NYS Independent Living Council, Inc.

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sCourtney spoke about barriers for people with multiple sclerosis. There are 4 chapters in NYS and she is from the upstate chapter. She described MS as an attack on the nervous system. The disease is unpredictable and wherever the nervous system is attacked is where symptoms show up. 1 per 1000 individuals in NYS are diagnosed with MS (2nd highest state). Common physical disabilities are mobility and vision impairments. Biggest issues are: 1. access to polling sites The recent polling access bill introduced in the Senate needs support from all disability organizations (S. 6311 Larkin) 2. Voter education - especially knowledge of different ways to vote 3. poll workers - how to support the "aging" poll workers in NYS. Courtney also mentioned the NYS bill to incorporate ADA Title II into NYS Human Rights Law (A.6303 Paulin/ S. 2172 Morahan) will be helpful for polling place access. The bill was passed by both houses and is ready for the governor's signature.

sThe NYSILC DVD on Barriers to Voting is now out and available for the asking. Sue recommends the 504 not for profits use this in newsletters and websites, etc. Melissa will be at NYSILC this afternoon to assist with U Tube. There was discussion of upcoming conferences - statewide and nationally that the DVD can be shown including - the Self Advocacy National Conference in September - Mary Beth will present as a possibility for the NYSARC convention at the Crowne Plaza in Albany October 18-20 - it will be incorporated into program planning for the MS Society (program planning is done 3 times a year and one possibility might be a chapter wide teleconference) - DVD will also be used for a First Day of School Conference for Students with Disabilities at Newburgh High School on September 6, etc. Sue encouraged everyone to plan upcoming events with this DVD in mind.

s Chester discussed a GO VOTE train the trainer program developed for national use and to be used for trainers who educate people with developmental and intellectual disabilities about voting. He said the training can be tailored from 1 hour to 3 days. Training includes voting machines, poll workers, how to meet with elected officials, how to pick candidates for office, etc. There was a discussion about the committee scheduling a one day training for advocates. Possible locations include Delmar, Albany or Utica. Mary Beth will check the availability of a NYSARC facility in Utica. Save the Date tentative information: Train the Trainer - August 16, 2007 in Utica NY from 10 A.M. - 4P.M. This will need confirmation from Mary Beth re: the facility and date.

sNext steps: Mary Beth will confirm availability and Chester will provide the materials for the 1 day training. Chester will tailor the training for New York State.

s Next teleconference is August 27 10 A. M. - 1 hour - sponsor is the Mental Health Association.