NFB Rock County Meeting Minutes June 2025
Amy Snow
Greetings,
Please find minutes from the meeting held Saturday June 14th below.
The next meeting will be August 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM and be virtual only. The Septmeber meeting will take place on August 30th at the home of Amy Snow and will be followed by our picnic. Please remember that all are welcome regardless of membership in the organization.
Thanks,
Amy
NFB of Rock County Meeting Minutes March 1, 2025
Officers Present:
President Chelsea Dallin, Vice President Nikki Wolf, Secretary Amy Snow, Treasurer Ben Dallin
Members Present:
Dave Hyde, Lekshmi Mendez, Lynzie Ashley
The meeting came to order at 10:20 AM. The formal portion of our meeting took place after our guest speakers shared their information. For the sake of continuity, business pertaining to the organization will be shared first. Please see the section below New Business for notes on our guest presentations.
For the sake of time, it was moved, seconded, and approved that the reading of the minutes be postponed. The treasurer’s report indicates a balance of $1,232.32 and was approved.
State Affiliate News and Committee Reports
State Affiliate News
The board is beginning to consider locations for the 2026 convention. One possibility is the Holiday Inn West in Madison. Of note is that there are not as many meeting rooms available as we have had in Fond du Lac, but it would likely still work for our needs. Given the location, it is probably we will need to plan for a larger attendance, but again, this should not be a problem. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
At least 20 people from Wisconsin are expected to attend the National Convention next month. Ben is working on setting up a Zoom meeting for all to attend.
There is a strong possibility that a Fond du Lac chapter will form. More information on how the Badger Chapter will be affected will be shared as
State Advocacy Committee
Dave reports that the student from Marshfield that the Wisconsin Chapter assisted in attending the Colorado Center has graduated. He has begun to look at colleges.
State Legislative
Nothing new to report at this time.
News from the National Office
Nothing new to report at this time.
Rock County Committee Reports
Rock County Advocacy Committee
Nothing new to report
Rock County Membership Committee
Nothing new at this time.
Rock County Fundraising Committee
- Candy sales will continue until supplies are depleted.
- Chelsea indicates that she’d like to hold another Scentsy fundraising event. This will likely take place in September as that is when the new fall products will be released.
- Amy is waiting on a few more details, but expects to be able to schedule a Red Robin fundraiser for August 14. She will send updates as they become available.
- Amy is continuing to explore the Chili’s fundraising option. She hopes to have something on the calendar for September of this year.
Old Business
No old business updates at this time.
New Business
August Meeting
Due to the summer schedule, our August meeting will be virtual only and held on Thursday August 7 at 6:00. The same Zoom information will be used join the meeting and sent out a few days prior.
Annual Picnic
This year, our annual picnic will be held on August 30th. Our meeting will take place at 10:00 followed by lunch. Amy Snow will be hosting again this year. Please monitor the listserv for information around the middle of August.
Guest Speakers
We are pleased to have had two guest speakers at our meeting this month!
Beca from JTS
JTS has officially dropped the "S" from its name, and a new logo and branding will be introduced soon. This marks a fresh identity for the organization.
Over the past six months, JT has contracted with Passio to replace DoubleMap in providing stop annunciation and GPS tracking of JT busses. Beloit Transit currently utilizes this service and they report they are satisfied with the service. It is hoped that since both cities are utilizing the same service, Janesville residents will be able to track Beloit buses while they are in Janesville, enhancing connectivity between the two areas. Quality control efforts are ongoing, and the implementation is expected within the next month.
A new Ford Transit van has been added to the fleet. This fully accessible vehicle, equipped with a lift, will serve both staff and service needs while also functioning as a helper vehicle when required.
Thanks to a state grant from the Volkswagen settlement, the transit system will receive a new 40-foot bus in the next year, increasing the fleet size to 18.
In leadership news, Mr. Kip will retire in January after 30 years of dedicated service. JT is actively recruiting for his replacement, with interviews anticipated early next month.
Lisa Tollefson, Rock County Clerk
Dave was curious about whether signature guides were available during early absentee voting since when he asked about one, the staff did not seem to have one. Lisa replied that she would add that to the list of items to ensure were included in the early voting training and packets. Lisa did not see an issue if the NFB wished to provide them, but asked that they not be red or blue in color.
