NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE
AGENCIES FOR THE BLIND
Spring Meeting
Bethesda, Maryland
April 22, 2005
1. Call to Order: Brian Sigman, President
Sigman called the meeting to order.
Motion was made and seconded to proceed with NCSAB business without a quorum as noted in the by-laws. Motion passed with approval of 2/3 of the members present
Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the Fall 2004 NCSAB business meeting. Motion passed.
2. President’s Report: Brian Sigman
A. Sigman brought forth the outcomes of the Executive Committee meeting held on April 21st.
- Discussion held to authorize a role of NCSAB Executive Director or comparable title.
A role of Executive Director (or comparable title) is viewed as needed in light of NCSAB’s continuing credibility advancement and presence on the hill. More research and discussion will be held on this item.
- Seed money for the Jernigan Institute
A motion was denied to approve seed money for the development of curricula for two separate programs at the Jernigan Institute. First, to develop a curricula for agency staff for immersion training at a cost of approximately $3000.00 and second, to fund the development of a curricula for an employment training program at an indeterminate cost. In reviewing the bylaws, it was determined that such a precedent of funding the development of training curricula was not feasible, particularly as it related to the section on product endorsement.
- Speaker fees and honorariums
A motion was made and seconded that the conference or committee chairperson bring forth to the Executive Committee on a case by case basis any fees or honorariums conference speakers may request for their participation at a conference. Motion passed.
- Cap membership dues
Capping membership dues was not deemed an issue and discussion ceased. No motion made.
e. Independent Living Resolution
A motion was made, seconded to bring forth a resolution proposed in the Independent Living Committee to the full membership in the annual business meeting April 22, 2005. Motion passed.
B. New business from the President
Motion was made and seconded to join in partnership as a Partner Organization, share information, identify speakers, and post on the NCSAB website information regarding the International Conference on Aging Disability and Independence. The conference will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, February 1-4, 2006 and hosted by the University of Florida Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technology and Aging. Issues of technology, housing, transportation and injury prevention for older persons will be addressed. Financial support was not solicited. Motion passed.
Send McGill your Committee and Liaison reports.
3. Treasurer’s Report: Bill Palmer
NCSAB 2004 YEAR-END TREASURER’S REPORT
Submitted by NCSAB Treasurer – January 25, 2005
2004 – January 1 beginning balance: $26,529.28
Balance effective December 31, 2004: $78,716.94
Forty-six of the member agencies paid dues for 2004 and ten (four territories and six states) of the member agencies did not pay.
Year 2004 Expenditures
Spring 2004 Conference Costs (Bethesda) $10,067.40
Fall 2004 Conference Costs (Nashville) $12,481.58
University of Arkansas (website development) $ 1,500.00
Annual 501(C) 6 Corporate filing fee $ 25.00
Contract for admin services from CSAVR $8,000.00
Phones $110.68
Charges at Officers meeting in December $407.09
YTD 2004 expenditures: $32,591.75
2004 Revenue
Dues $53,130.00
Spring Conference Registration Fees $19,420.00
Fall Conference Registration Fees as of 12/31 $12,170.00
Interest Earned in 2004 $59.41
Total revenue for 2004: 84,779.41
Gain for the year 2004: $52,187.66
Note:
Fall Conference Fees paid in January 2005 as of Jan 25th .
