[NFBV-Potomac-Announce] January Potomac Chapter Meeting Minutes

[Christine Grassman]

	Recording Secretary Julie McGinnity and President Christine Grassman thank Braden Flax for his assistance with the minutes. 
	

The meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM, due to some technical difficulties.
About 15 individuals were in attendance. 
President Grassman welcomed speakers, minutes and treasurers' report were ratified without discussion.
WMATA was represented by Karol Lopez, Barbara Melville, and Elmer Coppage.
In discussion with chapter members, key points included:
Members should reach out when encountering any transit issues.
We cannot currently have our cards on our phones for security reasons, because we travel for free. This is, however, under review.

Cards must rest on smart trip targets for 1.5 seconds before a tone can be heard.
4-digit rail card number can be found on the call box at the end of the rail car, or in some cars, to the left of the center doors. There is a button which can be pressed to alert of inaudible or absent announcements or other significant issues. 

To report incidents or issues via email, online, or over the phone, you'll need this number, along with rail line and direction, and time and date; the same applies to the bus The bus number is below the fare box.

Something they've agreed to work on is the issue that when boarding a train, the color is not announced in sufficient time to get back off if it is crowded.
Bus operators do not have control over automatic announcements. Rebooting the system would require them to turn off the bus and restart it. 
 email WMATA  at access at wmata.com <mailto:access at wmata.com>
Call 202-962-1100
Accessibility advisory subcommittee meeting welcomes public participation, occurs virtually the second Monday of each month from 4 to 6 PM


Andy Burstein represented Accessible Pharmacy Services for the Blind.
Andy discussed how the company strives for maximum accessibility at every stage of the healthcare process.
He assured members that there are abundant checks and balances to ensure the accurate labeling of medications. 
Privacy is a high priority; only with patient permission does the company discuss care with anyone, including medical professionals.
Accessible Pharmacy Services offers summer opportunities for current blind college students interested in health, marketing, and other relevant fields. 
Contact Andy at:
andy at accessiblepharmacy.com <mailto:andy at accessiblepharmacy.com>


Shawn Calloway, NFB of DC Affiliate President and national Board Member, is facilitating a blind and low vision support group for Arlington residents beginning on Wednesday, January 18 and taking place biweekly via zoom from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
 


To register, callCLB at 240-737-5100 or email cbrown at clb.org <mailto:cbrown at clb.org> 



Bryan Velazquez represented Omnium Circus.
The circus prioritizes inclusion in employment, entertainment, and more.
There is an Omnium Circus taking place at Capital 1 Hall in Tysons on February 25. Tickets can be purchased over the phone with waived service fees because of TicketMaster inaccessibility. The program begins at 2:00, and runs for ninety minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Patrons who are interested can come at 1:00 PM to check out props and costumes.
The entire show will be audio described.
For further information or group rates, contact:
bryan at omniumcircus.org
A more in-depth discussion of the show was planned for January 20 at 7:00 PM.


 

Following a brief discussion of Washington Seminar, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 PM. 
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