AZAER General Business Meeting

April 22, 2005

Foundation for Blind Children

Meeting called to order at 12:50 PM

Present:          Dorinda Rife, Jacki Daniels, Kartar Kaur Khalsa, Kerry Duncan , Christine Powers, Venetia Hayden, Karen Aron, Elane Baldridge, Amy Murillo, Rob Schulenburg & Fernando Tarazon

Excused:         None

President's Report

   -        report on AER Lift conference: AER is in dire straits financially; joining and paying dues can help

   -        OTs & PTs receive Medicare reimbursement; why not low vision, rehab and O&M specialists? There is a shortage of VI professionals; 10,000 more O&M and 5000 TVIs are needed; right now 6000 professionals are serving 100,000 student/clients; funding for professional prep programs has been the same for the last 10 years, AER is lobbying for more money in this area; AER is also an valuable tool for networking; also serves as a voice in national issues such as IDEA

Vice President's Report

   -        Professional Mini Grants and Consumer Mini Grants are still available. There have benn no applicants.

Secretary's Report

   -        Please apply for the scholarship! There haven't been any applicants yet. The deadline is June, 1^st; $500, any student may apply

Treasurer's Report

   -        AZAER accounts are now at Bank of America; savings and money markets rates are better, and accessible online banking/Bill Pay are available

   -        checking account balance = $3660

   -        money market account balance - $15,745 (at 1%)

Past President's Report

   -        the Fall conference dates are November 17 & 18 (with VRATE on the 18^th), at the Phoenix Civic Center

   -        room accomodations and the reception will be at the Ramada Inn

Other Business

Old Business:

  -      None

New Business:.

    -       Julie Urban proposed that AZAER become a group member of NAPVI for $250; motion passed

Meeting adjourned at 1:10

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Powers, Secretary