[Njabs-talk] NJABS Minutes for Sunday, Jan. 8th 2012

EVELYN E. VALDEZ tweetybaby19 at comcast.net
Fri Jan 13 01:38:25 UTC 2012


NJABS Minutes for Sunday, January 8, 2012


The call was brought to order at 8:05 PM: Melissa Hurff recited the NFB pledge.

8:08 Guest speaker, Anil Lewis was introduced. He is from the National Center  in Baltimore. Formally affiliate president of Georgia, National Board Member, spear-headed the Blind Driver Challenge, and now works with legislation along with Jesse Hartle and Lauren in Government Affairs specifically working on the Fair Wages Act. 

The topic of the night which Anil Lewis discussed was the three issues that are going to be addressed at the Washington Seminar and brought to the congressmen and senators.
 1.) Americans with Disabilities Small Business Opportunity Act: The purpose of this issue is to release the entrepreneurial extent of Americans with disabilities in order to reduce the ongoing unemployment rate among these individuals and bring them into the regular American business.
 
2.)Home Accessibility Act  (re-vamped version of Technology Bill of Rights): This act which is a re-vamped version of the Technology Bill of Rights which was presented at last year's Washington Seminar is specifically targeting the newest home appliances that all have touch screens and are unaccessible to the blind. Anil gave the example of Mr. & Mrs. Maurer  going to buy a new refrigerator and how there's a touch screen for each compartment of the refrigerator to set the temperature for the meat, fruits, etc and how now this appliance is unaccessible to the blind. 

 3.)Fair Wages: This issue is for working Americans with disabilities.  Our goal as the federation is to have the government remove subminimum wages for people with disabilities. Former NY Governor David Patterson is assisting with this bill to continue to get co-sponsorship.
 After Anil Lewis thoroughly discussed all three issues, there were a few questions that were asked and answered by Anil.  We proceeded to thank Anil for joining us. 
 Subsequently, Shafeka discussed the Imagination Fund Grant
NJABS requested a grant from the Imagination Fund for $1,600.00  so that students are able to attend the Washington Seminar in February.
Fortunately, we were awarded $1440. Therefore, we are now able to take four individuals to the seminar
The Washington Seminar will be from Monday, February 6th through Tuesday February 7th for NJ Federationists.  The NABS meeting will be held on Monday, February 6th from 9-1pm followed by a Resource Fair. The agenda for the NABS winter seminar will be posted on tnabs-link shortly.
The Great Gathering-In will be held Monday evening where the three issues will be furthered discussed. There will be surprise guests that evening.  

Last Announcement: All high school seniors and college students are now able to apply for the NFB  scholarship. You may fill out the scholarship application on ww.nfb.org/scholarships. Next month, NJABS is looking to extend an invite to have Mrs. Patty Gregory Chang, scholarship chairperson to discuss the scholarship application process and criteria and answer any questions.
Good luck everyone!
 Attendance:
Evelyn Valdez - President
Shafeka Hashash - Vice President


Mark Colasurdo: TreasurerMelissa Hurff-Board member

Greg Rivera - Board member


Maxine Lomax: Board MemberAnil Lewis-GuestCarlos Herrera-MemberJason Capati- MemberJeremy Capati- Member







Respectfully Submitted, 
Ms. Melissa Hurff, Board Member 
 


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