Present: Pamela Ash, Fernando Botelho, Tom Dekker, David Denniston, Lee Maclin, Gerard Mawn, Zoraida Morrison, Gregory J. Rosmaita, Janina Sajka, Ben Tunkelang, Vita Zavoli
The main topic of discussion was the proposed VICUG NYC bylaws, which were compiled by Tom Dekker, using the models provided by the Visually Impaired Pittsburgh Area Computer Enthusiasts (VIPACE) and BayTalk, the users' group of San Francisco. At its June 4 meeting, the Steering Committee reviewed, discussed, and debated the draft, thereby developing a document which reflects the character and concerns of VICUG NYC.
It was unanimously decided that, due to the length and complexity of the document, each individual article would be reviewed, discussed, and voted upon. Each Article was read, discussed, and, if necessary, changes were made before a vote was taken to accept the Article. Because dues have not yet been set nor collected, President Tom Dekker declared all in attendance "members in good standing", so that everyone could vote.
The document that resulted from this process, The Bylaws of VICUG NYC, truly reflects the concerns and character of the Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group of New York City. It is a document that was constructed by consensus. It is not a document imposed from above that was merely adopted by a majority of those present, but a unanimously approved collaborative effort. That unanimity was achieved is tribute to the patience and willingness of those present to talk through every issue or point of contention until an universal consensus was reached.
In conclusion, Tom Dekker reported that the July 14, 1997 meeting will be highlighted by a presentation by Iris Torres of Project HELP on the subject: "Parents and the Visually Impaired Computer User." Gregory J. Rosmaita added that the Steering Committee intended to launch PSIG, the Parents' Special Interest Group, at the July meeting, and encouraged everyone who knows parents of blind and/or visually impaired children to advise them of the time (6 to 8 pm), place (the TAB Building), and date (July 14) of Iris' presentation.
Tom Dekker also announced that at the August 1997 meeting, Mike Mandel will be conducting a presentation and demonstration of MIDI and technology that assists the disabled composer/performer. Gregory added that the Steering Committee intended not only to coordinate student-related topics for the September and October meetings, but to launch the Students' SIG in September as well, and asked members to spread the word to blind/vi students. He also stated that the MIDI SIG would be launched at the August 11 meeting.
Members were also reminded that The Associated Blind's Adaptive Solutions '97 exposition is Tuesday, June 17, 1997, and that there would be discussion at the July 14 meeting as to whether the group should continue to meet on the second Monday of each month, or if the day should be changed to Saturday.
Submitted by Pamela Ash and Vita Zavoli
Collated and encoded by Gregory J. Rosmaita
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this page was created on June 10, 1997
last modified June 12, 1997