CONTENTS
The Next Big Thing
Message from the President
Legislative Report
NDAB Convention Minutes
NDAB Board Meeting,
NDAB Board Meeting,
Card of Thanks
Candy’s Corner
Donations and Memorials
NDAB Family News
This issue marks the beginning of a new era
in my term as Promoter editor. This is the first Promoter I’ve ever sent by
high-speed Internet.
O.K., so it isn’t the size of an e-Book or
e-zine. Please take note of the new address for submissions. The address now
is: dmstip@min.midco.net.
I had considered switching e-mail and
Internet servers off and on for some time, as far back as two years ago when
things first went kerplooie. For over five-and-a-half years, we had gotten by
with a 56k dialup connection, which worked fine for our purposes, but
unfortunately, had its limitations. Circumstances made me decide on a “sea
change,” of sorts.
Shortly after the last Promoter came out, we
were planning a vacation, and I attempted downloading information about
Deadwood, SD hotels. Not only could I not download the desired information, it
became increasingly apparent that a low-connection speed was inadequate for the
task at hand. Things were also slowed by a system that had been electronically
hijacked by viruses, spyware, adware, and other extraneous “junkware”.
That was the camel that broke the straw
back! I sent the computer out for repairs. I hadn’t kept current with
virus-protection, like I should have, and a systems check revealed some 10,000
infected files!
Fortunately, our friend Pat Schmidt made
the needed repairs in a timely manner, and our computer was back in plenty of
time for me to complete this issue. I’d like to thank Pat for his expertise,
advice, and technical assistance.
I have since gotten used to some new
hardware, and had to invest in some new software, including Windows XP and Norton
Internet Security.
Even so, back on October 3rd,
after we were back online, I went to check our E-mail. There was one new
message. Pat had sent us some pictures of his guide dog. By the time it
finished downloading, my solar-powered watch had turned into a sundial.
Meanwhile, at Choice Hotels, we have DSL for
a connection speed. Dial-up has not only become impractical, it has become
obsolete. I’m not prepared to say it’ll go the way of rotary-dial phones or the
old party line, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it virtually disappears in the
next ten years. Technology is always changing, and the movers and shakers of
today and tomorrow are always on the lookout for “the next big thing.”
What is “the next big thing” for NDAB? A new fundraising project? A spike upward
in new members? A new scholarship? One thing’s safe to say, for the time
being. Future Promoter issues, to E-mail subscribers, at least, will be
delivered more quickly than before. Now, if only I could just do something
about the snail-mail!
Doug Stip, Editor
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Rick Feldman
Good day, my fellow NDAB’ers. Winter has arrived early here in the
We had a very successful summer camp and
family adjustment seminar. I want to thank
I do hope each and every one of you has a
very blessed and prosperous holiday this year.
Good luck to the cross-country and downhill
skiers in the
Best
Regards,
Rick
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
By
Just in case you might have been asleep
and missed it, the really big news on the legislative front is, of course, the
fact that there is a general election on November 7th. All cynicism about
politics aside, the election is very important in determining who will have the
authority to make the decisions on how our local, state and federal governments
are run.
So I plead with you to please exercise
your right to vote! Also, please use the accessible voting machines when you go
to the polls. It may take just a little extra time to vote using the accessible
voting machines, but the more that you use them, the more comfortable you will
become in using them! We have a twofold mission in using the machines - that
is, we are not only exercising our right to use a secret, independent ballot,
we are also demonstrating to the public that we are able to function
independently, if given the chance!
Half of the North Dakota Legislature is up
for election again during this election cycle. All the odd-numbered state
legislative districts will elect their legislators on November 7th. One of our
own members is a candidate for the North Dakota State Legislature – that
individual is Dan Gerhardt, Dan is the husband of Sheryl Gerhardt. Sheryl is,
of course, one of our NDAB Board members! Best of wishes go out to Dan Gerhardt
as he seeks to again become a member of the State Legislature.
In the even-numbered state legislative
districts, there isn't a race for the State Legislature this year. Legislators
who serve in the even-numbered districts were elected for a four-year term
during the last general election in 2004.
I've been asked a number of times
whether I was running for a seat in the legislature this year - no I'm not.
That’s because I live in one of the even-numbered districts and there isn't a
race in my district – it’s just as simple as that! But, please feel free to ask
me the question about running again in two years!