$4,145
Fall Conference Fees not yet paid as of Jan 25, 2005…
$13,150
NOTE: Balance on January 25, 2005 was $82,861.94
NCSAB 2005 (estimated) BUDGET PLAN
Submitted by NCSAB Treasurer – March 29, 2005
2005 – January 1 beginning balance: $78,716.94
Balance effective March 29, 2005: $106,181.89
Year 2005 estimated Expenditures
Fees and expenses for contractors $60,000.00
Spring 2004 Conference Costs (Bethesda) $10,067.40
Fall 2004 Conference Costs (Nashville) $12,481.58
University of Arkansas (website development) $ 1,500.00
Annual 501(C)6 Corporate filing fee $ 25.00
Contract for admin services from CSAVR $8,000.00*
Phones $110.68
Charges at Officers meeting in December $407.09
Audit of NCSAB books $4,000.00
2005 estimated expenditure total: $96,591.75
2005 Revenue Projections
Dues $53,000.00
Conference Registration Fees $35,000.00
Interest Earned in 2005 $60.00
Total revenue projection for 2005: $88,060.00
Projected loss for the year 2005: $8,531.75
Projected balance on December 31, 2005: $70,185.19
Notes:
- Fall 2004 Conference Fees not yet paid as of March 29, 2005 equal approximately $9,000
- 19 states and 4 territories had not paid dues as of March 29, 2005.
- $35,850 received as of March 29, 2005 for 2005 NCSAB dues. If every state and territory paid, NCSAB would receive $73,940.
- Chuk Hamilton for Minnesota will become the interim treasurer.
- Palmer suggested the states take their bill to their fiscal officer for payment.
- Be aware that CSAVR and NCSAB have the same mailing address; this may serve as a source of confusion, especially when payments are mailed. Make sure your NCSAB correspondence is addressed to NCSAB.
- NCSAB pays CSAVR $8,000.00 per year to provide all the myriad of logistic details involved in conference planning and billing. Kimberli Rand was commended for doing an excellent job.
*Addendum: NCSAB is now paying CSAVR $10,000 for Ms. Rand’s services. Although this increase was put into place after the spring meeting, we thought this increase prudent to note in the spring 2005 minutes for the record.
- NCSAB continues to have more expenditures than revenue; however, there is no recommendation to increase either dues or registration fees. Carry over of funds from the prior year is more than sufficient to make up for the shortfall in the current year.
- Kymberli Rand conducts follow up calls/letters for dues and registration still owed.
- NCSAB was paid $2000.00 for Kymberli Rand to help with the logistics of the National Older Blind Program Managers meeting held in March in Alexandria, VA.
4. Committee Reports
A. Employment Committee – Mike Gandy, Chair
1. Minutes of the Employment Committee were submitted. (See attachment A.)
2. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Employment Committee Report. Motion passed.
B. Independent Living Committee – Dave Eveland, Chair
1. Minutes of the Independent Living Committee were submitted. (See attachment B.)
2. Moved and seconded to bring forth the following
resolution for discussion.
Whereas, due to the unique needs of older individuals who are blind, there is a demonstrated need for specialized services; and,
Whereas, the demand for services continues to grow each year; and,
Whereas, 95% of individuals served are satisfied with services received by the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who a Blind (hereafter referred to as the “OIB”) program, according to a recently completed national survey yet to be published; and,
Whereas, The OIB program demonstrates cost-effectiveness, with average case expenditures of $685.00 per consumer;
Therefore, Be it Resolved that National Council of State Agencies for the Blind at its business meeting on April 22, 2005 in Bethesda Maryland, supports striking the Chapter 2 language from State Plans for Independent Living in order to maintain the integrity and autonomy of the OIB program; and
Be it Further Resolved that the OIB programs continue to be administered under the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Division of Blind and Visually Impaired Services.
Motion withdrawn. Resolution did not move forward.
Any state that is concerned about their Independent Living funds for the Older Blind Program, contact Suzanne Mitchell directly Suzanne.Mitchell@ed.gov
Moved and seconded that the President of NCSAB will send a letter to the United States Department of Education Secretary, Margaret Spellings, indicating that NCSAB is adamantly opposed to closing the office of the Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired Services within the Rehabilitation Services Administration. Motion passed.
In the letter reference 1) the elimination of the RSA regional offices and 2) define the Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired Services.
3. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Independent Living Committee Report. Motion passed.
C. Randolph-Sheppard Committee – Terry Smith, Chair
1. Minutes of the Randolph-Sheppard Committee were submitted. (See attachment C.)
2. A motion was made and seconded to approve the
Randolph-Sheppard Committee Report. Motion passed.
D. Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee – Greg Trapp, Chair
1. Minutes of the Alternative Techniques Committee were submitted. (See attachment D.)
2. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee report. Motion passed.
5. Secretary Report: Kay McGill
- McGill asked to be informed of any member email, phone, and address, etc. changes.
6. Liaison Reports
American Council of the Blind (ACB): Pamela Shaw
The American Council of the Blind continues to address issues relevant to persons who are blind. Their advocacy efforts reflect those of NCSAB. Melanie Brunson, Executive Director of ACB, has been present for the entirety of the Spring NCSAB meeting. ACB will hold their annual conference July 2-9 in Las Vegas, NV. The organization anticipates hosting a reception for state agency director’s in attendance. Pam Shaw will be in attendance at the ACB convention and will attend their board meeting.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB): Patrick Cannon
Gil Johnson will be primary contact for AFB to NCSAB.
Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR): Kay McGill
NCSAB will have representation at both the mid-year CANAR conference held in Rapid City, South Dakota May 22 – 25, 2005 and the annual conference held in Seattle, Washington from October 23-26, 2005.
Council on Rehabilitation Counselor Education (CORE): Bettye Odem-Davis
The CORE membership is preparing for its annual meeting scheduled for July 15-17. I will be in attendance representing NCSAB.
The major issues to be discussed are:
* Revision of Standard D.4.
* Standardizing Site Visits
* Program Responses to Specific Letters
* Review of Survey Results Held During the Year
An update will follow after the July Meeting.
Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation (CSAVR): Brian Sigman
Carl Suter outlined where CSAVR is regarding WIA Plus and the RSA regional office eliminations. NCSAB is well represented on the Executive Committee of CSAVR with Brian Sigman, President, Allen Harris, President-Elect and Linda Mock, Past President all on the CSAVR Executive Committee. CSAVR and NCSAB have agreed to continue the contractual arrangement for support services in the current year.
National Association of Blind Merchants (NABM): Terry Smith
Terry Smith and Allen Harris represented NCSAB at BLAST in Denver. Terry participated on a panel discussion regarding national issues. Terry has had regular contact with Kevan Worley, NABM President and they have collaborated on a number of issues.
National Federation of the Blind: Vito DeSantis
Previous to the Spring NCSAB annual business meeting, Mr. DeSantis presented for consideration to the Executive Committee a proposal that would provide the Jernigan Institute with seed funding of approximately $4,500 to develop a curriculum on immersion training in blindness for agency staff. The curriculum would be the basis of training provided by the Institute and would be available to all agencies hoping to heighten awareness on blindness issues for staff.
After consideration, the Executive Committee did not approve the recommendation. In reviewing the bylaws, it was determined that such a precedent of funding the development of training curricula was not feasible, particularly as it related to the section on product endorsement.
It was also noted that the NFB is having their annual convention July 2 through the 8th in Louisville, Ky.
Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Brian Sigman
Based upon presentation delivered by Jennifer Sheehy of RSA, Sigman has requested that Dr. Schroeder follow up with Ms. Sheehy in regards to the plans to close the Division of the Blind and also to close the regional offices.
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA): Terry Smith
Terry Smith, Allen Harris, and Stephen Johnson represented NCSAB at RSVA's National Training Conference for Blind Vendors in Las Vegas. They did a panel discussion entitled "Randolph-Sheppard - An NCSAB Panel Discussion." It went very well.
Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D): Fred Jones
Fred Jones has been named the new NCSAB liaison for RFB&D.
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER): Sue Schaffer
Sue Schaffer has been named the new NCSAB liaison for AER.
7. New Business
Moved and seconded that the NCSAB President send a letter to the United States Department of Education Secretary, Margaret Spellings opposing the elimination of the RSA positions and addressing the subsequent negative impact that the elimination will have on rehabilitation services. Motion passed.
Thanks was expressed toward Kymberli Rand for all the help she provided toward the spring conference logistics.
