Present: G. Allen, M. Belsky, G. Blievernicht, S. Blosser, J. Eulenberg, D. Forro, M. Hestenes, M. Hudson, T. Hwang, J. Renuk, R. Thomas, R. Wittick
1. The meeting was called to order by Eulenberg at 1 : 4 5 p.m.
2. Rules and procedures of how to reinstate ourselves concerning voting, membership, and reelection of officers was discussed. Wittick moved to reelect our present officers for a second term (it was assumed that terms are one year), Blievernicht seconded the motion, and the motion passed with a unanimous vote.
3. Eulenberg reported that the special grand piano that ATC recommended last year has been purchased and is at the School of Music.
4. It was announced that a temporary, part time position was created on campus for an Assistive Technology Specialist. Stephen Blosser is currently serving in this position.
5. Blosser demonstrated an automatic lock (details forthcoming).
6. Blosser described the Agribility Program (details forthcoming).
7. Jacqelyn Lowman, a doctoral student in the MSU Telecommunications / Mass Media Program, described her experiences in overcoming obstacles presented by her degenerative motor disorder. She said that OPHS and the Dean of her college have been very helpful. The editor of her law case book made it available on Zip disk for the same cost as a hard copy. Getting syllabi in advance has been difficult. As a TA in the MSU Virtual University, she handles email from students and assists with grading; next semester she will begin assisting with the Provost's Communication Project (3 years), monitoring and forwarding email from its web site.
When asked what the most difficult issues have been, she named "standard" mobility (wheelchair, etc.), notetaking, and the lack of an accessible door to the rest room on her floor. In response to Forro's question about digitizing books, Hudson replied that they are currently working on page numbers and PDF (portable document format), among other issues. It was noted that this effort fits with MSU's need to get materials to overseas students in a timely manner.
8. Blosser noted that the Michigan Disabilities Rights Coalition is holding a meeting (when? where?).
9. Eulenberg announced that Prof. Frank Biocca, in Telecommunications, was hosting a 3-day course on (subject), (dates), taught by Prof. (X) of Syracuse University.
10. Forro announced that the main library's audio-visual facility has been renamed the Assistive Technology Center.
11. The meeting was adjourned (Forro; Blosser) at 2:36pm.
Respectfully submitted,
George Allen and Stephen Blosser, co-Recording Secretaries
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Last updated 21 April 1999.