[Njagdu] Save the date: Next NJAGDU conference call meeting scheduled for October 5 at 8 pm
Richard Fox
richardfox1 at comcast.net
Wed Sep 27 15:49:45 UTC 2017
Dear NJAGDU members and friends,
It's hard to believe, but the next scheduled NJAGDU conference call is right
around the corner. It will be held on Thursday, October 5 at 8 pm.
Here's the conference call number:
712-432-0180. Access code: 460994.
We have a lot to discuss, including preparations for our upcoming state
convention.
I've pasted Alice Eaddy's minutes from our April 21 meeting below.
See you there!
National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey
New Jersey Association of Guide Dog Users
April 21, 2017
1. Roll Call:
Dan Facchini NFBNJ NJAGDU President
Trisha Ebel, Treasurer
Anna DeSantis, Board member
Rosa Santiago
Jonathan Goodman
Alice Eaddy
Marion Gwizdala, NAGDU President
2. Call to order by President Dan Facchini at 7:36 PM
<x-apple-data-detectors://22> . Trisha reminded those on the call that *6
can mute and unmute you so that background noise can be eliminated. It was
stated that if you have not paid your 2016 dues you cannot participate in
making motions.
3. The Minutes were sent out by Rick Fox:
Anna moved to accept the minutes as sent Trisha seconded. All were in favor,
motion carried unanimously.
4. Trish provided the Treasures report: the ending balance as of November
last year was $1,500. There has been nothing going in or out. There were no
PAC deductions. No additional deposits have been made at this time. Lynn's
and Vincent name's names are still on the account. We have no copy of the
EIN number associated with the account. She and Dan have called the IRS
requesting a copy of it. The worst case scenario would be to close the
account totally and sent money temporarily to the state affiliate for an
undisclosed period of time. Dan mentioned that by the end of the month Lynn
was returning for a visit with Trisha and Dan. Maybe after November they'll
be able to start the process over or his name would've been swapped out.
Alice moved to accept the treasurer's report Anna seconded, all were in
favor.
a. Update regarding ease of access for persons with guide dogs. It's been
tabled until the next call. Does Newark Airport have an indoor guide dog
relief area? answer no.
http://www.dogjaunt.com/2012/06/pet-relief-area-at-new-yorks-newark-liberty-
international-airport-ewr-terminal-a/
the <http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-travel-information.html> website
for Newark merely states that pet relief areas are available. It's up to you
to "[follow the signs in the baggage claim areas or ask a Customer Care
Representative for information."
Dan mentioned that there used to be a NAGDU Charles Law related to access.
This is what I found:
https://www.google.com/amp/www.phillyvoice.com/charlies-law-block-access-for
-service-dogs-in-nj-and-face-minimum-250-fine/amp/
Charlie's Law," as it has been dubbed, emerged after Cherry Hill High School
East prevented 16-year-old Ben Shore, who is on the autism spectrum, from
bringing his Goldendoodle Charlie with him to class. In a little bit of
Statehouse theater, Assembly co-sponsor Pamela Lampitt (D-Camden) allowed
Charlie to press the "yes" button when the legislation unanimously passed
the Assembly in January.
This past Monday's (June 19) 38-0 approval in the Senate, which sends
"Charlie's Law" to the governor, is a credit to Shore, his persistence, and
his willingness to know his rights under state and federal law. That's a
lot more than Cherry Hill school district officials knew when they enacted a
boneheaded policy that clearly conflicts with the federal Americans with
Disabilities Act.
The local policy, since reversed, denied Charlie admittance because the dog
was not provided by a recognized agency, and was trained at home to respond
to Shore's panic attacks. Such discrimination against "home-schooled"
service animals is strictly illegal under the ADA.
Governor Christie has signed "Charlie's Law," legislation sponsored by
Senator Diane Allen (R-Burlington) that creates civil penalties for
preventing a person with a service animal from accessing a public facility.
Effective July 24, 17.
5. The accessibility resolution was tabled until next call.
6. Old Business
Ginger is coordinator of NJAGDU ride share testing.
Below was her last report on NJ efforts. There was further discussion on
this issue see update below.
A. All - I received an update from the NFB National Office regarding the
New Jersey rideshare testing program. So far this month (July), 3 tests
were completed. Last month (June) 8 tests were completed.
Remember, when you ride with Uber or Lyft, please fill out the questionnaire
at:
www.nfb.org/rideshare <http://www.nfb.org/rideshare>
If you report a negative experience, be sure to also report the incident to
the rideshare company.
