                      THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN




                    Quarterly Magazine of the

                 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Summer 1994                                       Volume 38 No. 3

    Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, and Large Print



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



                        EXECUTIVE OFFICE:
                     3919 West Magnolia Blvd.
                    Burbank, California 91505

                           800-221-6359
                           818-557-6372
                        Fax:  818-557-6539
                     CCBNET/BBS 916-568-6359


         SACRAMENTO AREA OFFICE:  Cid Urena, 916-371-1514
          1399 Sacramento Avenue SP 25, Bryte, CA 95605

          BAY AREA OFFICE:  Cathie Skivers 510-357-1986
               836 Resota Street, Hayward, CA 94545


Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in Burbank.

                           CCB OFFICERS


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

First Vice-President:  Chris Gray      Secretary:  Kenneth Frasse
549 Giuffrida Avenue                       8200 Lake Forest Drive
San Jose, CA 95123                      Sacramento, CA 95826-2958

Second Vice-President:  Cathie Skivers   Treasurer:  David Parker
836 Resota Street                             1600 Florida Street
Hayward, CA 94545                               Vallejo, CA 94590

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



                    CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE


Gerry Fields, Chairman                                  Dona Cook
1100  Gough Street 9C                        15545 Blackfoot Road
San Francisco, CA 94109                    Apple Valley, CA 92307

Doris Fisher                                    Winifred Downing 
9146 Compton Blvd., Apt. 21                      1587 38th Avenue
Bellflower, CA 90706-3422                 San Francisco, CA 94122

David Keith                                         Cathy Schmitt
8150 Broadway 233                             167 Rockwood Street
Lemon Grove, CA 91945-2671                       Irvine, CA 92714

Cherrie Handy Pomerantz                              Connie Skeen
1344 North Martel Avenue, 102                   3250 Maple Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046                            Oakland, CA 94602

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


        Call the "CALIFORNIA CONNECTION"  at 800-221-6359
           for an update on legislation and CCB events
    Monday through Friday after 5 p.m. and all day on weekends
         on Thursdays is offered in Spanish after 5 p.m.


                 Editor Pro Tem:  Maria E. Lopez
                      3925 East Sixth Street
                      Los Angeles, CA 90023


                Editor Assistant:  Norma Schecter
                           ------------



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


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

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

If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney  communicate with the Burbank office for other
suggested forms. Thank you.
                           ------------



                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


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

HEADQUARTERS UPDATE, by John V. Lopez. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND TESTIMONY 
     ON ORDER OF SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

HOW ORDER OF SELECTION MAY IMPACT BLIND APPLICANTS 
     FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES, by Charles D. Nabarrete. . . 10

SPRING 1994 CCB CONVENTION REPORT, by Gerard A. Rossi. . . . . 13

CONVENTION THOUGHTS, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . 22

FINAL REPORT OF THE CCB RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE, 
     by Ron Brooks, Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

LEGISLATIVE REPORT:  June 8, 1994, by Cid Urena. . . . . . . . 27

THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE SB 1605: Dja Vu 
     by Kenneth Frasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

HOWARD G. DOLL, PRESIDENT, CCB INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER, 
     by Margaret Ruth Doll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

FULL INCLUSION:  Part 2, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . 34

VISUAL NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION SEMINAR, 
     by Jane Brackman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE REVISITED, by Mitch Pomerantz. . . . 40

CALIFORNIA TRANSCRIBERS AND EDUCATORS 
OF THE VISUALLY HANDICAPPED (CTEVH) CONFERENCE, 
     by Dona Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND AND OTHER 
     HANDICAPPED PERSONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

IN MEMORIAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

BULLETIN BOARD, Summer, 1994, by Winifred Downing. . . . . . . 48

THE OUT-BASKET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
                           ------------               PERSONALLY SPEAKING, by Doris Fisher


Many, many moons ago (1969-70, perhaps), I started to make a suggestion at a chapter meeting that it might
be a good idea to design signs for use with the transit system.  Well.  As soon as the word "sign" was out of my
mouth, another blind person at that meeting said, rather nastily, "Oh, what's it going to say?  Please help me, I'm
blind?" (or some such response).  Those of you who know me personally may not believe this, but that
intimidated me and so I said no more about it.  My idea was the signs would have large busline numerals on
them because I thought it would be of help where several lines stop at the same location.  In the 1980's, I asked
my son to print large numerals on large index cards, and tried it out in Los Angeles, and it seemed to work pretty
good.  One driver stopped and said, "I'm not the one you want, but that's a great idea."  Now, of course, the
MTA offers such signs.

My point in relating this story is that all too often, we blind do to each other the very thing for which we condemn
the rest of the world for doing to us.  I have come to the conclusion that we are more intolerant of each other (let
alone the sighted world) than the sighted folks are.  How many of us expect that if we can: travel without
assistance; handle daily living skills easily; orient ourselves quickly in strange environments; cross streets without
audible signals; function in just about any given situation, the workplace, shopping, etc., again without asking for
assistance, every other blind person should be able to do so?  I'm here to tell you "it ain't necessarily so."  I think
that blind folks are just like sighted folks:  we come in all different sizes, shapes, personalities, and we have
many and varying degrees of skills, wants, needs, capabilities, oh yes, and even incapabilities.  I'm no different
from the ones at whom I'm pointing the finger; I have done my share of waxing holier than thou on more
occasions than I care to think about; now, however, I'm ashamed of myself (usually after the fact) when I have
reacted thusly.  How can we, in all good conscience, expect more from the sighted community, most of whom
know very little of our needs, capabilities, etc., than we do from ourselves?  

Part of it stems from what I like to call the superhuman syndrome from which I believe a good many of us suffer
either chronically or acutely.  Don't make a mistake; don't drop silverware; don't ask directions; don't dangle your
tie in the gravy; etc., etc. someone will think it's because you're blind.  So help me, I have found myself carrying
this "superhuman" syndrome over to my poor guide dog (I suppose in that case it should be super-dog
syndrome).  When she goofs up I have made haste to avoid the proper procedure of making her repeat
something because someone might observe the exercise and think she's not very good at her job when, in fact,
she usually is, and I don't want anyone to think differently.

Another part of it has to do with "the pecking order."  If I can beat upon you that proves I'm better than you.  If I
withhold information from you regarding how I handle situations, then you won't know as much as I and in turn
be a threat to me.  Although I am trying to point out examples of the blind's intolerance of the blind, I must say
that last statement applies not only to the blind, but to the sighted as well.  If we, who are blind, can function
every bit as well as our sighted counterparts, we may experience hostility from a few who are so insecure that
our capabilities remind them of their incapabilities.

Part of it stems from our desire, our need, to be accepted on an equitable basis, to be thought of as "normal"
rather than blind.  How "normal" is it never to need assistance?  When shopping, have you ever heard a sighted
person ask a store employee where to find something?  When at the airport, have you ever heard a sighted
person ask where Gate such-and-such is?  Has a colleague ever asked you for assistance?  I have experienced
those situations and many similar ones.  Two negatives make a positive, right?  Well, I'd say it's very "un-
normal" not to need assistance now and then.  Some years back I had a boss who did not like tending to details,
such as filling out his time card, so he assigned the chore to me.  Two hours and three correction ribbons later, I
marched into his office and asked him which would be more time and cost effective:  me taking all day, or him
taking two minutes; he agreed to do it himself.  And, before some of you start jumping up and down, waving
your banners of independence and self-sufficiency, let me say that none, not one, of the other secretaries
completed her boss's time cards, so there! A lady friend of mine and I were lunching together and she began
chuckling.  She said that a very well-dressed gentleman had just received his order of spaghetti, flipped his tie
over his shoulder, and dug right in.  She added that she had designed herself a couple of fancy bibs with little
gold chains, that she often carries with her when dining out should she develop a craving for spaghetti or even
soup because she'd rather have the inevitable spills on her bib than on her bosom.  I know, I know.  That's fine
for a sighted person, nobody will think anything of it, but if it happens to a blind person ... Let me finish that
statement - someone will know that blind person is only normal after all.

If we blind make a conscious effort to recognize some of these traits in ourselves, instead of only "seeing" them
in others, we would begin to turn things around.  Things aren't as bad as they used to be.  I can remember being
told by a blind person "It isn't ladylike to carry a cane."  I remember at the California School for the Blind, I was
practically ostracized because I enrolled in an orientation class (taught by our own Mr. George Fogarty).  The
CSB high school students would not have dreamed of using canes when traveling to the public high schools
from the CSB campus.  Other "braille" (not blind students, mind you) enrolled in public schools belittled a student
who chose to use a cane on campus. Even today, how often have you heard fellow blind folks say they do not
wish to draw attention to themselves by carrying a cane or using a guide dog; that audible signals announce to
the world here comes a blind person; they want to be "normal."  The fact is I am blind. The fact is there are
some things I either cannot do or that take me ten times as long to do as it would a sighted person.  It's okay for
me to be blind.  I am normal.  We must begin making a conscious effort to believe that being blind equals being
"normal" and the two are not an oxymoron. 

[To be sure of its spelling and to assure myself it meant what I thought it did, I looked it up:  oxymoron, n. a
figure of speech in which contradictory ideas or terms are combined.] 
                           ------------
              HEADQUARTERS UPDATE, by John V. Lopez


At the time of this writing, we have just returned from one of the most successful conventions ever held by the
California Council of the Blind, in Sacramento on the weekend of June 2-5, 1994.  It was a rewarding experience
for me to observe the vitality of this organization and the members' growing interest in its progress.  This
dynamic spirit was accurately defined in the theme of the convention, "Believe and Achieve".  

I truly commend and thank the Convention Coordinating Committee and especially its chairlady, Margie
Donovan, for their active role in assisting me to plan a successful convention.  The contribution of this committee
in such an important assignment has undoubtedly been an impressive achievement.  An opportunity like this
gives members a first-hand experience in the planning of a CCB convention.  

We had two honored guests at this convention:  Paul Schroeder, Director of Governmental Affairs of the
American Council of the Blind, who gave us an update on Federal legislation on Friday; and Saturday, he
participated in a panel discussion regarding legislation.  Also, Durward McDaniel, member of the ACB
Membership Committee, spoke to us about various issues concerning blind people around the nation.  

In the convention report, expertly written by Gerard Rossi, you will find the results of the Nominating Committee
and the passage of two amendments to our CCB constitution.  

An idea new to CCB that I started in this convention is allowing Board members to learn by actual participation
how to conduct a convention.  Sharing my presidential duty in this manner, I believe, will help to cultivate future
leadership in our organization.  

My sincere thanks to all the CCB members who participated In the Legislative Day held Thursday, June 2, in
Sacramento under the direction of Cid Urena, our CCB Capitol representative.  We took our message to the
legislators asking them to support our Bills that are important to us.  Cid, of course, outdid himself with his
guidance and lobbying skills.  

One of the highlights of the convention was the chartering of three new chapters:  Berkeley Council of the Blind,
Active Blind Inland Valley, and Siskiyou Chapter of the Blind.  Since May 1993, we have chartered 7 new
chapters -- the CCB continues to grow. 

Two outstanding members of the CCB were recognized at the banquet:  George Fogarty, for his 60 years of
devoted service to the blind of California and Cid Urena, for his more than 30 years of diligent work in legislation
on behalf of blind people.  The achievements and dedicated interest of these two members provide an example
that we could all try to emulate.  

Preliminary plans are already under way for the Fall Convention where we will celebrate our 60th anniversary.  I
have appointed Coletta Davis as assistant coordinator for this convention.  She is another hard-working member
and always enthusiastic to assist in any project.  Together we are going to make our CCB 60th anniversary
convention an exciting and memorable event.  

Let me inform you of some of the activities of the CCB that took place since our last issue of the BC.  At the
beginning of March, Maria and myself and 12 of our CCB representatives, and also many other ACB affiliates,
traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the annual legislative seminar of the Affiliated Leadership League
(ALL).  This legislative seminar gives us the opportunity to speak to our Congressmen and expose our concerns.
In the Spring edition of The Blind Californian, you can find a detailed report of our concerns which we presented
to the Congress.  

