[nfbmi-talk] Minutes, August 16 2014

[Larry Posont]

Minutes, August 16 2014
Quorum yes Mike Powell, Joe Sontag, Terri Wilcox, Mark Eagle, Dave
Robinson, Derek Moore and Mary Wurtzel.
Secretary's Report, Terri Wilcox. Dave Robinson moved to adopt the May
17 Quarterly Minutes.  Joe Sontag seconded the motion. The Minutes
were adopted.
Treasurer's Report, Mark Eagle.
NFB of Michigan
Financial Statement
Summary Page
July, 2014

General Fund: $63,049.85
Newsline: $2,083.26
Paypal: $0.00
PNC: $82.75
Youth Grant: $22,591.40
  Terri Wilcox moved to adopt the Treasurer's Report.  Derek Moore
seconded the motion.  The Treasurer's Report was adopted.
Introduction of Participating Members
President's Report, Larry Posont. The second design of the Braille
mugs are on the way with the three stick figures one of a person
reading Braille, one with a dog guide and one with a cane.  Rodgers
has been written to regarding employment of the blind. He has also
been invited to State Convention. He has not responded. Mr. Rodgers is
out of the office until October 1.  Employers of blind people and
blind workers will be invited to speak at convention. The consumer
satisfaction survey does not distinguish between independent living or
employment seeking clients. Some members urge that we establish
communication with the agency. Others would not even invite Rodgers to
Convention. People are welcome to come to our meetings but they are
not always invited to address the Convention. It is suggested that we
invite someone to address the Individualized Plan for Employment
process at Convention. It is a right to receive information in the
most effective format in a timely manner. The Bureau should be the
lead agency. Derek Moore volunteers to speak on the Agenda. A workshop
is suggested for people who do not know about the Federation.  It is
crucial to build the Federation. Empower and educate people behind the
scenes.
Braille Mug Purchases and Sales. Braille mugs are on the way. They
cost $15. A travel mug is desired.
Leadership Seminar September 5-7. Leadership Seminar is to be held at
Pretty Lake Camp in Kalamazoo. The approach and purpose as an
affiliate will be discussed. Kevan Worley will attend. Take back the
tools and philosophy from the Seminar to your chapters. Vans will come
from Detroit, through Ann Arbor, and travel along 94. Another van will
go through Lansing, travel on 69 and onto 94. Dave Robinson moves that
the affiliate covers the cost of the vans but the people will be asked
to make a free will donation for the van. Joe Sontag seconded the
motion. The motion passed.
State Convention, Flint October 10-12. Agenda Items are Needed. The
flyer will be set out.  Derek Moore moved to make a box lunch
available for $15 for the Affiliate Action luncheon.  Dave Robinson
seconded the motion. The motion passed. People may not want to pay and
eat, but may want to attend the event. Tables are available for
literature. Call Terry Eagle if you need a room for a Division meeting
on Friday evening. Three or four rooms are available.  Resolutions
will take place Friday from 4:00!-6:00. A Technology Seminar will take
place Friday from 1:00 -- 4:00. Registration on the Website? The State
Convention page is operational online. Registration will go on the
site now that Affiliate Action Luncheon details are known.  Online
registration will be forwarded to Paulette and Mike Powell. Use Paypal
or send a check directly to Mike Powell. A vegetarian option will be
available for the banquet and luncheon.  Many Agenda items were
suggested. These include: voting machine demonstrations, a
self-defense workshop and shopping and make-up classes. Newsline could
be covered by Georgia Kitchen. The Bureau's Services could be
addressed. Larry will respond to agenda items.
Door Prize Letter, Terri Wilcox. The 501 c3 number may not be
necessary but Guidestar already has it as public information online.
In order to donate, some businesses want a letter with the 501 c3
number on it.
Human Service Division in Michigan, Mary Ann Robinson? Electronic
Medical Records Update, Mary Ann Robinson. The National Human Service
Division includes: psychologists, social workers, counselors, music
therapists and child care workers. Nationwide issues concerning the
inaccessibility of licensing exams have been noted. The National
Association of Social Workers material is not accessible. A Human
Service Division at the state level is suggested.  There are concerns
about the accessibility of electronic health records. It should be
mandated that records are available in the format requested by the
consumer. Mental health agencies state that they have no intention of
making records accessible. If WCAG guidelines are used, any screen
reader can read these records. P.C.E. is a wide spread company in
Michigan that is not accessible and has no intention of making its
software accessible. In Michigan, at least 33 counties have P.C.E.,
with its inaccessible software and records. It is likely that the
inaccessibility of medical records is a nationwide problem. The
National President of the Human Service Division is proposing that
states check with members about starting a division in the state. Call
center representatives could be part of the Human Service division.
Contact Mary Ann Robinson at
Brightsmile1953 at comcast.net
 Science Camp, Fred Wurtzel. Three purposes of National Federation of
the Blind Summer Science Spectacular include: working with kids on
stem training, having fun and helping kids gain knowledge for the next
school year. This was a one week program at the University of Michigan
Dearborn Campus on the old Henry Ford estate. Kids went into college
classrooms and laboratories. The National Federation of the Blind of
Michigan is changing the paradigm about how the kids fit into society.
The program showed that blind kids can do real Science. The students
met Cary Supalo, a real blind scientist. Two percent of blind people
are under 18, but they can model for older blind people. Birding by
Ear occurs in Detroit and Lansing once each month. Next summer, the
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan might work with Collette
Bauman for Science Camp. A three day backpacking trip to South Manitoo
Island might be part of Summer Science Spectacular. Students will
participate on the State Convention Agenda to talk about Summer
Science Spectacular. Mary Wurtzel moves that we pay for 4 rooms to
help people come to State Convention from National Federation of the
Blind Summer Science Spectacular. Joe Sontag seconded the motion. The
motion passed. Federation philosophy is promoted to the students.
Follow up is crucial. Cary Supalo will do free Talking Lab Quest
training.  No Talking Lab Quest equipment is in classrooms in
Michigan.
75 in 75 Action Committee.  J.J.  Meddaugh, Derek Moore and Dave
Robinson are on this committee. November 16 is the beginning of the
75th year of the National Federation of the Blind. A chapter in
McComb/Oakland County will be organized on September 27. The Kalamazoo
Chapter will be strengthened. An Upper Peninsula Chapter will be
started.  Oakland/Macomb County has parents that need connection with
the NATIONAL Federation of the Blind of Michigan.
Guide Dog Division Mary Wurtzel. Mary Wurtzel asks if the Dog Guide
COMMITTEE could be included in the 75 days of action? There is a
report on stocks and dividends. Marcus Simmons's report can be sent to
board members who have not seen it.
Old Business: College Students should apply for National Federation of
the Blind of Michigan Scholarships by September 5. We must do all we
can to implement our Resolutions. The Federation is a volunteer
organization that needs both members and leaders to do the work of the
organization. Mary Wurtzel moved to adjourn at 2:36. Terri Wilcox
seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned.