Date of Meeting: April 14, 2001

The meeting was called to order at 1:07 p.m. by Vice President Jeffrey Turner. Following introductions, the minutes were read and accepted as written.

Jeffrey announced that NBP had a new marketing representative who had left copies of their new reference cards for HTML and Css in the room for people to examine. If interested in purchasing those items, the cost was $5.00, and they could make arrangements to leave the money for these items after the meeting.

Jeffrey stated that the agenda for next month was not yet set. If people had ideas for demonstrations, or could assist in doing one, they were told to Contact Amy Ruell at (781) 740-8786 or by e-mail at aruell@mediaone.net.

Jeffrey told people that if people were interested in either joining or renewing Their memberships in Vibug he would take checks and make sure they got to Jim. He and several other members also answered additional questions about how the system worked for those choosing to pay by credit card.

Jeff announced that NBP's new DSL connection is not yet established, as there have been some difficulties in finding a provider. We will be informed once this option is available. Also, the phone Mailbox for VIBUG is not yet established at NBP. Once this has been done, we will be notified.

Jeff informed us that VIBUG will be incorporated into Vision Community Services telephone tape system.

The Carroll Center has been provided a $25,000 grant which is to be used to assist people who need adaptive equipment but cannot honestly afford it. At the time of the meeting no additional details were yet available. People were advised to contact Dina Rosenbaum at the Carroll Center, (617) 969-6200 for additional information. Ted Filteau also stated that if people e-mailed him at Ted@carroll.org he might be able to get some further information for them.

Mika Pyyhkala announced that he has an HP 4C available. Those wishing to know more details should contact him at (617) 783-9047.

People were reminded that Fleet Bank now has some touch screens with key pads which have undergone a few changes. Users will either be asked to first select whether they will be using English or Spanish first, or first to enter their PIN number. The system is designed so that once it knows what language each user would prefer, the first prompt from then on will be for the pin number. Also some of Fleet's ATM's now have talking prompts for use. For a list of locations where talking screens are available, people should go to http://www.fleetbank.com.

A lively discussion occurred concerning the difficulties with getting library staff to adequately assist consumers with the adaptive equipment that is currently available. Flory Barringham proposed that VIBUG should take an active part in recognizing Harris for the excellent work he has done in promoting the use of the library's adaptive equipment, and in assisting all library patrons. All present agreed that the officers should discuss the pros and cons of this issue and make their recommendations to the membership.

Following a question and answer period, Mike Kosior demonstrated how to design Web Pages. The meeting was adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Jeanette Kutash,
Vibug Clerk