                      THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                   A Quarterly Magazine of the

                 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND


Winter 1993-94                               Volume XXXVIII No. 1

         Published in Braille, Cassette, and Large Print



                    John V. Lopez, President
                       213-268-4526, Res.

                       EXECUTIVE OFFICES:
                8700 Reseda Boulevard, Suite 208
                      Northridge, CA 91324
                        FAX 818-349-1573
                          818-349-2636
                          800-221-6359

        SACRAMENTO AREA OFFICE:  Cid Urena, 916-371-1514
          1399 Sacramento Avenue Sp 25, Bryte, CA 95605
 
         BAY AREA OFFICE:  Cathie Skivers, 510-357-1986
              836 Resota Street, Hayward, CA 94545

                      EDITOR:  Doris Fisher
                   9146 Compton Blvd., Apt. 21
                      Bellflower, CA 90706
                          310-866-2131
  
               Editor Assistant:  Norma Schecter 

Please send all address changes to the Executive Offices in Northridge. 


                   CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE


     Ruth Dean Zulli, Chairperson, 8516 Alcott Street 2, Los Angeles,
CA   90032; 310-659-1891

     Winifred Downing, 1587 38th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122

     Cherrie Handy Pomerantz, 1344 North Martel Avenue, 102, 
     Los Angeles, CA 90046

     Cathy Schmitt, 167 Rockwood Street, Irvine, CA 92714

     Connie Skeen, 3250 Maple Avenue, Oakland, CA 94602

     David Keith, 8150 Broadway #233, Lemon Grove, CA 91945-
2671



                        ----------------



Nonmembers are requested and members are invited to pay a yearly
subscription fee of $10 toward the printing of The Blind Californian.  

If you or a friend would like to remember the California Council of the
Blind in your will, you can do so by employing the following language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the California Council of the Blind, a
nonprofit charitable organization in California, the sum of $---- (or
----) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind persons."

If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney 
communicate with the Northridge office for other suggested forms.
Thank you.                         TABLE OF CONTENTS


PERSONALLY SPEAKING by Doris Fisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

HEADQUARTERS UPDATE by John V. Lopez . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

THANK YOU! FROM THE STAFF IN THE CCB OFFICE. . . . . . . . . . .3

FALL, 1993 CONVENTION REPORT by Ruth Dean Zulli. . . . . . . . .4

A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE FALL CCB CONVENTIONby Charles D. Navarrete9

COMMENTS ON THE CCB CONVENTIONLOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 4-7, 1993by Peter-Marc Damien, Ph.D.10

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE WINTER 1993by Cid Urena . . . . . . . . . . 14

LETTER FROM CLEARINGHOUSE DEPOSITORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF OPHTHALMOLOGY. . . . . . 21

THE WAY I SEE IT:  A GUEST EDITORIALby Daveed Mandell. . . . . 22

MTA OFFERS SIGNALS FOR BLIND(reprinted from HP Journal, November 14, 1993)24

WINNER:  INSIGHTS 93 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF THE BLINDCONVENTION by Teddie Remhild. . 26

REHABILITATION NEWS by Pat LaFrance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

DISABLED DESERVES DIGNITY by Steve Marshall. . . . . . . . . . 29

"FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND" -- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS . . . . . 30

CCB MEMBER PROFILE by Joan Black . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

COMMUNICATION METHODS by Mary Gillespie. . . . . . . . . . . . 35

SUMMARY OF RESOLUTIONS ADOPTEDAT THE NOVEMBER, 1993 CONVENTION by Winifred Downing38

PARLIAMENTARY GLEANINGS by Juliet B. Esterly . . . . . . . . . 42

BULLETIN BOARD by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

LIBRARY USERS AND DESCRIPTIVE VIDEOby Winifred Downing . . . . 47

ANNOUNCEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
               PERSONALLY SPEAKING by Doris Fisher
   
Have you ever sat contemplating a blank sheet of paper or the repeated
refrain "Doc 1, page 1, line 1, pos 1?"  If so, you understand my
predicament as I attempt my first article as your new editor.  Putting
together the Blind Californian in the early years, before the age of the
personal computer, must have been very tough, and I salute those
early editors.  My predecessors have my respect and admiration, and I
hope I can measure up to their standard of excellence.   

On a personal note, Marion and I both work at home; he for Kaiser, I
for L.A. County.  When checking into vendors of computer systems
and other adaptive equipment, a friend suggested that we contact Noel
and Debbie Runyan, Personal Data Systems.  We did, and friends, the
operative word here is "personal."  They do not just provide you with
various components and assume someone will be on hand to assist you
setting it up.  They provide you with a system customized to your
"personal" needs: braille labels identifying buttons, ports, etc.; braille
materials explaining various program functions; to say nothing of
patient, efficient, tech support.  Noel Runyan practices the golden rule,
slightly paraphrased:  "Provide service unto others as you would like
service provided unto you."  If you're in a quandary as to whom you
should entrust your adaptive equipment dollars, I highly recommend
that you consider Personal Data Systems (408) 866-1126.

In future issues, I would like to include a "Calendar of Events," which
would announce future chapter activities such as fundraisers, social
gatherings, etc. A tentative timeframe for the next BC should be May
through August, so let me know about your events during those
months.  If you have the time and inclination to put such a piece
together each issue, let me know. 

We have 4000 plus members in CCB, but only a small fraction of that
number is well known to the rest of us.  I would like to feature a CCB
member profile in each issue, so let me hear from you.

Finally, I would like to thank our former editor, Maria Lopez, for her
support, suggestions, and help.  She will be a tough act to follow.  The
job of editor is not an easy one, but without those of you who
contribute articles, it would be an impossible task.  A very special
thanks to Ruth Zulli who did an outstanding job in putting together a
most difficult convention report.  Thank you one and all for your hard
work and cooperation.  Keep those articles coming.  I would especially
like to hear from new contributors.  Remember:  it is our Council and
The Blind Californian is our magazine.  Let's work together to achieve
the excellence we deserve.
                              * * *

              HEADQUARTERS UPDATE by John V. Lopez

After your outstanding attendance at our 1993 Fall Convention of the
California Council of the Blind, I surely hope that by now, you have
recovered from all of the interesting events that occurred at this
convention.  At the preliminary hotel arrangements, the CCB contracted
80 rooms, but, by Friday evening, the reservations had surpassed 200
rooms.  I truly appreciate and thank you for your wonderful support during
this transitional period.  This highly attended convention and its innovative
agenda strongly indicates that we are on "A Positive Road Ahead."

We were honored to have two distinguished guests at this convention. 
Regardless of his busy schedule, ACB President LeRoy Saunders managed
to be our guest speaker at our banquet.  Also, ACB First Vice-President
Charles Hodge, participated at our Friday convention general session and
at our First Timers' Seminar.  Indeed, it was an honor and a pleasure for
the CCB to host these two leaders of this great organization.

It makes me very happy to inform you of the fine members that were
elected to the CCB Board of Directors:  First Vice-President, Christopher
Gray;  Second Vice-President, Cathie Skivers;  Secretary, Kenneth Frasse; 
and Treasurer, David Parker.  The four Board positions:  Coletta Davis,
Kenneth Metz, Roger Petersen and Mitchell Pomerantz.  With the positive
attitude of this new Board, it will be possible to work together as a team
and to go forward with our many worthwhile projects.

At this convention, we had a very difficult issue to deal with regarding the
removal of an officer of the CCB.  Thus, at the Board meeting, Bob
Acosta's alleged improper use of CCB funds, during his presidency, was
revealed to the membership.  Therefore, the CCB membership was
confronted with a crucial issue involving the possibility of First Vice-
President, Bob Acosta, becoming President again if something should
happen to me.  For this reason, on Sunday morning, the membership
voted overwhelmingly, to recall Bob from the CCB Board of Directors.

Let us now move forward.  Thinking ahead, one of my projects in
cultivating more interest and friendship in our organization is inter-chapter
activities, and eventually developing this concept between state affiliates. 
This idea has already begun to take place in some chapters within the last
few months;  for example, I have participated in some of their fundraising
events where several chapters cooperated successfully with one-another. 
To develop this concept nationally and have the CCB interact similarly
with other state affiliates, will be a challenge for us in the near future.   
We are continuing to generate interest in the already established
reciprocal program by hosting ACB state affiliates to our CCB
conventions, and by visiting other state affiliates.  As an example, our
own Teddie Remhild attended the convention of the Washington Council
of the Blind, and it was a pleasure, at our Fall convention, to have with
us, Sharon Keeran, the newly elected President of the Washington Council
of the Blind and Mark Bristol, the newly elected President of the Idaho
Council of the Blind.

Another essential item is the Braille Bill.  At the present time, Cid Urena,
our Capitol Representative, is arranging a meeting with Assemblyman
Conroy, the NFBC, and the CCB, to discuss the final draft of the Braille
Bill for the 1994 legislative session.  We are sincerely hoping that both
organizations will work together to achieve this much needed program
which will benefit our blind children.

On behalf of the CCB, my wife and I hope that you enjoyed a joyful
holiday season and we wish all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year together with your family and friends.
                              * * *

           THANK YOU! FROM THE STAFF IN THE CCB OFFICE

We would like to thank all of you that gave us such wonderful support
and good wishes during the past year and for the appreciation award
presented to us at the Fall Convention banquet.  We are overwhelmed by
the love sent our way.  We did not make comment at the banquet
because the program was pretty well full, so we waited for this
opportunity to say THANK YOU!
                 Barbara Parker and Marni Alvino
                             * * * 

         FALL, 1993 CONVENTION REPORT by Ruth Dean Zulli

"A Positive Road Ahead" was the theme of the fall convention of the
California Council of the Blind, held November 4-7, 1993  in Los Angeles. 
Several hundred members and friends attended.

The Board of Directors held its open meeting Thursday evening.  The
Board approved the purchase of a new tape duplicator for the CCB office. 
President John Lopez introduced David Parker, the interim treasurer
appointed after the resignation of Denise Weddle in September.  The
remainder of the meeting centered around the lengthy letter written and
read aloud by Alan Grossman, the attorney appointed by the CCB. 
Grossman alleged that Robert Acosta misused thousands of dollars of
CCB funds while in the office of president.  Several allegations involved
the establishment of Helping Hands, a nonprofit corporation, its
associated thrift store, and the use of Helping Hands funds.  Other
allegations involved the mixing of personal and CCB business charges,
including limousine charges for personal reasons and major withdrawals
of cash without sufficient receipts.  Grossman stated that the allegations
were serious enough to have the potential to compromise CCB's status
as a nonprofit corporation.  CCB's ability to obtain major grants may be
jeopardized.  Grossman recommended that litigation begin in thirty days
if no form of settlement is reached in fifteen days.  The Board of Directors
accepted his recommendation after lengthy and heated discussion.

