                      THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                   A Quarterly Magazine of the

                 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND


Spring 1994                                  Volume XXXVIII No. 2

    Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, and Large Print



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

EXECUTIVE OFFICE:3919 West Magnolia Blvd.
                         Burbank, California 91505
TELEPHONE:          1-800-221-6359
                         1-818-557-6372
                    Fax: 1-818-557-6539
               CCBNET/BBS 1-916-568-6359EDITOR:  Doris Fisher, (310) 866-2131
     9146 Compton Blvd., Apt. 21
     Bellflower, CA 90706-3422
                          ------------

                          CCB OFFICERS

President:  John V. Lopez 
3925 E. Sixth Street, 
Los Angeles, CA 90023

First Vice-President:  Chris Gray 
549 Giuffrida Ave.
San Jose, CA 95123

Second Vice-President:  Cathie Skivers 
836 Resota Street, 
Hayward, CA 94545 

Secretary:  Kenneth Frasse 
8200 Lake Forest Drive, 
Sacramento CA 95826-2958

Treasurer:  David Parker 
1600 Florida Street, 
Vallejo CA 94590  
                          ------------

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

CALIFORNIA CONNECTION:  1-800-221-6359 
     (Schedule:  Friday 5:00 p.m. to Monday 8:00 a.m.; 
     Monday-Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.; 
     SPANISH Thursday 5:00 p.m. to Friday 8:00 a.m.)
                          ------------

CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Gerry Fields, Chairman
1100 Gough Street #9C
San Francisco, CA 94109

Dona Cook 
15545 Blackfoot Road
Apple Valley, CA 92307

Winifred Downing 
1587 38th Avenue 
San Francisco, CA 94122

Doris Fisher 
9146 Compton Blvd., Apt. 21 
Bellflower, CA 90706-3422

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

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

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

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

Please send all address changes to:
     California Council of the Blind
     3919 West Magnolia Blvd.
     Burbank, California 91505
                          ------------

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
Burbank office for other suggested forms. Thank you. 
                          ------------                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


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

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

ACB PRESIDENTS MEET IN CHICAGO by Christopher Gray . . . . . . .6

REHAB for the BLIND of CALIFORNIA:  CCB'S CONCERNS LEAD US INTO ACTION by Allen
     Jenkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

ALL POSITION PAPERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

     HEALTH CARE REFORM AND THE BLIND prepared by Scott Marshall12

     ISSUES IN THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
     EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) prepared byKathleen Megivern . . . . 14

     ACCESS FOR THE BLIND TO THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY prepared by Paul
     W. Schroeder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

     CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH MUST ADDRESS URGENT NEEDS OF THE
     RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD BLIND VENDOR PROGRAM prepared by Robert R. Humphreys19

     PRESERVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLIND WORKERS UNDER THE JAVITS-WAGNER-
     O'DAY (JWOD) ACT prepared by Patricia M. Beattie. . . . . 20

REPORT ON FEDERAL LEGISLATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, SPRING 1994 by Cid Urena . . . . . . . . . 24

"COALITION ON THE LINE" by Gerard A. Rossi . . . . . . . . . . 25

A VERY QUICK TOUR OF CSUN CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL by Nelson Hinman28

CCB MERGES ONTO THE ELECTRONIC/INFORMATION SUPER HIGHWAY! by Kenneth Frasse
     and Dan Kysor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:  WHERE DOES IT FIT IN
     ADA? by Christy Crespin MSW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

FULL INCLUSION:  WHAT IS IT? by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . 33

OPEN LETTER FROM KEN METZ, PRESIDENT, GDUC . . . . . . . . . . 38

NEW GRADUATE ADVISORY COUNCIL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

THE ADA AND PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS:  A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE by David
     A. Wolfe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN by Kenneth Frasse . . . 44

BULLETIN BOARD, by Winifred Downing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

THE OUT-BASKET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
PERSONALLY SPEAKING, by Doris Fisher

Greetings and salutations.  I had hoped my first issue would be "word perfect," but alas, it
was not to be.  First of all, let me hasten to say that the errors in vocabulary and spelling in
Dr. Damien's article were mine.  I want to express my appreciation to all of you for your
kind words and encouragement.  A special thanks to Carol Jimenez at the Braille Institute
Press Room for catching several errors in spelling and format and making corrections.  

You may have noted the absence of "Editor Assistant:  Norma Schecter," from our title page. 
Norma informed John Lopez that she can no longer serve as proof-reader for the BC. 
Because I was rushed for time, regretfully, I had not sent the last issue to Norma for
proofing, but had certainly intended to do so this time.  Other editors have expressed their
appreciation for her invaluable service, and Norma, you shall be sorely missed.

In "Headquarters Update," President Lopez touches briefly upon the Northridge earthquake
which necessitated the move of our executive office to a new location.  Like thousands of
others, our own Barbara Parker and Marni Alvino live quite near the epicenter and
experienced considerable loss and damage.  They had plenty to do at home to try to make
their homes habitable again, but as usual, the Council came first and setting aside their fears
and personal needs, the office staff visited the Northridge office as soon as possible to
assess the damage.  We, who have not experienced first-hand the trauma of Nature in action,
cannot really fathom its effects.  In the words of more than one sighted person who visited
the Northridge site shortly after the earthquake, the "office looked as if a bomb had been set
off in there."  The door had to be forced open; file cabinets had been hurled across the
room; the force of the quake opening drawers and casting their contents all over the floor;
broken furniture; broken glass; water everywhere; ruined files; equipment hurled to the floor,
causing damage beyond repair in many instances.  There was structural damage, too. 
Barbara and Marni kept the Council daily business going from their homes, and assisted in
the search for a new location.  On March 20, at 1:20 p.m., there was another sizable
aftershock, 5.3.  Nothing serious happened at our Burbank office, but Marni Alvino
experienced considerable breakage once again.  Despite frayed nerves, further loss of
cherished possessions, our staff is on the job with no time off to right their households.  It
is my opinion that we take Barb and Marni for granted; they are always there for us; and
despite their protestations "we are just employees," they go far beyond the call of duty. 
Somehow, "thank you," seems inadequate to express our appreciation; nonetheless, for the
want of anything better, Barbara and Marni, we truly do thank you. 

It is your editor's opinion that contributors to this issue have outdone themselves in providing
us with important and valuable information.  I strongly suggest that you take the time to
read everything carefully.  

Please submit your articles directly to me whenever possible on diskette (preferably in
WordPerfect format, if possible), braille, or on cassette (speak clearly and spell proper
names).  Until next time.
                          ------------

HEADQUARTERS UPDATE, by John V. Lopez, President

From the beginning of this year, the enthusiasm that many of you have shown in the
progress of the California Council of the Blind is resulting in the planning and development of
worthwhile projects for blind and visually impaired people in our state.  This year is already
becoming a very busy and exciting one for the CCB; so many innovative events are happening
in our great organization that I hardly know where to start.  

NEW HOME FOR CCB:  After the traumatic and destructive Northridge earthquake last
January 17, the CCB office had to be moved to another location because it was heavily
damaged.  Please make note of the new address and telephone numbers: 3919 West
Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505; telephone: 818-557-6372; fax: 818-557-6539.  We
were able to keep our same toll-free number 800-221-6359. Some of our office equipment
was damaged beyond repair and had to be replaced; we were able to salvage other
equipment, so it wasn't a total loss.    

MID-YEAR CONFERENCE OF ACB:  The Mid-year Conference of the American Council of the
Blind was held during the first weekend of February in Chicago.  Unfortunately, because of
the consequences of the earthquake, arranging for the relocation of our CCB office, and the
necessity to negotiate with our new landlord, It was impossible for me to attend the
conference.  As a result, Chris Gray, our CCB First Vice President, went in my place.  Please
refer to Chris's report, "ACB PRESIDENTS MEET IN CHICAGO."   

CCB SPRING CONVENTION:  The CCB Spring Convention will be held from June 2 through
June 5, 1994 in Sacramento at the Capitol Plaza Holiday Inn, 300 J Street, Sacramento CA
95814; phone 916-446-0100.  Room rates $57 across. 
Among the many interesting activities scheduled for this convention, three new chapters will
be chartered:  Berkeley Council of the Blind, Active Blind of the Inland Valley, and Siskyou
County Chapter of the Blind.  I feel really proud of the interest of our membership in the
progress of the CCB.  
LEGISLATIVE DAY:  On Thursday, June 2, prior to our convention, the CCB will be holding a
Legislative Day -- plan to be there to visit your legislator and lobby for our bills.  Our Capitol
representative, Cid Urena; Our Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, Cathie Skivers; and our
CCB Board of Directors are planning to make this special Legislative Day a success.  Please
let me know if you are interested in helping the CCB with this worthy project so that we
can include you in the lobbying schedule.  For your convenience, call me at the CCB office at
818-557-6372 or 800-221-6359; Cid at 916-371-1514; or Cathie at 510-357-1986.  

LEGISLATION:  One very important piece of legislative news this year is our much needed
Braille Bill, sponsored by the CCB and authored by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy.  This bill
will provide braille reading and writing instruction for California's blind and visually impaired
students for whom it will be an appropriate reading medium.  I urge you to write letters to
your legislators and also to Delaine Eastin, Chairperson of the Assembly Education Committee,
in support of this essential bill.  Please send your letters to your legislator at the State
Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.  As President of the CCB, I am very proud of and pleased
with Cid Urena, our Capitol Representative, for his diligent pursuance of legislation in the
blindness field.  Thanks to his lobbing skills, we now have the opportunity to support the
passage of our vital Braille Bill.  

There are three other very important bills in the legislature this year which are sponsored by
the CCB and need your support by writing to your legislative representatives:  

     AB 2640, authored by Assemblyman Fred Aguiar, will proclaim the first week in
     January of each year as "Braille Literacy Week"; 

     SB 1605, authored by Sen. Teresa Hughes, will make computer labs accessible to
     blind and visually impaired and other disabled students in the California State
     Universities (CSU) and the Universities of California (UC) systems; 

     SB 1473, by Sen. Ruben Ayala, will establish the qualifications for director of the
     Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany.  

It is very essential that you write letters to your representatives in support of these bills so
that we can be successful in our legislative efforts.  

ADA WORKSHOP:  Congratulations to the San Francisco Chapter CCB for its successful and
well-attended ADA workshop held on February 26, 1994.  Maria and I enjoyed being there
and found the discussions and the questions and answers very informative.  

ALL CONFERENCE:  At the ALL Conference in Washington D.C., on March 5-10, the CCB
delegation, including Maria and I, had a very busy but interesting schedule, visiting many
Congressmen and presenting our concerns to them.  Among others, three major legislative
issues were presented to the members of Congress for their support and consideration:

     (1)  "Health Care Reform" Ensuring high quality health care for the blind; 

     (2)  "Special Education" ensuring high quality education for blind children; and 
     (3)  "The Information Superhighway" ensuring access for the blind to the
          telecommunications equipment and electronic information services. 

Be sure to read more about these important measures in the article entitled, "ALL POSITION PAPERS."

CALIFORNIA CONNECTION IN SPANISH:  By the time you read this article, you will probably
have already heard our new California Connection in Spanish for our Spanish-speaking friends. 
As a trial, the CCB is offering this new service every Thursday night.  Cathie Skivers brings
to us all the legislative news and chapter activities in English during the week and weekends
and Maria translates them into Spanish for Thursday playback.  