Some of the CCB members, including Maria and myself, attended the annual conference of the California
Transcribers and Educators of the Visually Handicapped (CTEVH) held in Orange County on April 21-24.  The
seminars, workshops, and discussions were very interesting and educational.  Present at this conference was
Assemblyman Mickey Conroy, author of our Braille Bill, who spoke about the importance of supporting the
Braille Bill and highly praised the CCB, and Cid Urena for his tireless work in Sacramento.  

The CCB had a booth at the CTEVH conference where we distributed our new brochure and  our legislative
bills, and displayed the proclamation of Braille Literacy Week.  Thanks to Coletta Davis and the Orange County
Chapter for assisting us in this activity.  

On April 18, I represented the CCB in a public forum sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation, and
addressed the audience on our concern regarding the order of selection plan.  Following this article you will find
a reprint of our testimony regarding this matter. 

On the weekend of May 13-15, Maria and I attended the American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT)
Convention held in Corpus Christi.  As a member of the ACB Membership Committee, I was invited to speak
about the concerns of the Spanish-speaking blind population in this country.  

According to ACBT members, this was their largest convention and they are growing in membership every year. 
There were approximately 180 members present.  On behalf of the CCB, I have extended an invitation to
Richard Villa, ACBT's newly elected president, to the celebration of our CCB's 60th anniversary at our
November convention.  

There are three ideas that I noticed at the ACBT convention and perhaps we will implement them in our future
conventions:  1) ACBT has a cash grand prize drawing at the end of the convention for those registered; 2)
ACBT is planning to start an affiliate of sighted spouses; and 3) ACBT honors the outstanding member of the
year. 

We returned home with a feeling of deep gratitude for the great hospitality we received from the ACBT
membership.  There is no doubt in my mind that interCouncil relationship is very beneficial for all affiliates; it
gives us the opportunity to come closer and to learn from each other.  

Congratulations to the Berkeley Council of the Blind for its successful technology summit held in May.  This
event was well attended and the speakers were very interesting.  They informed us of the latest technology for
blind people and of ways to finance this expensive adaptive equipment.  I see much interest in this area by blind
people, and there are plans to start a special-interest technology affiliate.  

During the first week of July, Maria and I will be traveling to Chicago to attend the ACB National Convention to
be held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel.  According to the pre-registration program, it seems like this
convention will be quite inspiring, filled with many workshops and fun tours.  At this convention, Roger Petersen
will be the CCB Nominating Representative, and Marion Fisher will be my Alternate Delegate.  Since this will be
Maria's and my first trip to Chicago, we are looking forward to an exciting national convention outside of
California.  

Good news from Sacramento:  On June 16, 1994, Governor Wilson signed into law AB2640, authored by
Assemblyman Fred Aguiar, proclaiming the first week in January of each year as "Braille Literacy Week."  This
great accomplishment is the result of our tireless efforts on behalf of blind people in California; accordingly,
special recognition goes to the Braille Revival League of California; Cid Urena, CCB Capitol Representative; and
the Governmental Affairs Committee, for their effective advocacy.  

In closing, please begin making your plans to attend the Fall convention and join us in our celebration of 60
years of CCB history.  In our next issue of the BC, I will talk about some plans to make this special weekend an
unforgettable one.  I hope that all of you will be a part of this unique milestone.  
                           ------------


                 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 
                 TESTIMONY ON ORDER OF SELECTION

                          April 18, 1994


Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.  My name is John Lopez and I am the President of the California Council
of the Blind.  Founded in 1934, the Council is the largest and oldest statewide consumer action organization of
blind and visually impaired persons in California and the nation.  The CCB exists for the purpose of advocating
for the rights of blind people, and that is why I am here today.  

On behalf of our approximately 5,000 members, I wish to express our sincere concern over the proposed
implementation of an order of selection policy for future clients of the Department of Rehabilitation (DR).  Our
position in this matter is very clear; we want to ensure that blind and visually impaired persons continue to be
classified as "most severely disabled," so that we receive the rehabilitation services necessary to become fully
functioning members of society.  Despite assurances to the contrary by Department of Rehabilitation officials,
we believe that the seven "functional capacities" being considered in order to determine whether someone is
severely disabled may well exclude a large segment of our population from obtaining services from DR.  

Even in a supposedly enlightened age, blindness is still one of the most misunderstood and stereotyped
disability group.  This is evidenced by the nearly 70 percent unemployment rate among blind and visually
impaired people in this country.  It is our experience that for blind and visually impaired people to compete with
the sighted in this computerized and fast-paced job market, we frequently require expensive adaptive
technology.  This means that it is more expensive to rehabilitate us because of the cost involved.  In addition, it
typically takes significantly longer to place a blind or visually impaired individual in competitive employment.  This
is because of the misconceptions which most employers still have regarding what we can and cannot do!  
The California Council of the Blind strongly supports shifting of rehabilitation priorities in order to serve those
consumers with the most severe disabilities.  However, implementing an order of selection policy based on the
proposed seven "functional capacities" will, in our opinion, negatively impact the disability of blindness.  We must
take strong exception to the notion that these functional capacities are "disability neutral," as required by the
Rehabilitation Services Administration.  A review of the written definition and indicators accompanying each of
the functional capacities leads us to the conclusion that it will be far more difficult for someone to qualify for
rehabilitation services whose only disability is blindness or visual impairment.  As an aside, we must also
question whether those functional capacities can be quantified in such a way that rehabilitation counselors will be
able to apply them uniformly from district to district.  
Using the definitions and the "serious impact" statement for each functional capacity, it is almost certain that two
of these, Mobility and Communication would qualify us for Rehab services.  Two others, Personal Care and
Work Skills could also be used to qualify many blind and visually impaired persons.  Based on the
accompanying definitions and indicators, the individual who is recently blind could require intervention to fulfill
personal care needs (such as marking clothing); while the average blind person does require rehabilitation
technology to develop work skills.  

A point must be made here regarding the Personal Care category.  One of the indicators states that someone
has a functional limitation if he or she "utilizes a guide, service, or companion dog."  The guide dog performs a
completely different role for the blind person than does the signal or service animal.  The guide dog is a mobility
tool, not an aid in providing personal care.  Clearly, it does not belong in this category.  

The other three functional capacities, self Direction, Interpersonal Skills, and Work Tolerance, are another
matter entirely. As defined, it is difficult to see how someone who is blind or visually impaired would be classified
as functionally limited in any of these areas unless some other factor, such as a serious medical condition or
secondary disability, also exists.  Consider the functional capacity of Self Direction.  Blind people do not
inherently have difficulty independently planning, initiating, problem-solving, organizing, or carrying out goal-
directed activities unless there is another significant functional limitation.  

One of the indicators under the Interpersonal Skills category might be interpreted to pose a serious impact for a
blind or visually impaired person:  "Significant difficulty in interpreting and responding appropriately to the
behavior and communication of others."  This interpretation, I suggest, would only be useful if we honestly
believe that a blind person's inability to pick up nonverbal communication cues could serve as a serious
functional limitation.  

The aforementioned functional capacity areas and attendant limitations appear to have a positive impact on
individuals with psychological, developmental, or cognitive disabilities while having a negative impact on those of
us who have sensory disabilities such as blindness.  To us, these categories do not seem to be disability neutral. 
The California Council of the Blind must take issue with use of these seven functional capacity areas as written,
to determine whether someone is sufficiently disabled to qualify for services under the proposed order of
selection guidelines.  We strongly recommend that the list of seven functional capacities either be expanded to
encompass other areas crucial to persons with sensory disabilities, or stipulate that certain disabilities (e.g.:
blindness, deafness, para- and quadriplegia) are automatically designated as "most severe" and given highest
priority status for service under any order of selection plan.  

If DR establishes an order of selection plan whereby persons with seven functional limitations are served first,
and those with three or four such limitations are served fourth or fifth, some very creative interpretation of the
guidelines by individual counselors will be necessary for most of us who are "just blind" to receive meaningful
service from the Department of Rehabilitation.  Even if we are determined to be "most severely disabled" and
since it is more costly to rehabilitate the typical blind or visually impaired rehab client, will there still be sufficient
funds available to offer meaningful assistance if we are the fourth or fifth priority?  At the very least, DR should
classify and give first priority to those persons whose disability constitutes a serious impact in three or more
functional areas.  

The membership of the California Council of the Blind, including the representatives on the Blind Advisory
Committee and the Rehabilitation Advisory Council, will continue to work with DR to develop truly disability-
neutral functional capacities as well as appropriate criteria to measure their potential impact.  I thank you for the
opportunity to speak to the RAC and representatives of the Department of Rehabilitation today.  
                           ------------


                HOW ORDER OF SELECTION MAY IMPACT 
          BLIND APPLICANTS FOR REHABILITATION SERVICES, 
                     by Charles D. Nabarrete


The 1992 amendments to the Rehabilitation Act require states to adopt order of selection policies which will
ensure that applicants with the most severe disabilities will be given priority in providing services.  Because of
fiscal problems and because rehabilitation plans for the most severely disabled will be more costly, the
California Department of Rehabilitation (hereandafter the Department) anticipates that it will not be able to
provide services to all applicants for rehabilitation services.  The Department proposes to categorize disabled
applicants as being either most severely disabled, or severely disabled, or disabled; and anticipates that
resources will only permit services to applicants who are either most severely disabled or severely disabled.  In
this article, I will describe the order of selection policy as well as a field study of the order of selection policy as
reported to the Blind Advisory Council on May 2, 1994 by the Department.

The federal definition of a person having a severe disability is as follows:

"1.  An individual with a disability who has a severe physical or mental impairment which seriously limits one or
more functional capacities in terms of employment;

"2.  whose vocational rehabilitation can be expected to require multiple vocational rehabilitation services over an
extended period of time; and

"3.  who has one or more physical or mental disabilities resulting from specified conditions."

The Department's executive staff, as well as a project team working on this specific project, in consultation with
the Rehabilitation Advisory Council (RAC) has developed a working definition of most severely disabled as being
a person who has experienced three or more severe impairments of functional capacities and who will require
vocational rehabilitation services for more than six months.  

The Department presently is proposing that ten categories be utilized in order to assess the degree of
impairment experienced by a disabled applicant.  The ten functional categories utilized by the Department to
measure impairment are:  mobility, personal care, self-direction, interpersonal skills, work tolerance, work skills,
hearing, speaking, seeing, and cognitive processing.  The Department had previously proposed seven
categories which included a communications classification which was then changed to the four categories of
hearing, speaking, seeing and cognitive processing, after consultation with RAC.  In order to more accurately
reflect the degree of impairment, the Department presently proposes a rating scale of from 1 to 5 for each
classification wherein the most significantly impaired will be rated as 5 while the least significantly impaired will
be given a 1 rating.  Based on an evaluation utilizing the ten classifications and the significant scale, the
Department defined the most severely disabled person as being one who achieved a total points rating of 16
with at least one classification being rated 4 or 5.  A severely disabled applicant is defined as one who achieves
a total point rating of from 4 to 15, with at least one classification being considered severely impaired.  A
disabled rating would be given an applicant who was considered not to have a severe impairment and to have a
total point rating of less than 4.  

The Department conducted a field study between January, 1994 and March, 1994 in order to assess the impact
of the proposed order of selection policy.  The field study sample was balanced in terms of gender, ethnicity,
age, disability, and geographical area.  The field study sample included 311 applicant files for persons who had
applied for services between November 15, 1993 and December 15, 1993, from seven different geographical
areas of the state.  Twenty counselors and ten supervisors, who had been given training by the Department,
evaluated the applicant files according to the order of selection policy.  Visually impaired applicants are
considered to be either blind or visually impaired.  The field study resulted in 24%of blind applicants being
considered to be most severely disabled, 38% considered to be severely disabled, and 38% considered to be
disabled.  The field study rated 9% of the visually impaired as most severely disabled, 24% were considered
severely disabled, and 64% were rated as being disabled.  On an overall basis, 21% of the sample were rated
as most severely disabled, 30% were considered severely disabled, and 49% were evaluated as being disabled. 
By way of comparison, the most severely disabled evaluation was given to 24% of the deaf applicants, 27% of
those considered hard of hearing, 29% of those applicants afflicted with arthritis, 68% afflicted by muscular
dystrophy, 50% of the quadriplegic applicants, 36% of those who had suffered traumatic brain injury, 42%
considered mentally disabled, 40% of the mentally retarded, 25% of those having cardiac and circulatory
problems, and 57% of those afflicted with epilepsy.  