8. Adjourn
Moved and seconded to adjourn the spring NCSAB 2005 business meeting. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned.
ATTACHMENT A: Independent Living Committee Minutes. Submitted by Independent Living Committee Chair: Dave Eveland
SPRING 2005 NCSAB INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES
Ten attendees were present.
The meeting was called to order by Dave Eveland at 3:15 pm.
1. Announcements and Introductions: No intros necessary. No announcements made.
2. Mississippi State Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) Update – Dr. Elton Moore shared the 7-OB Summary Data for FY 03 and gave a handout. The highlights reported were:
· 56 programs were funded;
· Average VII-02 expended/encumbered for all programs was $478,302;
· Average total cost per program for Direct Services was $756,401;
· Total number served was 61,778;
· Average number served per program was 1,103;
· 69% served were legally or totally blind;
· 71% female;
· 60% report Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) as a major cause of visual impairment; with cardiovascular disease the leading non-visual disability reported (27%).
· The vast majority of seniors served were over 80 years old (55% in 2003).
Elton further shared that when compiling the reports; if in doubt of degree of visual impairment, show as severely visually impaired. Do NOT list them as “DNR” (did not report).
Administrative costs have decreased from 17% to 13%. The number served has gone up steadily each year since 1993. Some states are keeping cases open indefinitely, but Elton feels this is not what Congress intended. Congress intended for us to serve as many as we can.
A national consumer satisfaction telephone survey was completed and is still being edited. 1,025 in 48 states were surveyed. The overall responses were positive. 95% of consumers were satisfied with quality of services (an increase). 93% were satisfied with timeliness. 90% felt satisfied that their independent living goals had been achieved. This speaks to the consistency of the staff and continuity of funding (formula funding). A couple of problems 1) 21 people surveyed were under age 55 and 2) four or five states nationwide are not reporting sufficient state match. Elton reminds us to check for proper age, and to make sure appropriate matching is occurring.
3. AFB Aging Agenda – Alberta Orr: Alberta reported on the history and development of the National Aging Agenda. Self-advocacy training and curriculum for new OIB personnel has been developed. She discussed the National Standard Minimum Data Set (NSMD), a web-based data collection and case management system for OIB programs that can be viewed at www.NSMD.net.
Alberta also announced that the next White House Conference on Aging will be held from October 23 – 26, 2005 in Washington DC. This occurs once per decade and can only be attended if one is selected as a delegate. There is space for 400 at-large delegates. Applications may be downloaded at www.whcoa.gov. It is important that all states are represented to discuss issues related to vision and aging.
4. Presentation on 2005 OIB Program Managers Conference – Becky Criswell and Rita Houston, Chairs: Thanks to NCSAB for helping in putting together the conference, helping with registration, and dialoging with RSA to direct time and resources to the conference. Suzanne Mitchell played a huge role in the conference, including providing the agenda in various media, logistics, etc. Suzanne is a true example of a partner in the process. At the conference, almost an entire day was devoted to breakout groups developing recommendations for the 7-OB. It is recommended by the Committee that breakouts become a part of every conference. Also at the conference, Jennifer Sheehy presented much the same as she did at the NCSAB conference.
Suzanne Mitchell talked about changes to the 7-OB form and RSA expectations. Our program was to be PARTed (Program Assessment Rating Tool), but will not be this year. Bill Casto of Ohio received the Ray Melhoff Award. There was a presentations on NSMD.net., Hadley School for the Blind, and innovative programs in Alabama and Ohio. Lorraine Lidoff of Vision Rehabilitation and Jim McCarthy from NFB presented their differing viewpoints on Medicare reimbursement for services. Overall, the OIB conference was very well attended (80-85 people). The hope is to continue the conference on an annual basis.
5. RSA Update – Suzanne Mitchell: The program is currently in a state of flux. Restructuring may happen, but the specifics are unknown at this point. She is taking all comments in the 7-OB report, which is being streamlined for effectiveness, and thanked the attendees at the conference for their input. The new 7-OB revision should be done no sooner than the FY 06 reporting year and may ask that the budget and primary objectives be added to the report. For now, states should continue to collect the same data as always.
