[Njabs-talk] NJABS Conference Call Minutes

Tue Jan 12 23:35:53 UTC 2010

I got it.
Rania,
"For everyone who thought I couldn't do it.
For everyone who thought I shouldn't do it.
For everyone who said, 'It's impossible."
See you at the finish line."
~Christopher Reeve

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Serena" <serenacucco at verizon.net>
To: "New Jersey Association of Blind Students" <njabs-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 6:05 PM
Subject: Re: [Njabs-talk] NJABS Conference Call Minutes

> Hey Ben,
>
> Just to tell you, it went through correctly the last time, or, at least, I 
> received it.  Did some people not?
>
> Serena
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Benjamin Vercellone" <benvercellone at gmail.com>
> To: <njabs-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:45 PM
> Subject: [Njabs-talk] NJABS Conference Call Minutes
>
>
>> Hello again.
>> I am posting the minutes again in this email because my last email must 
>> not have gone through correctly.
>> It is below.
>> Ben
>>
>> NJABS Conference Call of January 10, 2010
>> Our first NJABS conference call of 2010 came to order at 8:03 pm. Our 
>> Madame VP, Shafeka recited the NFB pledge to begin our meeting.
>> New Business:
>> 8:03 pm
>> Welcome Ruth Low by Evelyn.
>> We had the pleasure to have Ruth Loew speaking on the call.
>> She is the assistant director of the Office of Disabilities Policy at 
>> ETS(Educational Testing Services).
>> 8:04 pm:
>> Ruth began her presentation.
>> ETS used to be educational testing service.
>> It does not stand for that anymore but it still is known as ETS.
>> Most of her work has to do with graduate level and professional testing.
>> It includes the GRE.
>> Other tests also such as the Praxis and the Test of English as a foreign 
>> language.
>> The ETS sets the accommodations policy for the company of the test.
>> The accommodations policy for the GRE and praxis test are part of what 
>> Ms. Loew does.
>> The Biggest concerns for people are applying for accommodations and 
>> qualifying.
>> You have to fill out the accommodation form and apply for the test an 
>> send them together.
>> The GRE people need your money before you can take the test.
>> Most of the time you do not have to submit a lot of information when it 
>> comes to blindness.
>> On the Graduate Record Exam, ETS does have braille and recorded material, 
>> as well as scripts for readers.
>> A year ago, they developed software for taking the test.
>> They will send you a CD to install the software so you can try this 
>> program and see if you like it before you take the test.
>> When you take the actual test, there are enlarged and tactile graphics in 
>> addition to the graphics on the computer.
>> The test is typically taken at the disability resource center of your 
>> college.
>> They do also have accessible practice materials to be used prior to 
>> taking the test.
>> These materials are comprehensive for the GRE.
>> They have materials for other tests, but not as much yet because not many 
>> tests are as universal as the GRE.
>> They will do their best to provide if you ask for help.
>> At 8:17 PM Ms. Loew opened up the call for questions.
>> Quintina asked if the software will work for other tests other than the 
>> GRE.
>> Ruth was not sure.
>> Some of the Praxis tests are only covered partly at this point.
>> Eventually more will probably be covered because of technology.
>> You have to use the practice tools, and they will send you the tools.
>> It is recommended that you begin practicing well in advance of the date 
>> on which you take the test.  You will get the practice materials whether 
>> you want them or not when it comes to the software.
>> The program is very customizable.
>> For the self voicing version, it is a standard linear test and the 
>> questions do not get harder as you go along.
>> The GRE general has all the material forms available for taking the test 
>> in an accessible format.
>> The GRE subject tests and Praxis test are not yet fully available because 
>> there is not enough demand yet
>> Ruth gave her email information at this point.
>> It is:
>> Ruth Loew
>> rloew at ets.org
>>
>> If you are applying for accommodations, do not make her the first call.
>> Go to the website (www.ets.org), and call the phone number and go through 
>> the standard procedure.
>> Ruth left the call at about 8:34 PM.
>>
>> Old Business:
>> Evelyn talked about upcoming events.
>> There is the College Leadership meeting on the 29th.
>> On the 30th, the students involved go to Baltimore for the Washington 
>> Seminar.
>> The three issues for this year's Washington Seminar are:
>> Issue 1:  Enhancing Pedestrian Safety:  Ensuring the Blind can Continue 
>> to Travel Safely and Independently
>> Purpose:  To enact the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, which will 
>> establish a motor vehicle safety standard to alert blind and other 
>> pedestrians of the presence of silent hybrid and electric vehicles.
>> Issue 2:  A Technology Bill of Rights for the Blind
>> Purpose:  To mandate that consumer electronics, home appliances, kiosks, 
>> and electronic office technology provide user interfaces that are 
>> accessible through non-visual means.
>> Issue 3:  Removing the Earnings Penalty:  A Common Sense Work Incentive 
>> for Blind Social Security Beneficiaries
>> Purpose:  To promote and facilitate the transition by blind Americans 
>> from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to 
>> income-earning, taxpaying, productive members of the American workforce.
>> If you want more information, talk to Evelyn later.
>>
>> Attendance was taken toward the end of the call, and the members present 
>> were:
>> Evelyn Valdez - President.
>> Shafeka Hashash - Vice President.
>> Ben Vercellone - Secretary/treasurer.
>> Jonathan Rowan - Board member.
>> Greg Rivera - Board member.
>> Melissa Hurff - Board member.
>> Jessica Scannell
>> Mary Fernandez.
>> Quintina Singleton.
>> Paul Grenier.
>> Marie Lomax
>> Kevin Banecker.
>> Danny Remero
>> Jason and Jeremy.
>>
>> The call ended at 8:47 pm
>>
>> Respectfully submitted by,
>> Mr. Benjamin Vercellone
>> Secretary/Treasurer
>>
>> -- 
>> *John said:
>> If we say that we have no sin, we deceive
>> ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
>> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
>> just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse
>> us from all unrighteousness.
>> 1st John 1:8-9
>>
>> Benjamin Vercellone
>> aim: benthoven32
>> windows live: benthoven4188 at hotmail.com
>> Skype: ben.vercellone
>> Phone: 201-218-7618
>>
>> Email services provided by the System Access Mobile Network.  Visit 
>> www.serotek.com to learn more about accessibility anywhere.
>>
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