CCBNET/BBS:  Another exciting new service is the CCB bulletin board.  All computer users
with a modem are now electronically able to link up to the CCB-Net and stay up to date
with the Council's activities, latest legislative news, accessibility to libraries, catalogs from
various vendors, and much more.  Dan Kysor and Kenneth Frasse are in charge of this
exciting new service.  You will find in this issue an article explaining this resourceful service. 
My sincere thanks goes to Kenneth and Dan for their efforts and willingness to work for the
organization with a positive and cooperative attitude.  

NEW DIRECTOR OF REHAB:  Congratulations to Ms. Brenda Premo for her appointment on
February 9, 1994, as Director of the Department of Rehabilitation in California by Governor
Wilson, after Mr. Tainter's passing away last August.  Shortly after her appointment, I, and
other CCB representatives, met with Ms. Premo and had a positive and constructive meeting. 


CTEVH CONFERENCE:  On April 21/23, I will be representing the CCB in the California
Transcribers and Educators of the Visually Handicapped (CTEVH) 35th Annual Conference
which will be held at the Red Lion Hotel in Orange County Airport. 

TEXAS COUNCIL OF THE BLIND CONVENTION:  From May 13/15, it will be a great pleasure
for me to participate in the convention of the Texas Council of the Blind regarding their
outreach program to minorities in the blind community.  On this occasion, I will be speaking
on the needs of the Spanish-speaking blind population.  

Despite all of the obstacles in our path, we are definitely progressing forward to accomplish
our meaningful projects for the well-being of the blind in California and diligently working
together to reach our goals.  I am looking forward to meeting with you at our Spring
Convention in June.
                          ------------

ACB PRESIDENTS MEET IN CHICAGO by Christopher Gray

In conjunction with the mid-year meeting of the American Council of the Blind Board of
Directors, ACB affiliate presidents also assembled to get the latest information about what's
happening on the national level.  The Presidents' meeting has been held for the past two
years at this time, and all agree that it is extremely beneficial.  

California was well represented in Chicago.  As your First Vice-President, I stood in for
President Lopez who was too preoccupied with the aftermath of the Los Angeles earthquake
to get away for this meeting.  I ran into lots of other Californians over the course of the
weekend including Winifred Downing, Cherri and Mitchell Pomerantz, and Allen Jenkins.  It
was indeed gratifying to find so many competent members of our affiliate actively
participating in the weekend events.  

At the ACB Board of Directors meeting, a budget for 1994 was adopted which contains
many excellent programs.  Now that ACB is debt-free, we can anticipate many innovative and
exciting programs for us around the nation in the years to come!  

As we learned at the Presidents' seminar, much of this effort for 1994 will be devoted to
the legislative arena.  We face several key legislative acts which could have more far-
reaching effects on our daily lives than any single piece of legislation since the enactment of
the Supplemental Security Income program of the early 1970's.  Foremost in this category of
legislation are the various proposals for a national health insurance program.  Congress
watchers are in reasonable agreement that this may be the year for the passage of such
legislation.  As things stand today, the blind could be big losers unless we mobilize and act
NOW!  The position paper that contains all necessary information to help you understand the
details of this issue is reprinted in this issue of the BC.  I urge you to please read and act
upon it today.  Without our individual and collective action, the blind will be left on the
sideline of this program notwithstanding its critical importance to us.  Whether or not you
philosophically favor the concept of a national health insurance for this country, it is essential
that, if we do have such a program, the interests and needs of blind Americans be heard and
safeguarded by Congress.  

In addition to national health insurance, two other programs were discussed in detail at the
Presidents' meeting.  One was education, and the need for appropriate education at an
individualized level was stressed.  Whether in a residential setting, or in a neighborhood
school, the needs of each individual student must be kept uppermost in the minds of
educators rather than a dogmatic ideal of what type of setting ought to be most appropriate. 


Finally, we were given comprehensive information about legislation on the "information
superhighway".  This concept proposes to link institutions from around the world into a single
communications network.  It is essential that such a network be accessible to blind and
visually impaired users and that it be affordable to such users.  

Position statements on each of these topics are included in this issue of the BC.  In addition,
two other statements are included that were presented at the Affiliated Leadership League of
and for the Blind of America conference.  They are of equal value and importance during this
legislative session.  

The Presidents' meeting stimulated the California contingent into beginning plans for a
legislative workshop at the upcoming CCB convention.  President Lopez has invited Paul
Schroeder to attend the convention to help us be completely informed on the issues
mentioned here, and Paul has accepted this invitation.  Watch the BC and the upcoming
Convention announcement for more details on this important seminar.  

Finally, I urge you to listen to the weekly updates of the California Connection to keep
abreast of the latest news on these issues.  Cathie Skivers keeps completely up-to-date on
both State and National issues in order to pass them directly to you.  In this key year of
new legislative initiative, your help is needed as never before in securing a proper voice for
blind Americans in these vital programs.
                          ------------

REHAB for the BLIND of CALIFORNIA:  
CCB'S CONCERNS LEAD US INTO ACTION by Allen Jenkins, Chairman
            CCB Committee on Rehabilitation Concerns

There was a time when rehabilitation services for blind people in California were of a quality
and delivered at a level that was envied in other states, and a great boon to the residents of
our state.  It is indeed unfortunate that this is no longer the case in California.  CCB
members have watched all of our rehabilitation services either stagnate or substantially
decline in quality.  Home teacher services have not increased in scope or personnel in the
past twenty-five years, even though the population in the state has doubled with a
corresponding increase in the blind population.  Over the past twenty years, the number of
vending facilities has actually declined during the period in which the number of facilities,
with proper attention, should have at least doubled.  Counsellor teachers are now referred to
as "rehabilitation counsellors" to the blind, though they continue to work as counsellor
teachers.  If we disregard the number of counsellor teachers now technically classified as
rehabilitation counsellors for the blind, there has been little if any increase in the number of
specialists in this field despite the burgeoning population.  Faith in the rehabilitation program
has declined, hope and optimism are reduced, and all too often are replaced by lowered
expectations and even cynicism and depression for an increasing number of rehabilitants.  

Most recently, terrible in-roads have been made in the quality and level of service being
provided for the newly blind at the Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany.  For
approximately a year now, OCB has languished without direction (or even a Director for that
matter).  Its staff has been ridiculed publicly by those appointed to protect the programs and
services provided by the Center, and the students have been treated like children to be
protected, rather than adults worthy of respect and needful of proper training.  

CCB became more fully aware of the latest erosions in service after being contacted by
disturbed staff and students from within OCB.  The immediately raised issue that was of
particular concern to students was the acquisition of new tables and chairs for the dining
room of the center.  Although the existing dining tables and chairs were in good condition,
the new tables and chairs were delivered and to be installed immediately.  Besides this
needless waste of scarce dollars, CCB learned that the tables were inappropriate for the
particular setting and training techniques employed at the center for new trainees.  For
almost thirty years, the center has used neatly aligned, square tables to assist in early
orientation for OCB students.  The use of such spatial design is common in better orientation
centers and is found in such noted and highly regarded facilities as the Veterans
Administration Hospital in Palo Alto and elsewhere in the country.  The newly purchased
tables, instead of being either square or rectangular in shape, were round which is the worst
possible choice for a new resident of the Center.  

Many have said, and some may say in the future, that the shape of a table is a minor issue
in the grand scheme of things; and in some senses, there is merit in that point.  Be that as
it may, the proposed change to the dining area proved very troubling to current students, and
they preferred that the change not be made, not only because the proposed change would
interfere in their orientation and mobility training, but also because, in the centers setting, it
would greatly reduce accessibility to the dining facility for blind persons.  It would increase
mobility hazards because canes would protrude largely into the spaces between the tables;
the pedestals supporting the round tables would permit only partial storage of canes under
the table.  

"If it ain't broke why fix it?" was the student's view.  However, their wishes were dismissed
as unimportant, juvenile, and unrealistic by the very administrators who were supposed to be
in charge of their training and welfare.  They were told as much in a public meeting: and
incidentally, the staff were barred from attending this meeting.  At the very least, this can
only raise serious questions about the overall management that is being employed at OCB. 

Upon learning that officials in our State rehabilitation system were willing to demean
students and staff at OCB, the Board of Directors of the California Council of the Blind
decided to take immediate action.  First, President Lopez formed a special, ad hoc committee
to begin an investigation into these and other matters related to rehabilitation in California. 
As Chairman of that committee, it is my intention to bring all the experience and expertise I
have gained through forty-six years of work in this field to enable blind Californians to get a
fair deal when it comes to their rehabilitation opportunities and services.  Whether it's the
shape of a table, the attitude of an uninformed staff member, or the lack of proper
legislation, CCB stands for removing, not creating, barriers to rehabilitation.  Whether in the
minds of students or in the programs that rehabilitate them, even in the age of the ADA,
barriers have been and continue to be erected by those presently in charge of rehabilitation in
California.  This must be corrected! 

With this guiding principle in mind, the CCB Board of Directors approved the formation of the
committee and urged President Lopez to meet as soon as possible with Brenda Premo, the
newly designated Director of the Department of Rehabilitation.  On February 15, the CCB
committee met with Ms. Premo in Sacramento.  Present from CCB were: Allen Jenkins,
Chairman; John Lopez, President; Chris Gray, First Vice-President; Kenneth Frasse, Secretary;
and David Parker, Treasurer.  Though CCB had requested this meeting, Ms. Premo had
chosen to invite other attendees as well.  CCB decided not to object, despite the breach in
protocol that such a procedure represents.  

For approximately one-and-a-half hours, a direct and forthright exchange of views took place
regarding many issues that face blind Californians today.  On the plus side, Ms. Premo
publicly committed the Department to seek and hire a visually impaired or blind director for
OCB.  In addition, she affirmed her personal respect for OCB students and asserted that she
believed OCB students should be treated in an adult and positive manner.  

On the minus side, Ms. Premo made several statements that were sweepingly and
categorically critical of OCB staff.  She alleged that certain staff members had sent a letter
to her which was condescending and degrading to students.  She was unable then and,
though it was promised, has been unable to produce such a letter to date.

In addition, she professed to having very little knowledge about rehabilitation of blind people
in general.  Given such an admission, it seems unfortunate that she has chosen not to
consult with CCB, the largest repository of such knowledge in the state.  

The meeting ended with a commitment from all attendees to consider the issues raised and
to continue working on them.   This committee is firm in its resolve to do whatever is
necessary to improve a situation that we can no longer ignore.  We have an obligation to
blind persons, especially the newly blind, to ensure that they have the opportunity to receive
appropriate rehabilitation services.  Such services are especially important in assuring that
newly blind persons in this formative time make a positive and productive adjustment to
blindness.  CCB will not sit idly by while bureaucratic games and political ambitions take
precedence over such needs.  

Furthermore, it is only through a strong rehabilitation framework and service delivery system
that blind people can be provided the greatest assurance of proper education and full
employment as a group.  We must revamp and rejuvenate this system.  At the moment, the
system seems to be more interested in service to itself than in service to blind Californians. 
Under these circumstances, the California Council of the Blind is compelled to take action. 
We prefer to work cooperatively with the department to achieve the above ends.  In any
case, CCB members can rest assured that CCB will take all actions available to it in order to
protect and advance the best interests of blind Californians!
                          ------------

ALL POSITION PAPERS

(Editor's Note:  The following position papers were presented at the recent ALL Conference,
Legislative Seminar.  Since some of us may not know exactly what ALL is, I asked Mr. Allen
Jenkins, President of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the blind of America (ALL),
to give us a capsulized definition.  According to Allen, "ALL is an organization of
organizations."  Approxmately 20 years or so ago, Durward McDaniel, then Washington
representative of the American Council of the Blind and Janson Noyes, then Chairman, Board
of Directors, American Foundation for the Blind worked together to establish ALL. They
believed there was a need for cooperation between consumers and providers who oftentimes
found themselves at loggerheads even though their ultimate objectives may be the same. 
Today, the need for cooperation among those providing and receiving services is more
important than it ever was in the past.  Over the years, ALL has grown from a bare handful
of member organizations to a membership of more than 90 organizations.  Although the exact
numbers have not been compiled at the time of this writing, Allen guesstimated those
attending the ALL Conference, March 5-10, 1994, were well in excess of 100; 110 attended
the banquet.  

