[vicsireland] debate on vics and E.G.M
- From: "GERARD SHANAHAN" <gershan@xxxxxx>
- To: <vicsireland@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2014 20:23:18 +0100
Hi All,
Back again to try and whet your appetites for a debate on the topics of having
the meeting online and the future of vicsireland website and list.
1. Regarding the meeting, Kerie, I hear what you are saying but I strongly
request that you consider my suggestion. I don't know the numbers of members
but I'm sure that if you review the membership, you will note that there are a
large contingent of people who have or do not attend regularly, on the basis
that they feel the effort involved in making the meeting i.e. trains, taxis a
few hours in Dublin would be too great an effort. This is no reflection on you
or any committee members just that they have no aspirations to be on committees
but would be willing to work with the committee on projects on an email
basis.I'd paraphrase this in saying that varying levels of vision and mobility
either enhance or hinder individuals - People please don't be insulted as this
is an observation.
2. I mentioned the website, and Cearbhall
explained that it was an experiment by a sub committee. O.K. but isn't it a
basic task of the committee to keep such tasks updated as part of housekeeping
if the capability is available to it?
3. As a matter of point to the mailing list, Most queries are answered by
other members but I did notice a request for information on windows 8 and menus
on webpages recently which didn't receiveany response. I was tempted to reply
giving my thoughts which were unexperienced due to only experiencing win 8 by
chance and being an X.P. user myself.Shouldn't there be some mechanism by which
the knowledgable members of the committee would intervene and provide info.
4. You stated that you emailed the list at the beginning of the year for ideas
but nothing came out of it. Shouldn't there be some kind of consensis among
the committee at the beginning of the year on areas to be covered or projects
to develop during the year. There is a diverse range of abilities among the
list members whom I'm sure would work with committee inspired projects, if they
were approached.
5. Is the basis of the computer society eroded so much that it is easier to
such the web for answers than to develop what we have. Simple answer Yes, so
what is the point, such an attitude
could have been taken years ago. success comes with effort.
6. Observing the responses to date, I believe that the numbers involved have
reduced in the society. A committee has to consider where to canvas for new
sources of members, did the committee consider this point?
7. What relationships or association has the society built up with other
groups, industry user groups ovr the years and what is the position presently.
8. In my reading of the constitution, you have to contact members at least 3
weeks previous to any meeting. Besides putting a notice on the mailing list,
Did the committee or you email all the members of vicsireland individually to
ensure that they are aware of the meeting?
9. I've read the constitution and it covers a great deal. My original
observation in that I believe that a committee should be the driving force
rather than leaving it to the general membership is endorsed by the wording of
the constitution:
2 AIMS & OBJECTIVES
list of 6 items
1. To meet the needs of visually impaired
people in the area of general computer access.
2. To provide support to those who are new to
computers.
3. To encourage employers to hire visually
impaired employees enabled by new technology.
4. To promote and where possible, assist in the
development of adaptive technology, and to encourage developers of new software
and hardware to ensure accessibility.
5. To act in an advisory capacity to bodies
seeking to provide access to electronic data.
6. To advise on, and promote the development of
fully accessible websites.
There is plenty of topics that would keep any committee busy. Can you provide
any updates on recent developments under any of the headings?
9. The constitution states that: 2. Nominations may be made for persons not
present at the meeting, on receipt of written approval from the nominee. This
in itself opens the door to having a meeting on line as if a person is
nominated and accepted while not being there, they are being confirmed as part
of the working group i.e. committee
10. Cearbhall suggest a project in developing the open source software i.e.
programs like Open office, mozilla, linox, N.V.D.A. This is a very interesting
idea. personally I wouldn't be great with the ligistics involved, we could
develop such a package on the basis that it could be applied to the lower cost
tablets for assisting individuals getting accustomed to technology.
11. What would people's attitude be to paid advertising on the website to
create a finance stream. The funds created could be used to finance
accessibility awards for design competitions for accessible software or
rewarding companies who make their websites accessible. School competitions to
develop accessible apps for USE BY BLIND PEOPLE OR BLIND USERS TO DEVELOP APPS.
This thought comes from the recent email from Ronan
12. So, If I nominate and get a seconder for someone who might not be there on
the day Will it be accepted?
13. Damien suggested to Kerie that he would help with an agendafor the
meetingAlas Kerie says that there is only 1 item to be discussed: there are
twelve items above to be considered.
14. Martin pointed out to me that in the event of voting a separate email
would have to be used for all the votes. I think this would be fine, once the
motion is in the header people can reply to the motion with yes or no.
Alternatively, an email containing the motions can be forwarded to the
individuals on the list and they can put their preferred option in quotes
beside it.
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