Friday morning began with the Women's Concerns breakfast, co-chaired
by Bernice Kandarian and Joanne Pomerantz.  Joanne moderated a panel
entitled "Diversity Leading to Unity".  Gussie Morgan, an Afro-American,
spoke of losing her sight as an adult, her struggles, and her triumph in
becoming a braille teacher at the school in Compton that taught her so
much when she needed it most.  Rose Resnick described growing up as
the blind daughter of poor but very loving immigrant Jewish parents in
New York City, and told of many enriching experiences then and now. 
Maria Lopez described life in Mexico, coming to the United States, her
marriage to John, their children, losing the remainder of her vision, her
education, work in her brothers' printshop, editorship of the Blind
Californian, and the great bond of music.  Each panelist grew strong
within her culture, and has thus brought a wide range of experience to
highly effective and unified work for CCB.

It should also be noted here that the Body Shop provided free make-overs
or consultations on the color and application of makeup Friday and
Saturday of the convention, under the auspices of Women's Concerns.

David Parker was in charge of the exhibit room Friday and Saturday.

Several other committees and special interest affiliates which met Friday
morning will be mentioned here.  The Braille Revival League of California
discussed the unified braille code, the Braille Bill, and preparations for
Braille Literacy Week in January, 1994.  The Blind Students of California
hosted the high school seminar "Transition to Independence and
Empowerment", and is growing rapidly.  Also of special note is the
luncheon hosted by Library Users of California.  The featured speaker was
Karen Hillhouse, development director of Books Aloud of San Jose.

The general session began with a panel on "The Student's Prospects:
CCB's Vision for the Year 2000".  Kenneth Frasse spoke of BSC's rapid
growth and its many accomplishments and goals, including PULSAD and
accessible computers on college campuses.  Sylvia Muoz and Catherine
Schmitt stressed recruitment of students from many cultures and age
groups.  Catherine also stressed the importance of reaching the parents
of blind children, blind and visually impaired high school students
themselves, and the sighted staff in all aspects of education who could
better inform these students.

"Putting Yourself in Power" was a deeply moving presentation by Peggie
Reyna, Program Coordinator, Deaf Services and Self Defense, Los Angeles
Commission on Assault Against Women.  Empowerment begins with self-
respect, the belief that no disabled woman "asks for it", and the authority
to say and really mean "no!" to any kind of abuse.  Empowerment
includes awareness of self and environment.  Disabled women must be
realistic in thought and action to escape the many traps associated with
abuse.  Reyna's life story lent even more power to her advice.

Charles S.P. Hodge, Esq., First Vice-President, Board of Directors,
American Council of the Blind, presented "The ACB Around the Nation". 
The national organization enables us to be highly effective advocates on
every level of the community, state and nation by providing timely
information and support.  The ACB on-line service, with its indexed
resolutions, mailbox, and other features, will continue to develop in the
capable hands of Nolan Crabb and Jennifer Sutton.  Leadership training
seminars will better equip those willing to serve.  Emphasis on
accreditation will help to ensure appropriate and effective training for
those who need the skills of blindness.  ACB is reaching New Mexico and
Idaho, senior citizens, women, and minority groups.  The written history
of ACB will tap up more firmly into our roots, therefore providing clearer
views of our future.

The general session closed with the introductions of Sharon Keeran,
president of the Washington Council of the Blind, and Mark Bristol,
president of the Idaho Council of the Blind.

Ruth Zulli, president of the Greater Los Angeles chapter, emceed the
Presidents' Dinner.  All presidents had an opportunity to share the
activities and goals of their chapters.

The Friday evening general session began with the warmth and humor of
Father Lynn Caffoe, voice of The Blind Californian on cassette.

Elections followed.  Cathie Skivers is the new Second Vice-President;
Kenneth Frasse, Secretary; David Parker, Treasurer.  Coletta Davis, Chris
Gray, and Roger Petersen were re-elected to the Board of Directors.  Ken
Metz begins his first term.

The evening closed with a lengthy, heated debate on the motion to call
upon the general membership to vote its will, Sunday morning, concerning
the recall of Robert Acosta from the office of First Vice-President and
from the Board of Directors.  The motion passed.  It was stressed that the
vote to recall Acosta would not mean that the CCB membership
considered him guilty as charged.  Rather, it would be done for the
progress of the Council.  Acosta categorically denied all charges.

Committees and special interest affiliates met Saturday morning.  Several
are of special note.

Guide Dog Users of California elected new CCB board member Ken Metz
to the office of president.  Jane Brackman, Stan Greenberg, and Cherrie
Pomerantz conducted a workshop on communication and effective self-
advocacy.  Nonverbal communication, guide dogs in the workplace, and
reasonable accommodations were included.  Brackman handed out
cassette copies of her essay "Sighted People in America".  Anyone
interested in obtaining this cassette may do so by contacting Ms.
Brackman at Guide Dogs of America, formerly known as International
Guiding Eyes.  The cassette may be borrowed from the Braille Institute
Recording Department.

The California Council of Citizens with Low Vision explored such topics
as "The New You:  Careers, College and Low Vision", "Low Vision, No
Vision", and "Overcoming Obstacles in Professional and Personal Life".

Teddie Remhild, chairperson of the Committee on Senior Blind and
Visually Impaired, moderated a panel on "Coping with Losses in Later
Life".  Guest speakers were Annie Lampl, speaker, writer, and long-time
counselor at Braille Institute; and Janice Goldhaber, professor of
gerontology at UCLA and a counselor at the Center for the Partially
Sighted.  Much lively, informative discussion ensued.
     
Luncheons were held by Guide Dog Users of California and the Orientation
Center for the Blind alumni.

The Saturday afternoon general session began with a panel on the support
or opposition of AB2020, moderated by Ysidro Urena, CCB Capitol
representative.  Following were "Survival Skills in the 90's:  Identifying
and Implementing Successful Fundraisers", a panel moderated by Margie
Donovan; and "Emergencies on Highways and Freeways" by officer Glen
Dominguez, California Highway Patrol.

Brenda Premo, deputy director, Independent Living Services Division,
State Department of Rehabilitation, presented "The State Department of
Rehabilitation in Transition".  Lengthy delays on account of medical tests
for eligibility are a thing of the past.  According to presumptive feasibility,
the disabled person is presumed to benefit from rehabilitation.  He has
more choice in determining educational and vocational goals.  He receives
appropriate equipment in a more timely fashion.  Another change is the
concept of order of selection.  The most severely disabled, those with the
greatest number of life impediments, are considered for service first. 
Standard disability measurements are no longer used.  Although these
changes spell good news to the disabled consumer, budget cuts and
increasing costs of education, training and equipment may mean that
fewer people may be served, or that those approved for services may wait
longer to receive them.

Mitchell Pomerantz emceed the Banquet.  Featured guest speaker was
LeRoy F. Saunders, President, American Council of the Blind.  Mr.
Saunders looked ahead to the year 2000.  He foresaw decreasing
business for sheltered workshops under the Javitts-Wagner-O'Day Act
because budget cuts will mean that less money is spent on their products. 
Fewer blind people open cafeterias and other related facilities under the
Randolph-Sheppard Act.  People with other disabilities are trying to push
their way into this business opportunity, while fast-food chains take over
establishments that should go to blind and visually impaired vendors. 
Inclusion of blind children into public education, accreditation,
rehabilitation services, and the need for separate commissions for the
blind in every state were also addressed.

Coletta Davis, chairperson of the scholarship committee, reported that out
of forty-five applicants, twenty-one students received $19,000 worth of
scholarships.  Keith Christian and Paul Henrichsen received Anthony G.
Mannino scholarships; nine, the Lily Perry memorial scholarships; two,
Sylvia Mittleman scholarships; and eight, from CCB.  Many of these
students were introduced at the banquet.

Many chapters gave checks of various amounts to help CCB and its
activities.

Saturday evening closed with the Southern California Talent Showcase,
hosted by the Greater Los Angeles chapter.  Ruth Zulli emceed the show,
sang, and read some of her poetry.  Grinnell Almy sang Cole Porter songs,
then participated in a fabulous barbershop quartet.  Keith Johnson played
sax and clarinet; Obbie Schoeman sang; Jerry Arakawa served as
accompanist extraordinaire; Michael Williams of the Compton chapter
beautifully recited an Afro-American poem; John Lopez provided several
piano solos; and $150 worth of door prizes was given away.  Ruth hopes
that this kind of talent showcase will become a regular event.  She reports
that it was an extremely successful fundraiser as well, bringing in over
$1,000 profit.  Many, many thanks to those who worked so hard on this
project.

At the Sunday morning general session, the membership voted to recall
Robert Acosta from the office of First Vice-President and from the Board
of Directors.  Chris Gray was elected First Vice-President in his place. 
Mitchell Pomerantz was elected to fill the vacancy created by Chris's
move to First Vice-President.

Manuel Urena, program manager, Services for the Blind and Partially
Sighted, State Department of Rehabilitation, presented an update on his
department.  Ysidro Urena reported on legislation.  Kenneth Frasse, of the
resolutions committee chaired by Charles Navarrete, presented nearly
twenty resolutions, which were voted upon.  David Parker gave his
treasurer's report.

As we departed Los Angeles for all areas of California, we felt deeply
moved by the decisions we made, inspired by the many planned events,
and renewed in our commitment to the California Council of the Blind.
                              * * *

       A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE FALL CCB CONVENTION 
                     by Charles D. Navarrete

I, like almost all of the CCB members attending the Fall Convention, was
very saddened by the events which resulted in Bob Acosta being recalled
from office.  However, I believe the California Council of the Blind has
much to be proud of after the convention.

It saddened my heart to observe the facts and evidence mount which
made it necessary to cast a vote to recall Bob Acosta as First Vice-
President.  I am sure that all of those who cast a vote to recall Bob did so
with a heavy heart.  For Bob Acosta was the most dynamic leader of the
blind movement in California during the past twenty years.  Bob's long list
of accomplishments as a leader in the blind movement will undoubtedly
result in Bob being considered one of the great leaders of the blind
movement.  However, the facts and evidence presented at the convention
showed a flaw in Bob's character which could not be ignored, as well as
establishing that Bob's actions had jeopardized the blind movement as
well as the California Council of the Blind.

