[Njabs-talk] NJABS Conference Call Minutes

EVELYN E. VALDEZ tweetybaby19 at comcast.net
Tue Jan 12 23:42:17 UTC 2010


Well Ben re-posted the revised minutes now with Ruth Loew's email address in case someone needed to contact her. 
Thanks
Ms. Evelyn Valdez

----- Original Message -----
From: Serena 
To: New Jersey Association of Blind Students 
Sent: Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:05:14 +0000 (UTC)
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" 
To: 
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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