Suzanne asked that all OIB conference attendees send their evaluation surveys in to Naomi Bertram at RSA. The surveys are available on the Chapter 2 listserv. A monitoring system will need to be developed.
Regarding 7-OB reports, Suzanne also mentioned that Mississippi State continues to graciously help us in compiling and disseminating the information memorandum, which will come out in the next month or so. She is still awaiting one report. She appreciates states getting their data to her in a timely manner.
No staff person is yet in sight for the Chapter 2 program. Continue to contact Suzanne with OIB questions or suggestions.
6. Sharing of IL Committee Goals, Objectives and Discussion of Possible resolution
Recommendations to the NCSAB Executive Committee – Dave Eveland shared the following goals:
- Outcome measures: As the IL committee, we would like to have the opportunity to participate in the development of outcome measures for Chapter 2.
- Reauthorization: Include language clarifying independence of the Chapter 2 program from the Chapter 1 program. Explore possible removal of Chapter 2 language from the SPIL (State Plan for Independent Living).
A recommendation for a resolution based on the above was written by the IL committee and will be passed on to the NCSAB Executive Committee. That resolution reads:
Whereas, due to the unique needs of older individuals who are blind, there is a demonstrated need for specialized services; and,
Whereas, the demand for services continues to grow each year; and,
Whereas, 95% of individuals served are satisfied with services received by the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals who a Blind (hereafter referred to as the “OIB”) program, according to a recently completed national survey yet to be published; and,
Whereas, The OIB program demonstrates cost-effectiveness, with average case expenditures of $685.00 per consumer;
Therefore, Be it Resolved that National Council of State Agencies for the Blind at its business meeting on April 22, 2005 in Bethesda Maryland, supports striking the Chapter 2 language from State Plans for Independent Living in order to maintain the integrity and autonomy of the OIB program; and
Be it Further Resolved that the OIB programs continue to be administered under the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s Division of Blind and Visually Impaired Services.
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 pm.
ATTACHMENT B: Employment Committee Minutes
Submitted by Employment Committee Chair: Mike Gandy
NCSAB Employment Committee Minutes
April 20, 2005
Bethesda, Maryland
Attending: David M. Adams (RRCEP V, S.I.U.), Mike Bullis (Maryland), Mary Burgud (Connecticut), James Cardin (Alabama), Lou Oma Durand (Washington), Bill Finn (New Hampshire), Michael Gandy (Mississippi, Presiding), Chuk Hamilton (Minnesota), Susan Hawkins (Oklahoma), Laurie Holtry (Iowa), Gil Johnson (AFB), Mark Kinnison (Oklahoma), Bonnie Lynquist (Iowa), Kay McGill (Georgia), Gwen McNeal (Michigan), Keri Nuzum (Iowa), Susan Ruzenski (Helen Keller National Center), James Salas (New Mexico), Sue Schaffer (Maryland), Brian Sigman (Connecticut), JoAnn Strader (DSB, North Carolina, Alan Sylvestre (Connecticut), Jim Taylor (Virginia), John Walsh (NJ-Blind), and Margaret Wilson (Washington).
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 pm.
Michelle McGrath representing the Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN) and Ticket to Hire (TTH) presented on overview of their national campaign to "help employers realize why recruiting and hiring persons with disabilities makes good business sense". These free seminars will be held in Washington, D.C.; Phoenix, Arizona; Cincinnati, Ohio; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Diego, California; Tampa, Florida; Orange County, California; Norfolk, Virginia; and Atlanta, Georgia. Her presentation included a PowerPoint presentation that she has made available to NCSAB members (see information below).