The members of the California Council of the Blind should be proud of the
actions taken by the convention.  Not only did the membership cast a
most difficult vote based on the overwhelming weight of the evidence
presented to them, but also demonstrated that the California Council of
the Blind has become a mature organization which is able to resolve
conflicts and problems within the framework of its Constitution and
Bylaws.  The Council's action at the Fall Convention was analogous to
that chapter in American history described as the Watergate Scandal. 
During a two-year period between 1972 and 1974 evidence mounted
which resulted in the impeachment of President Nixon.  Although
President Nixon resigned before the Senate trial, the Watergate scandal
demonstrated that the system worked to remove a president that
committed acts which disqualified him from holding office.  

The recall of Bob Acosta also established a high standard against which
present and future leaders of the California Council of the Blind will be
measured.  No longer will leaders be able to spend Council funds for
personal reasons or draw money without being required to provide
substantiation that those funds were properly spent.  Nor will leaders be
able to take actions which conflict with the best interest of the Council,
such as opening a thrift store which competes with the Council's thrift
stores.  

The California Council of the Blind is ready to move on to greater
accomplishments on behalf of the blind and visually impaired.
                             * * * 

                 COMMENTS ON THE CCB CONVENTION
                 LOS ANGELES, NOVEMBER 4-7, 1993
                  by Peter-Marc Damien, Ph.D.,
                      San Francisco Chapter

The Fall CCB Convention for 1993 will no doubt be remembered in the
blind community as one of the most contentious in history.  In past
conflagrations, at least there was a sense of group identity.  Splits
occurred along philosophical lines.  The November Convention, on the
other hand, seemed to be a collective, acting-out, aimed at one person,
but involving a dozen more or eventually engulfing the organization. 
There seemed to be very little consciousness that financial responsibility
is not in Reseda, but wherever any of us lives and works.  There was
even less consciousness of the larger, national blind and disability issues. 
Yet, it was not without a glimmer of hope.

The long time membership seemed to divide into two camps, those who
supported Acosta no matter what and those who felt betrayed and angry. 
Recent joiners, new (within the last five years) to CCB (people like me),
were mostly disgusted with the whole procedure.  Many of us joined with
the angry long-time members in creating a raucous, rude, negative, almost
violent atmosphere.  We were, it turned out, ready to vote for change.

Along with roll-call voting, there was quite a bit to be heard under the din. 
It is my experience, collaborated by others, like Scott, The Making of
Blind Men (1960) that blind people are prone to dependency.  Congenital
blindness deprives people of a great deal more than sight.  It keeps them
from connecting to culture; it deprives them of body image, posture
consciousness and all those subtle things sighted people pick up from
each other by visual observation.  Congenital blindness also deprives
people of spatial awareness and the history of visual imagery which
substantiates one's place in a culture and in time.  Not only do sighted
people have the ability to glance into a room and get a whole impression
of it at the beginning of an encounter; they do the same with life
experiences.

If you remember the expression on Oswald's face at the time he was shot
and killed by Jack Ruby following the assassination of President Kennedy,
how would you tell a totally blind person every little detail and subtle
nuance of the scene in the Texas jail house, crackling with flash bulbs,
the dull, numb hue of the country in mourning at the end of November,
the image of an elegant woman in a pink suit, matching pillbox hat, still
splattered with her husband's blood as the coffin descended from Air
Force I, a three-year-old spending his third birthday at his father's funeral. 
How do you explain the miracle of watching history being made while you
see it on television?  We blind people are not stupid.  Our brains function
and we get the picture probably 90% of the time, but is there a true
equivalent to sight?  I doubt it.  Blindness is a deficient and the point is
that blind people must depend on the sighted to describe visual details.

And for us adventitiously blind people, dependency grows from "Paradise
Lost," the sense that what was once done with ease, cannot be done
again.  Helplessness follows.  It takes a great deal of strength to get up,
get dressed, get out there on the sidewalk and get moving.  Not
everybody can pull off the adjustment.  I often felt as though I had died
and forgotten to leave my body, while my mind was dominated with
visual memories.  I thought I was lucky; all I needed was a name, a title
or a place and I remembered everything: the Sistine Chapel, Van Gogh,
DaVinci, Donatello, Guernica, "The Night Watch," ... At first, it was easy;
then the mourning set in and it may never lift.

The point is that blind people must depend on readers, Optacons,
scanners, computers, canes, guides, dogs, friends, spouses, medicines,
ophthalmologists; the list is endless.  CCB depended on, and turned its
power over to, Bob Acosta.

There can be healthy dependency and neurotic dependency.  Either can
happen individually or in groups.  Unhealthy dependency, like addiction to
an unwanted substance (such as cigarettes) breeds contempt.  

As I think about the convention, it seems to me that Bob Acosta  has
been used, possibly due to his own misuse of power, by the rest of us to
vent the pent-up frustrations about blindness and dependency.  The level
of anger in the room was way out of proportion to what actually he had
been accused of doing.  

The one glimmer of hope in all this, since few, if any, people were talking
about dependency at the Convention, was evident twice.  The first time
was when Roger Petersen ran for a Board seat on his record as a member
of CORE (a 1960's civil rights group called the Congress of Racial
Equality).  The second instance was the dynamic banquet address by
LeRoy Saunders, President of the American Council of the Blind.  The
glimmer of hope had nothing to do with Bob Acosta, John Lopez  or,
what some of us might sarcastically call the politics of darkness.  It has
to do with how we organized blind people think about ourselves and our
place in the world.

... Petersen's election speech and Saunders banquet speech both
challenged CCB to deal with both the issue of dependency and the issue
of getting our needs heard, by using the civil rights model rather than the
consumer group model.  Saunders in particular challenged us to self-
advocate, individually as a group.  In his mind, we need to stop arguing
with each other and jump in with other disabled groups (who outnumber
us about 100 to one) at least some of the time, or we will be left out of
the will. 

On the one hand, blind people, with good reason, have felt that civil
rights-oriented disability movement does not understand how late onset
blindness is the only disability which requires complete retraining, and
when congenital, requires, along with deafness, complete special
education to access language and information.  Saunders rightly argued
that our issues will not be heard if we remain aloof, protecting our special
tax status and other political gains, dating back to the '30's, an era of
paternalistic socialism.  And our agenda will not be heard if we waste
more energy on infighting and power plays.

The Convention ended, for me, with the sense that CCB could make this
an opportunity to grow in communal independence by keeping track of
our budgets, listening to and questioning financial reports, following
legislation as individuals more closely and self-advocating in every
instance.  There may be a window of opportunity to break through the log
jam of our communal unconsciousness, and join, when appropriate other
disability people in a national drive for equality with other citizens,
including equal pay and equal opportunities for work.  The energy is in the
civil rights movement; we need to join it.

The dilemma is that windows can be closed again.  With its history of
dependency and infighting, and its consumer orientation, I also feel that
the opportunity will be lost in the deluge of unexamined emotionalism
around Bob Acosta.  Truly important issues are at stake now, including
the future direction of CCB.  Ultimately, personal dramas don't matter. 
What does matter is whether we take the opportunity to become
independent adults, keeping power within ourselves, refusing to become
dependent upon the new people on the Board of CCB.  What matters is
learning how to dance.  Changing partners isn't the problem; stomping on
each other's feet is.  What does matter are blind kids who need to
connect to the culture through the braille bill.  What matters is finding
other ways for blind kids to become literate and get trained to work, self-
advocating every minute of the day.  What matters is individual and
communal mental health leading to equal pay for equal work and an equal
chance at assuming full citizenship in a country of truly free people.

(Editor's Comment:  I do not agree with Dr. Damien's conclusion that the
anger expressed resulted from our pent-up frustrations we experience as
blind persons.  My anger, and the anger of those with whom I have
discussed those events, resulted from what we perceive as the flagrant
abuse of power and the attempt to bring about utter chaos to prevent us
from taking necessary action.)  
                              * * *

                 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE WINTER 1993
                          by Cid Urena

What follows is a direct result, first of all of a resolution that was
sponsored by Butte County Chapter in 1988, and secondly by me asking
the ophthalmologists if they were willing to provide space in their
newsletter for a CCB announcement.

REPRINT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF
OPHTHALMOLOGY NEWS
                  September/October 1993 Issue

                "Council Asks Referrals of Blind"

The California Council of the Blind invites ophthalmologists to refer newly
blinded or progressively blind persons to its organization for assistance
and support.

The council, founded in the 1930s, is the largest state organization of its
kind in the country.  It differs from conventional charities in that it uses
contributions to help blind persons help themselves in three major ways:

     ...  Low interest loans that enable blind people to obtain special
          equipment so they hold jobs.
     ...  Scholarships to help deserving young people pursue higher
          education, leading to lifetime careers.
     ...  A toll free telephone number, through which newly blind
          people and their families can receive peer counseling and
          referrals to training facilities and agencies.

The council has assisted thousands of blind  Californians
through its local chapters.  However, because many eye care
professionals are unaware of the organization, the council recently voted
to inform all ophthalmology and optometry schools in California of its
existence, purposes and activities.  For further information, please call the
council at 800-221-6359.


Now, to the final update on the first part of the 93-94 legislative session.
I again wish to thank the many individuals who assisted us in this part of
the session.  Since there were so many of you, I will not attempt to name
anyone for fear of leaving someone out, but you know who you are  and
more importantly, I know who you are.

     AB 1267 by Assemblywoman Diane Martinez, the Orientation
     Center bill is in Senate Appropriations suspense file.  For further
     information, I refer you to the Fall issue of the Blind Californian.

     AB 1419 by Assemblyman Joe Baca, dealing with the Guide Dog
     Board (more fully described in the Fall BC) was signed into law
     (Chapter 1149 of 1993).

     AB 1660 by Assemblywoman Grace Napolitano, permitting blind
     and disabled to use transit passes from one district to another, was
     signed into law (Chapter 94 of 1993).

     AB 1863 by Assemblyman John Burton, providing arbitration in the
     removal of a guide dog from its user was signed into law (Chapter
     1015 of 1993).

     SCR 16 by Senator Teresa Hughes, mandating adaptive computer
     equipment in CSU and UC open computer labs has been held in the
     Senate Education Committee.

The above bills and resolution were CCB sponsored and since SCR 16
was held back at our request we can safely say that the CCB was
successful in 75% of its bills with the possibility of making it 100%
during the second half of the session.

The following bills are bills that the CCB either supported or opposed:

     AB 2020 by Assemblyman Phil Isenberg, which would allow
     optometrists to prescribe medications and perform treatments for
     specified diseases of the eye has become a two-year bill.  The CCB
     opposes this bill.

     AB 1624 by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen, makes accessible to
     the general public by way of computer modem specified information
     concerning bills and proceedings of the legislature.  The CCB
     actively supports this bill.

     AB 1602 by Assemblyman Paul Woodruff would permit the
     Department of Rehabilitation to conform to federal regulations.  The
     CCB takes a neutral position.