Your editor would like to thank Cid Urena for obtaining a diskette of the following position
papers which were presented at the Conference, so that we might bring them to you. Please
note that the format(s) have been slightly modified. 
                          ''''''''''''
HEALTH CARE REFORM AND THE BLIND prepared by Scott Marshall
     Associate Executive Director for Governmental Relations
                American Foundation for the Blind
                         (202) 457-1487

UNIVERSAL COVERAGE:

Universal coverage should be a right for all Americans, including persons who are blind or
visually impaired.  Even if there is a change in employment, health status, or place of
residence, we all need coverage for health care.

PRE-EXISTING CONDITION EXCLUSIONS:

Pre-existing condition exclusions must be eliminated, and without a waiting period.  Individuals
who are blind or visually impaired may have diabetes or other pre-existing conditions.
Conditions such as diabetes require ongoing management and access to health care.  It is
unfair for insurance to exclude the very people who need it.

COMMUNITY RATING:

Community rating is similarly important, because it does not allow the cost of insurance to
be higher for people who must make greater use of health care services.

PAPERWORK:

Paperwork simplification including a single claim form and electronic billing are important
elements of health reform.  However, none of the current health reform proposals specifies
that information vital to consumer choice or plan performance would be made available in
accessible formats.

CHOICE OF PROVIDERS:

All the bills, except the Wellstone-McDermott single payer plan, would tend to push people
into managed care or HMOs.  Managed care or HMOs must ensure adequate choice to
individuals who have complex health care needs which require specialists trained in the
treatment of a particular condition.  

VISION-RELATED REHABILITATION SERVICES:

Specialized vision-related rehabilitation services are not covered by any of the bills.  These
services have exactly the same purpose as services that are already covered -- physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology namely:  -- to restore a person's functional
independence.  It is illogical and inequitable that vision-related rehabilitation services, rendered
by an orientation and mobility or rehabilitation teaching specialist, have not been covered
under Medicare and are not included in even the most generous of the health reform
proposals.

DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT:

All of the current proposals do not seem to include devices such as a long white cane.
Similarly, magnifiers or other assistive technology used by blind or visually impaired persons
are also not covered. These devices are essential to independent functioning.

REHABILITATION:

Rehabilitation is covered only following an acute illness or injury.  Services are not provided
to a person whose functional disability results from a congenital or degenerative condition. 
This effectively creates a pre-existing condition limit to coverage, and is particularly unfair to
older people, since many chronic impairments (such as vision loss) are frequently associated
with advanced age.

LONG TERM CARE:

The President's Health Security Act and the Wellstone-McDermott bill are particularly
innovative in that, for the first time, they authorize a national home and community-based
longterm care program.

However, even these proposals include very restrictive eligibility requirements.  A person must
be unable to perform 2 or 3 defined "activities of daily living" -- eating, bathing, dressing,
toileting, transferring in order to qualify for the benefit.

A person who is blind with no additional disabilities might not qualify for longterm care
benefits, except perhaps immediately after the onset of blindness.  Services would not be
provided for persons who need help only with the so-called "instrumental activities of daily
living" -- such as personal management, housekeeping, shopping, communication skills, and
transportation. Yet not being able to do these things without appropriate training can easily
lead a person to lose his or her independence.

MEDICAID:

People whose income is low should participate in the same health care system that serves all
Americans.  However, the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment program
(EPSDT) -- which currently can provide vision screening, orientation and mobility and other
services to low-income blind children -- should not be curtailed.
                          ''''''''''''

ISSUES IN THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS 
WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) 
prepared by Kathleen Megivern, Executive Director
        Association for the Education and Rehabilitation 
               of the Blind and Visually Impaired
                         (703) 548-1884

PRESERVATION OF THE CONTINUUM:

For children who are blind and visually impaired it is absolutely essential that the continuum
of placements and services remain available.  While the vast majority of blind children are in
mainstream situations, there are many children for whom time in a residential setting is
absolutely crucial if they are to learn the necessary skills which will enable them to function
in an inclusive setting later in their academic careers (or work lives).  Likewise, resource
rooms and self-contained vision classrooms are necessary for many children in order to insure
the specialized skills training which they need.

    We are opposed to any changes in Part B of IDEA, or to any legislative report
     language which may result in the loss of the continuum of services.

ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY AS A RELATED SERVICE:

While Orientation & Mobility is usually treated as a related service in the Individualized
Education Program (IEP), the absence of any mention of this specific discipline in the law has
made it difficult to assess personnel needs and has opened the door for other professions to
provide these services (even though they may have had no blindness-specific training).  In
addition, many parents are unaware of the need for or desirability of Orientation & Mobility
services and having it itemized in the statute could help educate parents as to their rights
under IDEA.

    We support the language put forth by the Council of Schools for the Blind
     which calls for the addition of Orientation and Mobility to the definition of
     "related services" in Part A of IDEA. 

DEFINITION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION:

The current definition of "special education" in IDEA talks about instruction conducted "in the
classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings..."  We believe that
it is important to add to this listing specialized schools for children who are blind and visually
impaired.  These schools are a valuable part of the continuum of placement options and they
should be identified as such.

    We support the language put forth by the Council of Schools for the Blind to
     add "specialized schools for children who are blind and visually impaired" to
     the definition of special education in IDEA.

GREATER FOCUS ON LOW INCIDENCE PERSONNEL TRAINING NEEDS:

Children who are blind and visually impaired require highly specialized, well-trained personnel. 
As in other areas of special education, we have experienced an ongoing shortage of such
personnel.  In addition, the university programs are limited in number and rely very heavily on
federal dollars for their continued existence.  This is an appropriate use of federal money
since these programs serve a national need rather than any particular state's shortages. 

    We support a targeting of federal personnel preparation dollars to areas of
     greatest shortage, especially the preparation of teachers of the visually
     impaired.
                           '''''''''''

ACCESS FOR THE BLIND TO THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY prepared by Paul W.
Schroeder
                Director of Governmental Affairs
                  American Council of the Blind
                         (202) 467-5081

The information superhighway could lead to enormous new opportunities for full and equal
participation by citizens who are blind or visually impaired in employment, commerce,
education, health care, entertainment and democratic government.

Unfortunately, significant barriers impede access by the blind to many common forms of
information, as well as to specific telecommunications technologies.  For example, the ever
expanding use of graphical user interfaces are taking the power of computers and information
networks out of the hands of people who are blind or visually impaired.  Similarly, the use of
image-based rather than text-based methods for storing and displaying electronic information
also create artificial barriers for blind people.  And, heat or touch-screen input devices, which
are becoming so common in ATMs and information kiosks, also create barriers for individuals
with visual impairments.  

Effective, specific standards must be established to govern development of the information
superhighway to ensure access for and use by people who have visual or other disabilities.

LEGISLATION: 

Three pieces of legislation now before Congress afford an excellent opportunity to ensure
that access is built into the information superhighway for people with disabilities.  

H.R. 3626, sponsored by Reps. Jack Brooks and John Dingell would allow the Bell companies
to manufacture telecommunications equipment, provide electronic information services and
enter the long-distance telephone market, among other changes.  

H.R. 3636, sponsored by Reps. Edward Markey and Jack Fields would repeal restrictions that
bar telephone companies from entering the cable TV business and cable companies from
providing local telephone services.  The Markey-Fields legislation also requires the Federal
Communications Commission to establish standards designed to promote advanced
telecommunications networks and services, including the means by which these advanced
services will be part of universal service. 

Senators Ernest Hollings and John Danforth recently introduced S. 1822 which is designed to
accomplish many of the goals contained in the House measures, albeit through somewhat
different means.

ACCESSIBILITY PROVISIONS:

We urge the Congress to apply access requirements broadly.  It is critical that all
equipment and networks used for telecommunications are designed to be fully usable
by individuals with visual or other impairments.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE:

For individuals with disabilities, the information highway may be the only way to obtain
access to a great quantity of information and services.  The power of the new information
technology and services can open opportunities for employment and education.  In order to
preserve and enhance independence for Americans with disabilities, we call upon Congress to
establish a priority for affordable access by people with disabilities to advanced
telecommunication services and information services as part of a definition of universal
service.

We also urge Congress to establish a subsidy program as part of a universal service
fund in order to ensure that blind people can afford the network services and
adaptive equipment needed in order to obtain and use electronic information.

ACCESS TO VIDEO PROGRAMMING:

Americans with vision and hearing impairments believe that the time is right to ensure that
video programming is fully accessible.  In the new world of mega-channel platforms and video
on demand, the lack of full access will be magnified a thousand times.  The barriers to
access are unnecessary and they can be readily dismantled.  Video description and closed
captioning offer enormous potential for full access for individuals with disabilities and they
also offer useful benefits to others in the population.  Video description refers to the
unobtrusive insertion of audio narrated descriptions of a television program's key visual
elements into natural pauses between the program's dialogue, without interfering with the
original audio of a program or movie.  The narration enhances understanding and enjoyment
of a video program by providing verbal descriptions of essential visual elements such as
settings, action, comparative size, gestures, body language, scene changes, graphics, subtitles,
and costumes.  

We urge the Congress to require that video description and closed captioning
accompany all televised programming as a means of full access to such programs by
blind people.

The three bills currently under consideration include some of the important provisions outlined
above.  The members of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America
urge Congress to build on this excellent beginning to facilitate full access to information and
telecommunications services by people with visual or other impairments. 

With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, people with disabilities no
longer have to accept second class access to buildings and the physical community,
and we now look forward to ending second lass access to the electronic community.
                          ''''''''''''

CONGRESS AND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH MUST ADDRESS URGENT NEEDS OF THE
RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD BLIND VENDOR PROGRAM prepared by Robert R. Humphreys, Legal
Counsel
  Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America
                         (202) 833-0089

People who are blind suffer from an incredible unemployment rate--at least 75 percent! 
One important means of reducing this appalling unemployment level is the Randolph-Sheppard
Act's blind vending facility program.  Since it was first enacted in 1936, this program has
meant real jobs and true independence for thousands of blind persons.  But the program has
deteriorated in recent years.  The number of blind vendors has actually declined.

The Randolph-Sheppard program has been neglected by the Federal government in recent
years.  Some Federal property managing agencies have resisted full implementation of the
Act, resulting in a reduction of blind vendors in Federal buildings.  The Randolph-Sheppard
blind vendor program can be revitalized, but Congress and the Department of Education must
put some effort into reversing the program's decline.  

The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America (ALL) urges the following
actions:

By the Congress

    Appropriate $16 Million for FY 1995 for grants to states to expand job opportunities
     for blind vendors.
    Require Federal property managing agencies such as GSA, DOD, and USPS to adhere
     to the priority for blind vending facilities mandated by the Act, and direct such
     agencies to cooperate with the States and the Department of Education to fully
     implement the Act in accord with the intent of Congress.
    Ensure that blind vendors have the legal tools to preserve their rights and their jobs. 
    Reassert the primary role of the Department of Education in preserving and protecting
     the blind vendor program.