Ms. McGrath noted that this is a sister program of the Department of Labor’s Job Accommodation Network. Highlights of her presentation included a description of the matching process with employers and candidates; how EARN can work with rehabilitation professionals to partner on hosting events, disseminating materials, and recruiting participants; the process for getting started with EARN; the speaker’s network, based out of McLean, Virginia; information exchange from business to business; and interesting statistics, including the facts that 4,800 employment specialists and 1,500 employers are currently enrolled in EARN and that more than 1,700 candidates have been referred since 2001.
Jane Nelson, Director of the Oklahoma Division of Blind Services, Department of Rehabilitation Services, hosted a panel by speakerphone that included Mike Hodges of Profiles International; Doug McMillian of the Business Leadership Network (Okie One-Call); Lou Ann Burkhalter, Program Manager over their employment unit; and Mark Kinnison, Field Service Coordinator for the Oklahoma agency, who was present in Bethesda.
Information provided by Mr. Hodges on Profiles International included the “cornerstones” of the process—skill fit, company fit, and job fit. A large folder of materials was handed out to committee members and is available to NCSAB members by e-mail (see information below). Mr. McMillian described a daylong workshop on how to present oneself to an employer that was attended by 90 participants. Using employer-to-employer contacts is a key factor in the success of a business leadership network. He also noted the need to market to small employers. All members of the panel described the importance of getting the business sector involved in rehabilitation and placement.
The committee had no further reports or action items and adjourned at 4:35 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael J. Gandy
NCSAB
Employment Committee Chair
Materials are available by request by e-mailing mgandy@mdrs.state.ms.us.
ATTACHMENT C: Randolph-Sheppard Committee Minutes. Submitted by Randolph-Sheppard Committee Chair: Terry Smith
NCSAB
Randolph-Sheppard Committee
April 20, 2005
Introductions All Participants
Review Agenda Terry Smith
A Word from Our Federal Partner Ray Hopkins, RSA
The Texas / USPS Model Stephen Leavey, USPS
The Military Battle in Congress Jim Gashel, NFB
Exploring Regional Dining Contracts Sharon Piecyk, Contracting Officer, Defense Supply Center - Philadelphia
Consumer Reports Charles Glaser, RSVA
Nick Gacos, NABM
RSA-15 Revisions Terry Smith – Tennessee
Bart Peeples - Maryland
Mississippi State Update Dr. Elton Moore
R-S Committee Mission and Goals Terry Smith
Topics from the Floor
Adjourn
National Council of State Agencies for the Blind
Randolph-Sheppard Committee
Minutes
April 20, 2005
The Committee meeting was called to order by Committee Chair Terry C. Smith of Tennessee. The agenda for the meeting is attached and is part of these minutes.
Following introductions and a review of the agenda, Ray Hopkins of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) gave a federal update and briefed the Committee on the types of Randolph-Sheppard (R-S) issues coming across his desk. With the changes taking place with the RSA Regional Offices, all inquires regarding Randolph-Sheppard issues should now be sent directly to Ray rather than the Regional Office. This was Ray’s first NCSAB meeting in his current position and he was warmly received.
Mr. Jim Gashel of the National Federation of the Blind updated the Committee on legislative efforts related to troop dining and the ongoing conflict with NISH. He provided those in attendance with copies of legislation that had been proposed to the Congress for inclusion in this year’s Defense Appropriations bill. There’s no guarantee that such language will be incorporated into the final bill.
John Steenberge with the Army Defense Logistics Agency updated the group on the Army’s interest in issuing a Request for Information and ultimately a Request for Proposals to secure a single contractor to do the entire troop dining in eight southwestern states. He said he was at our meeting to learn more about the program and to discuss ways to include Randolph-Sheppard rather than exclude it.
Mr. Stephen Leavey with the U.S. Postal Service provided information about an innovative project in Texas where the Texas program has taken on every post office in the state and has agreed to pay the local post office a 3.5% commission (2% management fee and 1.5% for utilities). Texas did not get these locations under the R-S priority but made the decision as a business deal. Mr. Leavey is now talking with three other states about this same model.