Discussion was held regarding an information session about accessible voting. It was suggested that this session cover use of the electronic machines and highlight the fact that not only do these machines read the ballots, they can also translate it into Spanish, enlarge the print, and do not allow “overvoting” or voting that would otherwise invalidate ballots (such as when elections do not allow cross-party voting). It was suggested that the other advantages of using the electronic voting machines be highlighted to encourage as many individuals as possible to attend and that perhaps it would be more helpful to have the session at the library. This would enable the library to put it on their calendar, which would be distributed to a wider audience than otherwise might be possible.
Lisa noted that she often suggests to voters that they visit www.myvote.wi.gov prior to visiting the polling location. Doing so allows a preview of the ballot and will let the voter know if polling places were combined prior to the election (this sometimes occurs for elections where a lower turnout rate is anticipated). Voters can even look at who the the current elected officials are at the national, state, and local level for each address entered as well as the Clerk information.
Dave asked about how accessible absentee ballots might work and whether this was something being addressed. Lisa shared that there is some disagreement about who would be responsible for this, the elections commission or state legislature. There are other states that have accessible absentee voting in place but Wisconsin is not one of them. It was noted that accessible absentee voting would be different than ballots sent to military personnel because they are sent electronically, but must be printed, signed, and mailed back.
Another item discussed was the fact that tabulating machines are also used for electronic voting in some counties. This is a concern since it can cause voters using talking machines to vote to take up the tabulation machines and can hold up lines in some cases.. A grant was enacted to allow a separate monitor and keypad so there is not as much of a backup, allowing the machine to be used for both purposes at once. Sharing information about this grant would help alleviate these concerns.
There was some general discussion outside of these topics and Lisa addressed other procedural questions members posed.
Presidential Releases:
The Presidential Release is linked below. In addition, there are also links to past releases and the Braille Monitor.
- Presidential Release #550, June 2025 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #550, June 2025 (Chapter Transcript)
- Braille Monitor - June 2025
If you have missed prior releases or publications, please visit the links below.
Meeting adjourned 12:08 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Snow, Secretary
Amy Snow
Greetings,
Please find minutes from the meeting held Saturday August 30 below. As noted in the June minutes, this meeting will serve as the September meeting despite technically occurring in August. The October meeting will return to our normal schedule of the first Saturday of the month at Hedberg Public Library.
Thanks,
Amy
NFB of Rock County Meeting Minutes March 1, 2025
Officers Present:
President Chelsea Dallin, Vice President Nikki Wolf, Secretary Amy Snow, Treasurer Ben Dallin
Members Present:
Dave Hyde, Lekshmi Mendez
Guests Present:
John Fritz, Heather Fritz, Steve Gates, Chad Nelson, Ericka Nelson, Syd ?
The meeting came to order at approximately 10:35 AM. The minutes were read and approved with a couple clarifications that did not require correction. The treasurer’s report indicates a balance of $1,212.42 and was approved. Amy shared that the funds from the Red Robin fundraiser in the amount of $84.91 should arrive shortly, but due to a paperwork issue, the check will be made out to the State Affiliate rather than our chapter. Ben indicated he will work with the Affiliate, but there should be no issues ensuring the funds can be redirected back to our chapter.
State Affiliate News and Committee Reports
State Affiliate News
Although the contract has not been signed with the Holiday Inn West in Madison, it is very likely this will be the location of the State Convention the last weekend in March of 2026. Further information will be shared when it becomes available.
It has been confirmed that the State Affiliate will be offering a $1,500 scholarship at the Convention. In addition, attendance at the State Convention will be funded as it will be necessary in in order to claim the scholarship.
In other news, Ben, as the State Affiliate President, was contacted by the Iowa State Affiliate. There will be an organized protest on September 16th concerning changes at the Iowa Department of the Blind. They have asked if any of our members would be willing to support them as they voice concerns over new policies and instructional changes instituted by the director. Those interested in learning more or in being involved should contact Ben.
