                      THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN




                    Quarterly Magazine of the

                 CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Fall 1994                                         Volume 38 No. 4

    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.

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


                Editor Assistant:  Norma Schecter

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



        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 it is offered in Spanish after 5 p.m.

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




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


TIDINGS FROM YOUR EDITOR, by Maria E. Lopez. . . . . . . . . . .1

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

60 YEARS OF DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION,
     by Coletta Davis  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

DEMOCRACY:  NOT QUITE WHAT WE EXPECTED,
     by Kenneth Frasse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

CALIFORNIA VENDOR WINS DECISION IN AN 
     IMPORTANT CASE, by Allen G. Jenkins . . . . . . . . . . . 11

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- FALL 1994, 
     by Cid Urena  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

AN UPDATE REPORT AND FUTURE GOALS-- COMMITTEE 
     ON SENIOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED, 
     by Teddie Remhild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

CCBNET GOES WORLDWIDE! by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CHICAGO, 1994, by Marion Fisher  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

THE O.N.C.E. 
     A MODEL OF SOCIAL INITIATIVE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 1994-1995 
     CCB SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, 
     by Coletta Davis  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING CHAPTER MEETINGS,
     by Sharlene Ornelas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH FUND RAISING, 
     by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

FINDING SOLUTIONS, by Pat La France 
     and Teddie Remhild. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

AROUND THE STATE AND NATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

CCB OFFICERS AND 
     CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

                           ------------
                    TIDINGS FROM YOUR EDITOR 

                        by Maria E. Lopez


Hello again!  You probably thought that you had gotten rid of me three issues ago, but no such luck and here I
am once more.  Since Doris Fisher was unable to continue with the editing of The Blind Californian, I offered to
do it until the end of the year and hope you will enjoy these next two issues.  

One adjustment that was made in this issue of the BC is for the convenience of our readers in reaching  the
table of contents and articles faster.  The list of CCB Officers and the Publications Committee have been
removed from the prefatory pages and placed at the end of the magazine.  Please let me know if you approve
the change.  Your input is always welcome.  

Because Winifred Downing broke her arm in an accident in Chicago during the ACB convention, she will be
unable for some time to submit her regular Bulletin Board column.  We are sorry this unfortunate event is still
affecting her health.  Surely, we will miss her interesting and informative column.  I wish her a speedy recovery.  

For those members who were not able to attend the ACB National Convention in Chicago and hear the speech
given by Mr. Enrique Servando, the Director General of the Spanish National Organization for the Blind
(O.N.C.E.), and also in response to many of you who requested the publication of his speech, I obtained a print
copy of the English translation for your enlightenment.   Because of its length, his speech is divided between
these next two issues.  

It is my pleasure to present to you this edition with diverse and interesting topics such as legislation, democracy,
the ACB Convention report, the O.N.C.E. translated report, fund raising, a blind vendor wins decision in an
important case, etc.  As always, this is another pleasant and stimulating BC for your reading enjoyment.  

Our next deadline for submitting articles and other items of interest is December 1.  Please send to me all
materials promptly so that I can in turn complete the editing on time.  

As is my custom, I offer you the following thought:  "We are measured by how we handle adversity rather than
by how we handle success."  

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


                       HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

                         by John V. Lopez


It has been a rather calm summer for Maria and me and I hope it has been the same for all of you.  

Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, I received unexpected and heart-breaking news.  I regret to inform you
that on September 6, 1994, our dear friend Durward McDaniel passed away.  Maria and I met Durward during
the mid 80's and became good friends.  Since then, it has been a rewarding and learning experience for me to
work under his leadership in the ACB Membership Committee.  His passing away will create an empty spot in all
of our hearts; personally, I will greatly miss his advice and guidance.  Also, the organized blind nationwide has
truly lost a dedicated leader and life-time friend.  

By the time you receive this issue of The Blind Californian, the Fall Convention of the California Council of the
Blind will be upon us.  Of course, I hope that by this time you have already made your plans for the convention. 
It will be held on the weekend of November 10-13, in Orange County, the Irvine Holiday Inn, 17941 Von Karman,
Irvine, CA; phone 714-863-1999.  Room rates are $48 a night per single, double or triple occupancy. 

Coletta Davis, Convention Coordinator, and I have been diligently planning a great celebration for our
organization's 60 years of progress.  We hope this event will be an unforgettable one for all CCB members and
friends.  To mention a couple of agenda items, Mr. Glenn Plunkett, from the ACB office, will be making a
presentation regarding Social Security and other issues affecting the blind; and LeRoy Saunders, ACB
President, will be installing the newly elected CCB Officers and Board of Directors--an event that many of us
have not witnessed.  

At this Convention, we will be electing the President, First Vice President, Treasurer, and four Board positions. 
On Friday at 10:30 a.m., be prepared to attend the Candidates Forum and ask vital questions of the participating
candidates.  This allows us to familiarize ourselves with their expectations, political opinions and concerns on 
issues of the CCB. 

Some calendar events:  During the first week of July, many CCB members along with my wife and me attended
the American Council of the Blind National Convention held in Chicago, considered the most accessible city in
the U.S.  This was the largest ACB convention ever held.  There were 1682 registered attendees, not counting
the many unregistered participants, over 50 affiliates and over 19 special-interest groups--the representation
was outstanding.  Among the many activities, there were many informative workshops and attractive tours to
meet everyone's interests.  One special guest speaker at this convention was Mr. Enrique Servando Gonzalez,
Director General of the Spanish National Organization for the Blind (O.N.C.E.)  Fortunately, Maria and I had the
opportunity to visit with Mr. Servando and his wife during a luncheon held in their honor.  In addition, the ACB
Convention report submitted by Marion Fisher, contains a more complete account of the interesting activities
and informative general sessions that occurred at this convention.  

My special project since I became President has been visiting CCB chapters.  This summer is no exception!  It
has been a rather enjoyable summer because of the many chapter picnics, fund raising and social gatherings. 
Speaking of social gatherings, plans are again on the way for this  year's interchapter Christmas party in
Southern California, coordinated by the Whittier Chapter, the San Gabriel Chapter and the East Los Angeles
Chapter.  We found a place that will accommodate over 600 persons.  Of course, everyone is welcome to come
and celebrate the Holiday season and enjoy each other's camaraderie on December 17.  Final details will be
forthcoming.  

Besides my special project of visiting chapters, I have been actively involved in the community making
presentations to  service clubs such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Optimist, Lions, etc., regarding the California Council of
the Blind and its programs and services.  

Because of budgetary reasons, the State of California is considering the consolidation of programs, services,
and the administrations of both the California School for the Blind and the School for the Deaf, which are located
adjacent to each other in Fremont.  Consequently, Mr. Bert Boyer, Superintendent of the California School for
the Blind, reinstated the Community Advisory Committee to work on this matter.  Recently, I was appointed by
him to this committee and on September 2 attended the first meeting in which this important issue was
discussed.  As you can see, this committee has its work cut out; accordingly, the CCB will be actively involved to
assure that the right decisions are made on behalf of the blind students of California.  As we know, the interests
and needs of the blind community are different from other disabled groups; for this reason, we must not allow
the programs and services of blind students to be combined with other disabled students.  
Concerning legislation, there is presently one more bill sponsored by the CCB on the Governor's desk awaiting
his signature:  AB 2445 by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy, which will require that braille be taught to blind
children.  SB 1473 by Senator Ruben Ayala has been signed by the Governor and has become law, establishing
the qualifications for the OCB Director.  This success is a result of your many letters of support sent to the
legislators in Sacramento and the tireless efforts of our Capitol Representative, Cid Urena, whose update
appears in this issue containing more legislative news.  

As President of the California Council of the Blind, I invite all of you and your friends to come to our Fall
Convention and join us in celebrating our gala 60th anniversary.  

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


                      60 YEARS OF DEDICATION
                        AND DETERMINATION

             by Coletta Davis, Convention Coordinator


They'll be arriving by land, sea and air (all right, maybe not by sea), but on the week-end of November 10-13,
1994, everyone will be coming to the Holiday Inn in Irvine, Orange County, home of fading orange groves and
active CCB chapters.

This is our 60th year celebration, and many special activities are planned with exciting surprises for this gala
event.  These 60 years deserve special recognition for our dedication and commitment to the betterment of the
lives of all blind and visually impaired individuals in our state.

Our convention will start with the usual open Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday evening, and its very
informative "Thinking-Cap Session".  Then all of you are invited to the Orange County Chapter Hospitality Suite,
to relax with refreshments and good conversation with new and old friends.

Friday morning will be devoted to committee and special interest meetings.

This year, a new addition to our format will be the Candidates Forum from 10:30 to 12 noon, at which time
members running for office will have an opportunity to present their qualifications and to be quizzed by our
membership regarding their views for the future of the Council.

