Doug Godfrey called the meeting to order at 1:22pm in Cafeteria Room B of the F. Ray Power Building at the Division of Rehabilitation Services in Institute, West Virginia.

Mike Sullivan moved that the minutes be approved as read, with the amendment of WVADS to WVATS. J.D. Corbin seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved as amended.

BayFirst sent a letter requesting payment of $75,000. This information was referred first to Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) legal counsel and then to the Technology Committee. DHHR’s attorney recommends the Technology Committee review BayFirst’s claim and determine a counter offer.

Emily Hopta presented additional data on types of devices distributed and loan recipient diagnoses for the Telephonic Loan program as requested during the March Commission meeting. Of the devices distributed, 61% are amplified phones, which correlates closely to the percentage of recipients ages 60-80+ (62%). The two largest categories for diagnosis of loan recipients are aging (29%) and unknown (26%). Heredity accounts for 12% of recipients and noise exposure accounts for 9%.

Barbara King stressed the importance of continuing the loan program because it is the only one in West Virginia, but to follow PERD’s recommendations by building in economic criteria and other standards. Pierre Sevigny moved the Commission continue the loan program and use income or other economic criteria. Jimmy Harrison seconded. Barbara proposed a subcommittee should be formed to set proposed income limits. Shana Phares added the subcommittee should develop recommendations for purchases of additional telephonic loan devices. Pierre withdrew his original motion, and moved that the Commission set up a subcommittee to address the future of the loan program with the addition of economic criteria, and also determine types of telephonic to be purchased. Jimmy seconded, and the vote passed unanimously. Members of the subcommittee are Barbara, Pierre, Emily, J.D. Corbin and Doug Godfrey. Kara will also participate as a consultant.

MIS reviewed the Commission’s computers and recommended all 5 be replaced, noting that 4 of the 5 are out of warranty. Kara suggested that the computers be transferred to the West Virginia School for the Deaf. Barbara asked if a computer could be kept in the Commission’s office for consumers. April Hottle mentioned a deaf family needing a computer. Shana explained the difficulty of making a state computer available for public access, and that the state is not permitted to give away computers. Computers must be surplused and then auctioned.

Barbara recommended evaluation of unrepaired telephone devices and suggested the Commission set standards for cost effectiveness of repairs. Telephone Pioneers will make repairs at no cost to consumers.

Have been evaluated and approved for continued use.

Shana moved that Kara create a proposal for purchase of needed equipment for the board to review at the May 8 meeting. Mike Sullivan seconded her motion and the vote was unanimous.

The West Virginia Association for the Deaf will hold its annual conference in Bluefield, West Virginia, on August 8-10, 2003. The conference will include workshops, social gatherings, a banquet and pageant. Businesses and organizations are still needed for financial sponsorships.

Pierre moved that the meeting adjourn to executive session. Jimmy seconded. The vote was unanimous, and visitors were excused at 2:37 p.m.

The annual Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf National Conference will be in Chicago on July 27 - August 3. Jimmy moved that the executive director or alternate board member and Kara attend the RID Conference. Pierre seconded and the vote was unanimous. Doug agreed to be the alternate.

Board members reviewed the grant Kara submitted and had approved by Gallaudet for a training conference. The conference will be at the Bridgeport/Clarksburg Holiday Inn.

Alice Kennedy submitted a letter of resignation for the board position representing a parent of a deaf child. Doug proposed board members create a list of suggestions for parents to serve in this position. Barbara suggested the Commission website have a link with an application for serving on the board that could be used for other representative positions, allowing the Commission to keep a file of interested applicants. These options will be further discussed at the May 8 meeting.

The next Commission meeting will be held in Institute at the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services, Cafeteria Annex A. Jimmy moved that the meeting be adjourned and Pierre seconded. The vote passed unanimously and the meeting concluded at 4:04 p.m.