     SB 477 by Senator William Craven improves SPCA regulations (see
     Fall BC for further information) is in the Senate Committee on
     Judiciary.  This bill is supported by the CCB.  

     SB 897 by Dan McCorquodale would make it difficult for blind
     individuals to be placed in the proper program since everyone would
     be required to be mainstreamed for approximately two years before
     actual program needs can be determined.  This would lose
     significant time in the individual's education progress.

     SB 1104 by Senator Tim Leslie attempts to restore lien laws for
     some individuals is in the Assembly Committee on Health.  The CCB
     opposes this bill.

This concludes the legislative report except to say that the Braille bill is
currently in the hands of Assemblyman Mickey Conroy who plans to
introduce the bill after the session begins.  So keep your fingers crossed
but better yet, write Conroy many letters of support.

As a final element of this legislative report, I am herewith including a letter
which I requested from the Clearinghouse Depository.  Again, thank you
for all your support and help.

              LETTER FROM CLEARINGHOUSE DEPOSITORY

[COPY]
[From] California Department of Education
721 Capitol Mall
Sacramento CA 94244-2720

July 15, 1993

[To] Ysidro Urena
Capitol Representative
California Council of the Blind
1399 Sacramento Ave. #25
Bryte CA 95605

Dear Cid:

As you requested during your visit on Tuesday, June 29, 1993, the
Clearinghouse for Specialized Media and Technology would like to update
the California Council of the Blind on the progress that is being made in
producing and disseminating specialized media and materials to students
with visual impairments.

California Education Code Section 60282 requires that each contract
executed for the procurement of state adopted instructional materials
include the right of the state to transcribe and reproduce the material in
braille, large print, recordings or other media for students with visual
impairments in public schools.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction
is mandated by Education Code Section 60312 to make braille and large
print copies of state adopted textbooks available to students with visual
impairments in public schools.  Education Code Section 60313 requires
the California Department of Education to provide specialized textbooks,
reference books, recordings, study materials tangible apparatus,
equipment and other similar items for use by visually handicapped
students enrolled in the public schools virtually all of which consists of
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) materials and equipment.

The mission of the Clearinghouse is to:

     "make adopted textbooks and other educational materials and
     equipment available and accessible to students with visual
     impairments and other learners with disabilities."

To fulfill the educational code mandates and its mission, the
Clearinghouse focuses on two areas, "availability" and "accessibility." 
Our vision is to make instructional materials available in conventional
specialized media as well as emerging technology and media.  This means
we are striving to provide materials in braille, large print, aural media, and
in the latest new technologies such as electronic text, and descriptive
video. 

Current recommendations to publishers and producers by the California
Department of Education encourage the development of alternate formats
for textbooks and materials submitted for adoption.  These alternate
formats include such technologies as Cd-Roms, video discs, computer
programs, videotape and other media to match the diverse learning styles
of students.  These alternate formats, if not designed to include access
strategies to students with visual impairments, will result in ever
increasing barriers to learning.  Therefore, the Clearinghouse is working
to incorporate access strategies into the design of new educational
products.  Accessible technology, media and materials design will provide
choices for each student that could match each student's strengths.  We
perceive emerging information technologies to be tools which all students,
including students with visual impairments will use to access a variety of
instructional materials that will soon be in our homes, schools,
communities, and workplaces.

The following Clearinghouse actions demonstrate some of our efforts to
meet our objectives and fulfill our mission:

1.   The Clearinghouse is producing virtually all K 8 state adopted
     textbooks and other print materials in braille, large print, and aural
     media instead of only a limited number of just the most popular
     textbooks.

2.   The Clearinghouse has created new language that is included in
     invitations to publishers to submit materials for state adoption.  This
     new language encourages publishers to make their books available
     on computer diskette as an alternate format.  This alternate format
     would empower students to access information directly and
     independently (refreshible braille, large print on the screen, and
     speech synthesis) and would facilitate the production of braille by
     students, teachers, and transcribers.

3.   The Clearinghouse supports the International Committee on
     accessible Document Design (ICADD) in its efforts to standardize
     the production of books on computer diskette.  This international
     standard will help provide direct access to print materials by
     students using adaptive computer technology.  It will also create a
     standard to facilitate the production of braille by transcribers
     choosing to use translation software.

4.   The Clearinghouse has recommended to the American Association
     of Publishers (AAP) during a meeting at the APH in February, 1993,
     that books on computer diskette be standardized and available on
     their price lists to help eliminate duplication of effort for publishers,
     transcribers, and educators nationwide.

5.   The Clearinghouse has contracted with RFB to produce this year's
     Prentice Hall science adoption on computer diskette with scripts of
     illustrations and photographs.  These books will be compatible with
     Apple, Macintosh and DOS machines and RFB's exiting new Book
     Manager product for DOS machines.  This will be the first state
     adopted series of textbooks in the nation to ever be published in this
     exciting, accessible, and empowering format.

6.   The Clearinghouse is increasing awareness of current trends in
     production in workshops at annual CTEVH and Special Education
     Division conferences and has encouraged Library of Congress
     personnel to develop certification for transcribers who use braille
     translation programs.

7.   The Clearinghouse is recommending changes in California's
     Education Code that will require publishers to provide copies of
     books on computer diskette that adhere to standards identified by
     the International Committee for Accessible Document Design
     (ICADD) to facilitate the production of braille.  These computer
     diskettes will also facilitate the production of books on diskette that
     are compatible with existing adaptive computer technology for direct
     access by students.  Another requested change will require
     publishers to give permission to high school districts to produce
     locally adopted secondary textbooks and supplementary books in
     braille and other specialized media.

8.   The Clearinghouse, California School for the Blind, Special Education
     Division, CTEVH and LIDAC facilitated a forum in March, 1993 to
     address needs of educators, students and transcribers.  The goal of
     the forum was:

          "To increase levels of achievement and independence for
          students with visual impairments via enhanced opportunities
          for equal access to the core and special curricula through use
          of specialized books, materials and equipment."

     The product of this forum will be a strategic plan to improve access
     to educational media and materials by students who are visually
     impaired.

9.   The Clearinghouse encouraged publishers to provide blanket
     permissions for the production of their books in braille to the APH. 
     To date, forty-eight publishers have provided blanket permissions to
     produce their books in braille and other specialized media as a result
     of this national effort.  Transcribers may now obtain permission
     directly from APH instead of having to wait for a permission letter
     from an individual publisher.  This process is beneficial to all
     concerned.

We are confident that students, publishers, transcribers, and teachers will
benefit from these exciting trends in specialized media and builtin
access to emerging technology and media if a spirit of collaboration and
partnership is maintained.  It has been our experience that publishers wish
to make their materials accessible to students with visual impairments. 
It is our responsibility as educators and concerned consumers to help
publishers and producers learn how to make their products "accessible
and available" in California and throughout the United States.

Sincerely,

John Flores, Director
State Special Schools and Services Division

cc:  Frank Ryan, CTEVH
     Robert Acosta, Joint Action Committee
     Jane Vogel, Joint Action Committee
     Rod Brawley
     Leo Sandoval
                              * * *

       LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

                        November 9, 1993

Dear Mr. Lopez:

On behalf of Dr. Flach and myself, I want to thank you and your members
for the opportunity to take part in the debate over the Optometric Scope
of Practice bill during the California Council of the Blind annual
convention.  I hope we were able to adequately state the many important
reasons to criticize this legislation, and look forward to continued
opposition to AB 2020 from your organization.  Truly, no group should be
more involved in demanding quality medical eye care for the citizens of
California.

Dr. Flach and I also enjoyed the opportunity to speak with many of your
members about issues of concern to them.  Perhaps it would be helpful
to your group for the CAO to provide ophthalmologists to answer medical
questions at a booth or question and answer session at your future
conventions.  Please feel free to let me know if you would like to pursue
this or any other way the CAO can help your group.

We look forward to working with you and your colleagues during the next
legislative year. 

With best wishes,

Martin L. Fishman, M.D.
Vice-President for Legislative Affairs
                              * * *

              THE WAY I SEE IT:  A GUEST EDITORIAL 
                        by Daveed Mandell

I am a blind journalist and radio news reporter for public radio stations in
the San Francisco Bay area.  I've been interviewing people with disabilities
about what it's like to live on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and
how it feels to be jobless in a society whose compassion seems to be
dwindling.  Some have said that they're downright jealous of those who
are lucky enough to get their hands on a talking computer or a braille
printer or some other assistive technology that helps in their daily life. 
Several have examined the new technology only to become depressed
because they know they will never be able to afford it.

One said, "I feel like a dog you throw a bone to, then take it away.  It's
almost a mean-spirited act.  I'm penalized because I'm poor and disabled."

As for me, I can't afford a new computer right now, but at least I have an
old Apple II, though it's becoming increasingly useless and obsolete.  I
could really use about $20,000 for a computer, scanner, fax/modem, a
speech synthesizer, a braille printer, a laser printer, and a laptop
computer.  I could also use more money for readers and drivers.  

Several years ago I met a blind Danish journalist who said he gets
government money for everything from readers and drivers to equipment
both on the job and at home.  In return, he works and pays almost 60%
of his income in taxes.

"No hand-outs here," he told me.  "Just a hand up to a equality with
those who are not disabled."

That got me thinking.  Why don't we Americans invest more resources
directly in people with disabilities?  Why don't we provide people with
disabilities with a monthly check to use for the extra expenses incurred
because of disability?  Why don't we also provide heavily discounted
transportation and other services for people with disabilities, plus adaptive
equipment?  This money would not be used for living expenses.  That is
what SSI is supposed to be for.

In 1991, the Seventh Technical Conference of the European Blind Union
adopted the following resolution:

"It is a common truth that disabled persons have equal opportunities to
participate in all areas of society.  Technical aids are important to help
reach this goal.  Therefore, it has to be a social right for a disabled
persons that all the needs resulting from their disability are met by
financial assistance from public funds ... The participants of the Seventh
Technical Conference of the European Blind Union urge all organizations
... to fight for this social right on a national and international level."

According to Judy Heumann, recently confirmed Assistant Secretary of
the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Americans
who become disabled in the military collect monthly benefits as
compensation for their disability.  Heumann asked why people who
become disabled in civilian life aren't eligible for such assistance. 
Heumann, who contracted polio outside the military, asks why she is
being penalized for that.  The fact is, she is still disabled.  Veterans
benefits are similar to the disability allowance for most disabled European
civilians receive.  

