Meetings

The meeting began with James Honomichl and Richard Moeller confirming the agenda and attendance, noting 15 participants. Key updates included DakotaLink’s full staffing with new technicians in Brookings and Sioux Falls, and the acquisition of captioning glasses. James Honomichl reported on the state annual progress report, highlighting 166 CCTV program participants, $22,000 in lease payments, and 90% overall satisfaction. The state plan update and legislative highlights were also discussed. New members Heidi Mecham and Tony Russell introduced themselves. The next meeting was scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain time.

Action Items

• [ ] Arrange a technology demonstration/presentation (have a technician present—examples: AI-powered tools or low-vision technology) for the next meeting.
• [ ] Collect and compile meeting participants’ suggestions for demo topics and equipment via email prior to the next meeting.
• [ ] Create the Zoom meeting link and send a calendar invite for the next DakotaLink Advisory Council meeting scheduled March 18 at 12:00 Mountain (1:00 Central).
• [ ] Email the final version of the state annual progress report to the distribution list so members can review the approved report.
• [ ] Complete the state plan update of budget numbers for the grant (short budget update) and include it with the meeting materials.
• [ ] Attend the ATAP meeting in February and bring back relevant information to share at the March meeting.
• [ ] Take the new Brookings technician (John) to client appointments to onboard him and get him up to speed on assistive technology service delivery.

Outline

Meeting Introduction and Attendance

• James Honomichl welcomed everyone and apologized for the late notice, promising to send calendar invites next time.
• Richard Moeller confirmed the agenda and checked for a quorum, noting 12 participants.
• Eric Weiss referenced the bylaws to confirm the quorum requirement of over 50% of the voting Council membership.
• Roll call is conducted, with all members introducing themselves and their roles.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes and Agenda

• Richard Moeller asked if anyone had reviewed the previous meeting minutes and if there were any corrections.
• Eric Weiss moved to accept the minutes, and Amy Scepaniak seconded the motion.
• The minutes were approved unanimously.
• Richard Moeller moved to approve the agenda, and Heidi Mecham seconded the motion.
• The agenda was approved unanimously.

DakotaLink Updates

• Brett Burden provided updates on DakotaLink, mentioning the addition of new technicians John Burton in Brookings and Donelle Beynon in Sioux Falls.
• Brett discussed the acquisition of new technology, specifically Captify glasses for captioning.
• James Honomichl introduced John Burton, who shared his background and current role.
• James Honomichl mentioned the need for furniture adjustments in the Brookings office to accommodate the new technician.

State and National Updates

• James Honomichl reported on the completion and approval of the State Annual Progress Report.
• Highlights included the CCTV Program’s success, loan fund activities, and the high satisfaction rate from survey respondents.
• James mentioned the State Plan Update and the need to complete the budget numbers for the grant.
• Brett Burden noted changes in the Advisory Council, including the resignation of Blaine Jemming and the introduction of Heidi Mecham and Tony Russell as prospective new members.

Introduction of New Members

• Heidi Mecham introduced herself, sharing her background in assistive technology and her role as Executive Director of the Workplace Disability Network.
• Tony Russell introduced himself, detailing his experience as a disabled veteran and his involvement in various disability advocacy roles.
• Brett Burden thanked Heidi and Tony for joining and invited them to share any ideas for future meetings.

Discussion on Future Meetings and Public Comment

• Brett Burden suggested discussing potential topics for future meetings, such as demonstrations of new technology.
• Richard Moeller shared his interest in demonstrating basic assistive technology like Echo devices.
• Brett Burden proposed organizing a presentation on AI-powered technology or low vision technology for the next meeting.
• Public comment and open floor discussion was opened, with no additional comments from members.

Setting Up the Next Meeting

• Richard Moeller suggested scheduling the next meeting in March, considering the availability of staff and other commitments.
• Brett Burden and James Honomichl discussed potential dates, settling on March 18 at noon (12:00 PM) Mountain time.
• James Honomichl agreed to create the Zoom link and send out a calendar invite for the next meeting.
• The meeting was adjourned, with members exchanging holiday greetings.