Our Friday afternoon session will begin with greetings from Michael Ward, Mayor of the City of Irvine, followed
by some interesting topics which concern us all.  One of our biggest concerns is "Free Matter for the Blind".  Jeri
Henderson, from the U.S. Postal Service, will give us an update on this most important issue.

Following Jeri's presentation, Cid Urena, our Capitol Representative, will update us on legislation.

Cathie Skivers, Chair of the CCB Governmental Committee, will moderate a panel discussion on proposed
solutions to the unemployment of blind and visually impaired persons.  

Do life's daily upsets stress you out?  Well, we have just the thing for you.  The last item on Friday's afternoon
session concerns itself with "Overcoming Obstacles and Managing Stress", presented by Mike Slavit,
Counselor, and member of the Orange County Chapter, CCB.

Our President's Dinner is always a wonderful opportunity for our Chapter presidents to brag a little about their
on-going activities. All members are welcome to attend the event, of course.  This year's dinner will be chaired
by Rick Plath, President of our Glendale-Burbank Chapter.

Friday evening's general session will be welcomed by Bonnie Rennie, Secretary of our Orange County Chapter,
CCB.  A most stimulating evening is anticipated, as our members exercise their constitutional privilege to elect
new Officers and Board members.

Following the elections, we will all enjoy hearing from many of our gifted performers at the "Showcase of
Talent".

Saturday morning will be devoted to committee meetings and special interest groups.  See your pre-registration
program for details.

A truly educational afternoon is planned, starting with Glenn Plunkett, from ACB, who will speak to us about
Social Security.

Do you know the difference between Durable Power of Attorney, Living Trusts and Living Wills?  Now you will! 
Sandy Murry, with FHP (Family Health Plan), will discuss the Durable Power of Attorney, and an attorney from
the Orange County Bar Association will speak about Living Trusts and Living Wills.

We are saddened to learn that, for health reasons, our President, John Lopez, will be unable to serve for a
second term.  He has done an outstanding job during some of the most turbulent times in the history of this
Council.  President Lopez will be giving his farewell address at 3:00 PM on Saturday, during our General
Session.

Let's all be there to wish him well through many more long years of continuing service to CCB in other
capacities.  His doctors may have said no to continuing in the tough job of President, but his loyal heart, bright
mind and indomitable spirit will always be dedicated to the causes of this Council.

Saturday evening is our 60th Year Celebration Banquet.  I have the pleasure of hosting this wonderful event. 
We have many surprises in store for you!  Among our guests for this evening will be ACB President LeRoy
Saunders and his lovely wife, Pat.

For still more fun and excitement, plan to attend our Dance, sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of CCB. 
After paying for the professional live orchestra, half the profit will go to CCB and half to the sponsoring chapter.

On Sunday morning, at 8:15, our Devotional and Memorial Services will be conducted by Gussie Morgan, a
member of our Compton Chapter, CCB.

9:00 AM takes us into our final convention session with the Report from our Treasurer, David Parker, followed
by an update on Rehab Services by Manual Urena, State Department of Rehabilitation.

Resolutions will be the last official item on this agenda, but plan to stay for the complete session as there will be
a grand cash door prize in store at the closing.

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


              DEMOCRACY:  NOT QUITE WHAT WE EXPECTED

                        by Kenneth Frasse


At the origin of democracy lie the Greek terms of "demos", meaning "the people", and "kratin", meaning "the
power".  Skipping two and one half millennia, several cultures, a myriad of wars, and some linguistic evolution
we arrive at "Democracy", the power of the people.  While the choice for democracy is plain in lieu of its
alternatives, the characteristics of its evolution are more elusive, and its inherent responsibilities even less
apparent.

In a large democratic society, a governmental structure must be established wherein representatives of the
people facilitate, deliberate, and adjudicate the laws of the land.  Within this governmental structure, there exists
a complex yet distinct set of rules for proper representation in spite of the fact that there often exist nearly no
rules for accountability.  These last two aspects, both on the part of the people represented and on the part of
those who represent them, are the basic commandments of democracy; this is true of America, and this is true
of the California Council of the Blind.

The CCB gained its independence, and, like most democracies, it was achieved through a civil war.  There was
much damage and many casualties, but a degree of democratic rule was attained that had never before been
experienced.  Recently, there was another democratic growth in the Council, and it emerged with the election of
President John Lopez.  At the core of this new democracy lies a fundamental concept:  that a stronger, truer
organization rests within the strength and direction of the members of the CCB themselves.  

President Lopez believes that the members themselves must direct this organization, and in so doing, he has
rekindled the grass-roots basis for this organization.  He has provided the CCB with a nearly unparalleled
opportunity -- the opportunity for a stronger, better-represented Council.  Unfortunately, there are several
pernicious aspects of this new democracy, and they are by no means a part of President Lopez's design.  They
can, if unchecked, rot the fine core of this democracy, and, ultimately, destroy the purpose and intent of this
organization.  Let us review responsibility and accountability through the function of the CCB.

Although the President of the CCB is charged with leading and representing the CCB through executive order, it
is the Board of Directors that is charged with the welfare and representation of the entire membership.  The
foremost strength should be each member's ability to represent this membership.  None of these individuals
should place a personal agenda before the welfare of the membership.  Any Director with a political ambition in
the absence of a beneficent design for this membership should, in the view of this author, be tarred and
feathered, or at least questioned for his priority or suitability for his position on the Board.

If no reasonable course of action can be determined through the collective wisdom of the Board, is almost
impossible for an intelligent decision to be reached without referring the issue to a more appropriate authority. 
That is, the thirteen members of the Board possess a formidable collection of expertise and knowledge, but, if
they cannot reach a reasonable decision on an issue, (say they need an external expert for a law or policy), then
they should not make a decision prior to consulting that expert.  Not to do so is to make a determination through
ignorance.  In fact, any decision made in this manner is a blatant disregard and mockery of the position they hold
and of the membership which they represent.  

What I am speaking of is accountability; the members of the Board who represent the membership must be
accountable for their decisions to that membership.  Only in this fashion can the membership trust that they are
being represented in the best possible manner, and that their welfare is safeguarded.  Unbeknownst to most
members, however, the Board of Directors are not the only bearers of responsibility and accountability ... so are
we all.  

Democracy is a fine ideal for most people, but its strategies for implementation and associated responsibilities
are not easily achieved.  True democracy affords possibilities and opportunities for freedom of speech, but it
also invites irresponsible and intellectually limited criticism on the part of some people.  Unlike other forms of
government, democracy functions optimally when, and only when, the people outside the government assume
their full responsibility and accountability; in this particular case, this means the membership of the CCB.  Often,
the strength and design of democracy is hindered by either a lack of responsibility and accountability, and/or
arbitrary or capricious opinions.

I do not mean that offering opinions is unimportant, as opinions are the catalyst for discussion and a
fundamental right in a democracy; the opinions themselves are what comes into question.  What use is an
opinion from an individual, even if well-intended, that is unresearched, or that is based on hearsay and rumor?  

Allow me to elaborate.  Under the strong influence of this State's developmentally disabled, full-inclusion of
children with developmental disabilities into mainstream classrooms is a reasonable and advantageous policy. 
This may indeed be an advantageous policy for the developmentally disabled, but it is without reference to other
disabilities, and is subject to the ignorance of the Legislature.  Many legislators have adopted the viewpoint of
the developmentally disabled because their information is not well researched, and does not consider other
disabilities.  Additionally, they have not researched the impact of full-inclusion in the states where full-inclusion
has been instituted.  This policy could destroy categorical services for blind and visually impaired children, and it
will pass without the continued efforts of this and other disability organizations.

Another example a little closer to home would be the basis for legal expenditures within the CCB.  How can an
individual offer an intelligent opinion on the amount or category of legal expenditures for this organization if they
do not understand why these expenditures are being made?  As an Officer on the Board of Directors of this
organization, I know personally that no individual on the Board wishes to expend unnecessary funds for any
purpose, including legal, and yet there exists a small contingent of people outside the Board who attempt to
dictate priorities for legal expenditures without the proper research or knowledge.  The Directors of the Board,
and not these other individuals, are charged with the welfare of this organization at the state level as their prime
constitutional directive.  If an elected Board member does not fully support this directive, then he should be
replaced, but opinions outside the Board that are based on rumor and hearsay constitute irresponsible and even
malicious behavior.  These unfounded opinions are also usually based on an individual's or several individuals'
political agenda -- this must cease.

There are several manners in which to ensure the legitimacy of an opinion, and this legitimacy is of cardinal
importance for the CCB membership in order to fulfill its obligation to be responsible and accountable.  First, an
opinion must have, at its base, primary information; that is, it must not come through second-hand sources or
rumors.  Next, it is important that all contributing factors be considered; an opinion is worthless if it does not
encompass all that is necessary upon which to base a final opinion.  Finally, it is crucial not to take information
out of context, as this invariably distorts or misrepresents the facts.  Only via these means can opinions be
ensured of a certain accountability.  Now comes the most critical aspect of responsibility.

