By Judy Sanders, Secretary

Close to 70 people gathered at NFB of Minnesota headquarters for our semiannual convention on Saturday, May 21. It was a mini version of our annual convention with something for everyone.

Many people took advantage of advance registration making our line move smoothly and allowing people to get to the doughnuts and coffee more quickly.

Everyone was urged to purchase Jernigan Fund Raffle tickets to try to win an all-expense paid trip for two to the 2012 national convention. The Minnesota Association of Blind Students (MABS) sold chances on an iPod Touch® (won by Nancy Fritzam) and our seniors division sold cell phone carriers. People were signing up for the PAC (Preauthorized Check Plan) and registering for the Race for Independence that raises money for our Imagination Fund. May Vang, (a student at Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND) and a professional masseuse) was offering back massages for a dollar a minute with all proceeds donated to BLIND’s student fund. People examined jewelry boxes made by Jim Cecil, one of our members, which were to be auctioned off later in the day. NFB literature was also available.

President Jennifer Dunnam called the convention to order at 9:30 a.m. She called upon Sheila Koenig, president of our Metro Chapter, to welcome us. Dick Davis told us about the massages offered by May Vang. Dick was also selling Louis Braille coins and announced that the price of silver is up making the uncirculated coins more valuable.

Convention attendees introduced themselves with one sentence about what they are doing in their lives that is of interest. The purpose of this was to emphasize the normal lives that blind people live. Whether mentioning their employment, hobbies, or being a foster mom there was a wide variety of statements.

In her presidential report, Jennifer began with legislative matters. Late in the legislative session a bill was introduced to take away any state provisions in special education that are not federal requirements. For blind students, that would mean reducing the requirements for teaching braille. The bill was not heard during this session, but it will be followed and opposed by us during the next one. As the regular session ends SSB's budget bill is not finalized. Funding for public transportation is also in limbo.

Strong advocacy is one of the hallmarks of the NFB. We continue to negotiate for customers of SSB to see that they receive the services that will be most helpful to them in finding employment. In the process of these negotiations, we have the opportunity to educate new SSB counselors. Whether helping a senior stay in his own home or improving nonvisual access in the college setting, the NFB is everywhere there is an issue relating to blindness.

Jennifer asked for a moment of silence to remember Andy Virden, the longtime president of our Central Minnesota Chapter, who was killed crossing a street close to his home. See a beautiful tribute to Andy written by Joyce Scanlan in the Spring issue of this publication. An example of Andy's activism was the announcement that the St. Cloud Times newspaper is now on NFB-NEWSLINE®.

The agenda for our upcoming national convention was available online; hotels were filling fast with the main hotel already sold out. We were urged to register and ask our friends to support the NFB through the Imagination Fund.

One of our recent legislative successes ensured that counselors employed at State Services for the Blind (SSB) would receive in-depth adjustment to blindness training so that they could relate more effectively with their customers. One counselor did not deal well with this training and we expressed concern to Richard Strong, SSB's director, about counselor qualifications. Mr. Strong promised in a letter to President Dunnam that he will impress on all new counselors the importance of this training. A resolution dealing with this issue follows this report.

The NFB played an active role in helping SSB update its administrative rule that governs its policies. These updates will bring the rule into compliance with federal regulations and with its current budget. Among other issues, the NFB helped develop language making clear when a counselor can close a case.

Our treasurer, Tom Scanlan, reported that our budget shows an increase in income over last year. A motion to approve the budget for the upcoming fiscal year was passed unanimously.

George Wurtzel conducted an auction for the boxes made by Jim Cecil, a member of our Central Minnesota chapter, resulting in over $100. George donated and auctioned a product of his own making — a cherry vase. You pay your bid, even if you do not make the final bid in this “Chinese auction”.

September 17th will be the day for our annual walk to educate the public and raise funds. This is our 30th walk and we are unveiling a new name and a new route. The "Walk for Opportunity" will take us on a 10-kilometer route near the Stone Arch Bridge and will be followed by a picnic hosted by the Metro Chapter.

Shawn Mayo, executive director of Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND) introduced three students who shared their hopes of what adjustment to blindness training would do to help them fulfill their dreams.

Mike Drake became blind through retinitis pigmentosa; his progressive loss of sight gave him too much time to mourn his lost vision. He thought he had done something wrong in life and was being punished. He sees his training at BLIND as a new chapter in his life where he is becoming proud of himself as a blind person. He dreams of becoming an audio engineer and he is willing to work hard to achieve his goal.

Brice Lennes spent 26 years pretending he was not blind; then his retina detached and it scared him. He went to SSB for help and they brought him for tours of two training centers. The minute he arrived at BLIND, he knew he found the right place. He now knows that he is blind and he is okay with it. Brice wants a professional career as a singer.

Kayla Weathers, a former NFB scholarship winner, interrupted her college education for her training. She expressed gratitude for all that the NFB and BLIND have given her; her dream is to work in special education and teach blind children about the Federation and give them true independence.

The convention elected Jennifer Dunnam as delegate to the national convention and Steve Jacobson as the alternate delegate.

Every year the NFB of Minnesota raises money for the tenBroek fund that funds the upkeep of our national center. Our state treasury matches donations made by our members. Members pledged a total of $965 to the fund.

Dr. Michel Cramer Bornemann is with the Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorders Center at the Hennepin County Medical Center. He is involved with a sleep study of blind people. After explaining the premise for the research, he met with individuals interested in knowing more.