By the Executive Branch

    Take immediate steps to modify Department of Education policies which have
     damaged the blind vendor program over the past decade.
    Regulations must be changed to abolish unwarranted restrictions on blind vendor
     operation of cafeterias. 
    The Department of Education must insist on its role as primary Executive Branch
     interpreter and administrator of the law, regulations, and program, with the Justice
     Department in litigation, and with other Federal agencies.
                          ''''''''''''

PRESERVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR BLIND WORKERS UNDER THE JAVITS-WAGNER-O'DAY
(JWOD) ACT prepared by Patricia M. Beattie
                 Director of Legislative Affairs
                National Industries for the Blind
                         (703) 578-6513

We are concerned that as Congress "reinvents Government" that it does not intentionally or
accidentally harm the 55-year-old, successful Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program and
jeopardize the jobs of approximately 6,000 people who are blind.  

Under JWOD, qualified nonprofit agencies for the blind or other severely disabled are a
mandatory source for certain commodities and services acquired by the Federal Government. 
There are provisions in contracting law which recognize the JWOD "fair market price," as the
most competitive price for certain items.  Among the blind-made products are SKILCRAFT
pens and other office supplies, military uniform components and environmentally-friendly trash
bags.

The JWOD employment Program is administered by the Committee for Purchase From People
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, a small Federal Agency, with assistance from two
designated "central nonprofit agencies," National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH,
formerly National Industries for the Severely Handicapped.  

JWOD agencies must comply with all Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA),
OSHA, affirmative action, and related laws. Under the JWOD Act, at least 75 percent of the
direct labor hours worked in a "qualified" agency must be by people who are legally blind or
those so severely disabled that they are currently not capable of competitive employment.  

TOP PRIORITY:  

In promoting Government acquisition of "commercial items," as well as raising and simplifying
the small purchase threshold, Congress should include a specific protection for the 55-year-old
JWOD program and for the jobs of approximately 6,000 blind workers.  The JWOD statute
which should not be affected by any procurement reform measures is 41 U.S.C. 46-48c.


LEGISLATION:

H.R. 2238 by CONYERS (D-MI):  Federal Acquisition Improvement Act of 1993
H.R. 3586 by BILBRAY (D-NV):    Defense Acquisitions Reform Act of 1993
H.R. 3400 by GEPHARDT (D-MO):Government Reform and Savings Act of 1993 
S. 1587 by GLENN (D-OH):        Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1993
S. 1598 by ROTH, WILLIAM (R-DE):Department of Defense Acquisition Management
                              Reform Act of 1993
S. 1843 by DOLE (R-KS):Government Downsizing, Performance and Accountability Act of
                    1994

CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE REFERRALS:  
     House Government Operations
     House Small Business
     House Armed Services
     Senate Governmental Affairs
     Senate Armed Services
     Senate Small Business

(Editor's note:  The foregoing committees should be contacted to ensure that pending
acquisition reform legislation protects the JWOD program.  Once again, the JWOD statute is
41 U.S.C. 46-48c.)   
                          ------------

REPORT ON FEDERAL LEGISLATION
Spring, 1994

Health Reform:  It is pretty much agreed that the Clinton Health Security Plan will not pass
Congress in its original form.  It is supported by more than 100 Democrats, but no
Republicans.  The single-payer plan is endorsed by 170 Congressman; but since it depends for
funding on increased taxes, it has virtually no chance of succeeding.  A number of other
plans have been put forth by members of both parties, but only the Clinton requires universal
coverage.

What we must concentrate on in writing to our Congressman are the issues that we consider
essential in whatever plan is finally adopted.  These are:  (a) Universal Coverage--coverage
that would not be affected by change of employment, health status, or place of residence. 
(b) No Exclusions--not for pre-existing conditions and with no waiting period for coverage.  (c)
Community Rating--important because it does not allow the cost of insurance to be higher for
people who must make greater use of health care services.  (d) Paperwork Simplification--a
single claim form with electronic billing.  (e) Choice of Providers--Managed Care or HMO's
must insure choice for individuals who have complex health care needs which require
specialists trained in the treatment of a particular condition.  (f) Vision Related Rehabilitation
Services--services to restore the person's functional independence, something which is
considered in services that are allowed for other conditions such as physical therapy,
occupational therapy, speech pathology, etc.  (g) Durable Medical Equipment--coverage of
travel aids and other assistive devices just as prostheses are covered.  (h) Rehabilitation--for
conditions that are degenerative or congenital, not just for problems resulting from acute
illness or accident.  (i) Long Term Care--care not so narrowly defined to three of five
inabilities as is now the case.  These inabilities, also involved in the definition of what is
covered by Durable Medical Equipment, are transferring, toileting, bathing, dressing, and
eating.

Write to your own Congressman and also to Pete Stark (a Californian), Chair of the
Subcommittee on Health of the Committee on Ways and Means.  He has just put forward his
own plan, but it is the issues we think are necessary that we must continue to emphasize,
not any particular health plan.  Address him The Honorable Pete Stark, House Office Building,
Washington DC 20515.  As the original introducers of the Clinton plan, Richard Gephardt,
who advanced HR3600, and Senator George Mitchell, proponent of S1757, will remain key
figures in the debate.  Any House member can be addressed House Office Building,
Washington DC 20515; any Senator can be addressed at Senate Office Building, Washington,
DC 20510.

There are three pieces of legislation under consideration: (a) HR3626, by representatives Jack
Brooks and John Dingell, would allow the Bell Company to manufacture telecommunications
equipment, provide electronic information services, and enter the long distance telephone
market, and make other changes.  (b) HR3626, sponsored by Edward Markey and Jack
Fields, would repeal restrictions that bar telephone companies from entering the cable TV
business and cable companies from providing local telephone services.  The Markey-Fields
legislation also requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish standards
designed to promote advanced telecommunication networks and services, including the means
by which these advanced services will be part of universal service.  (c) S1822, introduced by
Senators Ernest Hollings and John Danforth, would accomplish many of the goals of the
House measures, though by somewhat different means.

Again, in writing to these senators and representatives and to your own House and Senate
people, dwell upon the issues that must be included in whatever final legislation is adopted:
design all equipment and networks used for telecommunications as part of a definition of
universal service; set up a subsidy program as part of a universal service fund in order to
ensure that blind people can afford the network services and adaptive equipment need in
order to obtain and use electronic information.

Americans with visual and hearing impairments believe that video programming should also be
fully accessible.  The barriers to such access can be readily dismantled.  Video description
and closed captioning offer enormous potential to a population that has been largely deprived
of video programming.  Congress is urged to require that video description and closed
captioning accompany all television programming.  
                          ------------

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, SPRING 1994 by Cid Urena

CCB members passed a resolution calling for a moratorium on SSP/SSI reductions.  It is felt
that a resolution, rather than a bill, is the best way to proceed since the Governor does not
sign a resolution.  Most of the cuts already have been made, but perhaps not all. However,
we believe there will be no further cuts in the SSP/SSI program this year.  Of course, there
are no guarantees.  We determined that most cuts would occur in Medi-Cal and so we felt a
resolution calling for a moratorium on cuts in Medi-Cal was the best way to go.  If SSP/SSI
cuts become a factor, we will do a resolution pertaining to SSP/SSI cuts.    

AB 2445:  We have accepted some Department of Education amendments to AB 2445, the
Braille bill.  For the most part, they are merely technical changes.  At this time Assemblyman
Mickey Conroy has done a good job on this bill.  The CCB, together with JAC and other
cooperating organizations are in full support.  We hope that you will continue to write letters
to the appropriate assembly members in support of this most important bill.  Many copies of
this bill have been distributed to our members, but if you were left out and would like a
copy, you may request one from the bill room at the Capitol:  Legislative Bill Room, State
Capitol, Sacramento CA 95814.

SB 1605:  By the time you read this, the computer lab bill for the CSU and UC system
students(introduced by our good friend, Senator Teresa Hughes), will already have been heard
(April 13) in the Senate Education Committee.

SB 1473, by Senator Ruben Ayala, is the bill which will continue to statute the
Administrator of the Orientation Center as it has been for the last 40 years.  This should be
heard within the next three to four weeks from the time of this writing.    

AB 2640, introduced by Assemblyman Fred Aguiar, asks that the governor of the State of
California proclaim Braille Literacy week to be the first week in January of every year.  

All the above mentioned bills are CCB sponsored and we ask that CCB members send letters
of support to committee chairmen, authors, committee members, and your own legislators.  

Brief comments on SB 897 and SB 1240:

First of all SB 897 has become SB 1714 and at this time it appears to be the same thing
only longer and more complex.  SB 1240, a typical Senator Marx/Joan Ripple bill, includes
bad features for guide dog users in an otherwise good bill. 

AB 2020, the optometrists bill, by Phil Isenberg, is still hanging around.  There is no activity
at this time, but I will let you know if it begins to move. 

I will have more information for you in the next issue of the Blind Californian; however,
because of hearing dates occurring prior to the publication of the "BC," remember to call the
California Connection to keep informed of current legislative matters. 
                          ------------

"COALITION ON THE LINE" by Gerard A. Rossi

A bit of history was made on Thursday, March 3, 1994, when, under the sponsorship of the
Josephine L. Taylor Institute, individuals from four organizations of and for the blind
participated in a panel, carried throughout via the generosity of AT&T.  Approximately 225
individuals from coast to coast listened in to the various presentations.

The theme of this teleconference was "Collaboration To Assure The Future of Specialized
Services."  An alliance of organizations, under the general title of Joint Organizational Effort
(JOE), interested in working toward the enhancement and expansion of essential services in
the areas of education, training, and rehabilitation of the blind was formed in 1991.  JOE's
members include: The American Council of the Blind (ACB); The American Foundation for the
Blind (AFB); The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually
Impaired (AER); The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA); The Canadian Council of the Blind
(CCB); The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB); The National Federation of the
Blind (NFB); and The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS).

The participants on the panel heard nationally were: Michael Bina, President of AER; LeRoy
Saunders, President of ACB; and Dr. Kenneth Jerrigan, President Emeritus of NFB.  The
moderator of the discussion was Carl R, Augusto, President and Executive Director of AFB.

The thrust of their remarks may be summarized as follows:

A spirit of nonrecognition and noncooperation may be said to have characterized the past in
the areas pertinent to the education and rehabilitation of the blind.  Consumer organizations
were formed on the local and state levels and coalesced about particular national standards. 
Each, anxious always to assert that it in fact truly represented the interests of the
community of the blind, steadfastly refused even to meet with others of a different
persuasion.  Meanwhile, state agencies, educators, and private purveyors of various services
were, in far too many instances, unwilling or reluctant to take a definitive stand on relevant
issues of policy, for fear of alienating one or another of the consumer groups.  In this climate
of dissension, a gradual erosion of the quality and scope of services to the  blind and visually
impaired slowly began.

Then, beginning in 1988, a new spirit was evident on the land.  Leaders of the NFB and the
AFB, fully aware of the deteriorating conditions, began a dialogue to see whether of not
common ground existed between them upon which positions could be taken relative to
matters vital to the up-lift of the blind.  Other organizations, noting this burgeoning spirit of
cooperation and desirous of playing a part in this rapprochement, came forward to join in the
coalition.  Thus, JOE was born.

Now, in 1994, as the member organizations, under the aegis of JOE, gathered in Washington,
D.C., to discuss matters of great significance, as they pertain to individuals with little or no
vision.  A spirit of cooperation pervaded the whole.  Two topics were the focus of the first
session, which was relayed all over the nation by telephone hook-up.

The first stressed the importance of retaining the full range of services which have enabled
the blind and visually impaired to receive the education of which they were capable, training
for a particular position, and/or  rehabilitation in order to take their places in society.