The value of an opinion is determined by its social contribution.  If an opinion does not foment thought or
discussion, then it is of little use to anyone except the one possessing the opinion, and, hence, of little value to
society.  Subsequently, if an opinion that contradicts a given action does not have a constructive alternative, it is
deemed a complaint; these opinions may be duly noted, but there is little one can do without being presented
with alternatives.  This author has noticed that some arbitrary opinions have been voiced by members of the
CCB, but that the opinions are unfounded or based on incorrect information, and such opinions have seldom
been accompanied by constructive alternatives.  If individuals within this organization recognize a problem, it is
their undeniable responsibility to offer alternatives which may be investigated or pursued.  Opinions are often
disruptive and misleading if they are not well researched or if they do not offer a proposed course of action. 
Only an opinion with a carefully thought-out alternative or set of alternatives can provide constructive input or
change, while the contrary simply wastes time and undermines the efforts of this fine organization.

It is the recognition of this responsibility and accountability by the Directors and members of this organization
that will strengthen the CCB.  It is our common concern for our common welfare that will enable us to prevail
over the numerous challenges that we all face.  It is through cooperative efforts and assuming responsibility that
we will lead the blind of this state into the next decade and century, and, ultimately, "to promote in every way,
individually and collectively, the well-being of blind persons."

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


              CALIFORNIA VENDOR WINS DECISION IN AN
                          IMPORTANT CASE

                       by Allen G. Jenkins


Jeana Martin, a Randolph-Sheppard vendor, has granted permission to publish the following article outlining her
case against the California State Department of Rehabilitation.  Ms. Martin, claimant, is a winner in a sweeping
award holding the Department of Rehabilitation liable for things it did and for things it failed to do.

BACKGROUND:

As early as 1988 the Department promised to update and expand Jeana's vending facilities in the Santa Ana
Post Office.  This promise was often repeated but never kept.  As time passed, the Post Office began
establishing vending machine operations in direct competition with Jeana's business.  As a result her vending
facility was changed from a very profitable operation to a losing preposition.  Ultimately Jeana, the complainant,
had invested her life-savings of some $75,000 and had gone in debt in a futile effort to save her business.

By the way, in 1989 or 1990 Jeana was rated "as one of the best in BEP."  This rating changed after she filed a
complaint with the Department in 1990 in the hope of receiving help from the Department which it, the
Department, failed to give.

An arbitration complaint was filed in 1992; the Arbitration Board met last April; its decision and award was
handed down on August 18, 1994.

I am going to quote briefly from the decision and the award will be given in full.  Jeana is referred to as
"Complainant" and the Department as "Respondent."

DECISION:  "In summary, Complainant's misfortunes flowed directly from the SLA's failure to insist on prompt
renovation of the vending facility, its failure to insist on assignment of all vending machine income to her, and its
failure to take immediate formal action to void the illegal 'break-even' contract between the Postal Service and
Canteen Corporation.  Compounding its failures, the Department of Rehabilitation wrongly shifted from itself to
Complainant the blame for her misfortunes and, as a result of those misfortunes, terminated her license
following a hearing at which Complainant, for good cause, was unable to appear."  (Jeana was hospitalized at
the time.)

AWARD:  "Respondent violated the Randolph-Sheppard Act, 20 U.S.C. Sections 107-107e ('the Act') in its
relationship with Complainant by failing to protect the priority accorded Complainant in her capacity as a blind
vendor under the Act; by failing to insist upon remittance to the State's blind vending program of all vending
machine income to which it and Complainant were entitled; by failing to stand firm against the promulgation and
continuation of a break-even contract which proximately and directly led to Complainant's economic demise; by
failing to expeditiously act to ensure prompt renovation of the snack bar/lunch room; and finally, by terminating,
without sufficient foundation, Complainant's license as a blind vendor and, thus, her means of self-support.

"The Arbitration Panel hereby orders the parties to submit briefs (postmarked on or before September 7, 1994),
together with any additional evidence pertinent to the issue of remedy, addressing the appropriate remedy or
remedies to be awarded by the Arbitration Panel."

Note:  I am pleased to report that the successful lawyer in Jeana's case happens to be my daughter Janice.

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


                 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- FALL 1994

                          by Cid Urena, 
                     Capitol Representative 


Greetings from Sacramento!  This will be a brief update.  Why?  Because all of our bills have not completed the
legislative process.  For instance, the Braille bill (AB 2445) is still in the governor's office.  If everything goes well,
because of your participation in helping me, our success rate should be 75%.  I don't think a high-priced
$100,000 a year lobbyist could do better for our organization.

I will begin by giving you a quick rundown of 1993-94 legislation sponsored by the CCB:  

1993 -- the CCB sponsored AB 1267, (a bill stating "there shall be an orientation center for the blind in the State
of California").  Assemblywoman Diane Martinez did an outstanding job on this bill, but unfortunately it reached
Appropriations which is known as "the graveyard".

AB 1419 by Assemblyman Joe Baca (CCB sponsored) dealt with many issues relating to guide dogs.  The bill
was chaptered in the fall of 1993.

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

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

SCR 16, authored by Senator Teresa Hughes, (CCB sponsored), mandating computer equipment in CSU and
UC open computer labs, was dropped at our request due to the shortage of time remaining in the session.

You may request copies from the Capitol Bill Room of the above-mentioned bills or chapters. 

AB 2020 by Assemblyman Phil Isenberg (CCB opposed) would have allowed optometrists to diagnose,
prescribe and treat specified diseases of the eye.  This became a two-year bill.

SB 897 by Senator Dan McCorquodale (CCB opposed) would make it difficult for blind individuals to be placed
in the appropriate program since everyone would be required to be mainstreamed for approximately two years
before actual program needs can be determined.  This bill died in committee.

1994 -- AB 2640 (Braille Literacy Week) by Assemblyman Fred Aguiar (CCB sponsored) was signed into law by
the governor and has become Chapter 104 of 1994.

AB 2445 (Braille bill) by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy (CCB sponsored) is on the governor's desk awaiting his
signature.  

SB 1473 (updates Orientation Center administrator statutes) by Senator Ruben Ayala (CCB sponsored) has
been signed into law, Chapter 336 of 1994.

SB 1605 by our friend Senator Teresa Hughes (CCB sponsored) died in the Appropriations graveyard due to
the cost, approximately $1,250,000.  However, we continue to work with the UC and CSU systems to implement
adaptive equipment for some of the lab computers.  Take note that the school systems stated they would work
with disabled students on an individual basis until such time as the accessibility situation has been satisfactorily
resolved.  A full report will be given to the legislature during the month of January to advise them of the findings.

ACR 108 by Assemblyman John Burton (CCB sponsored) called for no further cuts in MediCal.  In spite of the
many organizations supporting this bill, it was dropped during the time that the budget was being considered.

Now, other bills which the CCB may support or oppose:  

AB 2020 by Assemblyman Phil Eisenberg (see above) was defeated at about 11:30 p.m. at the end of a very,
very long day.  This was a long hard fight but justice prevailed.  In the next BC, you will receive more information
relating to this subject.

SB 1714 by Senator Dan McCorquodale (CCB opposed) replaced SB 897, known as the full inclusion bill.  It
has reached the governor's office.  I have continued to oppose this bill on behalf of the CCB.

SB 1240 by Senator Milton Marks includes an attempt to de-license some of the current guide dog regulations. 
As of early May, CCB did not take much of a position on this bill in view of the fact that GDUC members did not
communicate their wishes to us.  However, this bill may have reached the governor although I'm not certain at
this time.  Nevertheless amendments were made which apparently improved the bill and I will be looking into this
now that the legislature is on hiatus.

There was a trailer bill AB 2388 in which many budget items were included.  In this legislation a section was
included for a formula by which the guide dog schools would pay fees to support the state Guide Dog Board.

In concluding this update, I wish to thank all who have participated in assisting me here in Sacramento.  A full
detailed report will be given at our upcoming convention and in the next Blind Californian.  Finally, I have included
the following article for your information:  


News Item from the California Association of Ophthalmologists Newsletter, August 1994

"TIRED BUT HAPPY.  Still standing at midnight in the state capitol hallway on June 27 after helping persuade
members of the Senate Business and Professions Committee to reject Assembly Bill 2020, the optometric
therapeutics measure, were (left to right) CAO's immediate Past President Philip L. Levy, MD; CAO President
Ronald E. Foltz, MD; Martin L. Fishman, MD, CAO's vice president for legislative affairs; Ysidro (Cid) Urena,
capitol representative for the California Council of the Blind; Robert A. Hardy, MD, CAO's vice president for
legislative affairs; CAO consultant Adele Framer; Lisa A. Merritt, MD, vice president of the Golden State Medical
Association; Barbara J. Arnold, MD, CAO's vice president for public information; and Ken Schell, Pharm.D., a
board member of the California Society of Hospital Pharmacists." 