The two consumer groups then gave updates on their respective organization’s activities. Nick Gacos gave an update from NABM and Charles Glaser from RSVA.
Dr. Elton Moore of the Mississippi State University Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision advised the group that RSA will no longer be contracting with the University to compile the RSA-15 data and will do it in-house instead. He said that he will be working with two regions to do a bi-regional R-S training program and is also involved in one in Region III.
Terry Smith and Bart Peeples then presented the revised RSA-15 form and the instructions. The form had been developed by a special RSA task force in which the two of them served. There was a great deal of discussion about the new form and it was generally received favorably. Terry said the form would be going out the next week via e-mail for feedback from the states.
The Committee then reviewed the draft goals and objectives for the Committee. A couple of changes were suggested and then approved unanimously. The goals are attached and are a part of these minutes.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
National Council of State Agencies for the Blind
Randolph-Sheppard Committee
Goals and Objectives
2005
Goal #1 – To serve as a resource and to educate the membership on Randolph-Sheppard issues.
Objective 1 – Develop a committee agenda at the spring and fall meetings that provide current information and an opportunity for discussion of relevant topics.
Objective 2 – Develop meaningful general session presentations at the spring and fall meetings as appropriate to provide needed information to the membership at large.
Objective 3 – Disseminate in a timely manner information to the membership on current Randolph-Sheppard issues.
Objective 4 – Serve as a network for members to exchange ideas and gather information.
Objective 5 – Conduct surveys of the membership to collect data and/or to seek input on relevant Randolph-Sheppard issues.
Objective 6 – Maintain a current directory of all State BEP Directors.
Goal #2 – To preserve and protect the priority granted to licensed blind vendors by the Randolph-Sheppard Act.
Objective 1 - Educate members of Congress about the
benefits of the Randolph-Sheppard Program.
Objective 2 – Gather data from the membership that
can be used in support of the program.
Objective 3 – Send out to the members action alerts as
appropriate.
Objective 4 – Work with the blind vendor groups to
establish a united front on national legislative issues
affecting the Randolph-Sheppard Program.
Objective 5 – Promote partnerships that will better
enable the Program to live up to its potential and
ensure that said partners work in unison with the states
to protect the Program.
Goal #3 – To build and maintain positive working relationships with national blind vendor consumer organizations.
Objective 1 – Invite representatives of the National Association of Blind Merchants and Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America to attend spring and fall committee meetings and to actively participate in discussions as a full partner.
Objective 2 – Ensure that an NCSAB representative attends the national training programs sponsored by the two consumer organizations.
Objective 3 – Encourage member agencies to send their BEP Directors to training programs sponsored by the two organizations.
Objective 4 – Collaborate with the consumers on developing strategies on major initiatives.
Objective 5 – Establish a liaison to maintain communications with the two organizations throughout the year.
Goal #4 – To build a positive working relationship and collaborate with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) on Randolph-Sheppard issues.
Objective 1 – Always invite an RSA representative to present at committee meetings.
Objective 2 - Keep RSA appraised of activities in the states that could impact the national program.
Objective 3 - Work in concert with RSA to provide input on crucial Randolph-Sheppard issues.
ATTACHMENT D: Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee Minutes. Submitted by Alternative Techniques Chair: Greg Trapp
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE AGENCIES FOR THE BLIND PRIVATE
TECHNOLOGY AND ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUES COMMITTEE MINUTES
April 20, 2005, 3:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bethesda Hyatt Regency, Old Georgetown Room
1. Welcome and Introductions, Greg Trapp, Chair
Greg Trapp welcomed members and guests to the spring meeting of the Technology and Alternative Techniques Committee.
Mr. Trapp began by noting the changes currently pending before Congress with regard to the reauthorization of the Rehab Act, specifically WIA Plus, and how it might impact the development and availability of assistive technology. He noted that rehab agencies purchased a very large portion of certain types of assistive technology, and that the development, price, and availability of such products might be severely impacted if there was no longer a rehab system that was willing to purchase assistive technology. He specifically cited Braille note takers and Braille displays as the types of items that may become more expensive, face curtailed development, or perhaps even become unavailable. He encouraged those in attendance to consider how assistive technology might be impacted in a WIA Plus environment.
