[Nfbmt] Fwd: Invitation to BLVS Forum

Sat Aug 2 02:29:02 UTC 2014

Hi Rik and all,

I believe this tech conference was a trial balloon! Perhaps this is 
more my interpetation of it but all of us who participated felt this 
was a big step in the right direction for BLVS. We keep saying we need 
to know more about what technology is available and we need to learn 
how to use it! This was evident when this conference took place! Ted 
Robbins, our treasurer and myself managed to get into the conference.  
Beverly Berg, Bruce Breslauer, and Jim Marks from BLVS participated in 
this first conference! I appologize if i missed anyone! I know of two 
others who attempted to join the conference but couldn't for any number 
of reasons.

Ted Robins joined by phone and I managed to get on the State of 
Montana's Webex client.  I probably was bumpped off three times or so 
but that could have been due to a setting in my PC or Webex itself. Ted 
and I discussed the technology we normally use and all of us came to 
the conclusion BLVS wasn't doing anything to inform us about what 
technology is available or providing adequate training for anyone to 
learn how to utilize the technology they have. Many of us would like to 
procure some technology through BLVS.

Beverly Berg inquired  whether it would be beneficial for their 
technology person to visit each office for a day so we would have 
access to this person!  We felt this wouldn't be beneficial since we 
would need to go to the office and once there, it would be doubtful we 
could get quality technology training from this person!

It was suggested that more time be made available for people to connect 
prior to the conference!  Perhaps if people could phone or go on Webex 
an hour before the conference, more people might have time to ask 
myself or any others about the number to call or how to connect to 
Webex. Perhaps more would be on the conference! The hour before the 
conference wasn't mentioned but a time prior to the conference was 
suggested for people to learn how to go onto Webex or phone in!

As I see it, hats off to BLVS!  This is a step in the right direction!  
I'm hoping we'd get a longer notice period prior to the conference!  
The Victor Stream and perhaps other players were mentioned as well.  
This may have happened during my down time!

I'm looking forward to the next technology conference through BLVS.

James Aldrich
President
National Federation Of The Blind Of Montana
(406_ 698-3729
jkaldrich at samobile.net

Original message:
> So sorry!
> I would very much have liked to participate.
> Late to the dance is what I was.
> Maybe if I had had just a bit more time. As it is with all family visiting,
> and so on, no way could I have made it anyhow.
> Sorry.

> How much time is there for the commenting process?
> Thanks.
> Rik

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Marks via Nfbmt
> Sent: Monday, July 28, 2014 10:51 AM
> To: NFB of Montana Discussion List
> Subject: [Nfbmt] Fwd: Invitation to BLVS Forum

> Please join this form to provide BLVS direction on its technology
> services.  Note the date is coming up fast.

> Jim Marks
> blind.grizzly at gmail.com

> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: Invitation to BLVS Forum
> Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2014 16:30:55 +0000
> From: Marks, Jim <jimmarks at mt.gov>
> To: 'blind.grizzly at gmail.com' <blind.grizzly at gmail.com>

> *BLIND AND LOW VISION*

> *FOCUS FORUM REGARDING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY*

> Blind and Low Vision Services is sponsoring a Focus Forum about how
> assistive technology services are provided.   The meeting is scheduled
> for *July 30 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. via Web-Ex or telephone.
> * Individuals with visual impairment or blindness are encouraged to
> participate.

> Participants are asked to respond to the following questions:

> * What is BLVS’s role for assistive technology?

> *What assistive technology needs related to computers, notebooks,
> netbooks and smart phones are not being met by BLVS?

> *What suggestions do you have for BLVS to meet those needs?

> To participate via Web-Ex go to
> https://hhsmt.webex.com/hhsmt/j.php?MTID=m506894e660aa9711927fe9106d8db68f.
> The password is “*BLVS*”.

> To participate via teleconference call *1-877-668-4490.*  The access
> code is *570 606 309*.

> If you have questions or wish further information contact Beverly Berg
> at (406) 444-4178 or 877 296-1197.

> -----

> Jim Marks

> Administrator of Disability Employment and Transitions Division

> Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services

> PO Box 4210

> 111 North Last Chance Gulch

> Helena, MT 59604

> jimmarks at mt.gov

> (406) 444-2591

> FAX 406.444.3632

> http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/detd/

> "The legitimate purpose of society and its governments is not to govern
> people and to promote the good life for them, but to empower them to
> govern themselves and to provide the good life for themselves and their
> fellow humans."  Justin Dart

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