[NFBSea] February Seattle Chapter Meeting Minutes

[Jim Portillo]

Thanks to Jessie Lorenz for filling in for Deja last month. It's great to
see how we all work together well as a united team!

 

Greater Seattle Chapter of the

National Federation of the Blind of Washington February Chapter Meeting
Saturday 2/19/2022

Present: Marcy Carpenter, Jim Portillo, Al Elia, Amandeep Kaar, Mike Mello,
Shannon Donohue Jamal and Susan Mazrui, Noel Nightingale, Kris Colcut, Jake,
Krissy, Bennett Prows, Jessie Lorenz The meeting was called to order by
President Jim Portillo at 10:06 am

 

The January 15, 2022, Minutes were reviewed and adopted unanimously.

 

Treasurer's Report No treasury reports this month while the Treasurer and
new President work on their systems for the upcoming year. The treasury
report will be back on the agenda next month.

 

 

Update from Senior division

Bennett Prows gave an update on the WA Seniors Division. Duncan Larson who
runs Older Services at the Colorado Center for the Blind will speak next
Saturday at the Blind Seniors Division Meeting at Noon where we will learn
about the advantages blind seniors have when going for training. In March,
the division meeting will feature a presentation from the Blind History Lady
Peggy Chong. Zoom info for both meetings will be sent out via email.

 

Students Division Update Amandeep Kar

The Student Division intends to have a membership call this month.

They were excited about participating in Washington Seminar.

 

President's Report

President Portillo reported back regarding in-person meetings. Though the
membership overwhelmingly has expressed interest in returning to in-person
meetings, it appears difficult. Neighborhood libraries are not opening their
community rooms because of Coved so though Jim and others have been trying
to find free public space for us to meet, it is limited because of external
factors.

 

Jim will not be able to chair the March meeting and is hoping someone from
the board will step up and step-in for him next month.

 

Special Guest Presentation: Ron Jasper, new manager at the Orientation and
Training Center at DSB- Ron is blind and has worked as a TVI and an
Orientation and Mobility Specialist. He indicated he has over 20 years
management experience, that he was born with RP, that he is not personally
affiliated with any blindness groups and that he hopes to empower blind
students to grow in their "intellectual and job skills."

Noel asked, "Is OTC on a term system?"

Yes OTC is on a term system. 4-6-week terms. 6 a year. Still the core crew
of instructors.

Future Goals include hiring a Mental Health and physical health instructor.
The job reacquisition is in the works. This person will help participants
with mental and physical health including nutrition support.

 

Noel asked- Are students able to learn in the residential program?

Both. Center opened up in November to 50% capacity. Going to bump up
capacity to 75% in April.

The center also serves students who commute. Lastly, The center's Braille
teacher offers a remote access braille instruction class.

How many students are served? Currently, Six residential and three commuting
Next term eight residential and five commute. Full capacity twelve

residential/8 commuter students.

Mike asked: "What is the center's philosophy regarding rehab for folks who
are blind? How do you work within the parameters of being a state agency
and?

educate the state agency?" blindness does not define us- we are individuals
with various strengths and hobbies. Blind people are individuals, and they
vary in their life experiences just like sighted people.

I hope I can bring accessibility into people's lives.

Mike followed-up to ask about the agency's tendency to operate with a light
touch rather than have lofty expectations of students (no flat top stoves,
easy routes, etc.) Ron countered strongly that he believes students need to
live in the Real world. Need sleep shades. That's our policy. 100% back
that. "I will not change things because I don't think you can manage being a
blind person."

Noel: How many blind managers are in DSP?

Three female blind managers in the department.

Mary stated that she is, "Not into the sleep shades because of stable
sight." Ron- Shared his personal experience he felt the same way but changed
his mind after trying sleep shades.

Marcy- invited Ron to state convention.

Bennet- invited Ron to visit NFB Orientation Centers.

Ron indicated interested in both attending state convention and visiting a
NFB training center.

 

State of the State

Marcy Carpenter

Recently a Bill was introduced in the WA state house regarding access to RX
information based on language- we got an amendment in that bill stating that
blind and print disabled individuals' communication access needs will be
included as well.

The bill will go for a Committee vote Monday than to full Senate floor.

It is exciting to potentially be One of the first states to get Accessible
RX written into law!

 

The NFB Washington Board of directors is holding a strategic planning
session next weekend 2/25 to discuss the future of the affiliate. If you
have ideas about the direction of the affiliate reach out to Marcy or Jim.

The DSP Director position is open. They are still accepting applications.
Marcy is going to be part of the interview committee.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs/3414473-0/director-department-of-service
s-for-the-blind-dsb

 

The NFB National Convention is on in New Orleans July 3-10 Registration
opens March 1. There will be an on-line experience, but it is not a hybrid
convention.

Main sessions and board meeting will be streamed.

 

 

***

Washington Seminar

Washington Seminar was a success in that we fostered relationships with
Senate staff and brought some new allies on-board to cosponsor our bills. We
will continue to facilitate the process on the technology affordability act/
Tax credit, medical device, transformation

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