When
the winter issue of the Promoter is mailed in 2007, the State Legislative
Session will have begun in earnest. Budgets for all the state agencies will be
reviewed and closely scrutinized. Both chambers of the State Legislature will
have a chance to have input into this process; however, the final decisions on
many of the appropriation bills aren’t made until close to the end of the
legislative session, which happens sometime at the end of April or the
beginning of May. So what I’m trying to say here is that the effort to obtain
additional funding for a program can be a lengthy and labor-intensive process
that has a number of potential pitfalls and roadblocks along the way.
A
program we would particularly like to promote for legislative and state
government consideration is one that will increase the level of funding
appropriated for adult blindness rehabilitation skills training. To review, at
our State NDAB Convention in June, we passed a resolution to encourage state
officials and legislators to increase and strengthen the level of intensive
“center based” blindness skills training that is made
available to adult residents of
In the near future, we plan to help
facilitate meetings between the agencies who share the responsibility for adult
blindness rehabilitation skills training. Through this endeavor, it is our goal
that a plan would be developed improving and strengthening the level of
blindness skills training available to adults in
During this legislative session, the
North Dakota Disability Advocacy Consortium, along with many of the other
disability organizations, will be advocating for legislation that would
increase the level of Medicaid funding that is allocated for home and community
based services. The goal of this legislation is to increase the proportion of
Medicaid dollars that are spent to keep people who are elderly or have
disabilities in their own homes. A number of studies have shown that home and
community based services are more cost effective and that people are happier
and do better in their home environment as opposed to being institutionalized
in a nursing home or state hospital.
Also,
during the upcoming state legislative session, the North Dakota Human Rights
Coalition will be advocating for legislation that would change the name of the
North Dakota Department of Labor to the North Dakota Department of Labor and
Human Rights. Often, people who wish to contact someone about human rights
don’t know what agency has responsibility for this function in state
government. It is the opinion of members of the Coalition that this simple
change would do much to help facilitate communication with officials who have
the responsibility for human rights enforcement in
There
are, of course, many other issues that likely will be deliberated upon during
the upcoming legislative session that will affect our lives in some way – I’m
thinking specifically of public transportation! Whatever happens, it should be
very interesting but that’s the opinion of someone that likes this stuff! Happy
Halloween, everyone!
Chairman
At
Forty-three members answered roll call, with
3 non-members present, for a total of 46 people.
SECRETARY’S
REPORT
The minutes from the June 9th
pre-convention board meeting were read.
There were no additions or corrections.
Mavis
TREASURER’S REPORT
COMMITTEE
REPORTS
1. PROMOTER- Doug Stip reported that he has served as the editor since 2002 and
thanked his wife, Mary, for her assistance.
He also thanked those whom have contributed articles to the paper. He would like to see more news from the
members in Bismarck and Dickinson. The Promoter is distributed to members by
the following means: tape, 43; large
print, 76; e-mail, 28; and Braille, 3. Deadlines for articles are the 10th
of July, October,
2. SCHOLARSHIP-
3. MEMBERSHIP- Carol reported there are 169 members- 26 who are blind; 96 who are
visually impaired; and 47 who are sighted.
4. FAMILY ADJUSTMENT SEMINAR-
5. FINANCIAL CHAIRMAN-
6. SPORTS AND RECREATION- Dave Sundeen stated that about 36 people attended
Ski for Light this past year and they had a fantastic time. Contact Dave if you are interested in
participating in the next Ski for Light.
Rick thanked Dave for chairing this committee.
7. SUMMER CAMP- Loris VanBerkom reviewed the classes for this summer’s
8. DELEGATE’S REPORT- Stan read the report which
COFFEE BREAK occurred from
GREETINGS from Carmen Suminski included expressions
of appreciation to NDAB for their collaboration with the School for the
Blind. In 2008, the school will be
celebrating their Centennial year and a gala event is being planned for
September 12th & 13th, 2008. Everyone is invited for this
celebration. Carmen will be writing the
history of the school, through stories of individuals. Anyone wishing to be a part of this story is
encouraged to call Carmen. She also thanked
Loris and Al who serve on the ND Vision Services-School for the Blind Advisory
Board.