Inasmuch as the field study evaluated blind applicants separately from those who were considered to be visually
impaired, the results for the blind category are most alarming.  Blindness is generally considered to be a total
disability; for example, in the Workers Compensation field, having visual acuity of less than 20/200 with
correction results in an automatic 100% disability rating.  The question then is why have 76% of the blind
applicants been rated less than most severely disabled.  First, the Department's order of selection policy
deviates from the federal guidelines as the federal guidelines only require one or more severe impact whereas
the Department's order of selection policy requires 3 or more.  Secondly, the functional capacity utilized by the
Department gives greater weight to those having mental impairment than to other disabilities.  The
classifications include interpersonal skills, cognitive processing, and work skills, all of which would be impaired
more significantly by mental disability than by blindness.

The third reason is that the implementation of the order of selection policy seems to have minimized the impact
of blindness upon some of the functional categories.  Thirty-eight per cent of the blind were considered to be
disabled, which by definition would include those who do not have a functional capacity rated as severely
impaired.  Two of the classifications evaluated are seeing and mobility, which for a blind person are generally
accepted to be severely impaired.  Under the Department's definition, a blind applicant would have at least two
serious impairments and by the Department's definition would not be rated as disabled, yet 38% of the blind
sampled were considered disabled.  Similarly, the order of selection policy resulted in a higher percentage of
those having hearing problems being considered most severely disabled than the deaf.

In summary, it appears that the order of selection policy is arbitrary, weighted to favor those having mental
disabilities and adversely impacts blind applicants.  In order to ensure that blind applicants are treated fairly by
the order of selection policy, the policy must be changed so that the impact of blindness and visual impairment
upon an applicant's functional capacity will be fairly evaluated and not be minimized.
                           ------------


       SPRING 1994 CCB CONVENTION REPORT by Gerard A. Rossi


The California Council of the Blind, at age 60, still manifests the vigor, the dynamism, and the exuberance which
it has always possessed.  This was quite evident to participants and observers alike who were in attendance at
the convention which was held at the Capitol Holiday Inn, Sacramento, June 2-5.  The convention theme: 
"Believe and Achieve" was held in every activity.

Before the convention was formally gaveled to order by its very capable president, John Lopez, on Friday
afternoon, various groups of individuals with special interests had convened to discuss pertinent matters and
carry forth the business at hand.

The California Council of the Blind Citizens with Low Vision elected the following officers:  President, Joan
Black; First Vice-President, Coletta Davis; Second Vice-President, Bernice Kandarian; Recording Secretary,
Barbara Kron; and Treasurer, Tom Karnes.  Donna Sanchez and Dagney Hilstrom were elected to Board
positions.

The Committee on the Deaf-Blind, Mary Lou Gillespie, Chairperson, together with many volunteers, discussed
enlarging the means and avenues by which people with hearing and sight loss might be given better ways of
communication.

Eugene Lozano chaired the meeting on Access and Transportation.  Matters relating to both fixed-route
transportation and on-demand paratransit systems were discussed, with participants informing others of the
many changes occurring in their own areas.  Since the topography and the population distribution of the Golden
State significantly differ in urban, rural, coastal, desert, and elevated regions, a multiplicity of configurations exist,
and this committee is in a particularly good position to act as a clearinghouse for disseminating data on the
various types of inquiries.

The Fund-Raising Committee of the CCB, chaired by Dan Kysor, wrestled with ideas on how to increase the
coffers of the state, so that it could continue to enlarge opportunities for the blind and adequately represent their
interests everywhere.

The Blind Students of California, with Rob Cook as its president, hosted "Youth Empowerment:  High School
Transition Seminar," to which many young people in attendance at the convention were invited.  The change
from school to college, to the work place, to a larger social milieu were detailed, and the attendees were shown
means by which to cope with changes.

Bernice Kandarian and Joanne Pomerantz co-chaired a breakfast meeting at which various issues and
concerns relevant to women were discussed.  Sharon Hudson, of the Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually
Impaired, and Sandy Gouvia, of the Sensory Access Foundation, lent their expertise to the proceedings.  Vicky
Murdoch, Pat LaFrance, Joyce Parsons, and others added their thoughts to the whole.

The Library Users of California, with Winifred Downing chairing, held its popular luncheon to which all were
invited.  Mr. Pete Basofin of the library of the Sacramento Bee posed the question:  "What Is the Purpose of the
Newspaper Library?"  He then proceeded to describe its value as a resource relating to news and matters of
interest to the community.  Data can be stored in ways of particular benefit to the users.  Stories can be filed
under topics, dates, locations, personalities, etc.  To access, one need know only how it is filed, and then
proceed to retrieve it.  Eventually, more and more people will be able to utilize the vast amount of data now
being stored in computers.  When a student in a school setting or an adult in the city requires knowledge about a
specific happening, he turns to the library for instant information.  The future is at hand.

At various times throughout the convention meetings were held by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee,
chaired by Jerry Glass, the Resolutions Committee, chaired by Ron Brooks; and the Credentials Committee,
chaired by Sharlene Ornelas.  All the members of these committees are certainly hard workers and should be
commended for their persistence and diligence.

At 1:30 p.m., President Lopez called the convention to order and called upon David McElroy to invoke the Lord's
blessing upon the gathering, Paul Borelli to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dan Kysor, President of the
Capitol Chapter, to bring the word of welcome to his city.

Chris Jennewein, General Manager of the Mercury Center of San Jose, asked the rhetorical question:  "Can
newspapers be accessible to blind and visually impaired?".  His answer was a resounding "Yes!"  Computers
equipped with speech and connected to various on-line services can access virtually  all printed materials
anywhere in the U.S.  Eventually, the daily paper will very probably appear at the breakfast table via the
computer.  Individuals will be able to focus their attentions upon just the topics or areas of keenest interest to
them.  No longer will they be encumbered by wading through vast amounts of advertising should they wish to
bypass these.  If one desires to keep track of a particular stock it will be easy, as the machine will "bring it up"
when told to do so.  Many questions were generated by this thought-provoking talk, as the blind are always
keenly aware of finding means by which to tap into the growing data now available.  

Dr. Leonard Hjelmeland, Professor of the Department of Biological Chemistry, UC Davis, outlined the various
ophthalmological problems to which the human eye is heir.  The good doctor lost his own sight some years ago,
but is able to work in his profession.  His talk was most enlightening, and the questions generated therefrom
showed the high degree of interest which the audience manifested.

T.J. Miller, Manager, Business Enterprise Program for the State of California, discoursed upon the "BEP:  How
far has it come and how far is it going?".  He detailed the program's history, expansion, adaptation to new and
differing circumstances, and spoke of its continuing to enlarge.  Despite certain difficulties and the fast changing
economic climate of today and occasional problems with managers of buildings in which BEP facilities are
housed, the program moves forward, with many blind and visually impaired individuals seeking entrance therein. 
Questions from the audience certainly reflect a continuing interest in the field.

The last speaker to be heard on Friday afternoon was Mr. Gordon Fuller of Palo Alto, who described the world,
not far distant, when everyone will be connected via fiber-optic cable to all manner of resource materials.  One
can dial through a person's telephone the vast data stored in libraries, newspapers, magazines, etc.  Data on
demand will be a new world for all of us; it will be here soon enough.

After this formal session, a First-Timers Seminar was held to afford an opportunity for newcomers to learn about
the organization and meet some of its members.  Tom O'Sullivan capably hosted this event.

Cathie Skivers, Chairperson, and many long-time members of the Council met as the History Committee to
research and develop a history of the organization, now in its 60th year.  

At 5:15, attendees and friends assembled to break bread together in what has become a tradition at our
conventions, namely:  the Presidents' Dinner.  The very capable Al Biegler, President of the Butte County
Chapter, was Master of Ceremonies.  The dinner affords an opportunity for people to meet friends and to
exchange ideas and experiences.  Chapter presidents are encouraged to come to the microphone to tell of
chapter growth, fund-raising events, and to boost camaraderie.

When the convention was again convened at 7 p.m., Ross Winetsky, President of the Redwood Empire
Chapter, reminded us that many old problems still exist, but that we must look for new solutions in this faster-
moving world.  We must be more sensitive to the problems and needs of people with other disabilities.  Where
possible and desirable, coalitions must be forged, that goals may be achieved.  Sharlene Ornelas, Chairperson
of the Credentials Committee, gave her report.  All chapters, being certified and present, are able to cast ballots
and enter into any other kind of business of the convention.

Chris Gray then became the presiding officer of the meeting.  He introduced Mr. Paul W. Schroeder, Director of
Governmental Affairs for the ACB in Washington.  Mr. Schroeder talked about health-care reform as it
particularly pertains to the blind and visually handicapped.  He said, at this point, it would be impossible to know
what kind of bill would ultimately come out of Congress, if any at all would be passed.  Concerns about costs
and benefits seem to be causing controversy and seem to be gathering the most heat in Washington.

Next, Brenda Premo, Director of the State Department of Rehabilitation, stated that she was working with the
Blind Advisory Committee (bac.  Counselors will be given equipment as needed and the training necessary to
use it.  Consumers will be involved in their training and in making choices as to what they would like to do.  She
said that passage of the ADA legislation has made it necessary that all disabled groups be served equitably. 
She said that she welcomes input from BAC.  She further stated that she wanted alumni and former students of
the Orientation Center for the Blind to give advice and to work with staff there to assure that the Center will
continue to be a fine one.

Donine Hedrick, Program Manager, Braille and Talking Book Library, Sacramento, described for us the brand-
new facility to be opened in September.  It is to be called the "New Technologies Center" and will be equipped
with sophisticated computers, the Reading Edge, and space for those who wish to come in to browse among
the stacks.  There are now 450,000 items in the collection.  To help in the expanded program, Donine said that
she will actively search for volunteers, that the activities might be more expeditiously completed.  The library now
has a sufficient amount of machines to meet current needs.

Kenneth Frasse, member of the CCB Board of Directors, next moderated a panel discussion entitled "A Global
Perspective."  The participants in order of their presentation were:  Winifred Downing, Connie Bateman and
Roger Petersen.

Winifred told of her trip to Athens and to France.  In the latter country she was privileged to visit the home of
Louis Braille and to see some early instances of tactile print for the blind.  

Connie Bateman recalled her trip to China, from which her family had come some years before.  She saw
relatives there whom she had never met.  She noted that the Chinese blind heretofore had little opportunity for
education and independence.  Gradually, though, things are moving toward their being given training and
education either for trades or professions.

Roger spoke of his visit to various cities in Japan.

Our members did indeed get a new perspective by their vicarious journeys with our friends on the panel.

Friday's array of events was brought to a close by a new presentation.  A "Talent Showcase," hosted by the
Silicon Valley Council, which afforded an opportunity for some of our talented members to exhibit their musical
and other entertaining abilities.  It is hoped that this very enjoyable event will be repeated in future convention-
planning.  

Saturday activities began with a breakfast business meeting of the Board of Directors, Guide Dog Users of
California, chaired by Ken Metz, President.  

Two groups, the CCCLV and the Committee on Senior Blind and Visually Impaired, united to present "Coping
with Vision Loss:  Forty Something and Beyond."  It was a stimulating event.

The CCB's Education Committee, with this author as Chairman, under the general title:  "What Should the Blind
be Taught?," attempted to define the subject areas which are important to the learning experience of the blind. 
Topics here were not confined merely to academia, but rather encompassed independent-living skills and those
pertaining to social graces as well.  There was a lively exchange of ideas.  Later, various settings and
environments for learning were discussed and contrasted with those in other parts of the nation.