But, you ask, how can our country afford to give more money to disabled
folks in a time of near depression?  Simple, it can't.  But, it can
redistribute the money that's already available.  And that's a sizable sum. 
RESNA's "Funding Assistive Technology:  A Funding Work Book," (1991)
reports that in excess of 200 billion dollars was given to what are called
programs that benefit persons with disabilities in fiscal year 1989.  How
much of it did you see?  I didn't see much (and it's not because I'm
blind).  The World Institute on Disability reports that only about one billion
dollars of that goes directly to people with disabilities.  The rest goes up
to prop up our vast medical and social services bureaucracy, and for those
endless research grants.  Many agencies, in fact, have used that money
to accumulate thousands of dollars of assistive technology equipment that
only sits idly by on shelves gathering dust.  How about putting more of
that two billion dollars directly into the hands of people with disabilities,
the ones who really need it?  Get the money to us so we can buy the
equipment we need to live and become employed! That way we can earn
a living, pay taxes, contribute to consumer spending, and in general,
become the self-supporting individuals that we want to be!

Low or no interest loans won't solve this problem either because most
disabled individuals have not had a chance to establish a credit rating, and
those who do probably don't have a job to help them make the loan
payments!  The solution lies in outright grants directly to individuals and
a comprehensive income for people with disabilities.  Enough studies and
research projects on how to fund technology! Enough technology grants
for agencies that claim to serve people with disabilities! Enough!  That's
the way I see it.
                              * * *

                  MTA OFFERS SIGNALS FOR BLIND 
         (reprinted from HP Journal, November 14, 1993)

To better serve blind patrons at bus stops, the MTA has started free
distribution of cards bearing line numbers that can be held as a signal to
bus operators.  

The bus flash cards, 3 inches high by 6 inches long, are laminated with
a plastic coating and have an MTA bus line or route number printed in
large headline-size type on one side.  

"This is a program that is going system-wide throughout Los Angeles
County," said MTA chairman Richard Alatorre.  "The cards were
developed by a bus operator at virtually no cost to the agency.  This is an
excellent example of resourcefulness in the operations component of the
MTA."

Application forms to obtain bus flash cards for individual lines can be
obtained through the Braille Institute on Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles,
or through any of the ten MTA customer service centers in the Los
Angeles area.

Once filled out with a name, address and the bus line numbers needed on
bus flash cards, the form should be sent to MTA Customer Relations, 425
South Main Street, Los Angeles, California 90013-1393.

"Bus flash cards are now available for each of the nearly 250 MTA bus
lines or routes," said Franklin White, MTA Chief Executive Officer.

The Braille Institute was a leading participant in the 30-day pilot test of
bus flash cards.

On an average week day, 2800 blind patrons and 48,000 other disabled
persons board MTA buses.

The three most recently traveled MTA lines by blind and other disabled
patrons are line 20, serving Wilshire Blvd., UCLA and Santa Monica;
serving Vermont Ave.; and line 4 serving Santa Monica Blvd.

Patrons may order a maximum of 8 individual route numbers.

Each bus flash card has a diagonal cut on the top right corner.  By holding
the card in the right hand, with the forefinger on the diagonal cut, the
user can be sure the card is face out, to side up.

"All bus operators have been instructed to call out their line numbers upon
arrival at the first position of the bust stop," said Arthur T. Leahy, MTA
Executive Officer for Operations.
                              * * *

                      WINNER:  INSIGHTS 93
     (From the American Printing House for the Blind, Inc., 
                       September 21, 1993)

...Dear Ms. Olivas:

Congratulations!  Your art work, Ginkgo Leaf Plate, has been chosen as
a winner in InSights 93, the second annual juried art competition and
exhibition sponsored by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). 
We are pleased to enclose a gift certificate for $25.00 from Dick Blick Art
Materials as your first place prize in the adult craft category and a ribbon
commemorating this event.

Your art work will be on exhibit in October at the APH annual meeting in
Louisville and again in November at Duke University in Durham, North
Carolina.  ...

You are to be commended for the excellence of your art work.  Your
contribution has helped to create a high-quality exhibit which will increase
awareness of the potential of people who are visually impaired.  Again,
thank you for your participation in InSights 93!

Sincerely,

APH Juried Art Committee ...
                              * * *

                 WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
                  CONVENTION by Teddie Remhild

I was both pleased and honored to attend the convention of the
Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) held October 21-24, 1993, in
Bellingham, Washington.  I participated in a panel discussion concerning
membership.  Traditionally, the Washington State Council of the Blind
(WCB) and the California Council of the Blind have had a sister-state
relationship.  We exchange guest visitors at our conventions and share
ideas and activities. At our May 1992 CCB Convention, Shirley Taylor
from WCB spoke to us about their newly developed Crisis Committee. 
Recognizing the importance of such a committee, we borrowed from
WCB's experience and formed a Crisis Committee here in California. 
Sharon Keeran attended CCB's Fall 1993 Convention.

The Washington Council of the Blind is an affiliate of the American
Council of the Blind and has approximately 250 members in its 12
chapters.  There is a sense of strength and membership cooperation and
participation.  There were between 200-300 conventioneers.  The
weather was cold and rainy; however, the atmosphere of the convention
was one of warmth and cordiality.

There was an Exhibit Room where some technological equipment and aids
and devices were displayed, as well as boutiques for fundraisers for
various chapters.

Sharon Keeran was elected President and Peggy Shoel was elected Vice-
President.  In addition to the usual convention business, workshops, panel
discussions and elections, there was a tour to a store called Art Wood
where there were displays of original creations of works in wood and
other materials as well.  

I had an opportunity to get better acquainted with ACB President LeRoy
Saunders, banquet keynote speaker, as well as his wife, Pat.  I found it
quite interesting that the WCB evidently strives to work closely with
various state agencies.  The director of Washington State Department of
Services to the Blind and the Director of Washington's Library Services for
the Blind attended the entire convention.

In conclusion, I would say that it is a great experience to go to another
state to become better acquainted, to make friends in other affiliates and
to create a network of friends around the country.  I learned a lot from the
Washington folks and found them to be models of cooperation, harmony,
friendship and caring.  I would like to encourage anyone who has the
opportunity to visit other state affiliates to do so as it is a wonderful
experience and a chance to share ideas.
                              * * *

               REHABILITATION NEWS by Pat LaFrance

Ms. Brenda Premo, Chief Deputy Director,  Independent Living Section, 
spoke at the Rehab Services committee meeting on Saturday, November 
6, 1993.  she gave us some very important information concerning the
proposed order of selection.    The Department of Rehabilitation will be
starting this  sometime in 1994.    she stated that because of the money
crunch all Rehabilitation  departments nationally, , including California.,
are going to an order of selection.  This means new consumers of the
department will be put on a waiting list for services after they apply.  
they will be determined either most severely disabled,   severely disabled
and other.  Ms. Premo stated,"the order of selection process is going to
be designed around the number of impediments a person has to achieving
employment and services they need. New consumers will be put into one
of the previously mentioned  categories. .  She stated that most persons
who are "most severely and severely" disabled will be served in a
reasonable length of time.  

The law requires that labels are not used to define disabilities, but rather
the impediments. Impediment will be defined as "what are the barriers
which prohibit me from getting into an employment setting." The order of
selection will likely be based on some combination of the number and
severity of functional limitations an individual has, along with the number
of services required.  Some examples of impediments for the blind are: 
the inability to be mobile, the inability to read, the inability to write.  
When you talk about functional impediments, the barriers that need to be
eliminated for employment can be defined i.e. learning braille to overcome
the inability to read or write. Functional impediments will not be the only
items looked at by the Dept. of Rehabilitation.   the number of services
needed by the client will also be a factor i.e.  a need of mobility training,
the need to learn braille, the need to learn typing, the need to go to
Vocational Independence Program or Orientation Center for the Blind.    
 

The Department is hoping that caseloads will be significantly reduced. 
This will mean that many consumers will be served by Employment
Development Department and others.  These would be consumers who
are not severely disabled.  Those presently in plan will not be affected by
the order of selection.  their plan will be completed, but as they are
closed, they will be replaced by most severely disabled.  

Dealing with more severely disabled persons will mean several things: 
generalist rehab counselors will need more training (Rehabilitation
Counselors for the Blind, Rehabilitation Counselors for the Deaf and
Counselor-Teachers will still be dealing with the same clientele.), the
duration of ease case will be extended and cost per case will be
increased.  Hopefully, it will also mean the number of consumers per
counselor will be decreased!  

Consumers will be served not only according to how severely disabled
they are, but also according to when they apply.  For instance, a severely
disabled consumer who applies in January will be served before an equally
severely disabled consumer who applies in February.  As previously
mentioned, this order of selection is necessary because of the decreased
amount of funding available for services.  Ms. Premo stated that $100
million dollars are being spent on case services and that is not enough.

As of this writing, the proposed order of selection will  be presented to
the Rehabilitation Advisory Council on January 10, 1994.   Ms. Premo
stated that the Dept. of Rehabilitation is hoping to have the final choice
out to the public after that..  Please send your opinions to the Dept. of
Rehabilitation as this may affect your future with rehabilitation needs.
                              * * *

           DISABLED DESERVES DIGNITY by Steve Marshall

(Editor's Note:  The following article appeared in the August 2, 1993
U.S.A. Today's newspaper and was sent to me by Mr. Rick Douglas,
Executive Director of the President's Committee on Employment of People
with Disabilities.)

Try to imagine being confined to a wheelchair and suffering the
humiliation of being told that the only way you can board a small
commuter flight is if you get on by yourself.  

Rick Douglas, who has multiple sclerosis, doesn't have to use his
imagination.  This outrage actually happened to him at Dallas International
Airport at Washington, DC, Saturday.  

Ironically, Douglas is Executive Director of the President's Committee on
Employment of People with Disabilities and was on his way to make a
speech to celebrate progress under the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990.  Douglas dragged himself up the small craft steps "on my butt" and
into a seat.

All Americans should be embarrassed that  incidents like this still happen. 
An airline spokesman said that for safety reasons it doesn't allow
completely non-ambulatory passengers on planes without flight
attendants.  He said the airlines complies with FAA regulations.  

Complying with rules is not the point.  The spirit of the disability rights
Act is to open doors to new opportunities for 43 million Americans with
disabilities.  

In that spirit, Attorney General Janet Reno is trying to resolve as many
complaints as possible out of court, so businesses can spend their money
on open access instead of on legal fees.  

Equal opportunity is the goal.  That means more than building ramps,
winding isles and installing devices.  It means changing attitudes to allow
the disabled the dignity their deserve.  

Local governments and businesses should act aggressively to provide
access to disabled employees, customers and clients.  Not just because
is a civil rights law.  Or because it can be good business.  

They should make new opportunities available for people with disabilities
because it is the right thing to do.  