The second emphasized the desirability of preserving the status of specialized services which
have proved so very effective in attaining goals among those needing assistance. 
Specialization, by its very nature of narrow focus, promotes deeper understanding and
knowledge of the population serviced.

In contemporary society, those with other disabilities counsel that specialized service delivery
is "not cost effective" because it allegedly causes duplication by staff.

In the straitened circumstances of ever shrinking budgets, so evident today, the argument
goes, if other handicapped groups are to be served, then the special status of the blind ought
to be abandoned.  Personnel in the field of rehabilitation should receive training to familiarize
themselves with the needs of a broad spectrum of disabilities.

Yet, this thinking runs counter to the best experience in education, business, medicine, etc.,
where it has been shown that specialization is not only necessary, but also advantageous
toward the achievement of desired ends.

The united front, under the banner of JOE, will assiduously strive to maintain quality where it
still exists and to promote it where it has been eroded.  Furthermore, JOE will work to
preserve the specialized services for the blind and visually impaired which have been so vital
to the enhancement and the uplift of those with little or no vision.

AT&T should be thanked for its sponsorship of the session heard, and JOE itself should
continue to thrive to assure collaboration among agencies and groups, so that the gains made
by the blind may be preserved and enlarged as new techniques and technologies come on
line.
                          ------------

A VERY QUICK TOUR OF CSUN CONFERENCE EXHIBIT HALL 
by Nelson Hinman

(Editor's Note:  When Nelson Hinman mentioned that he had come across some marvelous
new items at the CSUN Conference Exhibit Hall, I asked him to write a brief article
describing a few of the things he found of interest.  I believe this is a most important
conference, and hope that next year, we can have a detailed summary of conference
seminars as well as exhibits.  I spoke with Karen, Center for Disabilities, CSUN 
(818-885-2869), who informed me that it is possible to obtain the CSUN Conference program
for this past conference on disk, in ASCII format. There is a list of exhibitors at the end of
the program.)

I really didn't attend the conference, but I did go to the main hotel for some meetings that
took place in the midst of the conference.  I mentioned to the editor of the BC, after having
returned, that I'd been at the hotel.  She asked whether it might be possible for me to write
about my impressions.  If you're curious about the Cal State Northridge (CSUN) International
Conference on Computer Access for the Disabled, you'd almost have to attend to really get
the full flavor of the event.

The Conference takes place each year in mid March.  It's grown to the point where
attendees must stay in three different hotels.  While I was there I heard people saying that
there were, perhaps, over 2500 people in attendance.  The reason I was there was for a
couple of technical meetings I won't bore you with here.  I did have a chance to go into the
exhibit halls.  I did not visit each booth.  I don't mean to slight any exhibitor in what
follows.  After all, I didn't even know I was going to write this until after the fact. 
Perhaps, next year, I'll actually be a bit more methodical and even take some notes.  Ah,
yes, any prices that I mention are rounded up or down at my whim and certainly do not
necessarily reflect actual prices of goods being displayed.

Most of the companies that you already know about were there, such as Duxbury Systems,
TSI, Humanware, Arkenstone, IBM and Henter-Joyce.  Yes, I know I left some out, but I
didn't even visit all of the ones mentioned.  One of the things that struck me was that there
were some new companies and some new technologies being shown which I found to be
truly refreshing.

"What's new, Doc?"  There is a company called Technology for Independence (TFI) that has
a palmtop computer that contains: MS DOS 5.0, MS Works, Dectalk, Book Manager, IBM
Screen Reader for DOS, a program to turn the entire device into a stand alone Dectalk, 4
megabytes of RAM, 2 megabytes of ROM, and 2 PCMCIA slots.  It costs $1,995.00.  A
company spokesperson told me that there is more computing horsepower in the mill.  By the
way the processor for the machine is a 386 running at 20MHz.  They also produce a 20 and
a 40 character braille display that sell for $1,500 and $3,000 respectively.  They have a
Global Positioning System (GPS) module with a PCMCIA card on it so that you can have a
real time talking map system.  There is software being written that'll allow the user to enter,
for example, bus stops building locations and points of interest.  The company offers several
other products and is well worth investigating.

There was a gentleman from Germany whose name, unfortunately, I did not get who is
working with a sort of moving braille display.  The device he was showing was very much a
prototype, and a marketable product is down the road a ways, but he was willing to
"guestimate" that with this technology, a $2,000 80-character braille display was a good
possibility.  Keep an ear open for more information on that quarter for certain.

There was a vendor who has developed a method for reading liquid crystal displays (lcd). 
The method does require that a port be put on the device to be read.  Building a device to
scan the displays is extremely difficult because there are so many manufacturers of displays,
and the LCD's and an infinite number of ways in which they can be installed.  The solution
seems to be to provide a port on the device that is to be read.  Not all devices will be able
to be read, but many music synthesizers certainly can be.  The cost is about $1,000 for the
box and some software for the PC.  The installation of the port takes about 2 hours of a
technicians time.  I don't know what the company actually charges for the installation.  The
company is located in Monterey.

Though I did not visit them, the folks at Baum electronics have been working on a Windows
interface program.  The comment that was made to me was that the product will work, but
it might be a little difficult for a sighted person to teach a blind person to use it, but it does
appear to work.  

Duxbury Systems is planning a new release of the Duxbury translator program for mid year. 
There's a new interface with a complete help system that you can modify to suit your needs
and tastes.  There are style sheets, and on-the-fly error correction.  The product is designed
in such a way that all versions will look and feel alike.  The file formats are different, too. 
Much of the format information is stored with the document similar to a WordPerfect file.  

Humanware's PCMCIA synthesizer is a real product at this point and doesn't sound to bad. 
And, Aicom said that its PCMCIA synthesizer will work with the IBM Thinkpad computer
which Humanware's will not.

IBM was showing the newest release of Screen Reader for OS/2 along with their screen
magnification program.  All that I can tell you about the screen magnification program is that
a person, not from IBM, was saying that it's the best implementation of a screen
magnification product that he has seen.

"Say, Doc, what did the others have?"
I don't know what the others have because I didn't get that far.  If you're in Southern
California in mid March, and you have a strong interest in computer access, it is the place to
be.
                          ------------

CCB MERGES ONTO THE 
ELECTRONIC/INFORMATION SUPER HIGHWAY! 
by Kenneth Frasse and Dan Kysor
BBS: (916) 568-6359

In this age of ever-increasing electronic information, and with the advent of numerous
manners in which to access electronic information for the blind and visually impaired, the
CCB has now merged with the Electronic Information Super Highway.  To supplement the
800 telephone line and our publications, the CCB has now created CCBNET, a multi-line
bulletin board system that accepts all baud rates up to, and including, 14,400 baud.

CCBNET has several purposes.  It is designed expressly with the blind and visually impaired
in mind, so it is speech and braille and speak compatible.  We have designed it to speak a
minimum so that it is easy to access and review information on the screen for speech
synthesis and refreshable braille displays; the forums and topic areas are also more
appropriate for our uses.  Each state affiliate and committee is represented with a messaging
center and library, so these groups can conduct related work with their members without
searching through a myriad of other non- relevant messages or topics.  An example might be
that a GDUC member wishes to see what is new in guide dog topics, or they wish to
comment on a guide dog issue.  They would simply enter the GDUC message area and follow
the prompts.  There is much, much more, and an on-line help area can guide you through the
process!

For the general user, we have private E mail (electronic mail for personal use), a general
messages forum for all to read, a legislation forum where resolutions and bills will be posted,
a shopping mall, bulletins and announcements, useful utilities, and much more!  Available for
downloading or reading are the current and past two years of the Blind Californian and the
current and last year of the Braille Forum.  You can also peruse the advertisements of
adaptive equipment vendors, or leave your own ad!

Affiliate Presidents and committee chairs should take a moment to appoint an individual
within their group to coordinate information and keep their forum and library within CCBNET
organized and current; this is important in order to keep the net top-notch and professional. 
We are also seeking individuals who are interested in assisting with the net on a part-time
maintenance schedule.  Members who are interested in assisting and all persons presiding
over affiliates or chairing committees should contact Dan Kysor or Kenneth Frasse at the
phone number/address/fax below:

Dan Kysor 1601 West El Camino Avenue, Apartment #111 Sacramento, California 95833 Tel:
(916) 648-2147

Kenneth Frasse 8200 Lake Forest Drive Sacramento, California 95826-2958 Tel: (916)
381-8787 FAX: (916) 381-4820

Remember, you can call either of us or leave a message on CCBNET for the Sysops if you
have any questions regarding CCBNET, and we will be giving a demonstration of how to use
the system and what is on the system at the Spring 1994 convention in June.  Last but not
least, the telephone number for CCBNET is: (916) 568-6359.  We look forward to seeing all
of you on the system.  Join the electronic highway; join the net!
                          ------------

COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:  WHERE DOES IT FIT IN
ADA? by Christy Crespin MSW
MARCH 11, 1994

In 1990, upon the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, many questions were
being asked by those of us with disabilities, as well as by those who have power and control. 
We wondered, as did they, how this piece of legislation would actually work.  However, all of
us knew that in some way, our lives would never be the same.

As a newly employed psychiatric social worker, hired to work for the County of Riverside in
June of 1991, I pondered what the ADA would do to help in my acquisition of reasonable
accommodation, as well as in the hiring practices of Riverside County.  However, I was aware
time would have to pass in order to set guidelines and make policy, and because I was still able
to receive SSI and work through the Blind Work Exemptions, I thought I'd let some time elapse
before pursuing the inevitable.  Therefore, I continued paying for my reader and transportation
assistance, along with my equipment and computer paper.  I stopped providing my own computer
paper after the first year and a half of employment.

In December of 1993, I wrote a memorandum to my supervisor asking for reasonable
accommodation, and provided a specific job description.  He passed this request on to the
Affirmative Action Coordinator for the county, who in turn, passed it on to the Career
Opportunity Development Coordinator.  Through my supervisor, I learned their next piece of
strategy would be to call the State Department of Rehabilitation and ask them to pay for my
reasonable accommodation.  As my supervisor spoke, I chuckled.  I then called the local
supervisor and asked her to provide a statement of my ineligibility for this particular service. 
She complied.

The next move, I heard through my supervisor, was to try to set-up a job seeker in the Career
Opportunity Development Program to work with me.  Please keep in mind that I was not
consulted, and I have a person currently working well with me who happens to be a county
employee.

Upon discussing my situation with my supervisor, I learned the COD position was not going to
work, and the matter was given back to him with the understanding that money or staff time
will need to be provided through his clinic budget.  I have great concern about this for the
following reasons:  A)  As stated by some supervisors, if they know they have to take funding
out of their budgets, they will always have a reason not to hire a person with a disability.  B) 
If a person with a disability ever chooses to transfer clinics or agencies, as there is no outside
provision of funding for reasonable accommodation, transfers will not be possible.  C)  Persons
in the office or agency will realize funding is being taken from the program budget to be utilized
on behalf of the person with a disability, and there could be jealousy, scapegoating and talk
about the person with a disability as a "favorite" of the supervisor.

Thus far, my memorandum has not been acknowledged to me, nor has it been addressed to me
in writing, by telephone call, or by electronic mail.  It has been three months since I requested
reasonable accommodation.  I believe it is time to begin the process of change by having county
employees all across the state come together to stand up and ask for reasonable
accommodation, and to ask for counties to create county-wide set-aside funding for the hiring
of persons with disabilities.  If you are such a person, please contact me through the CCB
office.  How will ADA work for persons with disability who seek reasonable accommodation in
the workplace?  The battle is beginning--let the victory be ours!
                          ------------

FULL INCLUSION:  WHAT IS IT? by Winifred Downing

These days one cannot read an article or hear a lecture concerned with the education of blind
and visually impaired children without encountering the words "full inclusion".  In the spring of
1993 all the blindness-related organizations that are a part of the Joint Organization of Effort
drafted a statement expressing the point of view of the entire field on this issue and circulated
it widely.  It appeared in one of the summer issues of The Braille Forum.  But what does " full
inclusion" mean, and how did the controversy surrounding it arise?  