If you are a constituent of one of the members of the state Senate Business and Professions Committee who
voted against AB 2020 and haven't already done so, please thank them today.  Everyone likes to feel
appreciated when they do the right thing. 

Committee members who voted against the optometric therapeutics measure are:  Ruben Ayala, D-Rancho
Cucamonga; Daniel Boatwright, (Chair) D-Concord; William Craven, R-Carlsbad; Leroy Greene, D-Sacramento;
David Kelley, R-San Diego; Milton Marks, D-San Rafael. 

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


               AN UPDATE REPORT AND FUTURE GOALS --
                    COMMITTEE ON SENIOR BLIND 
                      AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED

                        by Teddie Remhild


Three years ago at the Fall Convention of the California Council of the Blind, John Lopez made a speech
regarding the increasing incidence of visual impairment and blindness being experienced by older adults in our
country today.  It was a moving speech which described the numbers and the needs of our senior population
facing vision loss. He urged the involvement of the CCB in addressing and meeting these needs, as advocates
of and for all blind citizens.

As a result of this presentation, John Lopez was instrumental in the creation of, and became the first chairman
of, the Committee on Senior Blind and Visually Impaired.  I continued as the chair of this committee early in
1992 and we have evolved significantly since that time.

Patricia LaFrance now co-chairs the Senior Blind Committee with me and has made an important contribution
as both member and co-chair.

Our committee participates in convention workshops and in community outreach throughout the state.  Our
workshops have dealt from various perspectives with the loss of vision in later years, and have involved
community resource program directors and professionals.

Many of our committee members who live in more rural communities have organized to provide services to
newly visually impaired older adults in their areas, thus becoming an important community resource. Such
programs have been developed in the Redwood Empire, the High Desert and the Inland Empire.  In larger cities,
our members are involved in large-print brochure distribution, community outreach and presentations to raise
public consciousness about vision loss among senior adults.  We provide information and referral to appropriate
agencies and resources.

In addition to this service, I believe that the most important role we fill is that of peer supporter.  As positive role
models, we give hope and encouragement to an increasing population of forgotten older citizens.  These
outreach activities of the Senior Blind Committee are on-going the year around.  Our brochures give out the 800
number of our CCB office, and the caller is then referred to the committee member in their community.  The
calls are increasing as the word spreads and as indeed the need is increasing.  We are becoming an important
link to the Counselor-Teacher Program of the State Department of Rehabilitation, as most ophthalmologists do
not refer their older patients to this or any other community resource.

As the committee's activities have increased over the past three years, it has become quite obvious that we are
filling a significant void by linking visually impaired seniors to the resources which will help them to continue to
live independently.

In the future the Committee on Senior Blind and Visually Impaired will continue to evolve to meet the needs of
this growing population. We are currently examining the possibility of formulating legislation which would require
ophthalmologists to refer their patients diagnosed as "legally blind" to the State Department of Rehabilitation. 
This is already law in the state of Massachusetts and it is quite successful and beneficial to their visually
impaired seniors.

We of the CCB Senior Blind Committee will continue to provide positive peer support and to be a liaison
between the visually impaired or blind and their community resources.  We will continue to be active advocates
in all our communities throughout the state, and to become all that John Lopez envisioned when he inspired us
three years ago.  We would welcome any other CCB members who would like to volunteer their help as role
models and resource guides to newly-blind seniors in their own communities.

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


                      CCBNET GOES WORLDWIDE!

                          by Dan Kysor 
                      Program Manager/Sysop


Our electronic bulletin board system will be online worldwide in less than one year!  CCBNET has seen growth in
usership and expanded services.  Currently, CCBNET is a participant in BLINKTALK, a national discussion
forum on blindness.  We have seen expansion of our file areas including several Federal and State legislative
areas.  But now, our CCBNET will soon be available worldwide through TELNET.  This action was prompted by
high long-distance access rates and by costly maintenance for an 800 number. 

Accessing TELNET will work like this:  First, you subscribe to an INTERNET carrier such as NETCOM, CRL,
COMPUSERVE, etc.  Typically, these carriers only charge anywhere from $9 to $19 per month for unlimited
INTERNET access; thus, the availability of low long-distance rates and unlimited access to CCBNET.  However,
the service charge is expected to go up the latter part of 1994 or early in 1995. 

Now callers to the "net" may download messages saving on long-distance phone bills.  You can respond to your
messages as well as upload them; next time you call in, just hit "O" off the main menu.  

REMINDER:  All affiliates and committees have their own areas on the "net" with file and message centers.  We
encourage the use of these areas, and as time goes on, areas without usage will be eliminated.  Our system is
flexible, and we want to tailor the system to blind computer users.  As we go on TELNET, we will be meeting an
International need, and, as always, CCB takes the lead!


      NLS CIRCULAR AND BOOK TITLES NOW AVAILABLE ON THE NET

Many of the NLS circulars and yearly compiled lists of talking book titles are now available for downloading off
the "net."  One can simply browse through titles offline on a PC and save time in ordering titles.  These files are
located off the "F" option in the "Articles and periodicals" area.


                       A BC TOUR OF CCBNET

Many have asked me how this system is laid out, so I'll give you a quick tour of this online service.  As you will
see, our system currently reflects and represents all aspects of the California Council of the Blind.  

First, we dial on our modem 1-916-568-6359, and after the computer connects with CCBNET, you will get the
following prompt:

Auto-sensing
Welcome to ccb net: If you already have an account here, please type your name in and press RETURN. 
Otherwise, type "NEW".

Log-in:  
Enter your password: 

Now that we typed in our name and password, the system is ready to accept us online.

Greetings,  welcome back.  You are connected to CCBNET, a leader in speech compatible bulletin board
systems. This system is a project of the California Council of the Blind as provided by our President John V.
Lopez and our membership.  Our goal in this project is to provide blind people with a forum to communicate and
network with one another and to use this BBS as a library for sending and receiving  interesting files relating to 
blind consumers. This system is also used as a working area for our many committees and affiliates.  Dan
Kysor, Kenneth Frasse, and Jeff Doran are your system operators. 

At this point, we're placed in our main menu where we can make our selection.  Imagine a restaurant menu
where you choose your lunch.  

CCB NET MAIN MENU
A Affiliates
C Committees
E E-mail
F CCB File Area
H CCB Net bulletins (Monthly news from CCBNET)
M General Messages
O Off-line Mail Reader (Download your messages and read them     offline)
U Utilities
V Last Few Callers
X Log Off
(MAIN) Make your selection (A,C,E,F,H,M,O,U,V? for help, or X to      exit) 

We have, however, many areas that the general user does not see.  The areas hidden off the main menu are
selection D, "Board of Directors" and P, "President" area.  These are hidden so that the work of our organization
can proceed on this system with privacy.

All affiliates have their own work space, and we'll now bring you into the "Affiliates' Main Menu."

AFFILIATES' MAIN MENU
A Announcements
B Braille Revival League
C Cal Citizens With Low Vision
D CSB Alumni
E Guide Dog Users of Cal
L Library Users of Cal
O OCB Alumni
R Sheppard Vendors of Cal
S Blind Students of Cal
X Return to previous menu
(AFFILIATES) Make your selection (A,B,C,D,E,L,O,R,S? for help, or X   to exit)

Each area within this menu provides for a library and message center so that each affiliate can conduct its work,
leave files for one another, and have its own discussion public forum.  As of now, the only active area seems to
be the Blind Students" and the General Message" area.

Our committees also have their own areas with library and message centers.  One of the nice features of
CCBNET is that it acts as a central library for all kinds of items that now can be accessed quite readily.

CCBNET MASTER FILE LIBRARY MAIN MENU
A Articles and Periodicals
B Blind Californian
C CCB Documents
D Batch Files and Utilities
E Shopping Mall
F Braille Forum
L Legislation
X Return to Previous Menu
(CCB-LIB) (A,B,C,D,E,F,L? for help, or X to exit) 

Also, if you hit "L" off the file library you will get this menu:

LEGISLATIVE MAIN MENU
F Federal Legislation
L Legislative Talk
O Other Documents
S State Legislation

That was our quick BC tour of CCBNET.  Remember, "X" will always return you to the previous menu and, at
the main menu, will log you off.  I hope to bring you regular reports on the "net" in this publication; so for now,
happy modeming! 

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


                          CHICAGO, 1994

                         by Marion Fisher


I would like to share with you a few of my experiences, impressions, and concerns regarding this year's ACB
Convention held at the Palmer House in Chicago.  Overall, the entire convention experience was a positive one;
however, there were a couple of serious negatives which are worth mentioning so that such occurrences may be
avoided in the future.   

After arriving at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, my first experience in the Windy City was negative. 
When trying to catch the shuttle to the Palmer House, I was told that I would not be allowed to ride the shuttle
with my guide dog, Hans.  After a brief chat with the ticket agent for the shuttle company, and a conference
between the agent and the shuttle driver, the driver invited Hans and me to board the shuttle first.  I also
understand that others from California had similar experiences.  This points out to me the absolute necessity for
a representative of GDUI to be a part not only of the Convention Selection Committee, but also a part of the
advance team which meets with hotel staff and those involved with convention activities.     