Many of you've probably seen or heard this weekend's newspaper, TV,
and radio accounts of my recent difficulties with United Express while
flying to Allen Town, PA.  This incident prompted an excellent editorial in
today's U.S.A. TODAY newspaper.  I urge you to respond to their request
for letters to the editor responding to the question "Is the Americans with
Disabilities Act Working?".  Phoning a short two or three paragraph letter
along with your name, address, day and evening phone numbers to 1-
800-828-0909, Fax: 1-703-276-5513, hearing impaired: 1-800-331-
1706.  

         IS THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT WORKING?

Tell U.S.A. TODAY readers whether you think the law giving civil rights
to disabled residents have been effective.  Our comment on other topics. 
Our opinions are reached in daily debates on a 15-member editorial board
people of many backgrounds and interests.  We value your views, too.  

Send letters to the editor to 1000 Wilson Blvd.; Arlington, VA; 22229; or
call toll-free 1-800-828-0909; Fax: 1-703-276-5513; hearing impaired call
1-800-331-1706.  

Letters most likely to be published are timely, brief and direct, as in
TODAY's paper.  All will be read, but, as much as we like to, we can't
publish or acknowledge them all.  Include your name, address and
evenings phone number for verification and, if you wish, your photo for
possible publication.
                              * * *

      "FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND" -- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

         Office of Consumer Affairs, U.S. Postal Service


[Editor's Note:  This information was taken from a pamphlet produced by
the Office of Consumer Affairs, U.S. Postal Service.  It is designated to
answer the most often asked questions about Free Matter for the Blind. 
The information contained in the publication is based on Section 135 of
the Domestic Mail Manual and United States Code, Title 39, Sections
3403-3405.]  

QUESTION:  Who may qualify to mail items free of postage?  

ANSWER:  Persons who are blind or cannot use or read conventionally
printed material due to a physical handicap.  

Other handicaps which prevent normal reading include:  disabling
paralysis, muscle or nerve deterioration affecting coordination and control,
and confinement in iron lungs or other mechanical devices.  Among the
causes of such conditions are:  cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular
dystrophy, arthritis, infantile paralysis, myasthenia gravis, and diplegia.  

QUESTION:  What must a person do to be eligible to mail items free of
postage?  

ANSWER:  First, the person must have a competent authority certify that
the individual is unable to read conventional reading material.  A
competent authority includes a licensed medical doctor, ophthalmologist,
optometrist, registered nurse, professional staff member of a hospital or
other institution or agency.  The statement is to be submitted to the post
office where postage free mailings will be made or received by the blind
or visually handicapped person.  The person is then considered eligible to
use the free mailing privilege.  

QUESTION:  What material may be mailed free of postage?  

ANSWER:  Under the conditions specified below, the following material
is eligible:  

1.  Books, magazines, musical scores, and other reading matter, or pages,
or parts thereof, in raised characters (braille), large print, or recorded form;

2.  Paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading
matter, musical scores, or sound reproductions for eligible persons; 

3.  Equipment and parts for equipment used for writing by eligible persons
or educational purposes; 

4.  Sound playback equipment specially designed or adapted for the use
of visually handicapped persons; 

5.  Equipment or parts for equipment specifically designated or adapted
for use by visually handicapped persons, such as braille watches, white
canes, and similar equipment.  

QUESTION:  Are there any restrictions on this material?  

ANSWER:  The material may not contain any advertising.  Musical or
other sound recording not specifically designed for use by visually
handicapped persons are not eligible for free mailing.  The mail is subject
to inspection by the postal service.  

QUESTION:  Who can mail eligible material postage free and to whom? 

ANSWER:  Individuals, libraries, and other non-commercial organizations
serving eligible persons may mail the above material to eligible persons
and to organizations serving eligible persons free of postage.  Eligible
persons may return materials to the lenders free of postage.  Eligible
persons may exchange the above material among themselves free of
postage.  Libraries and other non-commercial organizations may exchange
such materials among themselves free of postage.  Commercial producers
of the above material may mail such material free of postage to eligible
persons on the additional condition that whatever charge, fee, or rental
required does not exceed the cost of the material.  

QUESTION:  Can letters be mailed free of postage?  

ANSWER:  Letters in raised characters (braille), in 14-point or larger sight
saving type, or in the form of sound recordings may be mailed from an
eligible person free of postage.  Handwritten or typewritten letters,
however, are subject to the applicable rate of postage when mailed to or
from an eligible person.  Also subject to applicable postage are bills paid
by mail by eligible persons and letters in any form when mailed to eligible
persons from non-eligible persons.  

QUESTION:  Why must letters be mailed unsealed?  

ANSWER:  To allow inspection by postal authorities to insure that the
materials qualify for mailing free of postage.  

QUESTION:  Are special services available for free mail for eligible
persons?  

ANSWER:  A mailer may insure a postage free parcel by paying only the
required insurance fee.  

All matter sent express mail, special delivery, certified mail, or return
receipt requires payment of postage plus the full fees charged for the
special postage services.  

QUESTION:  What must be marked on the mail to show that it is qualified
for mailing free of postage?  

ANSWER:  In the upper right corner of the address side of the envelope
or the parcel where the postage could normally be placed, the words
"Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" must be placed.  The words
may be printed, rubber stamped or handwritten.  

QUESTION:  Are special arrangements possible for delivery or pickup of
free mail for eligible persons?  

ANSWER:  Eligibility for free mailing for the blind or other visually
handicapped persons does not encompass such arrangements.  Post
offices may be able to special arrangements depending on the local
circumstances.  Customers should contact their local post office to
request special arrangements.  Such requests will be handled in
accordance with the postal regulations concerning requests for special
arrangements by handicapped persons.  

QUESTION:  Is international service for blind and visually handicapped
persons available?  

ANSWER:  Yes.  The same general rules apply, except that the articles
that may be mailed are limited to:  

1.  Books, periodicals, and other matter (including unsealed letters) in
braille or other special type for the use of the blind.  

2.  Plates for embossing literature for the blind.   

3.  Discs, tapes, or wire bearing voice recordings, and special paper
intended solely for the use of blind or visually impaired persons, provided
they are sent by and addressed to an officially recognized institute for the
blind.  

4.  Sound recordings or tapes that are mailed by blind or other visually
handicapped persons.  

QUESTION:  Where might an individual turn if problems occur while using
the procedures for free mailing for the blind and handicapped?  

ANSWER:  Most problems can be resolved at your local post office. 
Customers may make inquiries or complaints by telephone, letter, or in
person or by using our convenient consumer service cards.  These
postage paid cards are available at all post offices.
                              * * *


                CCB MEMBER PROFILE by Joan Black
                       
The objective of CCB Profiles is to recognize the efforts of members who
have worked steadfastly, often not in the limelight, for the benefit of their
chapters and CCB.

This is the profile of Gussie Morgan who is Vice President of the Compton
Chapter and a member of ACBC and CCB for over fifteen years.  A native
of New Orleans she arrived in California by way of Texas.  She and her
husband live in Los Angeles. 

A turning point in Gussie's life came when she enrolled in a Braille class.
This step eventually led to her becoming a  Braille teacher at the Chester
Adult School in Compton, a job which she finds most rewarding.    

When asked about the impact of CCB on the members of her chapter, 
Gussie says that CCB has brought a greater awareness of services such
as mobility training and the rights of the disabled. This is particularly
important in the area of rehabilitation.  One result is that young, blind and
visually impaired Afro Americans can look to the future with more
confidence knowing that education and vocational training are available
to them.  Another good    thing happening in CCB is the joint social
events which have been taking place between neighboring chapters.  

One problem in Compton is the lack of transportation especially in the
evenings and on weekends. This makes it more difficult for people to do
many things including participating in activities sponsored by CCB. Gussie
believes that a taxi voucher system would be a partial solution to this
problem.
                              * * *

             COMMUNICATION METHODS by Mary Gillespie

In the first part of this two part article, we told about methods,
techniques and devices for those with varying stages of hearing and
visual loss.  In this section, we will list items for those Deaf-blind needing
touch communication.  Please remember one thing.  At the time this list
was compiled, it was considered "complete."  However, with the rapid
strides of technology today, there may be items not given here.  In fact
last June at the national convention of the American Association of Deaf-
Blind, I learned a new one that is not included here.  Briefly, the Deaf-
blind "listener" places his hands palm down on a flat surface.  The
"speaker" places his hands in the same position on top of the listener's
hands and then presses his fingers as if using a braille writer.  Like most
things, it takes time to get use to, but it is very easy and effective.

                 TOUCH:  TECHNIQUES AND METHODS

1.   American One-Handed Alphabet - The same as described before
     except the letters are made in the hand of the deaf-blind client.

2.   Braille Alphabet - A system of raised dots that represent a letter or
     series of letters of the English alphabet.

3.   British Manual Alphabet for the Deaf-Blind - The same as the British
     Two-Handed Alphabet except that the letters are made in the hands
     of the deaf-blind client.

4.   Cross Code - A series of taps and strokes made on five locations on
     the back of the receiver's hand representing all the letters of the
     English alphabet.

5.   Fishburne Alphabet for the Blind - Embossed characters represent
     the letters of the alphabet and are very easy to feel.

6.   HAIBRL - Similar to braille except it uses a referent bar in each of its
     16-dot cells.

7.   International Morse Code - A series of dots and dashes representing
     letters and words.

8.   Lorm Alphabet of the Deaf-Blind - Manipulating the hand of the deaf-
     blind client in a systematic manner which represents the letters of
     the alphabet and words.

9.   Moon System - A series of raised symbols, representing letters, that
     are read from left to right then right to left alternately.

10.  New York Point - A different series of symbols used to represent
     letters.

11.  Standard Manual Alphabet - Printing capital letters in the client's
     palm.

12.  Sign Language (touch) - The speaker signs while the client holds
     onto their hands.  

13.  Tadoma - The client places his hand on the speaker's jaw in order
     to feel what they are saying.

                         TOUCH:  DEVICES

1.   Alphabet Glove - A glove in which all the letters and some symbols
     have been marked.  The speaker merely touches each letter.

2.   Alphabet Plate - The client's finger is placed on each letter by the
     speaker.

3.   Artificial Hand for Communication with Deaf-Blind People - A
     computerized mechanical hand that makes finger-spelled letters.

4.   Braille Alphabet Card - The same as the Alphabet Plate except each
     letter is in braille.

5.   Braille Computer Terminal - A computer terminal in which all output
     is in braille.

6.   Braille/Tactile Three-in-One Signs - Signs that are printed in English
     braille and raised letters.

7.   Conversation Board - A board that contains all the letters and
     numbers and some words and symbols used in English.

8.   Cut-Out Letters - English letters are placed in the client's hand
     spelling out words.

9.   Deblicom - Two-way communication system that transmits letters
     typed from a keyboard to the client via vibrations.

