[NFBSATX] January 2020 San Antonio chapter meeting minutes

[wendy Walker]

 Amelia Pellicciotti
National Federation of the Blind, San Antonio Chapter
Minutes for the month of January 11, 2019

Meeting comes to order at 11:32 a.m.
We started the meeting off with the presidential release.
Harry indicated to the new members that we will be meeting at the
Biblio tech East, as the space at the Division for Blind Services is
no longer available. The meeting space at biblio tech east is booked
from now until the remainder of the year in the large community room
at 1203 North Walters Street.
The space has a microwave and kitchenette for conducting adaptive
activities using non-visual skills under sleepshades.
This meeting will occur every 3rd Saturday of the month, with the
exception of February and March.
All of the members went around the room and introduced themselves.
We want to welcome new member, Victoria Hillard. She is new to our
Chapter from the Houston area.
Also, welcome back Viviana Ramirez, Dawn Scott and Margret Howell.
Welcome back also to those folks who have not been with us for a long time.

Next Harry wanted to introduce legislation to those members of the
Chapter who are not familiar with the advocacy efforts supported by
the National Federation of the Blind. This year’s Washington seminar
is taking place from February 10-13.
The Gain act (access to independence through non-visual access is
designed to incentivize manufacturers to build accessibility into
appliances such as washer and dryers, because touch screens cannot be
used independently by a visually impaired person.

The next legislative priority is accessible materials in higher
education act or (aimhe), which would set accessibility standards for
textbook publishers and institutions of higher education to abide by
with access to course materials. Institutions and publishers who
follow these guidelines will be protected from litigation if they sign
this act and express or endorse support.
There is also currently, a version of Aimhe present in the senate.

Just as a house keeping note, Harry would like individual members of
the Chapter to speak their name first before talking and go one at a
time in order to keep the meeting organized.

The meeting dates for February are the 15th, followed by March 21st.

Next Harry wants to know what types of presentations the Chapter would
like to see given in the upcoming year.
We will host Sylvia Castillo, the director of Paratransit operations
in February to discuss resolutions and possible concerns had by
members of the Chapter.
Harry reminds members of the Chapter to offer up possible solutions in
addition to the issue so that feedback is constructive, polite and
will help paratransit implement potential solutions or changes to
service.

Harry hopes that at least 3-5 members of the Chapter will attend the
monthly Via board meetings each session, because transportation is an
important concern with respect to gaining employment in the city at
this time.
These meetings of the via board take place the 4th Tuesday of each
month at 1021 San Pedro Ave. Athalie Malone notes that There is a
section called citizens to be heard. However, the first section of
comments from the public has to do with Via metropolitan, which
pertains to coordination between the city and Bexar county. The second
request for comments from the public is addressed to the actual via
board, and includes paratransit as well as city bus roots.

Just as a reminder, there are a total of four contractors, viatrans,
taxi, MV. And the city bus.

With respect to the meeting with the chapter, we hope to have only one
uniform presentation of questions and concerns to summarize and make
the process streamlined.
However, during the actual via board meeting, any citizen can exercise
their right to be heard.
If you would like to submit your comments and issues with paratransit
services, Harry’s email address is hstaley at nfbtx.org

Next, the chapter begins elections.
Athalie Malone will preside over Robert’s rules of order in the procedure.
At this time, Harry Staley, the incumbent was nominated for the
position of president.

Lory Zertucci moved that nominations cease, and Harry be selected by
acclamation.
Seeing no further nominations, Harry is elected by acclamation.
Harry announced that roman Ramirez, the incumbent will be stepping
down this year, but we wish him lots of luck in a speedy recovery.
Wendy Walker was nominated for the position of Vice-President along
with Athalie Malone.
Each had 90 seconds to speak to the voters.
Athalie served as the former chapter president. Between 2012-2016.
She continues to work for this organization because she believes in
the message of the National Federation of the Blind.
This organization raises expectations for the blind and to advocate
and have a voice in the public.

Wendy spoke second, she is a former business owner who lost her sight
later in life. She emphasized the importance of technology and
advocacy organizations like this to help others gain greater access to
independence, so they can obtain gainful employment by networking and
receiving tips from others.
Wendy hopes to make an effort to speak up and raise awareness on
issues of inaccessibility of websites or services, particularly with
311 and the San Antonio government.
The position of vice President will be selected by voice vote
initially, but if further examination is required, we will do a visual
vote also.
Wendy carried the vote for vice President.

For the position of Secretary Amelia Pellicciotti, the incumbent,  was
nominated. With no other nominations Amelia was elected by
acclamation.

For the position of Treasurer Bryan Baldwin, the incumbent,
wasnominated. With no other nominations, Bryan was elected by
acclamation.

For the position of board member, Dawn Scott and Tambra Staley were nominated.
Tambra stated that she is happy to help out the Chapter in any way she
can with furthering assistance with activities.
Dawn stated that she is new to the organization, but she is excited to
assist with a variety of tasks.
Tambra was elected to the board by a vote of 6 to 8.

The meeting adjourns at 12:49 p.m.