NFB Rock County Meeting Minutes September 7, 2024
Amy Snow
Greetings,
Please find below the meeting minutes from yesterday’s NFB Rock County Chapter meeting.
Thanks!
Am7
NFB of Rock County Meeting Minutes September 7, 2024
Officers Present:
Present Chelsea Dallin, Vice President Nikki Wolf, Secretary Amy Snow, Treasurer Ben Dallin
Members Present:
Dave Hyde, Dean Peeper, Tina Gruchow
Guests
Meghan Whalen, Steve Gates
Meeting came to order at 10:32. Minutes were read and approved. The treasurer’s report indicates a balance of $801.03. The only deduction was the PAC contribution this month. Ben also noted that they are waiting on more cash submissions from outstanding candy sales, but when the next deposit is made, that balance should be between $1,900 and $2,000. The treasurer’s report was approved.
State Affiliate News and Committee Reports
State Affiliate News
The board has approved for the state convention to take place again in Fond du Lac. The contract has not been signed, but it is the intention to do so.
State Advocacy Committee
Dave shared that moving forward, the organization should be aware that all attendees of adult programming at NFB centers must be 18 years of age. A young man we assisted in attending ran into this issue recently, but the organization worked it out so he could attend. Dave will be completing paperwork for the second student who wishes to attend soon.
State Legislative
Dave will be taking over the chairmanship of the Legislative committee and is working to get contacts from the previous chair. He hopes to get the committee going soon.
News from the National Office
Please note that a Rideshare Rally is being planned for October 15th at both Uber and Lyft headquarters in San Fransisco to protest the treatment of passengers who are blind or visually impaired, particularly those who use guide dogs. Please see the link below for the interest form to receive updates on this event.
Rock County Committee Reports
Rock County Advocacy Committee
Nothing new to report
Rock County Membership Committee
Nothing new to report
Rock County Fundraising Committee
- Candy sales continue to go well and we will continue sell until either we run out or the manufacturer takes a break (generally from October to January for the Holiday season).
- Discussion of an in-person Scentsy fundraiser took place and the advantages of doing so. Chelsea will connect with Rod on this to see if they can find an appropriate location.
- A date was chosen for the Mac’s fundraiser. It will be on October 23rd from 4-8. Any assistance from members (cleaning up tables etc) would be appreciated.
- Amy will continue to explore Red Robin and choose a date in November.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to do the Farmer’s Market scheduled for September 14th. Dave suggested waiting until Spring and everyone present agreed this was a good plan.
Old Business
Newsline Updates
No updates regarding the Gazette or the Daily News at this time.
Movie Theater Audio Description
Chelsea and Tina shared that the renovations at the theater are done, but the issues with the headsets remain. Ways to support the theater and staff while trying to get things working, including taking IDs or distributing the case with the headphones (preventing damage) were discussed.
Lincoln Tollman House
No more information has become available on the accessibility project of the Lincoln Tollman House at this time.
City of Beloit Update
Kim and the city engineer are in discussions around his specific concerns around the construction. Kim shared that if issues did not resolve, he will let Ben know and they can both attend the City Council meeting.
BioLife
Tina shared that based on discussions with staff, BioLife is not likely to change the policy (which is taking applicants into a room and verbally going over the questionnaire) and that their policy indicates that the confidentiality they provide is sufficient. Tina was not able to obtain a copy of the policy. Both Dave and Ben believe a National or State Resolution would be appropriate. A letter to the ADA coordinator of BioLife would also be appropriate, with Ben and Mark Riccobono copied. This letter would explain that though they do provide confidentiality, individuals who are blind or visually impaired deserve the same access to the kiosks that sighted users enjoy. Dave indicated he can assist Tina in putting together such a letter if she’d like.
Document Accessibility
The ADRC will be in touch regarding the need for document accessibility.
New Business
JTS
There was a question about having Becca in to talk about any changes coming to JTS and to ensure we have good communication about any updates. Dave shared that the plan to eliminate tokens is progressing, but he is unaware of any other changes coming for JTS.
Collaborative Event or Fundraiser
Our chapter is hoping to collaborate with the Dane County on a fundraising event as that chapter does not do a lot of these. A bowlathon was suggested at River’s Edge. Tina offered to check to see if there is a Saturday in November that might work for this.
Voting
Dave suggests an event at the Senior Center or Public Library with accessible voting machines. Chelsea will ask about this as she has contact with someone at the city currently working with WSBVI on this type of event.
Another item Dave brought up was the lack of signature guides when he went down to do early voting for the primary. Ben indicated there is a program from the Wisconsin Elections Commission and they are to provide signature guides to polling places. If this is the case, they also need to be available for early voting and Ben shared he will look into it as he has been involved in various elections committees.
Parents of Blind Children
The Wisconsin Parents of Blind Children will be holding their annual event at Wisconsin Lions Camp for families of students who are blind or visually impaired. There are various learning and fun activities planned. This year, the event will take place October 11th-13th.
Presidential Releases:
Please note that there will be a new shorter format for presidential releases to be played at chapter meetings coming next month. Those will be played at meetings and links will continue to be provided in the minutes.
We encourage you to listen to the September Presidential Release:
- Presidential Release #541, September 2024 (Audio for Chapters)
- Presidential Release #541, September 2024 (YouTube) - Full Live Recording
If you have missed prior releases, please visit the Presidential Release Media Page linked below.
Meeting adjourned 11:50 AM
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Snow, Secretary