10.  Kurzwell Print to Braille System - System that reads print material
     and converts it to braille.

11.  Optacon - A machine that converts printed material into a vibrating
     tactile form.

12.  Perkins Brailler - A machine that writes in braille.

13.  Raised Line Drawing Kit - A special pen draws raised lines on paper.

14.  Sensory Quilt - The user writes or draws by moving a stylus across
     the page to make an immediate raised line impression.

15.  Slate and stylus - Allows the user to write braille manually.

16.  Tac-Com/Vibralert/Wrist-Com - Devices that vibrate alerting the user
     to a telephone or alarm ringing.

17.  Tactile Speech Indicator - Amplifies and converts telephone signals
     into vibrations.

18.  Talking Disk - A disk that rotates exposing letters to the client that
     form words.

19.  TeleBraille - Similar to a TDD except the printout is in grade 1 braille.

20.  Tellatouch - A machine that has a typewriter keyboard on one side
     and a single braille cell on the other.  The speaker types the words
     and the client feels them one letter at a time.

This is the end of the list.  If you would like more information on any of
these methods, devices or techniques, please notify the CCB office.  Staff
can reach me and I will do my best to answer any questions. 
                              * * *

                 SUMMARY OF RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED 
                AT THE NOVEMBER, 1993 CONVENTION 
                       by Winifred Downing

Anyone wishing the complete text of these resolutions is welcome to
request it from the office.

     93-B-1: Especially since the passage of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, access issues of concern to the blind and visually
impaired have become ever more important--issues like pedestrian safety,
access to public buildings, and strategies which promote mobility.  It is
necessary to collect research data to assist in making correct decisions in
these areas.  This resolution urges the officers of the Affiliated Leadership
League of and for the Blind to establish a mechanism for the collection of
such data, since it is a national organization with members both among
consumers and providers of services.  

     93-B-2: The ADA Compliance Officer for the Public Works
Department of the city and county of San Francisco has taken the position
that, in a public building undergoing repair or reconstruction, only one
elevator need be made accessible to blind and visually impaired persons. 
State regulations and ADA accessibility guidelines require that under such
circumstances all elevators must be made accessible; and, therefore,  the
CCB urges the  compliance officer to reconsider this decision so that blind
and visually impaired persons can continue to move about in public
buildings independently.  

     93-B-3: In many local jurisdictions eligibility for paratransit services
is being denied to blind and visually impaired persons because they can
use fixed routs.  However, considerations of safety and inaccessibility of
bus stops often make fixed-route transit inappropriate.  This resolution
urges chapters to work closely with their local transit entities to promote
the eligibility of blind and visually impaired persons for paratransit
services, and it promises support from the CCB office in gathering and
disseminating information and in advocacy to assist chapters in this
matter. 

     93-B-4: In a state-wide conference on disability issues convened by
the State Department of Rehabilitation and the California Governor's
Committee on the Employment of Persons with Disabilities, some effort
was made to provide for the needs of blind and visually impaired persons
by furnishing conference materials and some hotel restaurant menus in
accessible formats, but adequate signage in conference facilities, guide
dog relief areas, and consideration of issues of particular interest to the
blind were not provided.  The CCB will furnish to the organizers of this
event a detailed account of the problems at the recent conference and
urges closer cooperation with the Council in arranging any such
conferences in the future.  
     93-B-5: The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is presently
restructuring all the credentials involved in the preparation of special
education teachers.  Since there will be required only one year of training
on the graduate level, it is imperative that courses specific to the special
skills necessary to educate blind and visually impaired children be taught
to prospective teachers before the general courses involved with all
students needing special education.  The resolution gives a list of the
specific skills needed by the teacher of the blind and is to be forwarded
by the CCB to the CTC, the publication of the California Transcribers and
Educators of the Visually Handicapped, the National Braille Association,
and the various transcribing guilds in California.  Chapter members around
the state are urged to secure copies of the resolution and to write to the
CTC on this matter.  
  
     93-B-6:  Tabled.

     93-B-7: Because of diminished monetary resources, the 1992 act
reauthorizing rehabilitation services requires the states to establish and
"order of selection" which, to all intents and purposes, means that only
the most severely disabled will be served.  From various pronouncements
it seems that blind and visually impaired persons    will not be regarded
as sufficiently disabled to receive rehabilitation services, thus increasing
the number of those who remain unemployed.  The resolution instructs
the CCB officers and board of directors to take all necessary steps to
ensure that the blind will be included in the order of selection.  If progress
is not made in this area, the CCB, acting alone or with other
organizations, will seek legal remedy for this situation.  

     93-B-8:  Since 1 914 counselor teachers have  qualified for their
positions by passing the Vocational Rehabilitation Trainee examination and
obtaining braille certification.  For administrative reasons, the department
is no longer scheduling these examinations; and unless some strategy is
adopted soon, the counselor teacher program will cease to exist.  This
resolution urges the Department of Rehabilitation to take immediate steps
to create procedures for recruiting, selecting,  and maintaining counselor
teachers.  CCB will demand from the Department of Rehabilitation a
timetable for attending to this matter.  

     93-B-9: Since the retirement of Allen Jenkins as director of the
Orientation Center for the Blind in April, 1993, the Department of
Rehabilitation, the OCB Alumnae, the  Blind Advisory Committee, and
others have worked to establish new job specifications for this position. 
The Department of Rehabilitation intends to remove the administrator
specifications from the statutory language because of the difficulty of
altering them, the very reason why the blind fought to make them part of
the law.  This resolution commends the Department of Rehabilitation for
involving consumers and others in the revision of the specifications and
strongly supports retaining them in the statutory language. 

     93-B-10 Referred back to author.

     93-B-11: was sent back to the author for rewrite.

     93-B-12: The los Angeles County Department of Public Social
Services plans to close its offices on Fridays, an action which would
cause great inconvenience to the large population which depends upon
those services.  The closure would save less than one penny per month
per client.  The CCB opposes the closure on Friday and any limitation in
the hours that the offices are open. 

     93-B-13: Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 requires accessible
computers in the computer labs throughout the university systems in this
state but is limited to legislative intent. This resolution calls upon the CCB 
to introduce a bill to make SCR16 a law.  

     93-B-14:   Most persons with disabilities in the state of California
receive entitlements through the state and federal government.  Disabled
persons usually cannot supplement their income from these funds through
part-time jobs as can recipients of other entitlements, and they have
therefore suffered grave consequences from the reduction in state funds
in each of the last two years.  This resolution requests that the CCB
introduce into the legislature a bill placing a moratorium on further
reductions in state funds for these entitlements.  

     93-b-15: Many blind and visually impaired persons rely on social
security as their main source of income and are inconvenienced by the
failure of that agency to provide informational materials in accessible
formats in spite of the mandate to do so by the ADA.  The CCB
will remind SSA of its responsibility to provide all materials in formats that
can be read by blind and visually impaired persons. 

     93-B-16 Because candidates running for positions on the CCB board
of directors may be little known to persons living in another part of the
state, this resolution suggests that a candidates' forum be a regular part
of the convention program so that those eligible to vote are better
informed.  

     93-B-17 SCR16 declares that it is the senate's intent that accessible
computers for  disabled students be provided in the computer labs of the
California State University and the University of California systems.  This
resolution asks the CCB to introduce a bill in the legislature to extend
these requirements to the community colleges. 

     93-B-18 was withdrawn by the author.

     93-B-19 commends and thanks the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza for its
cooperation and consideration during the November convention.
                              * * *

          PARLIAMENTARY GLEANINGS by Juliet B. Esterly

Thank you Henry Martyn Robert!  Who's he?  He lived from 1837 to 1923
and spent much of his life compiling parliamentary rules for deliberative
societies, starting with his first edition in 1876, consisting of 16 pages,
and ending with the ninth edition in 1990, consisting of 706 pages, and
called "Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised".  His family has carried on
after his death and covered almost every possible situation. It is well
indexed and cross referenced.  

As a civil engineer in the United States Regular Army, he was constantly
transferred from post to post throughout the nation.  He and his wife
were both very civic minded and were active in school, church and civic
affairs.  Once he was asked to Chair a meeting.  He was very
embarrassed because he became confused about which matters should
be brought up first and because there was much argument as to what
was proper procedure.  Thereafter, he always carried a slip of paper in his
wallet containing a few basic rules for conducting a meeting.  

In 1867, he was promoted to Major and sent to San Francisco where
diverse cultures from all over the world met and tried to have constructive
discussions.  He began to realize there was a major need for a uniform set
of rules governing parliamentary law.  He sent away for every book on the
subject that he could locate.  Most societies were following the rules of
legislative bodies, which Major Robert felt were different from deliberative
assemblies.

While in Milwaukee, severe weather postponed his engineering activities
thus allowing him time to write his first edition.  Unable to find a publisher
willing to publish his pamphlet, he paid a job printer to produce 4000
copies.  Despite the printer's skepticism, the booklet sold out in four
months.  Robert made a list of the precedents of motions which he sold
for 25 cents.

After the death of his first wife in 1895, Robert later married a former
school teacher; she acted as secretary and editorial assistant. ...

Robert's only son, Henry M. Robert Jr., a math and economics teacher at
the U.S. Naval Academy, taught parliamentary law in the summer at
Columbia.  He took over for his father and continued to answer
parliamentary law questions.  He died in 1937.  His wife then took over. 
By 1970, a total of 2,650,000 copies of Robert's Rules were in use.  The
seventh edition was made into a reference book, readable and self-
explanatory.  (This is the edition available in braille from NLS.  Recordings
for the Blind has the Ninth Edition on 7 cassettes.)

Major Robert wrote:  "The great lesson for democracies to learn is for the
majority to give to the minority a full, free opportunity to present their side
of the case and then for the minority, having failed to win a majority to
their views, gracefully to submit and to recognize the action as that of the
entire organization and cheerfully to assist in carrying it out until they can
secure its repeal."  In England, parliamentarians seek to get a consensus,
but Robert believed majority rule is best.  He further believed that people
who disagreed should not be left feeling that they are trouble-makers or
going against the leadership.

We should be grateful for Robert's perseverance and the dedication of his
family to carry on his work so that we can conduct our deliberations in an
orderly and democratic fashion.
                             * * *  

               BULLETIN BOARD by Winifred Downing

     In its most recent communication the National Braille Press lists
Harriet Roth's Fat Counter having over 3,000 foods in which the author
calories, grams of fat, cholesterol, and percentage of fat.  Foods are
categorized and given in alphabetical order.  The two-volume book costs
$6.95.  The second book is Betty Crocker's Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol
Cookbook containing 185 recipes for delicious foods that also promote
good health.  At $17.95 it costs the same as does the print edition. 
Order from the National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, MA
02115.

