme for the convention. She
will remind interested members about upcoming meetings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jeanette Torres talked about the recent
Legislation meeting. The bill signed by Cathy Castor having to
do with the ADS has no cosponsors. Several of our chapter
members went to Cathy Castor’s office and met with a staffer
who did not have any knowledge of the bill. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dan said that Cathy Castor has a long
history of working with us. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He was surprised that she would sponsor a
bill to weaken the ADA. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda called for more Old Business. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gloria brought up the Senior Concerns
Committee. She said that members do not have to consider
themselves as seniors to participate. The committee is for
anyone who wants to see more seniors involved in the NFBF. The
meetings are held the first Thursday of the month via
conference call. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said she wanted to take a quick
poll about other activities that chapter members might be
interested in taking part in as a group, besides our monthly
meeting. Examples would be going to a movie or attending a
comedy club or going bowling, or to a Broadway play at the
Straz Center (with audible description). She will put a poll
out on the email list. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara asked about accessibility
earphones. If they have a limited number of headsets, could we
use our own?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The consensus was, probably not. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion announced version 2.0 of the NAGDU
is available in the Apple App Store and will be in the Google
Play Store. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda reminded everyone to keep sharing
@nfbflorida on Twitter and the chapter page on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marin asked if we are still working on a
public showing of <i>Do You Dream in Color?</i> <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said yes, as the film can be a
great influence on teachers and blind high school students. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Vandelon asked if there have been any
updates on HART?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion said the Brandon Flex has been
reinstated for a year. All of the people who were to lose
their HARTPlus service because of changes in service will be
grandfathered in. They will keep their service as long as they
live where they lived when the had service. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda said that this continuation of
service is primarily because of the protests and work of the
Tampa Bay Chapter of the NFBF. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Gloria said that she saw the Kathy Eagan,
CEO of HART, of a meeting and Kathy said that the organization
was not prepared for the number of concerned people who showed
up at the meetings to discuss changes. Gloria added, because
of our efforts, about one hundred HARTplus patrons will keep
their service, when they would have not done so without us. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Marion said that he and Merry and others
had met with HART officials in Merry’s office. They were told
that HART would not farm their service out to Sunshine Line.
He also mentioned that Kathy Eagan had said on television that
her family was in a hurricane shelter. In reality, they were
at a timeshare in Orlando. He said we need to continue to
attend meetings where transportation is discussed and
decisions are made. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Miranda thanked everyone for taking part in
the meeting. She said we did not get everything we wanted but
made a lot of progress. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dan said that we must keep in mind that one
vote of the Hillsborough County Commission took away our right
to vote on a tax increase which would have funded HART and
other transportation projects. The polls showed that it would
have passed. We need to vote those who voted against the
referendum out of Office. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Michael Akpewero said that is having
trouble getting service from the Florida Division of Blind
services. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Suggestions were made. Miranda said he
should contact DBS. He needs to apply. If he gets a counsellor
who he feels is not working out for him, he should call Walter
Blackman, Case Advocate, in Tallahassee. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Barbara made the motion to adjourn.
Seconded by Dan. The motion passed. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The meeting adjourned at 2:35 PM<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Respectfully Submitted<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dan Hicks<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Treasurer<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">NFBF Tampa Bay Chapter<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:5.0pt">“Justice will
not be served until those who are unaffected are as <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:5.0pt"> outraged as
those who are.” ― Benjamin Franklin<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div>
<br>
<fieldset class="mimeAttachmentHeader"></fieldset>
<br>
<pre wrap="">_______________________________________________
NFBF-Tampa mailing list
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org">NFBF-Tampa@nfbnet.org</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org</a>
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBF-Tampa:
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/david%40bakerinet.com">http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbf-tampa_nfbnet.org/david%40bakerinet.com</a></pre>
</blockquote>
<br>
<div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br />
<table style="border-top: 1px solid #D3D4DE;">
<tr>
<td style="width: 55px; padding-top: 13px;"><a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png" alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;" /></a></td>
<td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 12px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Virus-free. <a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avg.com</a>
</td>
</tr>
</table><a href="#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"> </a></div></body>
</html>