As a reminder, here's info about the rideshare testing program:
The Uber and Lyft testing program is open to all NFB members and nonmembers
nationwide. Riders with service animals or individuals traveling with riders
with service animals are asked to complete the following online
questionnaire promptly after requesting and/or completing a ride with Uber
or Lyft: https://nfb.org/rideshare-test. This testing tool will be used to
measure not only ride cancellations and denials, but also whether a driver
appeared to understand his or her obligations to provide equal access and to
not discriminate as per the protections provided by the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Specifically, testers will provide the following
information via the online questionnaire.
Uber and Lyft Testing Questions
* Rider's name
* Email
* Date ride was ordered
* Time ride was ordered
* Address for pick up
* Driver's name
* Did the rider alert the driver of his/her service animal prior to
the ride?
* Did the driver appear to be unaware of his/her responsibility to
transport riders with service animals?
* Was the ride denied?
* How was a complaint filed regarding the denial (e.g., using website,
app, or complaint hotline)?
* Was the rider treated disrespectfully during the ride (e.g.,
threatened, harassed, ridiculed, or provided inferior service because of the
presence of a service animal)?
* How was a complaint filed regarding the driver's disrespectful
behavior (e.g., using website, app, or complaint hotline)?
* Was the rider charged a cleaning fee because of his/her service
animal?
* Did the rider encounter any accessibility barriers with the
rideshare service's app or website?
Anna explained how she's used gogograndparent see link below:
https://gogograndparent.com/
7. Alice announced for Jane Degenshein The Second National Technology
Seminar with Anil Lewis this Thursday night at 8 PM Join us on Thursday,
June 29 at 8 PM Eastern, 7 PM Central <x-apple-data-detectors://5> , 6 PM
Mountain <x-apple-data-detectors://6> , and 5 PM Pacific
<x-apple-data-detectors://7> .
Dial: 1 515 604 9570 <tel:1%20515%20604%209570>
Code: 612068 Pound
If you have any specific questions for Anil Lewis, kindly email Janie
Degenshein at:
jdegen16 at comcast.net <mailto:jdegen16 at comcast.net>
8. First timer scholarship program was discussed.
12.New Business
A. National Convention
In case you didn't get this information concerning the NAGDU seminar at
National Convention, here it is.
The National Association of Guide Dog Users dedicates its
2017 Seminar & Annual Meeting
In Memoria
Richard Michael "Mike" Sergeant
March 18, 1951 - September 12, 2016
The National Association of Guide Dog Users, a strong &
proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, is excited to offer
the most dynamic, informative events in the nation for guide dog users at
our national convention in Orlando. Thanks to the generous support of our
sponsors
Alpha Dog Sponsor
Yellow Cab of Tampa
Harness Up Sponsors
Mobile Vet Clinic of Brandon
On the Go by Julie Johnson
Texas Association of Guide Dog Users
NAGDU is offering some incredible programs for convention attendees and the
world through a live stream!
Monday, July 10
1:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://7> - 10:00 p.m. <x-apple-data-detectors://8>
1:00 - 1:45 p.m. <x-apple-data-detectors://9> Registration. Registration is
free & required to be eligible for door prizes!
2:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://10> - 3:30 p.m.
<x-apple-data-detectors://11> (Rehab Professionals) Guide Dogs and O&M:
Concepts and Misconceptions
Wikiwa 9
Lucas Frank, The Seeing Eye
Mike Goehering, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Michael Hingson, National Association of Guide Dog Users
Derick Williams, Louisiana Center for the blind
A panel presentation featuring orientation & mobility
professionals from guide dog training programs, cane travel instructors, and
consumers. This seminar is a part of the Rehabilitation Professionals
Workshop and qualifies for continuing education units.
2:15 <x-apple-data-detectors://16> - 3:30 p.m.
<x-apple-data-detectors://17> Guide Dog Health & Wellness
Panzacola F-2
A veterinarian shares information about maintaining optimal
health throughout your dog's life, including wellness, preventive care,
grooming tips, and first aid.
3:45 <x-apple-data-detectors://18> - 5:00 p.m.
<x-apple-data-detectors://19> Advocacy and Access: Everyone has a Part to
Play
Panzacola F-2
Facilitator: Marion Gwizdala, President, National Association of Guide Dog
Users
Combining realistic skits of guide dog access challenges with practical
guidance to handle the challenges, guide dog users and businesses alike will
learn about the rights, responsibilities, and limitations of those rights.
This interactive program is a must for all guide dog users, those wishing to
become better advocates for guide dog users and other disabled individuals,
and public and private entities wanting to know their rights.
5:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://21> - 6:00 p.m. Dinner break
6:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://22> - 6:45 p.m.
<x-apple-data-detectors://23> Registration - Registration is free &
required to be eligible for door prizes!
7:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://24> - 10:00 p.m.
<x-apple-data-detectors://25> Living the Guide Dog User Life you want!
Panzacola F-2
Part 1: Teaching the Guide Dog Team New Tricks
Lucas Frank, The Seeing Eye
Mike Goehering, Guiding Eyes for the Blind
John Byfield, Freedom Guide Dogs
Current training Methods and innovations in dog training that will keep your
guide dog sharp and happy. Featuring veteran trainers from several guide dog
training programs, guide dog users will learn new techniques to enhance
their dog's work and teach new skills.
Part 2: Harness Up: The process of getting a guide dog and beyond
Various guide dog training programs & consumers
If you are interested in getting a guide dog, want to find out how they
really work, get to know what is involved in the application and training
process, and learn about the guide Dog User Lifestyle, this session is for
you! Guide dog training programs will share information about their programs
and guide dog users will help you understand what is required when you come
home.
Part 3: Guide Dog Show and Tail
Guide dog users share their favorite gear, grooming tools,
and toys. If you have a favorite item to share, bring it with you for others
to learn about! Some of them will be yours to take home for you and your dog
to enjoy!
Wednesday, July 12; 7:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://30> - 10:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting
Panzacola F-2
6:00 <x-apple-data-detectors://31> - 6:45 p.m. - Registration.
(Registration is free & required to be eligible for door prizes.)
7:00 p.m. <x-apple-data-detectors://32> Call to Order
Join NAGDU for the most exciting and important meeting of guide dog users in
the United States. Here are some of the highlights you will experience
Celebrate the life and work of R. Michael Sergeant
Elect our 2017 - 2019 leadership
Supporting the NFB's national ridesharing testing initiative
Valerie Yingling & Michael Nunez
Download & tour the newest version of the NAGDU Mobile App for iOS & Android
Raul Gallegos
Energizing reports from our affiliate divisions
Updates & advances of Aira: A visual interpreter for the blind Michael
Hingson
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789 <tel:(813)%20626-2789>
President at NAGDU.ORG <mailto:President at NAGDU.ORG>
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise
expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind people
and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds
you back.
***
Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate.
Dear All,
The National Association of Guide Dog Users, a strong and
proud division of the National Federation of the Blind and the most dynamic,
influential voice for the nation's guide dog users, is enrolled to receive a
percentage of all qualified purchases made through the Amazon Smile program.
With every purchase you make on
www.smile.amazon.com <http://www.smile.amazon.com/>
NAGDU receives .5% of the purchase price as a donation from the Amazon Smile
Foundation.
On Thursday, March 16, Amazon will generously increase their
donation amount to 5%. In order to make this donation, buyers must login to
the Amazon Smiles website using their usual Amazon user name and password,
selecting the National Association of Guide Dog Users as their preferred
charity. This is an easy, painless way of supporting the valuable work of
the National Association of Guide Dog Users, so please be sure to use the
Amazon Smile program whenever you shop on Amazon and encourage your friends
and family to do the same.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in
touch with us. Our contact information is below my signature.
Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789 <tel:(813)%20626-2789>
President at NAGDU.ORG <mailto:President at NAGDU.ORG>
B. The items of interest follows.
1. Rosen Center Info
With this second notice pertaining to hotel arrangements for the 75th
national convention in Orlando, Florida from July 5 through July 10, 2015,
this will provide four months until the start of the national convention.
Hopefully, this will provide time to plan for travel, make hotel
arrangements and to purchase that new bathing suit! There will be
information in the upcoming issues of the Braille Monitor featuring the
national convention, restaurants in the area, agenda items, special
activities, etc. Please review the following information.
Please share with others. If you locate good flight costs, please share.
National Federation of the Blind National Convention 2015
When:
Sunday, July 5-Friday, July 10, 2015
Where:
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive <x-apple-data-detectors://2/1>
Orlando, Florida 32819 <x-apple-data-detectors://2/1>
Reservations:
For 2015 convention room reservations you should write directly to the Rosen
Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819
<x-apple-data-detectors://3> . You can call the hotel at (800) 204-7234
<tel:(800)%20204-7234> after January 1.
Preregistration is now open. When purchased online by May 31st, the
preregistration fee for convention is $25 ($30 on-site) and the cost of a
banquet ticket is $55 ($60 on-site).