A workshop held by ophthalmologists and optometrists was held and yielded much interest for those in
attendance.

The Computer Technology Committee of the CCB, Doris Fisher, Chairperson, discussed its goals and
objectives.  As one of its projects, the committee plans to compile a resource guide for those in search of
recycled adaptive equipment.  

The Blind Students of California met to exchange thoughts on how students might be better served by agencies
and schools.

The Randolph Sheppard Vendors of California, Joe Smith, President, met to discuss common problems and to
find ways to promote better business opportunities with the BEP system.

From 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Guide Dog Users of California presented a varied program of business and
educational value.

The California School for the Blind Alumni Association met at 10 a.m., with Alfred Gil as Chairman.  This was a
fine time for reminiscing and for discussing conditions at the school right now.

At 11:45, the Orientation Center for the Blind Alumni Luncheon, Albert Contreras, President, held its very
popular affair which has become a tradition to which not only alumni look forward, but also friends who have
heard of this fine training institution.

At 1:45, the afternoon session was gaveled to order.  John di Francesco delivered the invocation, and Rob Cook
led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kenneth Frasse and Dan Kysor introduced us to the "CCBNET."  With a computer, one will be able to access
virtually unlimited amounts of data.

Cid Urena, Chair of the Nominating Committee, gave his committee report.  The following were nominated: 
Officers:  President, Mitchell Pomerantz; First Vice-President, Christopher Gray; Treasurer, David Parker. 
Board of Directors:  Winifred Downing, Pat LaFrance, Teddie Remhild and John Lopez.  Elections will be held at
the Fall Convention at which time other names may be submitted from the floor.

Next, conventioneers listened to a very stimulating panel, chaired by the very capable Cathie Skivers; "The
Challenge of the 90's" directed attention to the importance of legislation, both national and local, and urged all in
the organization to work assiduously for the passage of desired legislation and for all of us to get to know
members in both houses of Congress and in the State Legislature.  Paul Schroeder, ACB legislative
representative, stressed the desirability of getting through to members of Congress for passage of pending bills.

Chris Gray spoke of a moving visit to Prague, the capital of the Czech republic, where he could see how greatly
freedom was treasured by the people. 

Cid Urena and Cathie Skivers have labored to let people know of pending legislation in Sacramento.  Everyone
should try to get to know their State Senator and representatives; go to their offices, write letters and be
attentive to the legislative updates which Cid sends out to all Chapter presidents.  Cathie echoed all that had
been said and pledged to continue working for the organization, as she has for more than three decades.

In view of the shaking that has been going on, a panel on "Earthquake Preparedness," chaired by Jeff Thom of
CCB's Board of Directors, was indeed apropos.  Mary Lou Pierce, Emergency Services Officer, City of
Sacramento, talked of the ways which her city might prepare for the "big one."  Rick Johnson, former resident of
the San Fernando Valley, felt firsthand the January 17th quake which made his home uninhabitable;  he and his
family escaped serious injury, but much of what they owned was destroyed.  Cherrie Pomerantz also felt the
quake but to a lesser degree.  All agreed that only actual experience could teach one what an earthquake is like.

After adjournment, in the limited time available before the commencement of the banquet, the following groups
met to discuss matters of relevance to them:  CCB Publications Committee, Jerry Fields, Chairman; Committee
on Senior Blind and Visually Impaired, Teddie Remhild, Chairperson; Rehabilitation Services Committee, Elmer
Chapson, Chairman; Women's Concerns Seminar, Bernice Kandarian and Joanne Pomerantz, Co-
Chairpersons; and Governmental Affairs Committee, Cathie Skivers, Chairperson.  Members of the Sierra
Regional Ski for Light held a reception.

A no-host social hour preceded the banquet which provided an opportunity to renew acquaintances in a relaxed
atmosphere.  First Vice-President Chris Gray served as Master of Ceremonies at the banquet.  In addition to the
usual contributions to the CCB treasury from chapters throughout the state, the Bayview Chapter founded the
George Fogarty Scholarship with a donation of $500; scholarships awarded will be for the purpose of assisting
all who wish to learn and use braille.  

Other banquet activities:  Three new chapters were given charters:  the Siskiyou County Chapter, Mary Heiser,
President; the Berkeley Council of the Blind, Don Brown, President; and the Active Blind Inland Valley Chapter,
Jerry Glass, President; each received $500 toward financial stability.

Well-deserved recognition for distinguished service to the blind and the CCB was accorded to Cid Urena, for his
more than 30 years of hard labor in the legislative arena in Sacramento; and to George Fogarty, advocate,
counselor and teacher since at least 1934, who has shared his considerable talents and expertise to furthering
the cause in which he so firmly believes.

The guest of honor for the evening was Mr. John Dashney, Past President, Oregon Council of the Blind, and a
member of the Portland Story-Telling Guild and National Story-Telling Association, who delighted the
assemblage with the hilarious products of his fertile imagination.

Sunday morning began with devotional services ably conducted by Dr. Martin C. Jones, President, Golden Gate
Chapter.  

The final session of the Convention began at 9 a.m. with a presentation by Durward K. McDaniel, ACB Past
National Representative and member of the ACB Board of Directors, on "Mundane Issues on Several Fronts." 
Manuel Urena, Program Manager, Services for the Blind and Partially Sighted, State Department of
Rehabilitation, gave "An Update of the State Department of Rehabilitation."  David Parker, Treasurer, CCB,
provided members with a financial report.  

Two amendments to the CCB Constitution and Bylaws were unanimously passed:  The first creates the Office
of Immediate Past President; the second provides that all officers and Board members will take their respective
positions effective January 1 instead of at the conclusion of the Fall Convention.

The Resolutions Committee then presented to the membership for its disposition numerous resolutions.  Please
refer to "Final Report of the CCB Resolutions Committee" for details.

Again, the California Council of the Blind is to be congratulated for an outstanding Convention which provided
much information and inspiration.  It was repeatedly demonstrated that "Believe and Achieve," is so much more
than a mere motto; through hard work and service to our fellow blind, it is a means to reality.
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             CONVENTION THOUGHTS, by Winifred Downing


At the meeting of the San Francisco Chapter just following the recent convention, we discussed a few thoughts
and questions we had, and we wonder if any readers of the BC may have suggestions for solutions.

One problem is the prevalence of talking devices and the fact that many people have time-pieces set to go off
automatically.  When an hour approaches, one hears it spoken in a variety of voices all over the room and often
in considerable volume.  It is a bit humorous, but it also seems rude to anyone who is addressing the convention. 
Should the chair of each convention session request that members of the audience turn off their time pieces
during the program? 

Then there are the users of the Braille 'n Speak who want to hear the messages the device gives as one writes. 
To nonusers it must be explained that, when various key combinations are pressed along with the spacebar,
"chording" is accomplished, and it is these cords and certain other prompts the device gives that signify a
backspace, a message that the file is protected, warning that the file is full, etc.  Users do need these prompts,
but the device is fitted for an earphone that should be attached so that only the operator hears what is said.
Several of our chapter members are Braille 'n Speak users, but we think the practice of not employing an
earphone is a real discourtesy to others.  

All of us are finding that special interest groups, standing committees, and committees instituted just for the
duration of the convention are all meeting at the same time so that we are constantly torn about where our
loyalties and interests lie.  While it is certainly impossible to so arrange programs that everything is at a separate
time, it would seem that we might be a little more cooperative in our planning.  Would it, for instance, be feasible
to ask special interest affiliates to limit their meetings to two hours?  That way we could have two separate
groups meeting on both Friday and Saturday mornings, one from 8-10 and the second from 10-12.  To get
some additional time, the early group might include breakfast, and the later one, lunch.  Should the Board of
Directors ask this adjustment to be made voluntarily?

We have always resisted the practice of instructing our delegate on how to vote, but hearing other chapters vote
4-1/2 for one candidate and 3-1/2 for another suggests to us that other chapters may follow a different
procedure.  From one point of view, a delegate should vote his conscience; but from another, if his chapter
signifies that many members have an opinion contrary to his, is he not obliged to represent those individuals,
too? 

Lastly, there is the matter of delegate strength.  As things now stand, each chapter can make its own rules
about membership.  Some chapters require attendance at a certain number of meetings per year if an individual
is to remain a voting member.  Some, like ours, require attendance at two consecutive meetings before the
individual is voted into membership.  As far as we can learn, many large chapters have no requirements of
members other than the payment of dues.  The San Francisco chapter is small, 27 members, but our
percentage of participation is really quite high.  Two thirds of us usually attend meetings, five members went to
the legislature the day before the convention started, and 14 attended the Sacramento convention.  Is it fair,
therefore, that we consistently have only 5 votes while the large chapters, claiming 60-80 members but with no
greater meeting attendance than we have and a far lower ratio of convention attendees than we do, have very
large delegate strength?  How could some equity in this matter be achieved?  Should the state constitution set
down a membership policy to be used by all chapters?  

We'll be interested in what all of you think about these issues.  
                           ------------


          FINAL REPORT OF THE CCB RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE 
                by Ron Brooks, Committee Chairman


At every CCB Convention, the Resolutions Committee meets for an important task.  This task is to take
resolutions, which are submitted by individual members and affiliates, review them for accuracy, intent and
format, and recommend them to the CCB membership.  This process is time-consuming and involves a
significant commitment on the part of all committee members.  Therefore, I will begin this article by specifically
thanking the members of the CCB Resolutions Committee:  Connie Bateman, Don Brown, Vince Calderon,
Winifred Downing, Kenneth Frasse, Al Gill, Lee Morton, Charles Nabarrete, and Frank Welte.

Besides doing what the Committee does every year, this committee made some significant changes in the way
that work is done.  First, several members of the committee worked to develop a WordPerfect computer macro
which allows anyone with a computer and WordPerfect to automatically format resolutions.  This macro enabled
the Committee to get resolutions into the appropriate format very quickly.  Second, the committee conducted
more meetings.  While this may seem like additional work, it allowed authors of resolutions to meet with
committee members more easily, and to get resolutions clarified and voted on much easier.  

The remainder of this report summarizes the actions and final vote for each of the 20 resolutions which were
submitted to the Resolutions Committee.

94A-1:  authorizes the CCB Board to do the following: 1) Transmit a letter to Wells Fargo, identifying specific
actions which Wells Fargo should take in order to improve banking accessibility for visually impaired customers;
and 2) pursue legal action, should Wells Fargo not respond satisfactorily by November 1, 1994.  The resolution
passed.

94A-2:  Urges the IRS to make filing documents and specific informational documents widely available by
December 31, the official first day of each filing season.  The resolution passed.

94A-3:  Authorizes the President and Board to spend money to purchase equipment and/or training in order to
ensure that the CCB office will be available on the CCB-Net.  The resolution passed.

94A-4:  Would require that all votes taken by the CCB Board in Board meetings be recorded as roll call votes
with the votes being reported in the meeting minutes.  The resolution was referred back to the Resolutions
Committee.

94A-5:  Withdrawn by the author.

94A-6:  Withdrawn by the author.

94A-7:  Withdrawn by the author.

94A-8:  Directs the CCB President to draft a letter to the Postmaster General requesting that problems being
experienced by visually impaired people when dealing with the U.S. Postal Service be addressed.  The
resolution also provides 30 days for members to submit written testimony about these problems, which will
accompany the letter to the Postmaster General.  The resolution passed.

94A-9:  Urges Guide Dogs of America to explicitly extend ownership of its trained dog guides and all equipment
necessary for the use of these dogs, fully and unconditionally, to its graduates.  The resolution passed.

94A-10:  Withdrawn by the author.

94A-11:  Requests that the Department of Rehabilitation present a plan to the CCB and the RSVC within 60
days to improve the Business Enterprises Program.  The resolution also authorizes the CCB and RSVC
Presidents to appoint an ad-hoc committee to recommend possible actions regarding BEP, should the
Department of Rehabilitation fail to meet this 60-day time frame.  The resolution passed.