State Advocacy Committee
Nothing new to report at this time.
State Legislative
Nothing new to report at this time.
News from the National Office
Nothing new to report at this time.
Rock County Committee Reports
Rock County Advocacy Committee
Nothing new to report
Rock County Membership Committee
As noted, this meeting is being held immediately before the annual picnic, which will commence after adjournment.
Rock County Fundraising Committee
- Candy sales will continue. Please contact Chelsea to replenish your supply.
- As noted above, the Red Robin fundraiser earned $84.91 and the check should arrive soon.
- Amy is continuing to explore the Chili’s fundraising option. She hopes to have something on the calendar for October or November.
- Chelsea will contact Mac’s to ask if a date could be made available for us to hold a fundraiser there this fall.
- There is some discussion of having another joint fundraiser with Dane County, perhaps another bowl-a-thon since the last one was such a success. Further information will be shared as plans unfold.
- Chelsea indicates that she’d like to hold another Scentsy fundraising event, perhaps at Bazinga’s again since the last one went so well. Given the busy schedule however, she suggests we hold off until winter to plan it.
Old Business
No old business updates at this time.
New Business
Audio Pedestrian Signal
The intersection of Milton and Holiday has long been a challenge for pedestrians due to the turn lanes and pedestrian relief area location near the frontage road. Nikki has assisted those who would like to see an Audio Pedestrian Signal installed at that intersection in filling out forms and bringing them to the Municipal Building. About six forms were submitted. Also, Nikki was able to speak with one of the engineers, who seemed to think having a signal that alerts pedestrians crossing only Milton (not Holiday) at the intersection will be a much more feasible plan. Crossing Holiday is much less problematic and having an APS for those crossing Milton is a higher priority. She will keep us posted on this issue in the coming months.
Passio Go and Stop Annunciation.
Concerns regarding accessibility of the Passio Go app have been raised by those using VoiceOver in our community. The overall experience has not been positive as VoiceOver does not read all elements on the screen. Also, it does not behave consistently. These issues have been confirmed by multiple members of the blindness community and herself in the role of AT specialist at WCBVI (though she noted that at this time, she is acting as a private concerned citizen).
Amy has reached out to Becca Smith at JT to address this problem. Passio asserts that its app is accessible, however experiences by our community members does not support this claim. After viewing their paperwork, Amy is not satisfied that it reflects accessibility standards laid out in the ADA Title II.
Of note is that this app is used widely in larger cities. It was suggested that those with connections to those living in cities using Passio such as Chicago, might reach out to those individuals and inquire as to their experiences. Possibly reaching out to the Illinois Affiliate or to chapters in Chicago would be helpful.
After discussion and a vote by the membership on the motion below, steps enumerated here will be enacted, likely in the coming week.
It was moved, seconded, and approved by the membership, that Amy work with JT to arrange a solution-focused meeting with Becca surrounding concerns of the blindness community by performing the following actions in the noted sequence:
1. Send an email to both NFB and ACB lists asking if there would be any community members interested in meeting with JT regarding the accessibility of Passio. It will be made clear this is NOT an NFB sponsored meeting and all are welcome regardless of membership or non-membership in any blindness organization. This event would likely be at the library, though other locations may be considered.
2. Once we have a group of interested individuals, Amy will choose a meeting date and time with that group and Becca from JT. This will be a solution-based meeting where we can show Becca what is not working with regard to app accessibility and function.
3. After that meeting takes place, next steps can be discussed, including the possibility of bringing in representatives from Passio. It should be noted that this meeting may need to take place during the day.
It should be emphasized that these meetings are solution-focused as we do not wish to damage the positive relationship that NFB currently enjoys with JT. It is our hope to work with JT to address the issue. We hope it is easily addressed and resolved.
During this process, stop annunciation will also be addressed. In particular, the fact that annunciation is not consistently turned on or available. At this time, it is uncertain whether inconstant annunciation is due to technical difficulties with the app or other reason.
Presidential Releases:
The Presidential Release is linked below. In addition, there are also links to past releases and the Braille Monitor.