After arriving at the Palmer House, I was treated very graciously, checked in and taken to my room almost
immediately.  This was the treatment that I received from the Volunteers and the hotel staff for the rest of the
week.  In fact, I mentioned the incident with the shuttle people to an assistant manager of the hotel who
contacted the shuttle company and assured me there would be no problem on the return trip to the airport.  

Now let me try to bring a few of the highlights from the convention itself.  On Sunday night at the opening
session, LeRoy Saunders spoke of where ACB has been and where we want to go in the future.  He made
reference to the progress which has been made and denoted how much more progress there is to be made. 
Also on Sunday night another highlight was the presentation of awards for meritorious service by members of
the blind community in relation to the needs of the blind.  To mention a couple, the Director of the American
Foundation for the Blind was given an award and Debbie Kendricks was also awarded for her service with her
book on blind people without benefit of higher education in the work place.  (I do want to mention and very
proudly so, I was one of the people featured in her book.)  

The other negative experience to which I made reference occurred during Monday's session.  There was a
speaker from Spain who I felt had a lot of important things to say to us, but the presentation was overshadowed
by the fact that ACB had failed to provide an adequate interpreter.  As a result, the presenter lost the majority of
his audience through no fault of his.  What's more, there was a professional Spanish interpreter available who
could have done justice to this international guest's presentation.  It is my personal opinion that our own Maria or
John Lopez would have done a far better job serving as interpreter than the one selected to perform this all-
important service.

But enough of the negative. In no way is this little article intended to provide a convention report, so I will not try
to comment on a day-by-day basis; but rather, I will try to mention some of the other highlights as I saw them.  

There was a very interesting panel discussion on the Information Superhighway.  One of the panelists was Dr.
Doug Wakefield.  Some might remember Doug does an excellent job on some of the tutorials for software
programs such as Pro-Com, among others.  The emphasis was on the rapidly increasing amount of information
out there, but if we do not keep aware of the advancements and make our needs known so that we can avail
ourselves of such advancements, we may find ourselves left behind as we have been in the past.  It is through
the hard work of many people in the American Council and many others too numerous to mention here that we
have the technological advances and opportunities we now enjoy.  It is imperative that we keep abreast of what
is possible for us in the future.  The fight is far from over.   

And speaking of the future, perhaps one of the most important events of this convention for the success of
ACB's future was the interest shown in getting younger blind people involved with our organization.  I feel that we
have taken a great step in accepting younger people into the Council. It is most gratifying to me to hear of the
young lady and her efforts in the State of Michigan to get a teen group started and to request help from our
organization and its members.  Chapters comprised of teens will be admitted to ACB membership.  

I might also note that it was a pleasure to learn that Jim Olson was able to participate in this year's convention
and to see him back from his illness which had kept him away from San Francisco.  Candidates for ACB Board
positions spoke to our California Caucus regarding their qualifications.  

As it is with all conventions, there were many extracurricular activities to more than fill the day.  I enjoyed a
couple of dinner cruises, one of which included a casino.  I am happy to report that unlike most of my previous
experiences with such pastimes, I took away a bit more than I had arrived with.  

I was unable to stay for Friday and Saturday's sessions because I had to hurry home for my son Kenneth's
graduation from the College of Oceaneering Friday evening, an event I could not miss.  Therefore, I cannot
report on the outcome of the elections or resolutions.  

In closing, I want to make a remark about the location of the Palmer House, site of our 1994 convention.  
Located in the heart of the business district of Chicago, we were free to leave the hotel facilities to enjoy the
different restaurants and shopping facilities which were located within a safe walking distance from the hotel.  I
did not feel like a total captive to the Palmer House, which probably made me enjoy their hospitality that much
more.  I wonder if room rates are the most important part of enjoying a week-long stay at a convention; to be
able to get away from the expense of dining constantly at the hotel facilities, as was the case in point, should be
a consideration when planning not only national conventions, but our own CCB conventions. 

All in all it was a very enjoyable week that I spent in the Windy City.  I cannot say enough to praise the hospitality
and effort to make our stay at the Palmer House a comfortable and delightful experience.  Thanks to the Illinois
Council for doing a superb job.  

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


[At the 1994 Convention of the American Council of the Blind held in Chicago, we enjoyed an interesting report
given by Mr. Enrique Servando Sanchez Gonzalez, Director General of O.N.C.E. (Organizacion Nacional de
Ciegos Espanoles), translated for his listeners.   Following is part one of his presentation copied verbatim from a
print translation supplied by O.N.C.E., which contains a few minor print irrregularities as well as a few terms
unfamiliar to the average American reader; for example:  "fora" is the plural of "forum", and the prefix "typhlo"
refers to blind.  Because of space in The Blind Californian, this report will be presented in two parts.]


                          THE O.N.C.E. 
                   A MODEL OF SOCIAL INITIATIVE

                Enrique Servando Sanchez Gonzalez
                 Director General of the O.N.C.E.
                         U.S.A. JULY 1994

                             GREETING

It is an honor for me to be here with you to give you a broad outline of some of the most outstanding
circumstances and characteristics of such a unique organization as is the Spanish National Organization for the
Blind or O.N.C.E., whose executive actions I have the privilege of directing.

I believe that our experiences may be of some interest, and indeed, I cannot hide the fact that I felt very proud to
receive your invitation to participate in this event, for in a certain way, it is a recognition of the work our
Organization is undertaking, the work of offering services to blind or visually-impaired people which are of a
standard similar to or even exceeding that received in countries which are considerably stronger economically.

Furthermore, I am convinced that between yourselves and us there are many more things which link us than the
simple fact of blindness or visual impairment, since it is my belief that, above all, our hallmark is our tenacious
struggle on behalf of our members and the groups we represent, or which amounts to the same, the effort we
make to enable those who cannot see to be citizens who enjoy the same rights as the rest of the population.

               THE DISABLED AND THE "WELFARE STATE"

Without wishing to go into theoretical detail on the different aspects and specific characteristics of the relations
established between people with physical disabilities  and the corresponding social bodies within the hierarchy of
public administration, it would seem to be clear that, a priori, the quality and scope of the social services or
benefits dispensed to the physically handicapped are very much tied up with the degree of wealth of the nation
concerned.

On occasions, major calamities and disasters, such as war, generally make it easier for society to show
sensitivity to these groups, offering them the support they really need.  There is however even more truth in the
fact that today we are living in a world in which, as we say in my country, "no one gives anything away".

Listening to me, many of you will be thinking that Spain must have remained on the sidelines of the predominant
trends followed in most Western States as regards the social protection of its citizens.  Fortunately, however,
this is not the case.  Nonetheless, today everything evolves at breathtaking speed and in a relatively short space
of time, we have moved from a system based on charity to one in which Social Security has become the major
example of the "Welfare State".  And yet in a general recession like this most recent one, which is perhaps more
acute in my country than in the rest of Western Europe as a result of the very high level of deficit accumulated in
the public sector, and the lack of momentum in our economic activity at the current time, it has once again been
shown that, given the current panorama, the role of non-governmental organizations is vital to complement and
even to substitute public systems of social protection.

In Spain, those of us affected by disability or physical handicap, have fought hard to obtain effective support on
the part of the administration and of its social security system, but we could not expect miracles from public
organisms which, even during the most buoyant moments of the recent economic cycle, which means the
second half of the nineteen eighties and the early nineties, have experienced considerable difficulty in meeting
their two basic priorities: health care for all and the payment of pensions which are based almost entirely on
contributions.

So traditionally, we find here public administration which, whilst it has been adapting its social benefits in line with
the changes in society, which have been substantial during the last two decades, it has not, of its own accord,
achieved the creation of a network of services of a level which can reasonably cater for the full care of disabled
people.

Given this background, it is easy to see and to evaluate the tremendous importance of the phenomenon of
association for the disabled, a phenomenon which, where it has attained success, has led to the development of
non-governmental organizations which are specialized in the provision of services which complement those of
Social Security.

The O.N.C.E. is a very illustrative example of the process which I have just sketched out for you, and moreover,
it has, unfortunately, practically been an exception within the field of associations promoted by the disabled, and
this is a situation which as I will explain in greater detail later on, has been decisive in bringing our Organization
to extend its direct support to many of the groups mentioned.

                      BLIND PEOPLE IN SPAIN

Although some of you may find me audacious and conceited for talking in such terms, I do not think it can be
considered overbold to say that when one refers to the situation of blind people in Spain, this is the same as
talking about the situation of the O.N.C.E., a body to which the majority - not to say all - blind and
visually-impaired Spanish people are voluntarily members (which means some 42,000 people at the current
time).