<http://lx-web.nfb.org/convention/preregistration.php> Preregister online
now or use the
<https://nfb.org/images/nfb/documents/pdf/2015_national_convention_preregist
ration_form.pdf> mail-in PDF form.
Hotel Information and Room Rates:
The 2015 convention of the National Federation of the Blind will take place
in Orlando, Florida, July 5-10, at the Rosen Centre Hotel at 9840
International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819 <x-apple-data-detectors://12> .
The 2015 room rates are singles and doubles, $82; and triples and quads,
$89. In addition to the room rates there will be a tax, which at present is
13.5 percent. Make your room reservation as soon as possible with Rosen
Centre staff by calling (800) 204-7234 <tel:(800)%20204-7234> . At the time
you make a reservation, a $95 deposit is required for each room reserved. If
you use a credit card, the deposit will be charged against your card
immediately, just as would be the case with a $95 check. If a reservation is
cancelled before Monday, June 1, 2015, half of the deposit will be returned.
Otherwise refunds will not be made.
Guest-room amenities include cable television; in-room safe; coffeemaker;
hairdryer; and high-speed Internet access. Guests can also enjoy a swimming
pool, fitness center, and on-site spa. The Rosen Centre Hotel offers fine
dining at Executive Chef Michael Rumplik's award-winning Everglades
Restaurant. In addition, there is an array of dining options from sushi to
tapas to a 24-hour deli. The hotel has first-rate amenities.
Schedule:
Sunday, July 5 Seminar Day
Monday, July 6 Registration Day
Tuesday, July 7 Board Meeting and Division Day
Wednesday, July 8 Opening Session
Thursday, July 9 Business Session
Friday, July 10 Banquet Day and Adjournment
First Timer's Guide to the NFB National Convention:
View our beginner's guide to the NFB National Convention, intended to give
the first-time convention attendee some important information about national
conventions of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB).
. <https://nfb.org/convention-first-timers> First Timer's Guide to
the National Convention
.
<https://nfb.org/Images/nfb/Audio/Misc%202010/First_Timers_Guide_To_The_NFB_
National_Convention.mp3> First-Timer's Guide to the National Convention
(Audio)
C. State Convention: State Convention updates:
The 41st state convention will take place November 9th through 12th
<x-apple-data-detectors://59> at the Manahawkin Holiday Inn. Hotel rooms
are now available for reservation. To reserve, dial 609-481-6100
<tel:609-481-6100> and use group code NFB. Our room block is available
until mid-October, after that point the rooms are released to the general
public. Nothing will be charged on your credit card until you check into
your room unless you cancel less than 24 hours in advance. If you reserve
and can't attend, inform Joe Ruffalo at 973-743-0075 <tel:973-743-0075> or
nfbnj1 at verizon.net <mailto:nfbnj1 at verizon.net> so that he can find a
substitute for your room.
Lyft and NFB - Coupon Discount Code
We are pleased to announce that Lyft is offering a promotional discount to
new users who are National Federation of the Blind members.
New Lyft users enter their phone number at this link
https://www.lyft.com/invited/nfb17
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=8846&qid=1848788
> ; then they receive a download link for the Lyft app with our promo code
pre-populated.
Or a new Lyft user can enter the code NFB17 in the 'promos' section of the
app to receive the coupon. The offer is good for seven days after
activation.
Generally the offer is two rides at $5 off a ride. Not all markets offer the
same coupons. If Lyft is trying to increase ridership in your market, you
will get a better offer than you would in other market areas.
The coupon can be used in Orlando during convention if you wish to do so.
Lyft will donate ten dollars to NFB for each new user who signs up with this
promotional code.
Mears Shuttle to Area Hotels
The Mears Airport Shuttle coupon has been revised to include all over-flow
hotels, including the Rosen Plaza, as well as Rosen Shingle Creek. The
revised coupon can be downloaded here
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=8851&qid=1848788
> .
Old Business
A. Marion Gwizdala NAGDU President did an informational presentation
including providing statistics on the NAGDU Guide & Service Dog Advocacy App
B.
Round the phone: Discussion on handler and guide dog performance
expectations preparing for convent and flights. Bring and use gentle leader
if you have it to eliminate unwanted aggression in your guide dog from
impacting on the Convention experience. Limit and water intake while flying
is helpful depending on the length of the flight. No feeding before a
morning flight. This too depends on your dog who may be more calm after
being fed rather traveling on an empty stomach.
16. Adjournment: Anna made a motion, Rosa seconded it and all was in favor
at 8: <x-apple-data-detectors://32> 42p m.
Next meeting with be either September or October.
Submitted by:
Alice Eaddy
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