tagNational Association of Guide Dog Users National Federation of the Blind Annual Meeting Minutes Sunday, July 5, 2015 Rosen Center Orlando, Florida Following some technical difficulties, we were able to begin streaming of the meeting, which was called to order by President Marion Gwizdala at 7:00pmEDT. Vice President Michael Hingson gave an update on our litigation against the ride-sharing company Uber, whose drivers contend that it is their right to accept or refuse those using service animals in their private vehicles. Timothy Elder, the lead attorney, spoke at our annual meeting last year, 2014. He reports that NFB has prevailed in the initial hearing. Nevertheless, Tim is urging those who are denied access by any ride-sharing company to report it to him and to the ride-sharing service. Marion introduced guest speaker Brett Sample, who intends to found a guide dog training program based on NFB philosophy. The location for the training center will be in Puerto Rico. Brett wants to hire blind trainers. The NFB pledge was recited, and The roll call of Board members and attendees was then taken, with 77 persons in attendance. Announcements followed, including Marion encouraging attendees to go to the Resolutions committee meeting, since NAGDU will be presenting two resolutions. Door prizes were given out during both meetings. A collection was taken to benefit the NFB's White Cane fund, helping to defray the cost of the dog relief areas. . Secretary Sherrill O'Brien read the annual business meeting minutes for 2014. A motion was made by Susan Jones, seconded by Tina Thomas, to approve the minutes as read. THE minutes were corrected to read that Eve Sanchez rather than Karen Evans spoke on behalf of Arizona regarding the formation of a NAGDU division. The motion passed as amended. The financial report will be given at Tuesday night's meeting. Marion announced that NAGDU received a bequest for $50,000. As required, half the amount was given to NFB. Committee Reports Fundraising Chair Julie McGinnity invited everyone to stop by NAGDU's exhibit hall table to purchase our travel beverage containers and look at the harness which will be auctioned off at Tuesday's meeting. Social Networking Chair Tina Thomas reported that NAGDU's FaceBook has 365 subscribers, and our Twitter account 45. Marsha Drenth, moderator of the NAGDU discussion list, reported that the list has 337 subscribers. She announced that she will be stepping down as moderator. Marion then introduced Aaron Cannon, who is in charge of NAGDU's Education and Advocacy Hotline. Aaron said that the number of calls to the hotline has been steadily increasing. Its purpose is to give out information about service animals and to assist people with access challenges. Aaron was also the creator of our NAGDU app, which has been downloaded 1507 times in almost its first full year of existence. The app contains federal as well as all state access laws. Marion announced that we are working on a new NAGDU brochure, which will be larger and contain more pictures than the current brochure. Liz Campbell announced that Texas will soon be forming a new NAGDU division. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM. Tuesday, July 7 The meeting was called to order by President Gwizdala at 7:05 PMEDT. The roll call was taken and there were 117 persons in attendance. Marion encouraged those who were listening via streaming to participate through Twitter or by sending an email to Aaron Cannon. Toni Whaley gave the financial report by phone. Our balance is $26,488.43. A motion was made by Merry Schoch, seconded by Michael Hingson, to approve the financial report as read. The motion passed. Toni said that anyone could request a copy of the treasurer's report by sending her an email. Elections The following officers were elected: Michael Hingson reelected Vice President by acclamation; Toni Whaley reelected treasurer by acclamation; Elections were held for the Board position of Margo Downey, who chose not to run for reelection. James Boehm and Aleeha Dudley were nominated. James Boehm was elected to the Board position. Secretary Sherrill O'Brien read NAGDU's resolution 2015-10, Concerning Unconditional Ownership Upon Completion of Training. This was followed by a panel discussion dealing with the same topic. The following representatives from guide dog training programs participated on the panel: John Byfield, Freedom Guide Dogs; Mike Gallagher, Guide Dog Foundation; and Keith Gregory, Leader Dogs for the Blind. Audience questions and discussion followed. GUIDE Dog Foundation Puppy coordinators Chuck and Debbie Hietala gave an update on Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo desensitization program in which they have been participating. The goal is to make access for handlers of service animals easier and safer. The Secretary then read NAGDU's other resolution 2015-05 Regarding Leader Dogs for the Blind's Accreditation By NAC. Both resolutions have now been passed by the NFB Resolutions Committee. The auction for the harness and the 50/50 drawing were then held. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40pm. Respectfully submitted Sherrill O'Brien, Secretary National Association of Guide Dog Users National Federation of the Blind