It would be a long and complex process to attempt to synthesize in a few brief lines, the way in which the
O.N.C.E. phenomenon has evolved to the point where it has reached the privileged position it occupies today,
but I will offer you an outline of this so as to acquaint you with the essential points.

I could therefore make a start by highlighting the year 1938 when - in the midst of the Spanish civil war - the
provisional government of general Franco created the decree which founded the O.N.C.E. which, within a very
short space of time, encompassed all the groups of and for the blind which had existed until then, and which
from the very outset showed an incredible ability to unite efforts for a common purpose.

This has been, and still is one of the main linchpins of our history, throughout which, as can easily be
understood, we have lived through moments of extreme hardship, in which affiliation was not at all gratifying,
and even less so fighting on behalf of our organization.

However, another of the key elements which should be mentioned when talking about the O.N.C.E is the
enormous capacity for sacrifice shown by the majority of its members, together with the significance which we
have, at all times, given to the principle of unity - above and beyond any private or sectarian interest - and the
dauntless commitment with which we have constantly claimed the right to be considered equal to the rest of the
population. 

It should also be pointed out that, although these essential characteristics of our philosophy and actions have
been identifiable almost since the birth of our institution, they became especially pronounced from the early
eighties onwards, when what was to become a genuine democratic, and, of course pacific revolution for the
organization began to take shape, and in scarcely more than twelve years we have undergone a radical
transformation both organic or structural and economic, not of course to neglect the social transformation.

From the organizational viewpoint, it should be underlined that we are a Corporation in public law and of social
character which seeks the full integration of the Spanish blind and visually impaired, who choose their
representatives (general and territorial directors) every four years by suffrage.  These in turn appoint and are
responsible for those in charge of the organization's executive work.  In addition, the State has a role as
guardian or overall supervision through the Protectorate Council which currently meets its obligations without
undermining the Organization's ability to act with agility.

Of course, it would be ridiculous to ignore the fact that both internally and as regards our relations with state
administration, there have been small conflicts and disputes occasionally.  These have, however, eventually
been overcome without any great upheavals thanks to the organization's conciliatory spirit and our
perfectly-established channels for dialogue or negotiation.  This is due to the Organization's democratic and
plural structure in which there is room for every type of thought and opinion, and both Spanish society as a
whole, and its government and political representatives hold the O.N.C.E.'s role in the domain of social services
in very high esteem.

I could dwell for a long time on other aspects of these relations with society as a whole and state administration,
which, as I say, we consider to have an excellent present and promising future.  Nevertheless, if you will allow
me, I would prefer to draw your attention to some of the comments made in magazines or other
internationally-published sections of the media for the blind, which have not been able to represent the
background to these relations adequately.

We have heard or read on more than one occasion that the O.N.C.E. had struck the "lottery jackpot", or that it
had reached its privileged position as a result of the Spanish passion for gambling.  That is not the reality of our
situation, since, as you will be able to confirm now, the picture is much more complex than it may appear at first
glance.

It is true that the "revolution" which took place within the O.N.C.E in the mid nineteen eighties, was accompanied
by a very considerable economic upturn for the organization, achieved by the introduction of various
modifications in our "coupon".  But, as I said to you at the beginning, in this day and age "no one gives anything
away" in as competitive a world as ours, and the achievements have been secured as the result, among other
things, of the fact that they were economically and socially profitable for the whole of society to the extent in
which many countries, who had criticized the model according to which we are organized, have since tried to
imitate it.

As I am obliged to be brief in my talk, I am prevented from elaborating on and thus justifying my arguments fully
and rigorously, but should any of you have any doubt about them, just think about the tremendous difficulties
being created by the problem of unemployment in practically every Western country.  At the same time you will
recall the way in which this endemic ill of our times is aggravated as regards those who fall into the category of
the disabled.  Try not to lose sight of the millions of dollars and ideas needed to create forty thousand jobs in a
short time, which were mainly to be filled by people with physical disabilities.  I am sure that after this little
exercise, you will be far more in agreement with the points I have raised, but in so doing you will have made a
slight mistake, since when you did your calculations you were thinking about the United States, and the O.N.C.E
has achieved this "miracle" in Spain.

Moreover, to go back to the ideas I mentioned earlier, I would like to emphasize that the sector of games of
chance is governed by economic principle which differ considerably from those governing other sectors.  And I
wonder: where would the money collected through the coupon go if our game did not exist? On the national
lottery? On the pools which support professional sport? On racing bets? On other private games of more
dubious social benefit? On imported goods which bring no advantage for our employment? As many possible
hypotheses as you like may be put forward, but we shall never know the correct answer.

On the other hand, we are perfectly well aware that the aforementioned "crisis in the Welfare State" is provoking
very serious tension in budgetary and fiscal policies in Western countries for which direct or indirect recourse to
public games of chance, controlled for social ends, provides very important relief.  And the best example of what
I am saying can be found this very year in an English-speaking country: the United Kingdom.

We hold the deep conviction that the O.N.C.E. is extremely profitable for the Spanish taxpayer and is even more
beneficial for the citizens as a whole, both in terms of the social services offered and for the way in which it has
given dignity to society itself, enabling blind and other disabled people to move a step closer to full integration.

               THE O.N.C.E. DEDICATED TO SERVICES, 
                    EMPLOYMENT AND SOLIDARITY

On more than one occasion we have found ourselves the recipients of harsh criticism, which has almost always
been made by people with interests opposed to those of the O.N.C.E., and has been aimed at the economic
strength which, little by little, we have been acquiring.  There are those who do not understand that our intention
is to resemble a modern company, concerned to maximize efficiency and security in the flow of income and
expenditure, and they criticize the O.N.C.E without a second thought for the vital importance of its social aims,
as well as the expense they involve.

Nevertheless, there is no doubt about the success with which we dealing such an important package of services
delegated by the State or Social Services and we carry out this role in the context of a global strategy which is
even more ambitious, and is discussed and accepted amongst the majority of those who, when it comes down
to it, are those who benefit from it: those who are blind or have other disabilities.

     More than once, whilst participating in international fora or meetings which tackled the difficulties confronting
the blind, I have heard it emphasized that these people were sidelined in many countries more as the result of
extreme poverty than because of the blindness itself.  And this undeniable circumstance has always been
something all of us have borne in mind when participating, in one way or another, in drawing up the O.N.C.E.'s
plans.

Consequently, the main service we have tried to offer our members of working age has been a dignified and
well-paid job, on the basis that complete social integration could not be achieved unless integration into the
workforce and the economic self-sufficiency of the individual could first be accomplished. 

We have therefore employed all our efforts in the moving towards full employment for the blind and
visually-impaired in Spain, and in order to attain this key aim, a number of strategies have been designed which
are necessarily based on the need to consolidate the coupon as a basic source of income, which, for the time
being is irreplaceable in terms of the resources and jobs generated.

It would, however, be a mistake to imagine that we have fallen into the trap of conformism with regards to
endowing the group we represent with dignity, training and a future.  Quite the contrary.  We have in fact been
making a sustained effort to reduce the high degree of existing dependence on the coupon, both in economic
and employment terms.  And thus, without going into greater detail, I could highlight the unconditional support we
give to all aspects linked to education and vocational training, the substantial investment made to improve the
efficacy of typhlotechnology applied to the field of work, the expensive publicity campaigns aimed at
strengthening our institutional image and raising awareness to encourage society to support the full integration of
disabled people, and finally, although without a doubt the most ambitious, complicated and expensive of all the
actions undertaken, the implementation over the last seven years, of a policy to diversify investment.  It has
been the latter which has enabled us to generate more than ten thousand jobs in sectors of activity other than
that of games of chance, thus considerably extending the jobs on offer, whether skilled or otherwise, to which
blind and other disabled people have access and providing a magnificent example to the rest of society of how
these people can be as useful as anyone else at work.

To sum up, then, the key aim of generating employment can be dealt with in very diverse forms, in an attempt to
ensure that most actions related to obtaining resources converge towards this goal, whilst at the same time
focusing a large number of programs and the provision of care in this direction.  The latter constitutes our
second major area of activity, even though it would be difficult to determine an order of priority between the two.

I believe you have a document which complements the one I am presenting to you now, in which we have
attempted to sum up the form taken by our activities today in the area of social services.  I am therefore not
going to dwell on this subject which, in the O.N.C.E., we consider to be so crucial to us.

On the other hand, I would like to give you some basic information on a subject which, on occasions, has been a
matter for some controversy, and which has been misinterpreted in certain fora or in the media.  Here I am
referring to the cooperation of blind Spaniards with others affected by different disabilities, which has taken on
great importance in the last decade, and in particular, since the massive incorporation of almost five thousand
disabled people into our salesforce over a period of little more than a year - and of the subsequent constitution
of the  "O.N.C.E. Foundation for cooperation and social integration of people with disabilities", which has made
major breakthrough in terms of employment.