Back before the passage of PL94-142 there were special classes for the education of many
children with disabilities--residential schools and resource rooms for blind children and those
classified as "sight-saving" students; fresh air rooms for children with heart and vascular
problems, classes for the deaf and hard of hearing, and some facilities equipped for children
using wheelchairs.  Many pupils, though, received inadequate attention in the public schools or
none at all.  There was, for example, little or no recognition of students having learning
problems; they derived what benefit they could in the regular classroom but with little
concentration on the specific problems which interfered with their ability to learn.  Students with
multiple disabilities and mental and emotional limitations had no place at all in public schools. 
A few large cities had limited programs in which hospitals and public schools together offered
some home teaching services for pupils with long-term problems from which they could be
expected to recover, but the vast majority of students who were severely disabled or who had
grave mental and emotional difficulties were institutionalized or just stayed at home with their
families but without educational opportunities.  

What PL94-142 did was to say that every child has the right to a public school education in
"the least restrictive environment" and in an "age appropriate" classroom.  In the years since
the passage of this measure, recognition of the many problems which interfere with students'
ability to learn has contributed to the development of tests and remedial strategies which now
make it possible for individuals with learning disabilities to enter colleges and universities and
participate in the full advantages of education.  Severely disabled students, too, who formerly
languished at home or in institutions have also entered the regular classroom.  Their disabilities
may prevent them from much academic involvement in the class, and sometimes their presence
has been even been considered markedly disruptive; but the law still assures them of the right
to be present in that student group; and their parents experience real satisfaction at seeing these
children in a setting with other students where they feel there are encouraging opportunities for
socialization.  

It is easy to understand why the parents of these severely disabled children formed a strong
organization to insist on full compliance with the law and to resist any effort to segregate these
students in separate facilities.  They see any such moves as a potential return to the situation
that obtained before the passage of PL94-142.  In this group are many parents whose children
have as one of their disabilities complete or partial limitations in sight.  What the expectations
are for these students, of course, are far different from what can be expected of students who
are visually impaired but otherwise without additional physical or mental disability. 

At the same time as these developments were occurring, the cost of maintaining resource rooms
and providing itinerant teachers to satisfy the very specific needs of deaf students and the much
smaller population of blind and visually impaired students was escalating.  As stipends to
encourage teacher training in these special areas dried up, the supply of teachers dwindled; and
in many parts of the country, there were no funds for initial preparation or for retraining those
who had not used their skills for so long that they were not relevant to their situation nor to
the needs of their students.  For many parents groups, therefore, for district administrators
trying to fill teacher vacancies, for entities dealing with teacher training and credentialing, and
for legislative groups trying to arrange for education funding, the notion of having all students
in regular classrooms, dismantling categorical services, generalizing the training of teachers, and
resisting "pull-out" time for students to learn special skills has become increasingly attractive. 


On paper--and especially on the television screen--it looks great: there's the student with the
disability on the bus with all his classmates; there he is sitting in his seat in the classroom;
there he is at lunch and at recess with everyone else.  Most of the students do not have an
awareness of what they should be learning; many of the parents, still resisting the fact that
their child is deaf or blind, are delighted to see them with their peers; school administrators can
fill teacher vacancies easily; funding is relaxed because of fewer extra requirements for teacher
preparation; and the strong lobby of parents of the severely disabled insists that the regular
classroom is the way to go for all students with disabilities.  What has been achieved is "full
inclusion". 

But is the child on the bus able to get off by himself, enter the school building, find his class,
the bathroom, or the lunchroom?  When the other students are reading from their books or
watching blackboard work or overhead projectors, what is the blind child in the class learning? 
At recess or at lunch, is the child part of a game or of a group enjoying each other's company,
or is he set off where he won't get hit by a ball or out of the stream of traffic so he won't get
hurt?  How is he going to learn to read the various braille codes he must master; use a braille
writer or a slate; gain concepts of space, distance, and all the other areas influenced by sight;
acquire strategies in science and mathematics to make his participation possible; learn to type
or operate the access devices to computers; arrive at an understanding of social skills, traffic
patterns, and habits of daily living that come naturally to sighted students?  Similar questions
are being asked about the deaf and the deaf-blind; and those who favor full inclusion of the
student in the regular classroom have no answers.  Do they really think that "inclusion" means
the bodily presence of the student in the classroom?  Everyone involved in the education of blind
children sees full participation in the regular classroom as the ultimate goal for the student, but
much skill building is necessary first. 

In an effort to address these issues, the professionals in the blindness field who attended the
Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute in March of 1993 developed position papers to establish
what must be done before "full inclusion" can be achieved for blind and visually impaired
students.  Here are some excerpts from those papers: 

     "It is significant that the field of education of visually impaired students was the first
     to develop a range of special education program options, beginning with specialized
     schools in 1829 and extending to inclusive (including "full inclusion) public school program
     options since 1900.  Experience and research clearly support the following position
     statements outlining the essential elements which must be in place in order to provide
     an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for students with visual
     impairments:

 
     Students with visual impairments have unique educational needs which are most
     effectively met using a team approach of professionals, parents and students.  In
     order to meet their unique needs, students must have specialized services, books
     and materials in appropriate media (including braille), as well as specialized
     equipment and technology to assure equal access to the core and specialized
     curricula, and to enable them to most effectively compete with their peers in
     school and ultimately in society.  ..." 

     "There must be adequate personnel preparation programs to train staff to provide
     specialized services which address the unique academic and non-academic
     curriculum needs of students with visual impairments.  There must also be
     ongoing specialized personnel development opportunities for all staff working with
     these students as well as specialized parent education.  ..." 

     "Access involves much more than providing ramps. Access is also the key element of
     inclusion, which involves much more than placement in a particular setting.  The
     relationship of access and inclusion may not be obvious to individuals who are not
     familiar with the educational and social impact of a vision loss. Placing a student with
     a visual impairment in a regular classroom does not, necessarily, provide access and the
     student is not, necessarily, included. A student with a visual impairment who does not
     have access to social and physical information because of the visual impairment, is not
     included, regardless of the physical setting.  ..."

     "Students with visual impairments need an educational system that meets the individual
     needs of ALL students, fosters independence, and is measured by the success of each
     individual in the school and community. Vision is fundamental to the learning process and
     is the primary basis upon which most traditional education strategies are based. Students
     who are visually impaired are most likely to succeed in educational systems where
     appropriate instruction and services provided in a full array of program options by
     qualified staff to address each students unique educational needs, as required by Public
     Law 101-476, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  ..."

The position papers go on to further explain the educational needs of blind children.  More
extensive quotations will be given in Part II of this article in the next issue of The Blind
Californian.
                          ------------

OPEN LETTER FROM KEN METZ, PRESIDENT, GDUC

My name is Ken Metz, and I am the new President of Guide Dog Users of California.  I am very
proud and fortunate to have this honor currently, and I look forward to talking, working and
getting to know as many of you as possible who are guide dog users or potential guide dog
users.  We have an enormous amount of tasks to accomplish, and, although I know it won't all
occur immediately, we need to continue to move forward in a proactive way our quest for
victory in equal access with our guide dogs.  I hope that we can all have a great brainstorming
session to do exactly that at our GDUC meeting at the spring convention in Sacramento. We
need to come up with ideas either in the form of resolutions or legislation that will better
protect us from humiliating situations. We should not be apprehensive each time we go into a
restaurant that we will not be welcome; we should not be concerned that when we look for 
an apartment that we'll be told that they won't rent to us because we have a guide dog; we
should not be fearful that we will be denied public transportation.  

Guide Dog Users of California is not only for those who utilize a guide dog for their mobility, but
is open to all people who believe in the philosophy of the California Council of the Blind:  the
right to be treated equally and fairly.  Therefore, we encourage and promote mutual respect for
people who prefer to use the white cane as a mobility device as well as for those of us who
use guide dogs; we would like your support, regardless of your choice of mobility method. If you
have any thoughts or comments prior to our convention, please contact me by phone on
510-458-2028, or write me, Ken Metz, 643 Bounty Drive, Bay Point, California 94565.   

Finally, I would like to thank Cherrie Pomerantz for a job above and beyond her call of duty as
immediate past president of GDUC. Cherrie is definitely going to be a hard act to follow, but she
promises to be right there with her knowledge, ideas and support.  I will certainly utilize her
talents immensely to further GDUC'S efforts.
                          ------------
NEW GRADUATE ADVISORY COUNCIL 
(Reprinted from GUIDE DOG NEWS, a publication of 
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.)

The first meeting of the seven-member Graduate Advisory Council took place over the weekend
of January 7th in San Rafael, California.  The Council was formed in order to improve
communication between the Guide Dog school and its graduates and to give Guide Dog graduates
a direct voice in the program.  The graduates invited to serve as the first Council members
represent a cross section of the 1,500 active Guide Dog users in the United States and Canada.

The members are Vernon Crowder of Clovis, California (graduate of Class #493 with German
Shepherd "Lena"); William Emerson of Burbank, California (graduate of Class #446R with
Yellow Lab "Niles"); Daniel Hart of Austin, Texas (graduate of Class #514R with Yellow Lab
"Killarney"); Mary Kozy of Wheaton, Illinois (graduate of Class #447R with Yellow Lab "Keiko");
Lee Morton of San Diego, California (graduate of Class #518 with Black Lab "Kess"); Gail
Riddall of Penticton, British Columbia, Canada (graduate of Class #442R with Golden Retriever
"Tripper"); and Dr. Charles Warnath of Corvallis, Oregon (graduate of Class #483R with Golden
Retriever "Anice").

The Council selected as officers Vernon Crowder, President; Mary Kozy, Vice President; and
Daniel Hart, Secretary.Vernon is a vice president and senior economist with BankAmerica
Corporation.  His specialty is agri-business and he received both his bachelor's degree and MBA
from the University of California at Riverside.  He has served on the California State Board of
Guide Dogs for the Blind as a member and as its president.

Mary Kozy is a social worker currently working as a Chicago-area consultant on issues relating
to disabilities.  Dan Hart works as an aide in the Texas State House of Representatives and is
certified as a registered massage therapist.  He is also a pre-med student at Austin Community
College.

Council member Bill Emerson is an executive at KNBC television and has recently completed two
terms on the California State Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind.  Lee Morton owns and operates
a telephone answering service and she is the past president of the San Diego Blind Recreation
Center.  Gail Riddall works for the Revenue Canada Taxation, which is similar to the IRS, and
Dr. Charles Warnath is a retired Oregon State University professor of psychology.

Also participating at the Council's first meeting were Sister Ann Gelles of Reno, Nevada
(graduate of Class #464 with Golden Retriever "Honey"), Guide Dog President Ralph Rasmussen,
Executive Director Bruce Benzler, and key staff members.  In his greeting remarks, Mr.
Rasmussen said that the Guide Dog Board is open, eager, and enthusiastic about working with
the Graduate Advisory Council.  He emphasized that the Board would carefully consider the
Council's suggestions and recommendations in order to help facilitate changes.  

The meeting was chaired by the Council's President, Vernon Crowder, who navigated the
gathering through nearly 40 distinct topics ranging from questions about training techniques to
issues of access.  As part of the open and sometimes spirited exchange, Mr. Crowder pointed
out, "The greatest wealth of information the Guide Dog organization has is in its own
graduates."