94A-12:  Directs the CCB Board, and several committees, to establish a CCB Legislative Internship.  The
resolution does not specify the terms of the internship, only that it will be established.  The resolution passed.

94A-13:  Calls for the creation of a committee to study the problem or public transit availability, particularly in
rural areas.  The resolution also directs the CCB to submit the resolution to the National Resolutions Committee
for appropriate action.  The resolution passed.

94A-14:  Urges optometrists and ophthalmologists to inform severely visually impaired patients of the
Department of Rehabilitation.  The resolution also directs the CCB Board of Directors to develop a strategy for
informing these professionals about the programs and services offered by the Department of Rehabilitation and
the CCB.  The resolution passed.

94A-15:  Calls for the return of ACB national convention site selection back to the membership and directs that
the issue be brought to the ACB National Resolutions Committee.  Moreover, this resolution directs the
California Delegate to the ACB national convention to support the return of convention site selection to the
membership, should the issue come up for a vote at the National Convention.  The resolution passed.

94A-16: Supports the concept and urges further development of the Fax Reader Program being offered by the
Easter Seals Society, in conjunction with the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute.  The resolution passed.  

94A-17:  Expresses the CCB's position on the resiliency of detectable warning strips and tactile surfaces.  It also
calls for local chapters to support the CCB's position on these issues.  Finally, the resolution directs that the
CCB submit the resolution to the National Resolutions Committee for appropriate action.  The resolution passed.

94A-18: Commends the Rose Resnick Lighthouse in San Francisco for its support of the activities of several
local chapters.  The resolution passed.

94A-19:  Withdrawn by the author.

94A-20: Commends the Executive Director and officers of the San Francisco Department of Parking and Traffic
for that department's strict enforcement of laws prohibiting vehicles from parking on sidewalks.  The resolution
passed.
                           ------------


         LEGISLATIVE REPORT:  June 8, 1994, by Cid Urena 
                    CCB Capitol Representative


The first four bills and the resolution are CCB sponsored.  In this report you will find that because of your support
and that which other people from outside the CCB organization have given us, we have been reasonably
successful.  

AB 2640 by Assemblyman Fred Aguiar of the 61st District has reached the governor's desk.  This bill will require
the governor each year to proclaim the first week of January as Braille Literacy Week in memory of Louis
Braille.  Hopefully by the time you receive this it will have become law.

AB 2445 by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy of the 71st District is waiting to be heard on June 22 in the Senate
Education Committee.  This is our Braille bill on which we have worked diligently for several years.  Barring any
mishaps it should reach the governor late in this session.  So be prepared to write many letters to the governor
on behalf of this bill when the time comes.

SB 1473 by Senator Ruben Ayala of the 34th District is currently in the Assembly Human Services committee. 
This is the bill that provides the appropriate manner of selection for the administrator of the Orientation Center
for the Blind.  Be sure and call 800-221-6359 to bring you up to date on this one.

SB 1605 by our friend Senator Teresa Hughes of the 25th District.  This bill is currently stalled in the Senate
Appropriations committee.  We are working very hard with the CSU and UC systems to get this measure
passed.  Again keep in touch with the California Connection to stay up to date.

ACR 108 by Assemblyman John Burton of the 12th District calls for no further cuts in MediCal.  It is currently in
the Senate Health and Human Services committee to be heard on June 15.  

Now for other bills which the CCB may support or oppose.

AB 2020, by Assemblyman Phil Eisenberg of the 9th District, the CCB continues to oppose.  This bill would
permit optometrists to diagnose and prescribe for certain eye conditions.  The bill is scheduled to be heard in the
Senate Business and Professions Committee on June 27.

SB 1714 by Senator Dan McCorquodale of the 12th District will be heard in the Assembly Education committee. 
No date for hearing has been set.  This is the full inclusion bill which means that our current special education
process, to all intents and purposes, would be destroyed.  The full inclusion status will demand that all students
be mainstreamed, regardless of their needs.  Only if they fail (after a considerable loss of time) will these
students' needs be recognized.  The CCB has opposed and will continue to oppose unless the bill is properly
amended.

SB 1240 by Senator Milton Marks of the 3rd District is a lengthy bill dealing with a variety of issues.  It includes
an attempt to de-license some of the current guide dog regulations.  The CCB continues to watch this bill.  The
bill is due to be heard on June 27 in the Assembly Judiciary committee.

This concludes this update.  And again I wish to thank all of you who have assisted us in the legislative process. 
As always, if it were not for your help, we would not have gone this far.

On June 4, 1994, at the CCB's semi-annual convention banquet, I was asked to sit at the head table.  When I
asked why, I was told that they needed to fill up the chairs.  However, much to my surprise, I was called forward
to receive an unanticipated award for my years of service at the capitol.  I wish to thank President Lopez and his
awards committee for presenting me with this award.  However I feel it is not mine alone.  Throughout the years
the members of the California Council of the Blind have worked hard toward the passage of all our legislation. 
Thank you one and all for your support.
                           ------------


   THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE SB 1605: Dja Vu, by Kenneth Frasse


Senate Bill 1605 is dead.  Electronic access at universities in California is set back at least another year, and we
can thank the infinitely resourceful and farsighted powers that be within the University of California and California
State University systems.  In the aftermath of extensive compromise and legislative double-speak with the two
primary four-year post-secondary educational systems in the state, blind and visually impaired students have
few options.  This article is meant to explain the original purpose of SB 1605, what transpired with the legislation,
and what the remaining alternatives are.

Access to computers and electronic information at UC and CSU does not exist within the computer labs and
libraries that are available for the general student population.  This inaccessibility violates Title II, section 202 of
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title V, sections 501, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.  It also
manifests the general torpid mentality of the administrations with respect to access for students with disabilities. 
SB 1605 attempted to remedy this situation by mandating accessible computer stations in these labs.  It
suggested a formula for calculating the number of adapted computers in new or upgraded labs, and it
suggested a formula for retrofit as well.  As planned, this legislation caught the universities' attention, and they
panicked, leading to two formal sessions of negotiations.

Representatives from the UC and CSU systems were present at both sessions, as well as representatives from
the Department of Rehabilitation, Senator Hughes' office, and CCB.  The first set of negotiations revealed that
the universities were simply ignorant of what access means.  We explained the distinction between Disabled
Student Services, which include readers, tutors, note takers, and test proctors, as opposed to the concept of
access, the domain of which is not limited to specialized services, but to all programs and services to which all
students are eligible.  

We also explained what we had thought to be a fundamental precept that proper access to all university
programs and services leads to a more level playing field upon which students with disabilities could compete
with their non-disabled peers, and that this has a direct bearing on their opportunities for success after
graduating.  Finally, we addressed the key argument of the universities -- money.  

The universities claim that they are in a budget crunch, and that they could not expend money on new programs
or services without the legislature appropriating more funds for these new programs.  This argument displays
the most critical misconception of the universities. 

 Access for students with disabilities has been federally mandated for over 20 years in the Rehabilitation Act,
and also since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Furthermore, the university systems are given
many billions of dollars annually for implementing the educational and social responsibilities with which they are
charged.  It has been a long-time obligation, therefore, for the universities to include the cost of access for
students with disabilities in their budgets, and they have indeed overlooked this obligation.  In short, the money
for developing and providing access for students with disabilities should be integrated into their annual budgets,
and not come from appropriating additional funds from either students or the public.

We reached a mutual agreement that a plan had to be worked out wherein the universities would establish the
degree to which they were not providing accessibility, and wherein they would outline specific guidelines by
which they would implement greater accessibility.  The plan would be developed prior to the next session that
was to be scheduled.  Meanwhile, the attorney for the UC system, Mr. Chris Elms, put in overtime in creating
amendments to SB 1605, reflecting the concepts that we had all discussed; his efforts were in-depth and
equitable.

Mr. Elms presented his proposal at the second session.  Not actually having seen the text of Mr. Elms's
proposal, I suggested that we agreed with it in principle, but that we would have to get back to them regarding
the precise dates and language of the bill after we had reviewed it in depth.  All parties agreed.

I reviewed the proposed text and made several changes.  I then sent it to Senator Hughes's office, whereupon I
was told that the UC and CSU systems themselves had decided against Mr. Elms's proposal, although he is
their employee.  At this point, I recognized the tremendous predictability of the system, and started to regret
what I now realized had been a mistake; I never should have agree to negotiate with the university systems at
all.  I remembered that this system is composed of people who are paid extremely well for their ineptitude, and
who have shown historically that they do not possess sufficient intelligence or foresight to address the simple
concept of progress either in good faith or in compliance with federal laws which they have ignored for over
twenty years.  This probably displays my naivety of bureaucratic nature more than anything else.  Nonetheless,
this unaccountability on the part of the universities was irritating and depressing; it was evident that our bill, due
to waiting for the universities and the timing of legislation, was dead.

The end result is that the universities are still out of compliance with federal and state law, and they have no
intention of moving forward with respect to access for students with disabilities.  Working internally and
legislatively with the university systems has proven ineffective.  We need to defend the rights of students with
disabilities, that they may become an integral part of the educational system which the administration touts so
greatly.  We must be proactive in this arena, and we cannot hope to gain a consensus within the existing
bureaucracy of the systems.  Many organizations outside the CCB itself supported our bill, and they are
sympathetic to our cause.  We have but one option left, and we must act upon it.  All entities who support the
spirit and design of the Americans with Disabilities Act must bind together to formalize a class action suit against
the University of California and California State University systems.  All individuals who advocate access and
equality must unite to speak with a united voice so that we can be assured of proper access, rather than be
accosted by a continual barrage of excuses.  There is no excuse; we need access!

Research in preparing for a class action suit is currently underway, and we will need your support.  All concerned
parties interested in endorsing their support for this action should contact:

         Kenneth Frasse, c/o Blind Students of California
        8200 Lake Forest Drive, Sacramento, CA 95826-2958
               tel: 916-381-8787, fax: 916-381-4820
                           ------------


      HOWARD G. DOLL, PRESIDENT, CCB INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER, 
                by Margaret Ruth Doll, Secretary 


Howard G. Doll of Riverside, the President of CCB Inland Empire Chapter, has been chosen as one of the
recipients of the J. C. Pennie Golden Rule Award for "Volunteer of the Year."  A letter was submitted by his wife
(and Secretary of his CCB chapter) nominating him for this recognition.  Howard received $1,000 for his CCB
Chapter and was honored at a recognition dinner on May 4, where he will receive the award.  His name will also
be submitted for the national award where he could possibly win $10,000 for his CCB Chapter.

Howard has come a long way since he was injured in 1968, and his life as an accountant and businessman,
fresh out of college, changed dramatically.  He was a passenger in a car involved in a serious accident.  He was
unconscious for 6 weeks.  The doctors later said that it was a miracle that he lived, let alone could walk, talk and
have a functioning mind. (He had to learn to do all over again many things that most of us take for granted; even
learning to eat and learning to drink through a straw was a major accomplishment.)

After about 7 years, Howard was able to function, but lived with his parents because of his disabilities.  He never
had the opportunity to be really independent.  Although he joined the California Council of the Blind 7 years ago,
it took him time to gain independence and confidence in himself.

I met Howard 2-1/2 years ago, and we were married a year ago.  Since that time we have been able to find the
right doctors to help him with many of the accident-related problems he had suffered for the past 25 years,  In
the past 2-1/2 years, he has accomplished things that friends and doctors said were impossible years ago. 
Howard is learning to put his own disabilities aside and think of others with disabilities.  He makes other people
smile - not only because of his friendly personality and story-telling abilities, but because he has had to deal with
problems similar to theirs.

During the 7 years that Howard has been a member of CCB Inland Empire Chapter, he has had an active
involvement with fund raisers and raised several hundred dollars to benefit the blind community.  He planned a
successful walk-a-thon for April, and is planning a car wash for the near future.  A dinner or bake sale is also in
the works.  He hopes to raise some extra money to send extra people to the conventions, and to provide a
future scholarship for blind persons of our community.