Almost since it was created, the O.N.C.E. has had no hesitation in taking on a large number of sighted disabled
people, who enjoy the same benefits as the other workers.  Whilst the coupon was not a particularly attractive
product, there were practically no problems or tensions, but once the efforts made by the blind bore fruit in the
sudden upturn in the Organization's situation, and in the improvement and quality of life of its workers and
members, we began to hear claims for comparative injustice, and even more importantly, there was soon a
proliferation of illegal and clandestine groupings competing unfairly with our product, and whose activities were
based on defrauding the disabled themselves, public administration and society as a whole.

Faced with this situation, the O.N.C.E provided the best possible example of solidarity, that of accepting the
massive entry of disabled people into our workforce, earmarking a large amount of our annual budget to direct
assistance to sighted disabled people.  All of which, contrary to what has sometimes been said, did not result in
economic gain for the Organization, whose average sales per employee dropped dramatically, structural costs
soared and the dynamic flow of resources available to meet direct investment in services was significantly
stemmed. 

Nonetheless, and even more so once these pernicious effects were able to be corrected to a great extent,
members of the O.N.C.E. consider the sacrifice made to have been extremely worthwhile in creating a
permanent route for cooperation with other disabled groups, since the unity of all must necessarily make for a
notable improvement in services, and more potential means available to cater for them, and quite apart from in
the field of employment and the financing of the structural costs, all these efforts put together also offer
irrefutable advantages.

Notwithstanding this, the picture I have just sketched out superficially, presents us with serious problems and
uncertainties for the medium and long term, since there are groups of sighted disabled people which it has not
been possible to include in the coupon "circuit", whose calls to be placed rapidly on the same level as the rest,
could lead to serious disruption, in the event that the Administration were to meet the claims on the basis of
political criteria rather at the expense of economic and social rationality.

It is for all the above reasons that the O.N.C.E has opened up a new and decisive platform for negotiation with a
view to making diverse political bodies aware of the harmful consequences which could arise from making our
market for games of chance too big, in one way or another, within a short time.

From this point of view, the answer to the problem is not simply to show the correctness of our arguments, but
also the need to continue to progress with the same degree of balance we have maintained until now, without
rushing or giving in to wilful alternatives, which would imply a big step backwards in terms of the coverage we
have already achieved.  We will have to try hard to ensure that, without undermining solidarity, rationality and
imagination rule the day, for the sake of a future marked by progress.

             THE O.N.C.E.'S INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE 

I should like to conclude my speech with a brief sketch of the activities organized by the O.N.C.E. on the
international stage, and at the same time, make use of the opportunity your invitation has presented me, to
make an appeal for us to promote the cooperation between us even more than before.

As far as the first of these is concerned, it would be presumptuous of me to comment on exactly how we have
acquired recognized prestige thanks to the constant advances achieved in rendering social services and to our
specialization.  Apart from the fact that the O.N.C.E allocates some direct aid to blind associations in other
countries - especially in Latin America - and is very much concerned with cooperation programs (cultural, sports,
research, etc.) which are being developed. 

But I think these have to be fostered even more and in every respect.  In this regard, it would seem to me to be
vital for us to be the strongest organizations, with the ability to lead internationally, to be those who make the
greatest effort. 

The O.N.C.E. has based a large part of the progress it has attained on the spirit of mutual cooperation between
all its members and in the defence of the unity of action, but the barriers between countries are crumbling at
great speed, and this offers us the unique opportunity to be pioneers in setting up a more effective international
network of associations from which all must benefit.  I hope that this may soon be a reality.  Thank you very
much.


                          THE O.N.C.E. 
                       TO EVERYBODY SERVICE

                         I. INTRODUCTION

The Spanish National Organization for the Blind (O.N.C.E.), has for some time been taking shape as an
institution of the utmost importance on a worldwide scale in the field of the provision of social services.  It has
not, then, been in vain that it has dedicated the last half a century entirely to the task for which it was created in
1938:  comprehensive care of blind people.

To help it achieve its task, the Spanish State granted the O.N.C.E. the exclusive rights to operate a lottery
system known as "Cupon Prociegos" (Coupon for the Blind), which for a long time was practically the only way
in which we could create jobs and the economic resources so vital to care for the Spanish blind, and cater for
their needs from the cradle through to old age, and to be able to do so in any way which could improve their
situation in human, cultural or employment terms, through personal and professional rehabilitation, as well as
through their full integration in society.  All of this takes the form of a wide variety of services, which differ as
much as the situations and circumstances of every blind person.

Furthermore, the social nature of the organization means that not only Spanish blind people benefit from its
services, but that some of the latter are also extended to foreign blind people, especially from Latin America, to
the severely visually impaired and to other groups of people with different disabilities.  The Organization provides
these people with a large number of jobs which are dignified and well paid, both through their integration into the
workforce selling the Coupon, and also through the different job offers created with the help of corporate
diversification on which the O.N.C.E. has embarked in recent years.

             II. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE HISTORY 
              AND RECENT DEVELOPMENT OF THE O.N.C.E.

Before going into greater detail on the characteristics and range of services and benefits which I have outlined, I
feel it necessary to refer to the broad lines and particular circumstances which have marked the long road down
which the institution has now come.  In this respect, especially noteworthy are the following events: the founding
decree of December 13, 1938 created an organization governed by blind people themselves, bringing them
together so that they could assist each other mutually.  All associations which had existed of and for blind people
until then merged into one single organization to which the State granted the sale of the lottery Coupon - a game
with a daily draw - their only source of income until a few years ago and a means of earning their living for the
majority of its members.

In the forties, a very difficult decade for the Organization's members, disabled workers who were not blind
became involved, enabling this period to conclude with the Organization being represented across the State.  In
the fifties the above process was consolidated, the number of coupon sellers increased and the educational
services offered by the O.N.C.E. started to become established, as did, although comparatively still in their
infancy, its libraries.  Later, special emphasis was to be placed on vocational training, with a view to opening up
the job market to blind people, and in this way, we advanced little by little towards the eighties, when the efforts
of the most non-conformist of our young people produced a real "revolution" in the O.N.C.E.

1981 marked an important landmark in the Organization's history when far-reaching reforms and a process of
internal democratization began, in line with that of other State institutions.

With its new democratic structure, the basic challenges facing the O.N.C.E. were principally the adapting of the
Coupon to the new free market situation, and a structural reform which would bring new dynamism into the
Organization, converting it into a company with the ability to consolidate the necessary means to cover a
panoply of welfare services with the widest possible range and the greatest possible efficacy.  As a result, in
1984, 1985 and 1987, the Coupon was reformed, accompanied by considerable updating of procedures, and a
constant and intense effort to streamline productive and management processes.  All of this succeeded in giving
notable momentum to what, until then, had been insufficient revenue, and thus boosting the ambitious Social
Action plans.

From then on, we have tried, with all the means at our disposal, to adapt our product to changing market
demands, and although there have been occasions when we have found our capacity to act restricted, there can
be no doubt that we should be very satisfied with the considerable progress made.  We have seen our sales
consolidated at very high levels, as is shown by the fact that during this year, 1994, we have attained a figure
close to 2.7 billion dollars, of which about 50 per cent goes to paying prizes, 25 per cent to paying the
salesforce, and the rest to cover our services overall.

Moreover, to enlarge on the picture given above with respect to the organization's legal framework, I should
point out the indisputable fact that the O.N.C.E. has gained in strength and efficacy to the same extent to which
it has acquired powers of self-government.  For a long time, its legal definition consisted of disparate and
unclear rules as regards the nature of the institution, but finally Royal Decree 2385/85 of September 27,
established the O.N.C.E. as a "Corporation of Public Law of social type".

Royal Decree 1041/81 and the subsequent decree of December 1, 1985, marked the beginning of an important
stage, strengthening the organization's self-government and underlining its associative basis, without detriment
to its maintaining the mandate to exercise a public role which justified its current regulatory classification as a
Corporation of Public Law.

The first Bylaws of the O.N.C.E., passed on May 11, 1988, represented a landmark on the way towards a better
legal framework and greater autonomy, with the existence of the State Protectorate and the availability of
administrative control mechanisms exercised by this body.  The Bylaws brought to an end a long stage in the
O.N.C.E.'s status as a public organization, asserting its underlying associative nature and identifying it as a
specific organization for the blind, taking on a clear-cut identity of its own and a specific legal discipline. 
Moreover, and lastly, a subsequent Royal decree was promulgated in March 1991, bringing the process
described to its climax, consecrating the Organization's stability and the right to direct its own future.  It was
endowed with greater autonomy and independence, finally placing it in an optimum position to take its place as a
world leader in the field of disabilities.

To conclude this brief description of the O.N.C.E.'s legal and organizational framework, I should point out that
the O.N.C.E. has central services and a territorial structure, amongst the first the General Council being
particularly important.  This is the supreme governing body of the organization for which all officers are elected
from among the members by direct, universal suffrage by secret ballot every four years.  The Director General
is appointed by the General Council and the different areas of action come, in turn, under his auspices.