Communication was a key topic throughout the weekend meetings.  Among areas recommended
for improvement by Council members were making material that is now available only in print
form accessible to graduates, students, and potential students in audiotape and Braille format. 


One area receiving high praise from the Council was the organization's field service program. 
Lee Morton said that she particularly appreciated the speed with which graduates' needs are
addressed by the Field Services Department.  

Council Vice President, Mary Kozy, stressed that the Council members wanted to point out areas
that are working well, including a pilot three-week retrain program which may be offered to
some returning graduates who need replacement dogs.  

The Council endorsed the establishment of a toll-free number for use by Guide Dog graduates,
the development of an alumni newsletter, and the expansion of job opportunities at Guide Dogs
for the Blind for graduates.  Significant time was devoted to discussions of customized training,
consistency of information, dog retirement, and handling of complaints.  Staff members
representing various departments of the organization were able to respond to questions from the
Council and to take recommendations under advisement.  

At the close of the weekend sessions, participants agreed that this first Council meeting felt
productive and constructive.  This view was expressed to the entire Guide Dog Board of
Directors when Council President Vernon Crowder made a presentation at the January 10th
Board meeting.

Guide Dog President Ralph Rasmussen had these comments on the new Graduate Advisory
Council: 


     "At the heart of all great organizations is an ability to communicate effectively with its
     clients and other constituencies.  The formation of the Graduate Advisory Council is a
     landmark initiative for Guide Dogs for the Blind.  It is aimed at ensuring that we will be
     guided by the views and insights of our graduates.  It is a critical and historical step in
     forging the type of partnerships that will allow Guide Dogs to achieve and maintain
     excellence and quality in all aspects of its program."


The Graduate Advisory Council will next meet September 10th and 11th at the San Rafael Guide
Dog campus.  Graduates are encouraged to contact any of the Council members with items they
would like to have included on the agenda.  Board member Sister Ann Gelles said that she hoped
graduates would feel free to contact her in her role as part of the Guide Dog Board of Directors.

Some immediate actions resulting from the Council meeting include plans to establish a toll-free
graduate line and the inclusion of an alumni newsletter in the Braille and tape editions of Guide
Dog News, starting with the current issue.
                          ------------

THE ADA AND PUBLIC TRANSIT SYSTEMS:  
A NEW STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE by David A. Wolfe, 
Americans with Disabilities Act Consultant

On September 6, 1991, the U.S. Department of Transportation published regulations which forced
public transit operators to achieve a new and higher standard of excellence in the provision of
service to the nation's disabled.  

Regulation 49 CFR Part 37, Subpart G, Section 37.167 requires coach operators to announce
major intersections, transfer points and points of interest.  These points of interest include
shopping malls, medical facilities, libraries, and other facilities considered to be major trip
generators.

In discussion with many disabled people in southern California, it has become apparent that
transit companies in this area are not abiding by the regulations.  The problem is how to bring
them into compliance and keep their good will toward the disabled intact.

In March, 1992, I began to document trips using forms which I developed.  The purpose of these
forms is to inform transit systems of employees who are in violation of the ADA regulations
requiring them to announce stops.  It must be noted that I do not continuously monitor drivers. 
I feel that to gain an accurate picture of drivers' noncompliance with the ADA, periods should
be chosen at random, thus keeping everyone guessing as to whether they were indeed being
monitored.

The first monitoring period began March 3, 1992.  The current period is still in progress.  To
date I have monitored 86 complete trips on 272 buses, using six transit systems. ...  

Of the 272 buses documented, 190 or 70% were in violation of the ADA regulations [a system
by system analysis shows that Foothill Transit zone had a violation rate of 44%, while Inland
Empire Connection and Orange County Transportation Authority had violation rates of 92% and
100% respectively.  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's violation
rate was 78%.  While it is still too early to detect a trend, the San Diego Transit System's
violation rate was 100%.  At the other end of the scale is the Southern California Regional Rail
Authority, with a violation rate of 0%].  

When figuring the statistics for this article, it was a pleasant surprise to learn the rate of
violation was so low.  This is due in part to presentations conducted for coach operators at
Foothill Transit Zone.

Why is announcing stops so important?  All a blind person need do is count the left and right
turns.  In Los Angeles County, routes have as many as 35 turns and take two or more hours
to complete. Also calling out stops benefits more than just the blind.  Example:  Statistics show
that a thousand people per day move into the State of California.  Transit operators hope that
many of these new residents will ride the bus.  These people are unfamiliar with the area. 
Calling out major intersections, transfer points and points of interest will help better acquaint
them with their new surroundings.  

In conversations with officials of the Federal Transit Administration, I have been told that it is
up to the disabled to enforce the regulations discussed.  This does not mean that one should
immediately file a complaint with the FTA.  

Now that you have read about L.A. County, we are interested in your area.  To this end, we
ask all readers to take just a couple of minutes to answer the following questions.  Results will
be published in a future issue of this magazine.

1.   Does your transit system have an ADA Advisory Committee?  If yes, what portion of it
     is made up of consumers?

2.   Do coach operators announce major intersections, transfer points and points of interest? 
     Estimate percentage of violations of this regulation.

3.   Do coach operators offer appropriate assistance for your disability?

4.   If a wheelchair user, are you continuously passed up by accessible coaches?  If yes,
     what reason does your transit operator offer as an explanation?

5.   Using a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being an almost unachievable score, how would you
     rate your transit system's on-time performance?  

6.   Using the same 1 to 10 scale, how would you rate your transit system's overall performance?

7.   Miscellaneous comments.

Responses to the above questionnaire should be brailled or typed (please do not use handwriting
as it is sometimes difficult to read).  All responses should be mailed to:  David A. Wolfe,
Americans with Disabilities Act Consultant, 50 East Green Street, #622, Pasadena, CA 91105-
2041.

(Editor's Note:  David included the forms he developed with his article.  Write to David for the
forms entitled:  "Trip Description," and "Notice of Violation of Americans with Disabilities Act.")
                          ------------

UNIVERSAL SERVICE AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN by Kenneth Frasse

The following is a synopsis of the National Telecommunication and Information Agency's hearing
in Los Angeles on February 16, 1994, with emphasis from testimony of the CCB.

The National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), in conjunction with the
Department of Commerce and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is currently
charged with redefining what is commonly referred to as Universal Service.  Universal Service,
in this context, has been limited to the availability and affordability of telephones to all citizens
in the United States; this was decreed in 1934, and it has not been changed or redefined until
now.

As much of the information and communications in America change to electronic formats, the
potential for persons with disabilities to access information and communicate increases
phenomenally.  The opportunities to access any library information, data bases, banking,
shopping, and entertainment are limitless, but, without proper guidelines and statutes, this trend
could become a nightmare for the disabled.

Establishing Universal Service without consideration of the access needs of persons with
disabilities could destroy any possibility of partaking in this new and exciting trend.  The blind
and visually impaired already experience a great discrepancy in accessibility to information and
communications, and if our needs are not accounted for, we could lose much of the access we
now have.  The solution lies, unquestionably, in Universal Design.

Universal Design is the concept that all information and communications equipment, software,
and services would be designed with the needs of persons with disabilities in mind; that all
information would be accessible to the blind and visually impaired from the fundamental design
phase.  The primary function, of course, is to provide the blind and visually impaired community
with the same opportunities that non-disabled communities enjoy, and, secondly, to curb the
tremendous expenses that are currently incurred by the blind and visually impaired through the
necessary purchase of adaptive equipment to access even basic information.  It becomes obvious
that, in establishing the Information Super Highway, Universal Design in the beginning phases is
vastly more effective in providing access and incomparable in enforcing cost-effectiveness and
ADA compliance.

This is our goal.  We seek to imbed access for the blind and visually impaired into the statutes
and guidelines that will form the shape and future of what becomes the Information Super
Highway.  Whether it is an ATM machine, a state or national library, an Employment
Development Department's data base, the Library of Congress, or any other form of information,
we must insist that we have access.  The means exist for this endeavor, especially with the
advent of electronic information.  While America experienced the industrial revolution almost 150
years ago, the blind and visually impaired experienced it only about 15 years ago.  If our access
needs are not addressed in the establishment of digital, radio, and satellite information
transmission and reception, we will once again stagnate as the rest of America is allowed to
reap the benefits of, and progress along, the Information Super Highway.

On February 16, 1994, Mr. Perry Wolf and I expressed this view in some detail and in
combination with the obstacles presented by graphical user interface systems (GUIS) to NTIA. 
To our surprise, panel members, including the Deputy Secretary of commerce David J. Barram,
the Federal Communications Commissioner Andrew C. Barrett, the NTIA Administrator Larry
Irving, Congresswoman Waters, Assemblywoman Moore, and several other distinguished
representatives, were already relatively well informed of our needs.  They were aware of many
of the obstacles that certain formats present, and appeared extremely open to fulfilling access
needs.

Although the CCB is now on record with testimony to the Department of Commerce, NTIA, and
the FCC, it is imperative that we do not relinquish the attention that we have garnered.  We
must keep abreast of the upcoming hearings held by NTIA, and it is critical that we convey our
sincerity to our representatives.  We must keep writing letters to our representatives, and we
must make every effort to attend all the hearings.  Only in this way can we ensure that we will
not be cast aside as America's employment possibilities, resource information, and
telecommunications transform into the electronic Information Super Highway; only we can ensure
an on-ramp to the future.
                          ------------ 

BULLETIN BOARD, by Winifred Downing

From Dialogue, Summer, 1993: A 68-minute 2-track cassette dealing with home nursing from a
layman's point of view is  available for $15 in Australian currency or the equivalent in U.S.
dollars.  The tape embraces details of care for babies, sick children, and adults.  It comes in a
book folder labeled in print and braille and is voice-indexed. Checks should be made payable to
N.F.B.C.A., Women's Special Interest Branch, mail to P.o. Box 791, Burwood, 2134, Sydney,
New South Wales, Australia.  This entry was delayed because your columnist wanted to check
with its producer to see how the money situation could be handled.  The producer thinks that
checks or money orders would be acceptable and that $15 in American money would be
satisfactory.  

From Our Special, January, 1994: A security system for home or office that features large
graphics and raised letters is available from Honeywell, Inc. (800) 345-6770, x7200. 

The American Diabetic Association has established a toll-free hot line to answer questions
individuals may have concerning nutrition.  Call (800) 366-1655.

From Dialogue, Winter, 1993: How Do I Do  This When I Can't See What I'm Doing? Information
Processing for the Visually Disabled by Gerald Jahoda, who was blinded by retinitis pigmentosa,
is a resource book for newly blinded people and their families.  Daily living skills, leisure
activities, use of adaptive equipment, benefits, support groups, and organizations of and for the
blind are discussed.  Send $5 to the U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of
Documents, Mail  Stop SSOP, Washington, DC 20402-9328.  It is also available from NLS
regional libraries: BR 9176 (Braille), or RC 36212 (cassette). 

The Vision Foundation has produced the fourteenth edition of the "Vision Resource List."  More
than 100 items are listed, 11 of them new since the 1991 edition.  Categories include: eye
diseases and conditions, consumer organizations, electronic reading aids and computers, financial
resources, large print resources, and a wide variety of general brochures.  Single copies of the
publication are available free in large print or on cassette from Vision Foundation, Inc., 818 Mt.
Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02162; (617) 926-4232.