Richard Strong, director of State Services for the Blind, gave brief remarks to the convention. His time with us was short because he was celebrating his daughter's college graduation. He was proud to say that her degree is in special education.

He focused on SSB's budget, the administrative rule, staffing, and structure changes at SSB. Note: Since his speech, SSB has a budget, the administrative rule has been adopted and our director now reports directly to the Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Along with other staff changes, Jon Benson will be the new director of the Workforce Development Unit at SSB.

The Minnesota Association of Blind Students provided lunch. They sold their "academic lunch" as a fundraiser. Among other things, people had time to purchase Louis Braille coins, register to raise money for the Imagination Fund through our Race for Independence, and get information for the Walk for Opportunity.

Our afternoon session consisted of a series of workshops and meetings. Below are summaries for each of them.

Senior Gathering

By Joyce Scanlan

The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota Senior Division gathered immediately after lunch. Our overly-ambitious agenda consisted of an update on SSB funding for seniors, with no final solution because the legislature was still in session; tips for doing wills; truly exciting vacations taken over the past six months; fundraising progress in the sale of cell phone/Victor Stream carriers; Senior Link-age answers to questions on available transportation for seniors; how we can help others; and a proposal that NFB should develop more technology to help blind people using walkers, etc. Attendance increased and decreased as time moved on.  

Leadership Secrets

By Jennifer Dunnam

An enthusiastic group of Federationists met to discuss the nuts and bolts of leadership in the Federation. Members who were quite new to the organization as well as those who have belonged for many years added to the discussion, and it was emphasized that a member can be a leader whether or not he or she holds elected office. Some examples of the topics discussed include

• The philosophy of the organization
• The purpose of a constitution
• How policies are made in the Federation
• the purpose of minutes and other items related to meetings
• Current laws of interest to Minnesotans, and how to affect legislation
• State and national issues on which the NFB is working now
• How political influence is earned within the organization
• Importance of collective experience in guiding decisions
• The resources available through the organization

Because every member should be informed about the vast array of resources we offer, these were mentioned extensively throughout the session, and there were quiz questions to spark the discussion on items including

• Eleven NFB programs specifically focused on braille
• Divisions and committees
• Free white cane program
• Adjustment-to-blindness training centers
• Magazines and newsletters
• Programs for children and youth

And much more.

National Association to Promote the Use of Braille (NAPUB) Report

By Melody Wartenbee

President Melody Wartenbee answered questions about reading and writing braille. Members and other participants also played games that required the reading and writing of braille such as Scrabble and Scategories provided by Pat and Trudy Barrett.

And Then There Were Students

The Minnesota Association of Blind Students presented two panels to offer information and inspiration.

Tim Kamenar from Disability Services at the University of Minnesota and Kathy McGillivray from Bethel University explained how they enhance the independence of students with disabilities — with particular emphasis on what is available for blind students. The other two members of the panel were from State Services for the Blind. Donna Marhoun, manager of the Braille Section, and Katie Johnson with Audio Services explained procedures for obtaining textbooks.

The inspiration came from three students who told of their experiences in furthering their education. Jean Rauschenbach covered her undergraduate work at North Central University, Michele Gittens represented graduate school from McNally-Smith College of Music, and James Sloan shared his adjustment to blindness experiences at BLIND.

Don't Forget Technology

By Mike Sahyun

Following the student meeting, a technology seminar was held for both students and the general membership. This meeting consisted of various technology stations with examples of accessible technology, including several braille displays, mobile technology, and accessible software such as bill readers. Members were encouraged to chat one on one with those explaining the technology in an informal atmosphere.

…

By 4:30 p.m., members were rearranging furniture into place, cleaning the kitchen, and already making plans for the next convention!

Resolution S11-01

Regarding training for State Services for the Blind

rehabilitation counselors and supervisors

WHEREAS, in 2010, through the work of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota, a provision was added to Minnesota Statutes 248.07 requiring that anyone hired as a rehabilitation counselor for the blind in Minnesota complete a six week training program under sleepshades at an adjustment to blindness center before practicing as a rehabilitation counselor; and

WHEREAS, the intent of this law is to provide these new counselors with a foundation and resources to equip them to help their blind customers to overcome the overwhelming public misconceptions about blindness that result in barriers to independence and employment; and

WHEREAS, to support the intent of the legislation, it is essential that those who manage and supervise the work of rehabilitation counselors for the blind also possess a strong belief in the capabilities of the blind and an understanding that the real problems of blindness are due to misconceptions rather than lack of eyesight; and

WHEREAS, it recently came to the attention of the National Federation of the Blind that a newly hired counselor at State Services for the Blind (SSB) had a great deal of difficulty with completing her staff training, particularly with the wearing of sleepshades; and

WHEREAS, the director of SSB has informed us that measures are being put in place to improve the hiring process so that new hires have a clear understanding of the purpose and importance of the training before they begin; and

WHEREAS, it is also important that, in follow-up to the initial training, the new counselors receive ongoing education as well as support from their supervisors; Now Therefore

BE IT RESOLVED by the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota in convention assembled this 21st day of May in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, that this organization call upon the director of State Services for the Blind to take all necessary steps to ensure that rehabilitation counselors for the blind are capable of conveying a positive attitude to their customers about blindness and about the importance of comprehensive adjustment-to-blindness training; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization call upon the SSB director to require that those who supervise rehabilitation counselors for the blind undergo the adjustment to blindness training required for the counselors they supervise.