     The Unesco Braille Courier is a quarterly magazine produced by the
United Nations in English, French, Spanish, and Korean.  Its articles are
taken from "The Unesco Courier" and other Unesco publications.  It is
printed by the Scottish Braille Press and therefore uses the practices of
the Braille Authority of the United Kingdom.  For a free copy write to The
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, 7 Place
de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris, France.

     A catalog containing titles of many braille books for purchase, braille
T-shirts, Braille Sterling jewelry, talking watches, and so on is published
by Braille International, Inc. 3290 S.E. Slater Street, Stuart, FL 34997;
(800) 336-3142.  The catalog is available in braille or large print; braille
volumes cost from $10 to $12 each.

      From The Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, September,
1993: "Gardening without Sight" is available in braille, print, or on
cassette.  It covers tools and equipment, planting, weeding, lawn
mowing, lawn care, plants in pots, handling seeds, pruning and controlling
pests.  It sells for 2.50 British pounds.  Contact Royal National Institute
for the Blind, 224 Great Portland Street, London W1N 6AA United
Kingdom.

      From The APH Slate, Fall, 1993: A 6-pack of spiral notebooks, each
containing 50 pages of 80-pound braille paper, will meet your need for
something to fit in pocket or purse for  quick notes.  The book measures
3 1/2 by 5 inches, and pages are perforated so that they can be torn from
the binding and filed in an ordinary card file.  Price: $9; catalog No. 1-
04300-00.  Write to the American Printing House for the Blind, 1839
Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206; (800) 223-1839. 

     Members of the Century Braille Book Club can now choose from
over 50 braille titles.  Besides popular books, APH is now making available
many old favorites like Heidi, Little Women, A Tale of Two Cities, and
Charlotte's Web.  One of the new titles exciting particular interest is The
Doctors Book of Home Remedies, available for $9.95.  Order books or
write for up-to-date information on the Century Book Club: The American
Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY
40206; (800) 223-1839. 

     From  The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, October, 1993: Match Makers
is a new clothing marking system that consists of a plastic cover with
large raised dots that is bonded to an inch-long nickel-plated brass safety
pin.  The user counts the number of raised dots on each Match Makers
to match items of clothing.  Dot patterns can be used in two ways: (1.)
standard dot match--a skirt or a pair of pants marked with a 1-dot Match
Makers matches all blouses or shirts marked with a 1-dot Match Makers. 
There are 8 different dot patterns; and (2.) assigning color values--the 1-
dot match Makers can be assigned blue and attached to all blue articles
of clothing.  You can attach rubber bands to Match Makers to label
canned,  boxed, and frozen-food items.  People using this system need
not know braille, but braille instructions are available on request.  the
Match Makers kit costs $39.95; order from Star Tech, 1601 Fulton
Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825; (916) 488-3489. 

     Newsweek and Reader's Digest can be ordered free of charge on
cassette.  For subscriptions write to the American Printing House for the
Blind, Inc. Magazine Circulation, P.O. Box 6389, Louisville, KY 40206-
0089.  
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, November, 1993: The American
Foundation for the Blind announces its 1994 catalog which includes over
25 new products and features an expanded health care section and a new
section on diabetes.  The catalog is available free in braille, large print, or
on cassette.  write to AFB Product Center, 3342 Melrose Avenue,
Roanoke, VA 24017; (800) 829-0500.

     Services and products that assist Blind and visually impaired people
are offered by  Flash Trans Enterprises.   The company has a scanning
service for print material, binding capability, and 2- and 4-track tape
duplication.   More information is available from a cassette or large print
catalog.  Contact Flash Trans Enterprises, 4536 Edison Avenue,
Sacramento, CA 95821; (916) 489-5860.

      From Dialogue, Fall, 1993: Temp-Talk is a palm-sized clinical
thermometer which accurately measures body temperature from  89.6 to
107.6 degrees Fahrenheit.  Readings are spoken clearly and are shown on
an LCD display.  Language choices include English, French, German,
Italian, or Spanish.  Instructions are available in large print or on cassette. 
Price is $49.95; contact Blazie Engineering, 105 E. Jarrettsville Road,
Forest Hill, MD 21050; (401) 893-9333.

     The Diabetic Food Emporium offers a listing of more than 400 sugar-
free snacks, cakes, preserves, and other foods which may be difficult for
diabetics to find in local grocery stores.  Orders for over $30 are sent
without handling charges.  For more information call the company at
(800) 285-3210. 

     The Whirlpool Appliance Corporation has many overlays, special
knobs, books and tapes which were designed to be used by people who
are physically or visually disabled.  Many of the publications are available
in braille, large print, or on cassette.  Topics covered include microwave
cooking, dealing with tough stains, and drying special items.  Two
publications concern ways to modify the kitchen and laundry for more
efficient use by persons with disabilities.  Write to Whirlpool Corporation,
Appliance Information Service, Administration Center, Benton Harbor, MI
49022; (800) 253-1301.

     Ambu-Tech has designed the Identification Cane for low-vision
persons who may require a cane only in difficult situations like crossing
a busy intersection or boarding a bus.  The ID Cane  is lighter than canes
used for general mobility and when folded can easily fit into pocket or
purse.  It is available in 35-54 inch lengths.  The price is $14 or $14.75
if reflective tape is added.  Contact Ambu-Tech, 670 Golspie St.,
Winnipeg, Manitoba,  Canada R2K 2V1; (800) 561-3340. 


     Melvin Kahn has designed a cane whose tip is kept on the ground
surface while in use.  The side-to-side motion as the tip moves across the
walking surface and the sound that it makes give valuable information. 
Straight and folding varieties are available.  Contact Kahn Cane Company,
P.O. Box 524, Alameda, CA 94501; (510) 521-3286. 

     Guide Dog Users, Inc. has developed a 100 percent natural fiber,
unbleached, cotton T-shirt.  The color is ivory with teal blue graphics. 
Pictures on the front are a man with his German shepherd dog and a
woman kneeling beside her Labrador.  On the back in puff-ink braille dots
is the message "GDUI FORWARD" with the print message "Guide Dog
Users Inc."   Pictured are people footprints and dog pawprints walking
along.  Small, medium, and large shirts sell for $12 and extra large for
$15 with $2 required for shipping and handling.  Make checks payable to
Guide Dog Users, Inc. and send them to Jane Sheehan, Treasurer, Guide
Dog Users, Inc., 14311 Astrodome Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906. 

     Please send information for this column to Winifred Downing, 1587
38th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.
                              * * *

               LIBRARY USERS AND DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO
                       by Winifred Downing

     CALUA is the California chapter of the ACB affiliate the Library
Users of America.  At each state convention, the chapter has a Friday
luncheon where matters of interest to library patrons and to those who
use radio reading services are discussed and a guest speaker is presented. 
Over the years CALUA has encouraged its members to participate in
advisory   groups connected with libraries and has purchased for some
libraries subscriptions to Dialogue, a magazine that is no longer provided
by the National Library Service and is of particular interest especially to
newly blind patrons.  

     Last spring the membership voted to expend $200 to begin a service
enabling members to borrow free of charge videos which the chapter
would purchase.  CALUA is devoted to fostering in every way possible
information services to blind and visually impaired persons, and we felt
that promoting the availability of movies that can be played on any VCR
but that are prepared with the special descriptive strategies which make
them fully understandable to those who cannot see the screen was an
interesting idea.  
     A  committee established the guidelines for the program and
purchased 10 films to begin it.  Any CALUA member wishing to enter the
program should send his/her name, address, home and work telephone
numbers, and the names of the three movies he wants to borrow to Peter
Pardini.  Two of the movies  will be sent for a loan period of three weeks. 
Remaining in the program depends upon prompt return of the videos since
we do not have many to share.  A  return address label will be included
with the mailing; the videos can be sent by the free mailing privilege.   If
you are a CALUA member, Join the program by writing to: Peter Pardini,
CALUA Video Tape Librarian, 350 22nd Avenue, No. 6, San Francisco,
CA 94121.  Non-members interested in this experiment are invited to join
our organization by sending $10 to Pat Price, 5707 Brockton Drive, No.
302,  Indianapolis, IN 46220-5481.  

     The movies we have are: Beaches, Ghost, Pretty Woman, Top Gun,
Fatal Attraction, True Grit, The Hunt for Red October, Dead Poet Society,
Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Sister Act.  Leslie Thom has also contributed
5 Agatha Christie mysteries to add to our library; if anyone else has
videos he is no longer using which he would be willing to contribute to
the program, we shall be grateful.  A new list of films available for
purchase has just been published; if you want a copy, call (800) 716-
3099.
                              * * *

                          ANNOUNCEMENTS

The San Gabriel Valley Chapter, CCB will hold its annual Pizza Party
fundraiser Saturday, February 26, 1994, 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. $5.00
donation; many door prizes; winners need not be present.  Please contact
Vince Calderon, President, at (818) 332-9362 for further information
regarding tickets, location, etc.  

The Cerritos Valley Chapter, CCB will hold its annual Chili-Fest fundraiser,
Saturday, April 9, 1994, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Please contact
Cecilia Dillon at (310) 633-4402, or Doris Fisher (310) 866-2131
regarding tickets.  $5.00 donation, children under 6 admitted free.  Door
prizes galore; winners need not be present.  

We are contemplating offering various CCB publications, including the
Blind Californian and the "Constitution and Bylaws" on computer diskette. 
Please advise office staff of your interest.  Formats under consideration
are WordPerfect 5.1/2 or ASCII.  What are your thoughts about this?

Connie Conley-Jung is in the development stage of her proposed
dissertation, "New Mothers with Visual Impairment and Blindness."  She
would like to hear from visually impaired or blind mothers of children five
years of age and under who would be willing to participate in a survey. 
Please contact Connie Conley-Jung at (510) 523-1774.  

        "SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMS AND BENEFITS" (RC33141)
(Excerpt from Modern Maturity, AARP December-January issue 1994)

A three-hour talking book gives an overview of the Social Security
programs and Medicare, with information on eligibility, application,
coverage, and benefit payments.  Libraries in the Library of Congress's
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped network
distribute the tape.  Public libraries can direct you to the nearest one; or
write National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped,
1291 Taylor Street, NW, Washington DC 20542, or call 202-707-5100. 
(submitted to Modern Maturity by Karen Westerberg Reyes.)

If you have program ideas for the CCB Spring Convention June 2-5,
1994, which will be held in Sacramento, please contact Margie Donovan, 
Co-Convention Coordinator, at (home) 415-493-7776, or work (415) 493-
5000, extension 5975.
                              * * *