by Ralph W. Sanders
The voting members of the National Educational and Legal Defense Services for the Blind (NELDS) held their annual meeting on July 2, in Louisville, Ky.
Jewel McGinnis, a founding member and long-time treasurer, requested to be allowed to give up her membership on the board because of health concerns.
Members of the board are Allen (Sandy) Sanderson (Alaska), president; Chris Gray (Calif.), vice president; Donna Seliger (Iowa), secretary; Ralph Sanders (Md.), treasurer; Margarine Beaman (Texas); Paul Edwards (Fla.); Charles Hodge (Va.); Kae Pohe (Nev.); Carla Ruschival (Ky.); and Jeff Thom (Calif.).
The board worked on revising its bylaws and membership requirements in an effort to expand its membership.
NELDS voted to continue its financial support of the Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America (RSVA) in their lawsuit to protect the priority against the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped’s (NISH) continued legal challenge.
Paul Edwards, president of the American Council of the Blind, encouraged the board to undertake more service programs as part of its educational mandate.
Membership forms are available from Ralph Sanders, treasurer at (410) 962-0470, or by sending your name, address and membership fee of $1 or more to Ralph Sanders, 12 E. Henrietta St., Baltimore, MD 21230.