- Presidential Release #552, September 2025 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #552, September 2025 (Chapter Transcript)
- Braille Monitor July 2025 (see below for the Braille Monitor Main Page to get more current versions when they become available)
If you have missed prior releases or publications, please visit the links below.
Meeting adjourned approximately 11:20 AM
Amy Snow
Greetings,
Please find minutes from the meeting held Saturday October 4, 2025 below.
Thanks,
Amy
NFB of Rock County Meeting Minutes October 4, 2025
Officers Present:
President Chelsea Dallin, Vice President Nikki Wolf, Secretary Amy Snow, Treasurer Ben Dallin
Members Present:
Lynzie Ashley Dave Hyde, Icy Hunt.
Guests Present:
Agie Castro
The meeting came to order at approximately 10:09 AM. The minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report indicates a balance of $1,192.50. The check has been received and will be deposited.
State Affiliate News and Committee Reports
State Affiliate News
The contract has now been signed with the Holiday Inn West in Madison. Planning has begun and details will be shared as they become available.
Members of our state chapter were unable to attend the Iowa State Affiliate event at the Iowa Commission for the Blind. Representatives from Minnesota were able to attend. Ben shared that the Iowa Commission accepted the policy recommendations to make sleep shades optional for one year and will revisit the policy at that time.
The Wisconsin Parents of Blind Children Family weekend at Wisconsin Lions Camp will take place the second weekend of October. There are a good number of both new and returning families with an approximate attendance of 60 people. Unfortunately Deb Meng is unable to attend this year and will be missed.
State Advocacy Committee
Nothing new to report at this time.
State Legislative
Dave reports that the first meeting of the State Legislative Committee met at the end of last month. Reports will be forthcoming as they become available.
News from the National Office
The Bay Bridge Walk will be coming up in November. As well as a standard fundraiser, it is also a part of a series of events encouraging members to get out of the community and raise awareness of the organization. Please see information on current NFB run/walk events by visiting Run and Walk Events page on the NFB website. There is a link to register for the Bay Bridge Walk as well as the participant toolkit for those interested.
Legislative alerts have been going out frequently due to the many changes happening Federally.
Washington Seminar will be the last Monday through Wednesday in January 2026. Due to the government shutdown, some planning may be halted slightly, but please check the resources on the Washington Seminar page of the NFB website
Rock County Committee Reports
Rock County Advocacy Committee
There is nothing new to report at this time.
Rock County Membership Committee
We will not have a post-meeting social event this week, however we hope to have something planned for next month.
Rock County Fundraising Committee
- Chelsea is working with Dane County on a Scentsy fundraising event. The party link will be sent out when it becomes available. Please also watch the list for a fund raiser for Rock County in the next few months.
- Amy was able to reach a general manager at Chili’s this past week, but when she went to meet with one of the assistant managers, there was some confusion as to how fundraisers would work or be run. Amy left a letter explaining what the organization was and some overall goals as well as her contact information. She hopes someone will reach back out, but time will tell.
- Candy sales will continue. Please contact Chelsea to replenish your chocolate supply!
- Mac’s has changed their fundraising policy to a “organization of the month” model where customers have the option of “rounding up” to donate to the month’s selected charity. The nearest opening is likely to be in 2027 at this time.
- Suggestions for fundraisers for Texas Roadhouse rolls or something at Chick-Fil-A were suggested. Nikki and Chelsea will take a look at those options. Ben shared he will ask a friend to look into fundraisers that can happen at local bars and restaurants. Hopefully, we will have new ideas soon.
Old Business
Audio Pedestrian Signal
Nikki has not heard about the progress of an APS at Holiday and Milton. Chelsea reports that the APS at Center and State that had been malfunctioning is now fixed.
Passio Go and Stop Annunciation.
A successful collaborative meeting with held with Beca from JT on September 25th. She was able to take some video of how the Passio app is not working with VoiceOver and listened to several individuals share frustrations about stop annunciations not working. Frustration was expressed that drivers are not announcing along the routes and some of our members are missing their stops. Members are encouraged to report these issues to JT.
New Business
There is no new business at this time.
Presidential Releases:
The Presidential Release was played and is linked below. In addition, there are also links to past releases and the Braille Monitor.