Howard has established a fair, working board of members of qualified officers, whose goals are to deal fairly
with all blind people.  The activities that he has helped promote within the blind community hopefully will produce
positive changes for all disabled people throughout the county.

Howard has provided speakers for the meetings who not only educate the blind community about the laws that
apply to them, but speakers who can relate every-day concerns like fire prevention, first aid, the importance of
donating blood, earthquake preparedness, etc., concerns that pose a double hardship to a disabled, blind
person.

The time spent each month on Howard's projects is much more than the 2 hours once a month for meetings.  It
is hard to put an actual number on his work time, because he works periodically throughout the day, every day,
on some project for CCB.  The telephone calls, letters and contacts he has to make just to keep the lines of
communication open and let others know he is always there to help.  I believe that the time he spends is beyond
what the average person might volunteer.

Howard saw that the blind community had a special need.  When public transportation was unavailable, he
contacted several of the Lions Clubs in Riverside, Hemet, Sun City and elsewhere to see if volunteers would
come forward to help.  They did!  Today we have 3 or 4 people who volunteer their time to drive blind members
to and from meetings.

Howard was a resident of Riverside for 37 years before moving to Hemet for the year before we were married
(March 1992-May 1993).  On May 27, 1993, we moved back to Riverside and bought a house of our own.  This
enabled Howard to be closer to the community that he grew up in and is still an important part of today.

When Howard became president of CCB Inland Empire Chapter, there were only 7 members.  In his first year
as president, the membership increased to 17.  At the present time we have 24 dues-paying members.  (We
are small - but mighty!)

I believe that Howard overcame unusual challenges and handicaps to accomplish so much for the California
Council of the Blind - Inland Empire Chapter and the community.

Last October we took a missionary trip to the Philippines and Hong Kong - something that friends and family
said couldn't be done because of Howard's disabilities.  But Howard believed in himself, and with the help of
God, he was able to function - regardless of his total blindness, partial deafness, facial paralysis, equilibrium in
walking and throat problems.  Even across the world, Howard was proving that if a person believes in
himself/herself, no matter what the disability, he/she can be a valuable asset to the community and the world.
And in doing this - he/she helps the public to look beyond the disabilities and physical handicaps. Because of this
the everyday challenges become just a little easier.
                           ------------


           FULL INCLUSION:  Part 2, by Winifred Downing


In the last issue of The Blind Californian, "full inclusion" was defined and an explanation was given of which
groups of the disabled applaud it and which have reservations concerning when it is appropriate.  The Josephine
Taylor Leadership Institute, at its meeting in March of 1993, drew up a set of papers spelling out in detail what
services visually impaired children need to prepare them to be fully included in the classroom, recreational
opportunities, employment situations, and all the other aspects of life.  Here are further quotations from those
papers:

"The majority of learning in infants and young children occurs through vision.  Soon after the birth of an infant who
is visually impaired, parents may become aware that their child does not respond to them in the same way as an
infant who is sighted.  In order to ensure a healthy bonding process and emotional growth, early intervention is
essential for both the child and the family.
"Vision is the primary sense upon which most traditional education strategies are based.  These strategies must be
modified to reflect the child's visual, auditory and tactual capabilities.  A child with a severe visual loss can directly
experience only what is within arm's reach and can be safely touched, and in most cases, what can be heard.  To
ensure an appropriate education, parents and staff with special training must work together to bring the world of
experiences to the child in a meaningful manner.

"As the child grows, the absence or reduction of vision dramatically limits understanding of the world.  No other
sense can stimulate curiosity, combine information, or invite exploration in the same way, or as efficiently and fully,
as vision.  Students with visual impairments can and do succeed but at different rates and often in different
sequences.  There must be significant intervention, coordinated by an educational team to ensure that appropriate
development does occur.

"It is important to remember that education goals for students with visual impairments are essentially the same as
those for all students.  The goals are: effective communication, social competence, employability, and personal
independence.  In order to accomplish these goals, however, students with visual impairments require specific
interventions and modifications of their educational programs.  The unique educational needs created by a visual
impairment may be summarized as follows:

"Vision loss can result in delayed concept development which, without effective intervention, severely impacts the
student's social, emotional, academic, and vocational development. ..." 

"Students with visual impairments (1) must often learn through alternate media, using their other senses; (2) often
require individualized instruction since group instruction for learning specialized skills may not be provided in a
meaningful manner; (3) need specialized skills as well as specialized books, materials and equipment for learning
through alternate modes; (4) are limited in acquiring information through incidental learning since they are often
unaware of subtle activities in their environment. ..." 

"Curriculum areas that require unique strategies or adaptations for students with visual impairments include concept
development, academic functioning, communication skills, sensory/motor skills, social/emotional skills, orientation
and mobility, daily living skills, career/vocational skills and utilization of low vision. ..." 

"The unique educational needs of all students with visual impairments cannot be met in a single environment, even
with unlimited funding.  It is critical that a team approach be used in identifying and meeting these needs and that
the team must include staff who have specific expertise in educating students with visual impairments.  The proposal
that ALL of the needs of ALL students can be met in one environment, the regular classroom, violates the spirit as
well as the letter of the law--IDEA.

"In the early 1800's, schools for the blind were founded in the United States in recognition of the fact that children
who were blind had the capability of learning and becoming independent.  In 1900, the first class for blind students
in a regular day school was established in Chicago to meet the individual needs of these students.  By 1950 about
15 urban areas were serving students with visual impairments in their local schools.  The decades of the 1950's and
1960's marked a period of time when parents and educators first became aware of the need for an array of service
options for students with visual impairments, and efforts to provide services based on the assessed needs of
individual students began.

"Currently most students with visual impairments are served in their home schools by itinerant personnel. There is
increasing concern, however, that students are not receiving the intensity of services needed, particularly in the
primary grades, to provide them with the skills (including braille, daily living, and social skills) necessary to be
successfully integrated in school.  Because students are expected to learn the core curriculum and meet graduation
requirements, it is very difficult to provide these additional specialized skills when the student is fully included,
particularly in a time when specialized support services have been reduced because of funding cuts and teacher
shortages.  In addition funds are often not available to provide the specialized books, materials and technology
required by students.  Students cannot be successfully included without the necessary support."

"The Pinebrook Report (American Foundation for the Blind, 1953) provided the first written definition of local school
service delivery systems for students with visual impairments. Clearly described in this booklet are itinerant services,
resource room services, and cooperative efforts between classroom teachers and teachers of students with visual
impairments. This landmark publication appeared long before IDEA, but its content clearly reflects the intent of
federal legislation.  In the years since The Pinebrook Report, educators of students with visual impairments and their
parents have expanded the appropriate array of service options.

"Selection from this array must be driven by the assessed needs of each individual student; no delivery option within
the array of services has more or less value. Each option may be the best for different periods of a student's
schooling.  The educational needs of students with visual impairments will vary, depending on the age and
development of the student.  Therefore, services needed will vary.  There will be periods of time for most students
when time outside the regular classroom will be extensive, such as beginning braille reading, expansion of orientation
and mobility skills, career education, social skills, or times when independent living skills need to be emphasized. 
Such opportunities for learning may require pull-out time, or a special class placement, or a residential school
placement for a period of time.

"IDEA requires a 'continuum' of placement options. This is often interpreted as a hierarchy of options from most
desirable (least restrictive) to least desirable (most restrictive). Students who are visually impaired require an 'array'
of service delivery systems, which means a choice of the best option to meet each student's needs.  The appropriate
placement for each individual student is determined by educational goals and objectives, based on assessment,
that are identified in the IEP, and is thus the most desirable (and least restrictive) for the student at that time." 
                           ------------


            VISUAL NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION SEMINAR, 
                         by Jane Brackman


When I began this project with Cherrie Pomerantz over a year ago, my idea was to develop better ways to avoid
the cross signal problems that have plagued blind and sighted people in our effort to communicate with one another. 
Being sighted yet having worked at a school that provides guide dog mobility to blind people, I have often found
myself on the front line in a battle over accessibility rights of our graduates, usually after some type of
miscommunication has occurred.  For example:

1.  The guide dog user who threw her ice cream cone at the Thrifty store manager when he told her to take her dog
outside.

2.  The convenience store owner who wouldn't allow the guide dog user in and when the police were called, the
officer was no support because he was ignorant of the accessibility laws.

3.  The gentleman who was embarrassed at a fine restaurant where he and his family went to celebrate Easter
dinner.

Guide dog users may wax poetic about the independence that the dog provides, but the down side is that the dog
may invite confrontation and not everyone enjoys being confrontational.  According to a recent study, this is one
reason that cane travelers prefer cane mobility instead of dogs.

Just recently the governor of California signed into law Assembly Bill 1419, part of which makes it a misdemeanor
for anyone to harass or interfere with a guide dog or the guide dog user.  

Although this legislation is a show of support, it does not provide assistance during the actual confrontation.

Guide dog users are often in positions in which they alone must educate sighted people about their rights.  Using
a dog naturally attracts conversation with sighted people, whereas a cane traveler doesn't experience the same
amount of interaction.  One graduate explained to me, "Using a golden retriever as a guide dog is like wearing a mini
skirt at a construction site in New York City.

In general, blind people who are independent are often on the streets personally interacting with people, whereas
sighted people in the same situation, may be insulated in an automobile.  More and more, the blind are finding that
they are left alone to advocate their rights not only of accessibility but just common courtesy.

About ten months ago I asked many guide dog users to submit stories that illustrated communication faux pas
between themselves and sighted individuals.  When I began to analyze the 50 or so examples sent in, I found that
the differences in communication style often led to miscommunication and were in one way or another related to
body language.

We know that in the sighted world, a great deal of meaning being sent and received by an individual is non-verbal. 
If one of the individuals in the conversation cannot see and therefore cannot interpret the majority of the non-verbal
signals, how does this distort the message being sent by the sighted person? On the other hand, if the sighted
individual in this scenario is used to having the message "hinted," meaning layered and softened with non-verbal
signals, how does this distort the message coming from the blind person who is relying on words?

I began this project in the library and found the basic information about blindness and human communication in the
literature, only to find that often the educational effort is to make the blind child "normal", As a result, I decided to
examine communication differences just as differences, rather than looking at the sighted method as "normal" and
the blind method as "abnormal."

Even after guide dog users submitted stories about communication problems, I was still unsure of how to categorize
those vignettes.  So many of the examples were similar to communication problems that occur cross-culturally in
ethnic populations.  Because of that similarity I decided to write a parody, a mini travelers' guide published for people
who are planning on visiting the land of the sighted.  It would be an in-depth guide to understanding and predicting
sighted behavior, an indispensable aid for those doing business with the sighted, a comprehensive handbook to help
others understand why these curious people think and behave as they do.  It would become the quintessential travel
guide for the blind tourist to assist in the translation of the sighted's unique communication system involving visual
non-verbal cues.  That parody, titled "The Sighted in America," is available through Guide Dog Users of California,
both in print and on audio tape.

By categorizing the sighted and blind communities as majority and minority rather than as abled, and disabled and
then making the differences larger than reality through parody, I think that the differences in the two communication
systems reveal themselves.  Even though I took a "tongue-in-cheek" approach to the problems described by guide
dog users, I discovered several interesting issues as a result of categorizing the vignettes which all had to do with
explaining, persuading, and controlling.

Most often people indicated that they were in situations in which they had to explain to a sighted person their rights
as a guide dog user, and then persuade that person to acknowledge those rights.  Some stated that the lack of
vision makes them passive, "Others move in and out of my personal space which is frustrating because I have no
control over the communication that occurs." From that person's point of view, a voice suddenly addresses him, a
hand suddenly distracts his dog.  He has no opportunity to prepare a response or to anticipate the interaction.  

People with sight have what has been called an intermediate zone of approach and they use this to inquire visually
with each other prior to speaking (Hull, 1990). It is a method used by sighted people to equalize the control of the
interaction that is about to happen.  By inquiring non-verbally with a smile or raised eyebrows, one individual asks
the other for permission to personally communicate.  Many blind people who sent in vignettes complained of the lack
of control and the invasion of personal space as a result of not being able to read visual non-verbal cues.