2. Breakthroughs in Accessible Cell Phones
A discussion was held regarding developments related to accessible cell phones and directory assistance services provided to persons who are blind and visually impaired. The accessible cell phones fall into two basic varieties. The first type are those that incorporate off-the-shelf features that provide at least some accessibility to persons who are blind and visually impaired, such as Verizon and the LG 4500. The second type of accessible cell phones are those such as Cingular and the Nokia 6620 that use special access software such as Talx, Mobile Speak and Mobile Accessibility, which are specifically designed for use by persons who are blind and visually impaired. The advantage of the special software is that it provides access to more of the cell phone features than is the case with the off-the-shelf phones. The advantage of the off-the-shelf phones is that they give access to the basic phone features at no additional cost, which means that the phone could be free with a new contract. By contrast, the total cost for the phones that can use access software can cost several hundred dollars.
Many cell phone users who are blind or visually impaired can now access a type of "free" directory assistance similar to what is available to land line users. The primary difference is that the cell phone companies are allowing only a limited number of free directory assistance calls. Both Verizon and Sprint users can access this service.
3. Directions by Phone, Try Tell Me at 800‑555‑TELL
TELL ME, at 800-555-TELL (800-555-8355), gives callers free access to features including exact time, stock quotes, news, weather, sports, blackjack, and movie schedules. It also enables callers to purchase movie tickets. However, they have recently added free "driving directions" that may especially be helpful to persons who are blind or visually impaired. When you call the 800 number the caller only has to say "driving directions," and the service will prompt the caller to identify the starting and destination points. It then gives very specific directions, often down to the 10th mile. While intended for drivers, it could also be very helpful to pedestrians, or to blind or visually impaired persons who find themselves riding in a cab or other vehicle when the driver is needing directions.
4. The Jernigan Institute's Technology Outreach Program (TOP), Curtis Chong
Curtis Chong presented on the Technology Outreach program being operated by the Jernigan Institute of the National Federation of the Blind. He stated that the program initially intended to conduct four seminars on assistive technology during the year, and this was being done in coordination with state NFB affiliates. He stated that there were two seminars being offered, the first for parents and teachers, and the second for adults. Greg Trapp stated that the first seminar was taking place in New Mexico. Curtis said that anyone interested in having a seminar in their state should contact that state's NFB affiliate.
5. Update on Web Access Advocacy and Structured Settlement Negotiations for Point of Sales Machines, Lainey Feingold, Esq.
Ms. Feingold was introduced as a disability rights attorney formerly with Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), and now engaging in "structured settlement negotiations over disability access issues." The committee discussed the inaccessibility of point of sales machines that used featureless flat screens. Ms. Feingold said that she was currently in negotiation with Wal‑Mart over the accessibility of their point of sales machines. She said that "structured negotiation" was a way for the parties to agree to negotiation rather than be subject to the problems and uncertainties of a lawsuit. She was unable to give any specific details about the current negotiation with Wal‑Mart due to the nature of the process. She said that she was interested in learning about other retail stores that might be using inaccessible point of sales machines, and requested that she be contacted (510-644-2555) if we learned of such machines.
6. Discussion of Point of Sales Machines, Touch Screens and Dynamic Displays
This discussion was folded into the prior agenda item.
7. Update on Instructional Materials Accessibility Act (IMAA)
Greg Trapp updated the Committee on the status of the IMAA, reminding the Committee that the IMAA would create a central collection point and distribution clearinghouse for alternate accessible material textbooks for students in grades K‑12. He said that states would be required to decide whether or not they would participate in the IMAA. Alan Dinsmore of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) said that a notice of proposed rule making was due out shortly from DOE on the "opt in" and "opt out" provisions of the IMAA.
8. Open Discussion
There was no open discussion.
9. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m.