LEGISLATIVE FORUM
Dan Gerhardt introduced Pat Hattelstad, District One
House of Representative Republican candidate who addressed the issues of
transportation and home and community based services. Dan Gerhardt, Democratic
candidate for the same seat, also spoke, and both candidates were available for
questions/concerns. In response to the
transportation concerns, Mavis Anderson related what transportation services
were available in the Bismarck and
PRESENTATION by Vickay Gross
LUNCH BREAK at 12 noon-prior to dismissal, greetings were
extended from Don Neal, and there were more door prizes given away before
lunch, and again at
PRESENTATION by Dr. Mark E. Morin, MD 1:
Dr. Morin is an ophthalmologist who has been in
Williston for three years and came from
9. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT-
10.
BUDGET REPORT- Renae read the 2006 Budget
proposal with the total of $36,400. The
proposed camp budget was $13,850.
11.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT-
COFFEE
BREAK and DOOR PRIZES at
12.
LEGISLATIVE REPORT CONTINUED- Karlyn read the three resolutions that
Allan had for consideration for adoption.
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
There
was none.
NEW
BUSINESS
1. Mary Stip moved to hold the
convention every so many years on a rotating basis at Elks Camp Grassick using
some of the days of summer camp. The
motion was seconded. Following a
discussion, the motion failed.
2. Karlyn thanked the officers
for their written reports.
3. Rom Thielman moved that we
amend #3 of the Geographical Eligibility Guidelines for NDAB Summer Camp to
include “an exception could be made at the discretion of the board for
residents of border cities”. The motion
was seconded. Following a lengthy
discussion, considering the pros and cons, the vote was called for, and the
motion did not pass.
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting adjourned for the day at
MEMORIAL
SERVICE
A
Memorial Service was held Sunday at
NEW
BUSINESS (continued)
President
Feldman called the meeting to order at
4. Allan moved to drop the
requirement for wearing nametags in order to vote, as there were some not
wearing name badges. Motion was seconded
and carried.
5. Rick thanked the banquet
committee for the fabulous banquet and evening, including S & K Melodies.
6. Karlyn read NDAB Resolution
2006-01 Blindness Rehabilitative Skills Training, after which Allan moved the
adoption of this resolution:
Whereas, diseases and
injuries that result in blindness and permanent sight loss are universally
recognized as being severe life altering disabilities that require intensive
rehabilitation skills training for people to cope with this condition and;
Whereas, it has been shown
that persons with blindness and visual impairments who receive intensive
“center based” rehabilitation skills training are employable and do function
independently and;
Whereas, the option of a
more intensive “center based” blindness rehabilitation skills training program
for citizens of North Dakota, was lost when the center headed by Ed Christensen
was closed more than a decade ago and:
Whereas, citizens of North
Dakota who seek the option of a more intensive center based program of
blindness skills training often must go out of the state to acquire these
services and:
Whereas, a program that
provides all facets of a center based blindness rehabilitation skills training
program is available through North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind
in Grand Forks but is only available to adults for three and a half weeks a
year;
Now therefore, be it
resolved that the North Dakota Association of the Blind in convention assembled
at the Airport International Inn in Williston, North Dakota on this date of
Saturday, June 10th, 2006, urge and direct the parties that have
responsibility for the blindness rehabilitation skills training program in
North Dakota to work together to offer an intensive center based program of
services of such length and scope that it meets the individual needs of people
in North Dakota who experience blindness and visual impairments and seek the
availability of this type of training.
The Association requests the assistance and cooperation of the Governor,
the State Legislature, the North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction,
administrators in Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Departments of Human
Services and Public Instruction to establish and maintain such a program of
service.
The
motion was seconded and carried.
7. Karlyn read NDAB Resolution
2006-02: Magnification devices as
covered expenses in health care programs, after which Allan moved the adoption
of this resolution:
Whereas, the incidence of
visual impairment is increasing among people 55 and older, because of, but not
limited to the four leading eye diseases, macular degeneration, cataracts,
glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, that are often associated with the aging
process and,
Whereas, it is estimated
that there are over 10,000 residents in North Dakota age 55 and older who are
experiencing moderate to severe vision impairment and,
Whereas, magnification has
been shown to be of extreme value to those with many forms of vision loss and
this technology greatly aids persons so affected to lead lives that are more
independent.
Now therefore, be it
resolved that the North Dakota Association of the Blind in convention assembled
at the Airport International Inn in Williston, North Dakota on this date of
Saturday, June 10th, 2006, direct our federal congressional
delegation of North Dakota to seek to include electronic and non-electronic
magnification devices as covered expenses in Medicare, Medicaid and other third
party reimbursement programs or considered as part of an overall national
health care plan.