The response from the blind community has been one of increasing interest.  I presented the information at the
California Council of the Blind Convention which took place in November, 1993.  I am now continuing to collect
vignettes from that audience and will present additional information at the ACB national convention in Chicago in
July, 1994.  This seminar will be structured as a workshop with audience participation and the focus will be on how
we use communication to control others in social situations.
                           ------------


     THE PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE REVISITED, by Mitch Pomerantz


A few years ago, I wrote an article (as part of my "From The Workplace" series) on attending the annual meeting
of the President's Committee on Employment of Persons with Disabilities (PCEPD).  I commented then that going
to the President's Committee meeting is one of my yearly rituals; it still is!  This year, Cherrie and I were off to
Atlanta during mid-May to participate in this cross-disability extravaganza.

First, a little background.  The President's Committee was established by President Truman in 1947 to begin
addressing the employment needs of the many thousands of returning veterans disabled in World War II.  Its mission
has expanded tremendously over the last 47 years as has the attendance at each year's get-together.  I believe we
heard that somewhere over 3100 rooms were booked at the Marriott Marquis Hotel plus one or two other facilities
(more on the hotel shortly)!  Unfortunately (at least from my perspective), the conference no longer is held in
Washington, DC.  So, as with the ACB National Convention, the President's Committee convenes in different
locations around the country from year to year.  Tony Coelho, former California Congressman and major player in
the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is the recently appointed Chairperson, succeeding Justin Dart,
Jr.

We arrived late Tuesday evening and discovered two things right off the bat: First, getting to the indoor guide (and
other) dog relief area located in the underground parking garage required navigating a rather complicated route
between the main elevator lobby and the garage elevator bank.  Second, while the elevator buttons and floors were
marked with very good Braille, individual sleeping room doors had neither Braille nor tactile print numerals.  It never
ceases to amaze and gall me that hotels still don't understand that without such room markings, full accessibility for
the blind is not accomplished.  What especially annoyed Cherrie and myself was Richard Marriott's address to the
Thursday plenary session in which he boasted about how much his hotel chain had done to make each facility
accessible to all disabilities.  Chairman Marriott, I'd like to sell you a bridge!

Notwithstanding these inconveniences, the conference itself was outstanding!  Along with the standard speeches
from national disability leaders, the most fascinating and thought-provoking presentation was made during the
plenary session Thursday morning by Dr. Raymond Kurzweil of reading machine fame.  He spoke of the next
generation of technology: scanners which will translate not only words on the printed page, but also on street signs;
computers which will require only your voice to operate; fully and of course, hand-held devices which will let you
know just exactly where you are in any city at any time.  Some of this technology is literally here today!  Dr. Kurzweil
indicated that physicians in many of our larger hospitals are already dictating their reports directly to computers with
60,000-word medical vocabularies.  Clearly, this will pose both challenges and opportunities to blind and visually
impaired persons in the immediate future.

Since the President's Committee is cross-disability in nature, a large number of the over 30 workshops and
symposia were not specific to any one disability.  To give just some of the flavor of the conference, program topics
included: "Health Care Reform Symposium"; "Reasonable Accommodations and Assistive Technology in the
Workplace"; "Economic Development Through Entrepreneurial Practices"; "The Job Placement/ADA Connection";
"The Media Speaks:  When Are Disability Issues News"; and lots more.  Cherrie and I attended the latter session
Wednesday afternoon and found it enlightening, although somewhat disappointing.  Despite the ADA and the
emergence of disabled people into the mainstream, it still appears that the news media looks upon us as fodder for
the "human interest" story, not as a source for hard news.  Much of this stems from the media's continued focus (or
maybe fixation) on violence and scandal as constituting what is newsworthy.  This is particularly true in the larger
media markets such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego, here in California.

Only one workshop, "The Bugaboo of Accessible Documents: Making Information Available in Alternate Formats,"
specifically addressed a subject of direct interest to blind and visually impaired people.  Facilitated by AFB's Scott
Marshall, the question of how public and private sector agencies and employers can quickly and economically get
printed material of varying lengths and complexities into accessible form was dealt with by a panel of experts
including Diane Croft of National Braille Press. Maybe not surprisingly, there appeared to be more blind folks in
attendance than curious business or agency representatives.

Before wrapping up, I must mention two non-conference-related activities in which Cherrie and I participated.  Since
we were not flying home until Sunday morning, we had an opportunity to utilize the hotel's health club on Friday
afternoon and take a tour of the city on Saturday.  Both of us were impressed with the treatment we received by staff
at the men's and women's spa.  They were neither patronizing nor unhelpful.  I was initially escorted to a locker and
informed how to find the steam-room.  Cherrie's experience was similarly pleasant.

On Saturday, we went on a three-hour tour of the Atlanta area including a stop at a Civil War diorama and a trip to
a museum and cultural center.  As it turned out, the van driver was the owner of a rather successful business which
runs this and other Atlanta city tours.  He made certain that we got the most from our experience including
conducting us personally through the museum and cultural center.  He helped us feel some of the exhibits which
were really not supposed to be touched.  He also gave us a wonderful "word's-eye" view of the geography and
cultural diversity of Atlanta and surrounding environs.  It is truly a wonderfully vibrant city!

The President's Committee meeting is still well worth attending.  One thing which becomes abundantly clear at
conferences such as this one is that we--blind and visually impaired people--really are a minority within the minority
group of persons with disabilities.  What this means is that we have to work harder in order for us to hold our ground,
let alone to make economic and social progress.  We returned from Atlanta even more determined than before to
make that commitment and to succeed!
                           ------------

          CALIFORNIA TRANSCRIBERS AND EDUCATORS OF THE 
      VISUALLY HANDICAPPED (CTEVH) CONFERENCE, by Dona Cook


This year the CTEVH Conference was held on April 21-23, 1994, at the Red Lion Hotel, Orange County.  Excellent
large-print and braille programs were available.  Of its 35 years of annual meetings, the tactile map of the hotel was
said to be the best yet.  During each time period, nine workshops were offered, of which I was able to attend only
one.  However, workshops were taped, and tapes could be purchased on-site.  
Frank Ryan, Educational Consultant, American Foundation for the Blind, headed the first morning's workshop by
conveying the importance of braille literacy.  Rose Kelber, Pomona Valley Transcribers Guild, told of success stories
of newly blinded adults and how they gained literacy through the use of braille.   Several representatives from
American Printing House for the Blind focused on controversial issues associated with braille in the '90's including:
What will the child's primary learning medium be; Should the child be taught grade I braille or grade II; Should the
child be taught initially to braille on a braille writer or on a slate; and What effect will the Unified Braille Code have? 
Richard Taesch, Southern California Conservatory of Music, explored some of the causes of musical and literary
braille apathy among educators.  

Members of the San Fernando Valley Braille Transcribers Guild discussed "odd-ball formats and answered
questions about formatting bank statements, menus, strange looking tables, patterns and other odd items that
appear in print.  Dr. Hilda Caton, Chairperson, Braille Authority of North America (BANA), and Darleen Bogart,
Chairperson, Ad Hoc Unified Braille Code Research Committee, talked about the history of BANA.  They provided
discussion of its functions, purposes, and an explanation of its relationship to teachers, transcribers and braille users.
Patricia Rivard, M.A., O/M Specialist, informed us how to enhance the body imagery and spatial awareness of
preschool-aged children with low vision.  O/M specialist Tasha Dean, M.A., and Brenda Naimy, M.A., Director of
Educational Services, both from the Foundation for the Junior Blind, headed a workshop on occupational stresses. 


Some other workshop topics included:  instruction in self defense; language development in visually impaired
children; Megadots for beginners; Bytescribers to Scanners; introduction to Pokadot; technology to improve written
communication; Duxbury and English; get familiar with computer braille; large print providers; Metro Access - what
it is and how it will work for your students; evaluation of tactile illustrations; tactile and sensory art activities;
recordings for educational purposes; everything you've ever wanted to know about funding; multidisciplinary
approach of classroom services for deaf-blind preschool children; print accessibility and post-secondary education;
a youth panel response to their "special needs" siblings.

I have only touched the surface of what was offered at this conference.  To get the true and full effect, you will have
to experience it yourself.  Next year will be in Santa Clara.  
                           ------------


                    FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND 
                  AND OTHER HANDICAPPED PERSONS
               Domestic Mail Manual Issue 46,7-1-93
E040:  Free Matter for the Blind and Other Handicapped Persons

E040.2.1.  Eligibility

1.0 BASIC INFORMATION

1.1 General.  Subject to the standards below,  matter mailed by or for the use of blind or other handicapped persons
may be mailed free of postage.  The provisions of E040 apply to domestic mail only.

1.2 Classification.  Matter mailed free under this standard is not considered part of any particular class of mail and
is not protected against postal inspection.  This matter is treated as First-Class Mail for the exclusive purposes of
determining appropriate standards for processing and delivery and for handling if undeliverable.

1.3 Definition.  For purposes of this standard:

a.  "Blind or other handicapped persons" are those who cannot read or use conventionally printed material because
of a physical impairment and who are certified by a competent authority as unable to read normal reading material.

b.  "Competent authority" includes any licensed medical doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist, registered nurse, or
professional staff member of a hospital or other institution or agency.

1.4 List of Qualified Individuals. To assist in deciding eligibility to mail matter under this standard, postmasters
establish and maintain USPS 010.060 (see Privacy Act System of Records, Administrative Support Manual,
Appendix) as a record of their customers who are blind or handicapped.  Conditions that apply to this record include:

a.  The postmaster may require, and include as part of the record, a statement by a competent authority certifying
that the individual is unable to read conventionally printed material.

b.  Customers may determine whether they are recorded as a blind or other handicapped person by contacting the
postmaster, giving their full name and address.

c.  Customers may be added to the postmaster's record by submitting their respective names and addresses with
a written statement of certification by a competent authority.

d.  Based on personal knowledge about a customer, and without requiring a written statement of certification, the
postmaster may include that individual on the record and may extend to that individual mailing privileges under this
standard.

2.0 MATTER SENT TO BLIND OR OTHER HANDICAPPED PERSONS

2.1 table Acceptable Matter.  Subject to 2.2, this matter may be mailed free:

a.  Reading matter and musical scores.

b.  Sound reproductions.

c.  Paper, records, tapes, and other material for the production of reading matter, musical scores, or sound
reproductions.

d.  Reproducers or parts of them for sound reproductions.

e.  Braille writer, typewriter, educational or other materials or devices, or parts thereof, used for writing by, or
designed or adapted for use of, a blind person or a person who has a physical impairment as described in 1.3.

2.2 Conditions.  The matter listed in 2.1 must meet these conditions:

a.  The matter must be for the use of a blind or other handicapped person.

b.  Either no charge, rental subscription, or other fee is required for this matter; or, if required, may not exceed the
cost of the item.

c.  The matter may be opened and inspected by the USPS.

d.  Matter contains no advertising.

2.3 Letters From Sighted.  Letters prepared in any form by sighted individuals, to be sent to a blind or other
handicapped person, or empty shipping materials for mailing matter described in this section, cannot be sent free
matter and must bear the full applicable postage.

3.0 MATTER SENT BY BLIND OR OTHER HANDICAPPED PERSONS

3.1 Acceptable Letters.  Only letters in raised characters or in sightsaving type (i.e., 14-point or larger) or in the form
of sound recordings may be mailed free, and only if unsealed and sent by a blind or other physically handicapped
person.

3.2 Other Letters.  Letters that are handwritten, or printed or typed in a type size smaller than 14 points, cannot be
sent free.  These letters must bear the full applicable postage.

4.0 PREPARATION

4.1 Required.  All matter mailed under this standard:

a.   Must be marked "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" in the upper right corner of the address side. 

b.  Must meet the minimum and maximum dimensions in C010 and C400, respectively. 

c.  Is subject to the mailability standards in C020, C030, and C040.