The 1993 edition of Robert J. Redington's On the Move in the Great Outdoors contains chapters
about blind people walking (with canes, guide dogs, and sighted Guides); trail hiking; back-
packing; camping; tandem biking; canoeing and rowing; and cross-country skiing. The book has
been produced in braille and in print by the Hadley School for the Blind and will be used in a
correspondence course which is being developed.  It is also available on 4-track cassette for $5
from the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St., Brookline, MA 02146.  

"Guiding Your Own Rehabilitation Program" is a tape that is useful to both VR counselors and
clients.  It clearly describes the rehabilitation process and how to keep on top of it.  The tape
comes with typed text.  Send $7.95 plus $1.75 for shipping and handling to Harold Carter,
Insight Publishing, P.O. Box 17173, Rockford, IL 61110-7173. 

American Express provides representatives who will assist blind card holders by reading billing
statements and special offers received from American Express.  They can also answer questions
about other benefits, and help coordinate travel arrangements through American Express Travel
Service offices. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 882-
3454.

"Just for You" is a series of musical tapes for children.  Each tape is 33 minutes long and can
include the name of the child, family members, friends, and pets.  Tape subjects are children's
favorites, bedtime selections, and songs related to the Bible.  Each tape costs $14 including
shipping.  Order from Robin and Wendy Stemple, Just for You Personalized Tapes, P.O. Box 105,
Shanksville, PA 15560; (814) 267-5702.

Recording for the Blind launched a new line of electronic books (E-Text) that mirror the structure
of a printed book, give quick and comprehensive access to books on disk for computer users of
all levels, and provide highly sophisticated search and retrieval capability.  "Book Manager" can
search for phrases, related forms of words (synonyms, plurals, tense changes, and misspellings),
go to any point of the book quickly, make notes in margins, leave bookmarks, and search several
books at one time.  RFB will also continue to make E-Text books available in its original ASCII
format.  For further information contact Recording for the Blind, 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ
08540; (609) 452-0606 or (800) 221-4792.

"Personal Entertainment Guide" is now available in two forms for computer use with speech. 
There are separate versions for a number of major U.S. cities and a satellite version.  The latter
version includes all of the national networks and cable stations, 110 channels in all.  The
information may be downloaded or received on three double density disks by mail each month. 
For complete details contact Mark Kablinski, Look Ahead Communications, 163 Amsterdam Ave.,
Room 309, New York, NY 10023; CompuServe ID 73777,677.  Questions pertaining to speech
software may be addressed to Paul Migliorelli, 42-65 Kissena Boulevard, Apt. 206, Flushing, NY
11355; CompuServe ID 71715,1703. 

From Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, December, 1993: A free report listing all the
known resources of funding for disabled people seeking to buy computers, Resources the
Disabled Can Use to Acquire and Fund Computers, includes sources of grants, programs, services,
technology-related assistance, where to purchase computers at discounts, and where to get
information about companies that produce special computer-related products.  To receive this
report, send your name and address with the words "Free Computer Report and a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to Twin Peaks Press, P.O. Box 129, Vancouver, WA 98666; (206) 694-2462. 

From Lifeprints, Winter, 1993: Braillers are sometimes in need of repair; here are three sources
to keep on file: (1) Allen Ackley has been repairing Perkins braillers and AFB Telatouch machines
for more than 10 years.  He charges $40 plus parts.  Write to Allen Ackley at Ackley Appliance
Service, 627 E. Fifth St., Des Moines, IA 50309; (515) 288-3931.  (2) The Selective Doctor
repairs Perkins braillers and IBM typewriters at $40 for labor plus parts.  Contact the Selective
Doctor, Inc., P.O. Box 28432, Baltimore, MD 21234 (410) 668-1143.  (3) The Braillery offers
a complete repair service and can also make modifications for Perkins braillers.  Service can
usually be performed within two weeks and emergency service is possible.  Contact Robert
Simon, the Braillery, 5 Cumberland Circle, El Paso, TX 79903; (915) 859-7806.  Braillers can
be sent through the mail free but should be insured (the usual charge is around $6.)  That sum
may be added to the bill to insure the machine on its return journey. 

From the news letter of the Silicone Valley Chapter: Have a folding cane with broken elastic,
a mangled or battered cane or one whose red tape is mostly missing?  White Cane industries
for the Blind may be able to rescue you.  They'll repair and return folding canes for a very small
charge.  Send your damaged cane (Free Matter for the Blind); mail a letter describing the
problem and a check for $7 (the minimum repair fee).  Write to W.C.I.B., Route 3, Box 89A,
Jenkins, MO 65605; (417) 574-6368. 

From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, January, 1994: The Jenny Beck chapter of the Braille
Revival League is selling a new braille cookbook that contains a variety of recipes originally
printed on packaged goods.  Directions cover such items as Bisquick recipes, Stauffer's frozen
foods, and house brand products for major supermarkets; the price is $15.  Contact May or
Donald Davis, 133 W. Ashland St., Doyleston, PA 18901; (215) 348-5800 or (215) 627-0600,
x308. 

A number of sources produce full-length books on tape for sale; free catalogs are available as
follows: (1) Blackstone Audio Books,  (800) 729-2665.  (2) Recorded Books, Inc., (800) 638-
1304.  (3) Books on Tape, (800) 626-3333.  (4) Audio Literature, (800) 841-2665. 

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

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

I MISS MY MIND!
(anonymous)

I'll get by with my arthritis, with my hearing I'm resigned.  
I can manage my bifocals, But oh God, I miss my mind!

Some times I can't remember, when I stand upon the stair, 
If I'm going up for something or I've just come down from there.

And often at the Frigidaire, my mind is filled with doubt.  
Have I just been putting food away, or come to take some out?

There are times when in the darkness with the curlers on my head, I'm not sure if I'm retiring
or just getting out of bed.

If it's my time to write you, there's no need in getting sore.  
I might think I've already written, and I don't want to be a bore.  

Just remember I do miss you, and I wish that you were near.  
But since it's nearly mail time, I'll say au revoir my dear.

Now I'm standing at the mailbox with my face completely red.   
Instead of mailing you my letter, I opened it instead!
                          ------------

THE OUT-BASKET

Winifred Downing notified us the information in "Free Matter for the Blind," (The Blind
Californian, Winter, 1993-94) has been superseded by E040, Free Matter for the Blind and Other
Handicapped Persons, in Domestic Mail Manual Issue 46, 7-1-93, available in braille from your
postmaster.  Look for the update in the next issue of the BC.    
                          ''''''''''''
Juliet Esterly asked that we pass along her appreciation to all of her well-wishers.  It is
gratifying to know that she is doing much better.
                          ''''''''''''
Virtual Reality and Persons With Disabilities, second annual international conference, June 8-10,
1994, San Francisco Airport Marriott Hotel.  Please contact:  Center on Disabilities, Attn:  VR
Registration, CSUN Center on Disabilities, 18111 Nordoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330-8340. 
Phone:  (818) 885-2578, V/TDD/message; fax:  (818) 885-4929; E-mail:  VR@VAX.CSUN.EDU. 
Response required by May 20, 1994.  Keynote speaker:  Ray Bradbury.
                          ''''''''''''
The following may be of interest to you sports enthusiasts:  "The Unrecables is the Southern
California Chapter of National Handicapped Sports.  Our membership includes people with all
types of disabilities, such as visual impairments, hearing impairments, amputees, post polio,
cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and traumatic injuries.

"During the winter and spring, we take ski trips to Mammoth Mountain one weekend a month. 
We have our own adaptive equipment to ski, including bi-skis, mono-skis, and sit-skis.  Specially
certified ski instructors ski with skiers with disabilities on a one-to-one basis using the adaptive
equipment.  Overnight accommodations are also provided with your trip fee.  Skiing is the most
popular and most liked sport that this organization offers its membership.

"Also, we participate in kayaking, snorkeling, camping, river rafting, horseback riding, and
canoeing in the summer and fall months.  We usually go river rafting once a year in the
American River.  We have our own equipment for most of these activities.

"Our general meetings are held on the second Monday of each month in Los Angeles.  For more
information or to get on our mailing list, please write to: The Unrecables, P.O. Box 24856, Los
Angeles, CA 90024-0856."
                          ''''''''''''
GREATER INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

The Easter Seal Society for the Redwood Coast, in collaboration with the Smith-Kettlewell Eye
Research Institute is offering a fax reader service to print handicapped people of northern
California.  This is the first phase of a new program called Greater Independence through
Technology (GITT).  

Print material is sent by portable fax machine to the home of a sighted reader who receives the
information on another fax machine or computer screen.  The reader is then able to read the
information over the telephone.

The material sent can be things most people take for granted like mail, cooking instructions, a
magazine article or homework.  These simple everyday items can pose major obstacles for people
who are visually impaired or learning disabled.  

Without expensive equipment, readers can decipher handwriting or graphics, scan and sort
documents from their homes.  GITT is also a model program of self-help, independence and
potential employment for elderly or disabled participants.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this program as a consumer or
reader, please contact the Easter Seals Project Coordinator, Betty della Santina, at (415) 472-
3170.

The Compton Chapter, CCB meets the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. (except July),
at Chester Adult School, 1409 E. 148th Street, Compton.  They are holding a raffle with prizes
of $175.00; $100; and $75.00.  Tickets are $1.00 donation; drawing will be at the Spring CCB
Convention Banquet.  Call Holly Johnson at (310) 604-1092 for further information.
                          ''''''''''''
The Silicon Valley Counsel of the Blind is hosting a Northern California talent show at the Spring
convention on Friday, June 3rd.  If you live in Northern California (Bakersfield north) and would
like to show off your talent, please contact Jane Merrill no later than May 1st at 415-858-
0202.  We will also be looking for individuals to provide accompaniment.  Please join us and
share your talent.
                          ''''''''''''
Adjustable brailler stand:  This adjustable, table-top brailler stand is made of solid oak and oak
plywood with a polyurethane finish.  It measures 10 inches deep by 15 inches wide by 3-5/8
inches high at the back.  The incline adjusts to six different positions, ranging from 8 degrees
to 18 degrees to provide maximum individual comfort when transcribing and/or proofreading
braille with the Perkins braille writer.  The brailler stand may be purchased by sending $19.95
(California residents add $1.55 sales tax) to:  Michael Emerson, 17209 Santa Barbara Street,
Fountain Valley, CA 92708.  For more information call (714) 841-3887.
                          ''''''''''''
From Tek Vision Products:  4536 Edison Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821, Get the big picture. 
There is now a CCTV magnifying system that is less expensive than other similar units.  It gives
the user a clearer and brighter picture than most of the other units on the market.  It virtually
eliminates the glare that is common in other units.  

The Cvm1 Tru-View 20 inch TV/monitor sits on its own roll-away table and can be placed on
either side, making the view easier for people with macular degeneration.  With the flip of a
switch, the picture can be changed from color to positive-negative black and white.

The Cvm1 has the capability of enlarging letters to 60 times their original size.  It also enhances
the color and points in photographs that are small or distant.  

Now, reading, doing crossword puzzles or other things, are now easier as a result of the Cvm1
Tru-View's superior capability.  

We also produce a desktop and 13-inch models, as well.  

If you would like more information about the Cvm1 Tru-View system, we can be reached by mail
or telephone at the above address and phone number. (916) 489-5860; fax:  (916) 482-2250.
                          ''''''''''''
BC on Diskette:  If you wish to receive the BC on diskette, WordPerfect format, please notify: 
Doris Fisher, 9146 Compton Blvd. #21, Bellflower, CA 90706-3422, or contact the CCB office
at 1-800-221-6359 or (818) 557-6372.  It is also available on the CCBNET BBS: (916) 568-
6359 (see
"CCB MERGES ONTO THE ELECTRONIC/INFORMATION SUPER HIGHWAY!")
                          ------------