There
was a question as to why RP wasn’t listed as one of the eye diseases, but the
statement says: but not limited to the four leading eye diseases. The motion was seconded and carried.
8. Karlyn read NDAB Resolution
2006-03: Elimination of the earnings
limit for persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, after which
Allan moved the adoption of this resolution:
Whereas, several studies
have shown that the incidence of unemployment and poverty is significantly
higher among people with disabilities, and;
Whereas, the earnings limit
on income, that is imposed on people with disabilities on SSDI, has the effect
of restricting their ability to attain a higher standard of living, and;
Whereas, many
years ago, Congress eliminated the Social Security earnings limit for people
sixty-five and older to help them attain a higher standard of living;
Now therefore, be it
resolved that the North Dakota Association of the Blind in convention assembled
at the Airport International Inn in Williston, North Dakota on this date of
Saturday, June 10th, 2006, urge our congressional delegation to
support legislation that would eliminate the earnings limit for persons who
receive Social Security Disability Insurance.
Following
a discussion, Dan made a motion that we have a ballot vote. The motion was seconded and carried. There were 20 yes’s, 18 no’s and 2 who
abstained. The motion carried and the resolution was adopted.
9. BUDGET- Renae read the
proposed NDAB budget. Lyle Nelson moved
to accept the proposed budget. Motion
was seconded and carried. The camp
budget was read. Olga Neal moved to
accept the proposed budget. Motion was
seconded and carried.
10.
11.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Tammy gave the slate of officers from the Nominating
Committee (see page 3 Nominating Committee Report) and the election was as
follows:
For President, Dan moved that nominations
cease. Motion seconded and carried. Rick Feldman was elected president.
For Vice President
For Secretary, Allan moved that nominations cease
and that the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for
For Treasurer,
For Board Member, Mary Stip and Sheryl Gerhardt were
nominated from the floor. Allan moved
that nominations cease. Motion was
seconded and carried. A ballot vote
showed that Sheryl Gerhardt was elected board member. (As a point of order, Loris moved that the
person with the most votes be the winner.
Motion seconded and carried.)
For ACB 2007
12.
2008 Convention Site-
13.
Olga Neal informed us that as soon as the
14.
Regarding the State Fair Parade, call Tammy if you can
participate. Line up time is
15.
Rick expressed thanks to
everyone for attending the convention and to the Williston Committee for
hosting the convention. A thank you was also extended to the outgoing
V-President and Board Member.
16.
The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully
Submitted
BOARD
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rom, Tammy, Sheryl,
Hazel,
President
Rick Feldman called the post-convention board meeting to order at
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There
was none.
NEW BUSINESS
1.
2.
3.Tammy requested $100 for the cost associated with the NDAB entry in the
State Fair Parade scheduled for July 22nd. Evelyn Hildebrand is the
chairperson. Tammy moved that NDAB make this an annual event in which we
participate and to allow $100 every year for decorations, candy, etc. The
motion was seconded and carried.
4.It was noted that the delegate to the ACB convention presents $200 during
the business meeting for the Braille Forum.
Al moved to pay up to $50 for the door prize that we also provide, made
up of ND made products. The motion was
seconded and carried.
6.
7.The Silent Auction brought in $493.
The
meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully
Submitted,
BOARD
MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick, Renae, Hazel,
Sheryl,
OTHERS
PRESENT: Loris and
President
Rick Feldman called the board meeting to order at
Items
of business that were addressed included the following:
1. At the request of the Jim
Geiger Band for more money (due to gas costs) for NDAB’s cost for the annual
Friday night camp dance, Renae moved to pay them $400. The motion was seconded and carried. (We have paid the same amount for many
years.)
2. A discussion was held once
again about criteria #3 Geographical Eligibility Guidelines for NDAB Summer
Camp, and to allow non-state resident’s camper fees to be paid by NDAB. A letter, which was addressed to NDAB from
one of the current campers, who lives out of state was read. (Note: Her fees weren’t paid for by
NDAB.) Since this issue was defeated at
the State convention this year, it can’t be voted on again until next year at
the June convention. No further action
was taken.
3. There was a discussion on
transportation to camp and how NDAB is involved in this matter. It was noted that NDAB pays $.20 a mile to
each driver who brings an instructor to camp, thus no further action was
required at this time.
4. Clarification was given to
the policy regarding taking home items made in classes during summer camp. Each camper is entitled to take home one
project per class per year. Extra
projects made go to the auction.
