The regular meeding of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas Austin Chapter was called to order by President Richie Flores on August 27th at 10:27 am. There were three guests present.
Health and Wellfare
Three chapter members had birthdays in August.
The treasurer reported a balance of $3,034.32.
Presidential Release 397
- Dr. Mauer commented on the raising of the debt ceiling, and he also said that social security checks would go out as usual.
- The federation continues to oppose section 511 of the Workforce Investment Act, and furthermore seaks to repeal section 14C of the Fair Labor Standards Act. More than twenty informational protests were held across the nation on July 26th to eliminate subminimum wage payments for disabled workers.
- Wonda Sloan urged more affiliates to start Diabetes Action Network devisions in their states. To date there are only six affiliates with their own DAN divisions.
- Direct questions about Meet the Blind Month to Melissa Kobelinski. Ms. Kobelinski challenged all chapters and affiliates to develop innovative Meet the Blind Month activities.
Chapter Check-up
Richie encouraged participation in a question and answer session about federation philosophy with a door prize drawing for non-board members who asked or answered questions. Many good questions about Metro Access, folding canes, being visually impaired or blind, and guide dogs were asked and answered. Toni won the door prize which was a free banquet ticket for state convention.
Old Business
- We did not attend the hot sauce festival because Criss Cole decided not to send consumers due to the heat.
- Shaniqua discussed getting a group together to have a personal defense class.
- The Barnes and Noble gift wrapping is coming up in November. This year we will be working at both a north and south location. For the north Austin store talk to Jane, and for the south Austin store talk to Heather.
- Online registration for state convention, November 11-13, is now open. Pre-registration is $15.00 and banquet tickets are $25.00.
- The Yellow Cab website is accessible again.
New Business
- The NFB of Texas will hopefully start an Assistive Technology Devision this year. If you’re interested talk to Thomas or Jeanine.
- Communities in Schools contacted us to find out if we can provide after school tutoring for a blind student. Contact Richie for more details.
- Richie recommended that the chapter attend Scare for a Cure, an interactive haunted house which raises money for charity, this october.
- Heather is working out logistics for the holiday party.
Four people were accepted as new members. There were 2 brags and no complaints. The meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.