4.2 Optional.  Matter mailed under this standard may be insured on paying the appropriate insurance fee.  No other
special services are available unless the sender pays all postage and special service fees applicable to the class
of mail selected.
                           ------------


                           IN MEMORIAM

                            Paul Baron

We were saddened to hear that Barbara Parker's father, Mr. Paul Baron, passed away July 20.  Barbara expresses
her thanks to those who attended the services and for all of your kind thoughts.
                            * * * * *

     FRANCES PARK -- Born August 14, 1907 - died May 10, 1994
                        by Norma Schecter


All of us involved with braille -- both blind readers and braille transcribers -- loved Frances Park dearly.  She was
a truly inspiring teacher, a delightful and amazingly productive co-worker, and above all she always seemed to find
the time for anybody, from youngest child to brilliant college student to enthusiastic pleasure-reader, who needed
a book in braille.

Over 35 years ago, when I was a beginning student transcriber, I recall her sharing with the class the letters of
request that came to her from all around the globe -- even one from Malawi, in Central Africa, at a time when most
of us had never even heard of Malawi.

She had no idea how that student (like many others) had obtained her name and address, but there seemed to be
a mysterious underground grapevine among the blind of the world, among whom she was the world's outstanding
star braille provider!  Wherever you might go, braille users had heard of Frances Park and her "Braille Section,
AAUW, of Long Beach".

Just knowing her was an inspiration to all of us, and her example encouraged us to continue in our studies until we,
too, could add our little bit to the total supply of braille, even though we knew none of us could ever match her
amazing record of 5,000 pages a year for more than 50 years.  Many of her students went on to become teachers
themselves, of literary braille, Nemeth, and music.  One of her students was Sr.  Mary Mark, I.H.M., who wrote
"Read, Remember and Play: Teaching Piano to the Blind Child".  

Frances helped us all to understand how important literacy is to each and every human being, whether via print or
through braille.  Her legacy will go on through all of us, her transcriber-students, and through the profound gratitude
of all the blind readers whom she served so superbly.

Indeed, the work of her hands was a blessing to all whose lives she touched.  She will be greatly missed.
                           ------------


        BULLETIN BOARD, Summer, 1994, by Winifred Downing


From Raised Dot Computing News Letter, no. 101: WordPerfect 6.0 as an upgrade is available for $129; included
are reference card and installation instructions in braille, large print, or cassette and the WordPerfect manual on
disks labeled in braille or large print.  Also available is a WordPerfect 6.0 tutorial for $125.  From the same source
can be purchased other tutorials, CD-ROM drives, and many CD-Roms.  A price list of the CD-ROM's is available
on disk, in large print, or on cassette.  Contact Ferguson Enterprises, RR1, Box 238,  Manchester, SD 57353; 605-
546-2366. 

A package is available which provides complete, detailed television listings in a braille- and speech-friendly format. 
Pegspeak is available on the Compu-Serve information service in the  Consumer Electronics forum, Go CEFORUM 
in Library 16.  Two versions are available, one including just the software and the second adding a small
demonstration database.  Two weeks of listings are available in an easy operational environment.  Weekly television
update files for 12 major U.S. cities can also be ordered.  For a trial subscription E-mail to Compu-Serve 73777,677
with your name and address.  The subscription rate is $1.25 per week and the service is provided by Lookahead
Communications, Inc. 163 Amsterdam Ave. Room 309, New York, NY 10023; 212-580-7948. 

A new catalog of low-cost braille books for children is available from Seedlings.  The original catalog ten years ago
featured only 12 titles whereas the new one has almost 200 to serve the age group 1-14.  New books include book
and tape sets for preschoolers, print and braille easy readers, and fiction for older children.  A free catalog can be
secured from Seedlings, Box 2395, Livonia, MI 48151-0395; 800-777-8552. 

MegaDots is a braille translation program which converts documents from print to braille or braille to print with just
one keystroke.  The program costs $500 for new customers but $250 for persons trading in other translation
programs.  Now MegaDots also has for $35 a Spell Checker which goes through scanned documents and offers
corrections for the errors that scanners commonly make.  Write to Raised Dot Computing, 408 South Baldwin St.,
Madison, WI 53703; 608-257-8833.

From The News Reel, June, 1994: The Big Print Check Register provides room for 350 transactions.  It has bold
column headings and extra-large entry boxes.  Closed, it measures 5 by 9 inches.  Price: $6.50.  The Big Print Steno
Notebook has 60 pages with 1/2 inch line spacing.  Price: $2.95.  A collection of all the Big Type products can be
ordered in the Big Print Gift Pack which contains an address book, date calendar, check register, 2 steno notebooks,
and 6 bold pens for $38.95.  Order from The Big Type Company, 4701 W. Mill Road, Milwaukee, WI 53218; (800)
933-1711 or 414-353-8098. 

The Fishburne alphabet, an alternative labeling system, is a tactile code employing very large embossed characters
such as vertical and horizontal lines, slashes, and dots.  An embosser is used to mark self-adhesive tape which is
applied to the items to be labeled.  Imagine a horizontal line; one dot above the line is a; one below is b; and a dot
above and below the line is c.   The code is considered easier to detect than is braille and so is recommended for
persons with decreased tactile sensitivity.  An instructional tape to be used in training, and a kit including a
thermoformed sheet embossed with all the characters, a magnetic alphabet consisting of single letters, and a metal
mat on which to arrange them, can be ordered.  The kit costs $19.95; the embosser used to print the characters
is $49.50.  Contact Fishburne Enterprises, 43550 Cactus Valley Road, Hemet, CA 92543; 909-765-9276. 

The News Reel is a 4-track tape magazine in which all the articles are contributed by subscribers, each recorded
in the contributor's own voice.  Subjects may include recipes; reports on new technical devices; accounts of trips;
musical performances, often by the contributors; discussions on legislative, social, and medical issues of interest
to visually impaired persons; pets and gardening; and more.  The subscription rate is $25 per year.  Write to The
News Reel, 5 E. Long St., Columbus, OH 43215; 
614-469-0700.

     From Lifeprints, Spring, 1994: Christiansen Studios, makers of jewelry with braille, have lowered prices and
added new items to their sales list.  For complete descriptions and pricing information, contact Braille Sterling from
Christiansen Studios, Box 583, Hanover, NH 03755; 800-444-7735. 

The Quorum PAAL is a lightweight personal alarm measuring 2 by 3 inches.  When the pin is pulled, PAAL emits
an ear-piercing blast to signal for help or chase off danger.  Price is $30 plus $1.50 for shipping.  Contact
Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St., Brookline, MA 92146; 617-738-5110. 

The Ann Morris Enterprises catalog for 1993-94 is available free in large print and on tape.  Braille copies cost $10,
and disk copies are free to anyone who furnishes the disk.  The catalog features 130 new items including a light
probe, audio indicator, a vibrating mobility aid, etc.  Contact Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc., 890 Fams Court, East
Meadow, NY 11554; 516-292-9232. 

From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, June, 1994: Julie Roberts is starting a Pen Pal Club for people all over the
world.  Yearly dues is $5, and Julie will match applicants according to interests.  Specify whether you wish a braille
or cassette application.  Braille letters are preferred, though taped are also acceptable.  Checks or money orders
should be addressed to Julie Roberts, Route 1, Box 340, Mauerton, VA 26644.

Audio-Forum sells tapes of what some of today's most provocative thinkers have to say about self-discovery, the
quality of life, the nature of the creative mind, changes taking place in the world, and what you can do to bring about
change.  There are 26 cassettes narrated by the actual authors, each costing $9.95.  For a tape catalog, write to
Audio-Forum, Room G410, 96 Broad St., Guilford, CT 06437; 
203-453-9794.

The Braillery offers a complete repair service for braille watches.  $35 will usually cover repair of quartz or
mechanical braille watches.  The company also replaces and installs most watch batteries for $3.  Complete repair
of Perkins braillers is also available.  Contact The Braillery, 5 Cumberland Circle, El Paso, TX 79903; 915-565-0179. 

Send items to be included in this column to Winifred Downing, 1587 38th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122.
                           ------------


                          THE OUT-BASKET


LILLIE PERRY MEMORIAL FUND and LILLIE PERRY FOUNDATION:  In memory of the wife of Dr. Newel Perry,
perhaps the greatest leader in the American blindness movement, the Lillie Perry Memorial Fund and the Lillie Perry
Foundation were established in order to assist blind and visually impaired college students in obtaining a degree as
a means of acquiring employment, and to help all blind and visually impaired persons find employment.  Limited
funding from these foundations is currently available for blind and visually impaired Californians.   

Anyone desiring information regarding low-interest loans from the Lillie Perry Memorial Fund or the Lillie Perry
Foundation should contact Jeff Thom at 916-429-8201.
                            * * * * *

THE CCB STORE:  As a service to you; It was established in recent years and offers a variety of items for sale. 
A new mini-catalog and price list is in process.  Some items include:  watches, canes, calculators, slates, styli, etc. 
Call Marni at 800-221-6359 for details.
                            * * * * *

A comparison between the British and the American basic braille codes has been completed and is currently
available in print at cost of production only by writing to Dr. Hilda Caton, BANA Chair, c/o American Printing House
for the Blind, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY 40206.  The braille edition is in preparation and will be available from
the same source also at cost of production.  The comparison was prepared by our own Norma Schecter.
                            * * * * *

Employment Opportunity:  Ethel Kirtley requested that we advise you that the Blind Recreation Center of San Diego
is now taking applications for secretary.  Visually impaired applicants are sought, with computer experience.  Contact
Aaron Fleck, Administrator, or Lois Renfro, President, Blind Recreation Center; 1807 Upas Street; San Diego, CA
992103; 619-298-5021.
                            * * * * *

Chapter Fund-Raiser:  The South Bay Chapter is holding a luncheon and an auction on October 15, 1994 at
Michael's Coffee Shop, 1249 W. Carson (near Normandie), Los Angeles, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Donation is $12. 
Bring items for the auction, and don't forget your checkbook!  For further info, call Ramona Craig at 310-834-61989.
                            * * * * *

New Technology at the Sierra Madre Public Library:  The Sierra Madre Public Library has dramatically expanded
its services to blind and visually impaired people.  This has been accomplished through a new project:  STAR
(Services Toward Adaptive Reading).  

Central to STAR's goal is the acquisition of a Kurzweil Reader known as the "Reading Edge." and is currently in use
at the Sierra Madre Public Library where sight-impaired patrons now have access to 94% of the library's collection. 


Another purchase under the grant has been the library's first descriptive videos.  In addition, the library is enlarging
and diversifying its Books on Tape and large print collections with an emphasis at the suggestion of community
groups on non-fiction and unabridged titles.  The selection of music CD's will also be expanded.

Library hours are 12 noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.  For further
information on the STAR project, please call Catriona Shafer, Project Coordinator, at the library, 818-355-7187.
                            * * * * *

LEGALLY BLIND RESEARCHER NEEDS BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED MOTHERS FOR RESEARCH
PROJECT:  If you are a new mother with a visual impairment, you can make a valuable contribution which may help
health professionals and other service providers to best serve women like you.  If your oldest child is 5 years old or
younger, or if you are expecting your first child in the next few months, your participation in this research project
would be greatly appreciated.  

You will be asked to take part in a phone interview with the researcher; this will involve a total of approximately 30
minutes of your time.  All of the information will be kept confidential.  

If you have any questions, please call collect at the phone number listed below.  If you have any friends with visual
impairments who are expecting soon or who have children 5 years old or younger, who might be interested in
participating in this study, please invite them to call me.  Thank you for your interest.  Connie Conley-Jung, M.A.,
Doctoral Candidate CSPP, 510-523-1774.
                            * * * * *

A BRIEF NOTE FROM YOUR EDITOR PRO TEM:  I regret to inform you that our BC Editor Doris Fisher is unable
to continue with her editing work.  As immediate past editor, I offered to finish this assignment until the end of the
year.  Remember that the deadlines for the fall issue is September 1, and the winter is December 1.  Please send
articles in any media, but preferably on diskette, or braille.  My address is on page iii.  