5. Allen commented that he is
working on preparing to expand the rehab skills services in
6.
7. Tammy inquired about the
request in June from someone who wanted to plan and organize an event to shed
light on the lack of public transportation in
8. The Board reviewed the
revised NDAB brochure of which
9. We will once again participate
in selling Community Day Coupon Booklets for $5 to use at Herberger’s on
10.There was a question as to
whether there was any interest in getting a delegation of NDAB members to
attend the ACB 2007 convention to be held in
The
meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully
Submitted
NDAB Summer Camp 2006
The
36th annual NDAB Summer Camp was held August 13-20 at the Elks Camp
Grassick, which is located by the shores of a much-depleted
Five
new people joined us for the week. They
were as follows: Milissa Miller of
Fargo, Steven Baum of Enderlin, Hilma Streich of
After
such a hot summer, we were all skeptical of how we would stay cool at camp but
the weather was beautiful with only one day in the 90’s. A huge thunderstorm moved through the area
Thursday night that brought over two inches of rain with very intense thunder
and lightening. Umbrellas and raincoats
were donned Friday morning but by
The week was filled with a variety of craft and non-craft
classes. Lynn Hanson taught a new class
called Hear the Birds that introduced many bird songs found around
On
Wednesday, personnel from Vocational Rehabilitation and North Dakota Vision
Services/School for the Blind were invited to tour the camp and eat lunch with
us. Mike Beck drove out from
The
evenings were filled with a variety of activities. The mixer Sunday night consisted of two teams
with one member of each team going up against each other to determine which one
of the three facts that person told about themselves was a lie. We learned some very interesting things about
everyone! Rick Feldman, the host of
Trivia Monday night, challenged our memories with 30 interesting
questions. Each member of the winning
team received a bag chair. On Tuesday
night, Becky Monroe called BINGO in the Dining Hall and Linda Oyloe organized
Black Jack in the Rec Hall. The Casino
Night gift exchange was held Wednesday evening with the high winners having the
advantage. The rest of the evening was
free time during which campers could choose to go on a hayride or watch a
descriptive video. The Talent Show
Thursday night was even bigger and better than last year as Mark Kueffler
expertly emceed it. The evening ended
with a pizza party. Numerous
celebrities, fans, news reporters and photographers attended the “Hollywood Red
Carpet” banquet Friday night planned by
Our week ended with a brief devotional service by Olga Neal followed by our final breakfast of melt in your mouth caramel rolls. As final good-byes were said, mixed with lots of hugs and tears, we left the safe haven of camp to once again join the sighted world, strengthened, refreshed and ready to face the next 51 weeks.
Lots
of effort and cooperation from everyone is needed to make the week run
smoothly. Thanks to all who helped with
set-up and tear down. Thanks to Geri
Smith and David McCloud for faithfully holding the dining hall doors open for
all of the meals and evening activities.
Thanks to Zelda Gebhard for lining up people to give the table grace each meal and thanks to all who said yes when
she asked. Thanks to
Submitted
by
Card of Thanks
What
a pleasant surprise to receive the individual good wishes from the summer
campers of 2006. Your well wishes for my complete recovery from my
knee-replacement surgery must have worked, because September 13 was my final
visit with my orthopedic doctor, and he was extremely pleased with the results.
My thanks for your prayers and concern. Now if I can
hang together for the next year, you’ll see me at camp in 2007.
Mavis
People take one day out of their lives to
attend a seminar where the topic is vision loss and adjustment. They come to a meeting room in a motel with
one or more of their loved ones to meet with others. For some, this is the first time they have
had the opportunity to visit with someone else who has sight loss. Some are nervous, and others are scared. Some have been experiencing a gradual loss of
sight while others experienced sight loss overnight. Their family members have been experiencing
an array of emotions and are struggling to figure out this uninvited guest called
“blindness” which has pushed its way into the house and now lays permanent
claim to a chair at the table.
It is NDAB that makes this event
happen. Participants receive a one-time
invitation to attend. It is the hope of
NDAB that the eleven family units who participated in the 2006 Family
Adjustment Seminar in
Many good things happen during this day. This is thanks to dedicated NDAB members who present their stories, lead group discussions and keep things moving smoothly. Thanks to you all!
The
next seminar will be held in
It’s not a stick! A stick is found in a paint can or in a dog’s mouth. I suppose sticks can be eithe