The above structure is complemented by a series of Territorial Councils, which are also elected by and from
amongst the members.  They are responsible for monitoring and controlling central decisions.  In addition, there
are Territorial Delegations whose mandate is to implement the directives indicated by the Central Services. 
Lastly, the Administrative Directorates, Agencies and Correspondents are responsible for smaller electoral
districts.  The territorial structure is complemented by a series of centers, which are involved in education,
rehabilitation, bibliographic production, manufacture of typhlo-technical products, etc., which respond to the
specific organization of different services.

[To be continued in the next issue .]

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


                CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 1994-1995 
                     CCB SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 

              by Coletta Davis, Committee Chairlady 


The Scholarship Committee of the California Council of the Blind met August 6, 1994 at the CCB office to
review 28 applications that had been received from students wanting scholarships.  The applications were down
from last year.  Grade point averages were very high, so our committee had difficult decisions to make.

Receiving the Mannino Memorial Scholarships were Deborah Lynn Flowers, Carolyn Joyce and Gina Lindley.

Receiving Lillie Perry Memorial Scholarships were Guillermo Ayala, Robert Cook, Michele Ferritto and Sahar
Husseini.

Receiving CCB Scholarships were Brenda Baker, Jennifer Benson, Keith Christian, Colin Dow, Patty Louise
Gray, Linda Johnson, Alan Lee, Martha Van Leuven, Margarete (Peggy) Martinez, Mildred Elaine Owens,
Jacqueline Schuster, Denise Vancil and Gean Winger.

Most of our scholarship winners were CCB members, and many were single parents going back to college to
better their lives and families.  Our youngest applicant was 17 years of age and our oldest 58 years old.  It's
never too late for an education.

Members present were Coletta Davis, Committee Chairperson, Vincent Calderon, Lee Morton, Toscanalli
Thomas, Ken Metz and Al Biegler.  Also present were our CCB staff, Barbara Parker and Marni Alvino.  

A total of $18,000 in scholarships were awarded to very deserving students.  Congratulations to all of our
winners and many of them will be honored at our CCB Fall Convention banquet Saturday night.

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


            SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING CHAPTER MEETINGS

                       by Sharlene Ornelas


Be Prepared:  Have an agenda for the meeting.  This will help the secretary with the taking of the minutes.  

Members will know what to expect.  It will help prevent forgetting vital parts of the meeting.  

Allow time for those present to introduce themselves and their friends.  
Share information about the parent organization -- goals, activities, etc.  
Take Notes:  Prepare notes before the meeting including new business, announcements, and as many other
points of old business as you can remember.  

Add notes from the secretary's report of old business items that need to be covered.  

Conduct the Meeting in a Democratic Manner:  Direct the meeting according to the Bylaws and Robert's Rules
of Order.  

Remember that the chapter belongs to all the members, agree or not, and the majority rules.  

Don't Waste Time:  Start on time.  Don't let anyone sidetrack the topic.  Let everyone who wants to speak take
a turn, but if someone is being repetitive regain the floor.  

A suggestion of a tactful way to regain the floor:  "Let me see if I understand what you are saying."  Repeat what
you think the person means in as abbreviated a form as possible.  End with:  "Is that correct?"  When the person
responds with "Yes," turn the floor over to the next speaker or proceed with the meeting.  

Keep the Discussion on the Topic:  Pay attention to what is being said.  Keep control.  If a discussion gets off
course, just say so and bring it back.  

Every Member Is Important:  Encourage all members to participate in discussions.  

Make Meetings Interesting and Have a Purpose:  People are busy, only the most devoted members will come to
a lackluster meeting--and then, not for long.  

Have Incentives:  It is surprising how small prizes can motivate members.  

Plan some social events -- pot luck dinners, a restaurant meal, bowling, trips, picnics, dances, etc.  

Get People Involved:  A list of committees is included with this material.  

Create committees around people.  Go to the members and ask them to be on committees and tell them why
they would be good for such positions.  

Busy People Work Together:  When members feel that they are a part of the chapter, their interest turns to
building it and improving it.  If there are dissenters in the group, putting them to work may solve the problem.  

          SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMITTEES AND DUTIES THEREOF

Parliamentary:  Be familiar with the chapter's Constitution and Bylaws and Robert's Rules of Order.  

Rule on the legality of questioned actions.  Help watch for violations of the constitution.  

Legislative:  Keep up with current legislative matters and write appropriate letters on behalf of the chapter.  

Hospitality and Refreshments:  Greet people warmly, especially first-time attendees.  Make them feel welcome
and offer refreshments.  

Fund Raising:  Be in charge of bringing ideas to plan fund raising activities for the chapter.  

Membership:  Take roll call and keep track of attendance.  Help recruit new members and retain current ones.  

Publications:  Send chapter news and information on activities to The Blind Californian.  

Architectural Barrier Removal:  Report on the activities of this local community advisory committee.  

Make members aware of community hazards.  Help present barrier incidents to the proper city agency.  

Sunshine and Phone Tree:  Oversee the "Phone Tree" when members need to be contacted by phone
regarding chapter meetings and other events.  The Sunshine Committee sends congratulations on happy events
and sympathy on sad events to all members.  

Public Transportation Coordinator:  Assist members with transportation to meetings, when asked.  Report on
route, schedule changes, and other transportation happenings at the meetings.  Contact local transit companies,
specifically new driver training coordinator, with suggestions for improvement from the point of view of blind and
visually impaired persons. 

Appreciation:  Review names of suggested persons, businesses, or other requests for such awards.  Possible
awards might include a letter from the Board, a member of the month, a member of the year, etc.  

Correspondence:  Assist secretary with correspondence as needed, especially with legislative bills and
presidential releases.  

Usher:  Assist in finding seats, specially for new and late arrivals.  

Warm Vibes:  Contact members who were absent and let them know that they were missed.  Help keep
absentee members aware of what is happening in the chapter, and what they have missed.  Keep in touch with
inactive members.  

                          SAMPLE AGENDA

Call to Order
Pledge
Roll Call
Introduction of Guests
Explain How to Become a Member
Ask Qualified Guests if They Wish to Join
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Treasurer's Report
Correspondence
Committee Reports (Appreciation, Architectural Barrier, Fund Raising, Legislative, Transportation, Sunshine and
Phone Tree) 
President's release 
Old business 
New business 
Announcements, 
Introduce program
Draw raffle prizes
Adjourn 

In conclusion, remember that the purpose of the presidency is not just a way to honor good people and long
time members.  A good president should be devoted to the chapter and willing to work diligently.  The president
needs to be a leader, not a dictator.  A president should be able to delegate duties, but be able to guide when
needed.  It is better to work with, not for.  Do not expect anything from another person that you would not be
willing to do yourself.  

You can never please all of the people all of the time.  Some people you will never please.  Do your best 100%
of the time -- you and your chapter will be a success.  

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


                WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH FUND RAISING

                           by Dan Kysor


Here is an update on what's been happening regarding fund raising.  Our committee has met several times on
conference calls and as many of you know, we met at the spring 1994 convention in Sacramento.  

Our committee has defined our course as an organization in development of goals and missions for fund raising. 
We have defined two important areas where we are working toward developing.

The first area is the corporate world of fund raising.  I came to CCB with 2 years of fund-raising experience with
the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley in the mid 70's.  During that time, I developed PSA's, appeal
letters to corporations, a corporate list, newspaper clipping files, etc.  I brought many of these ideas to the
committee and we decided that the CCB needs to establish similar techniques for fund raising.  As we develop
the corporate angle on fulfilling our wish list via corporate donations, we are moving on another front.  

The second area is local chapter fund raising, the "bread and butter" for us all.  The June convention seminar on
fund raising was an extremely helpful session and virtually all chapters were represented.  Our focus in the
session was to discuss our successful fund raising ideas as well as the unsuccessful activities.  All of these
ideas will be compiled by our committee and presented as a fund raising handbook and distributed to all
chapters later this fall or winter.  The handbook will contain sample appeal letters, public service
announcements, and a listing of major service clubs that traditionally assist our organization.  

Periodically CCB sends me, as  fund raising chair, to seminars such as the most recent Academy of Fund
Raising, comprised of about 25 corporations that were networking with non-profit groups on how to get those
"bucks" and how to stand out in the crowd.  

We are also working on grants and case statements to corporations and service clubs to meet some of this
organization's needs, such as sponsorship of our 800 line, purchase of new equipment for the executive offices,
etc.

As fund raiser for CCB and also the CCB NET manager, I am aware of the current long-distance costs that
users bear throughout the state. One of the first things I looked for was having CCB NET become an 800 line. 
In checking costs, I discovered that it would cost the CCB about $400 to $600 per day if the organization paid
for the line.  Well, you know what this means in one month.  Apparently, phone companies such as Pacific Bell
will not donate telephone service; as a result, we have been researching INTERNET/TELNET access for
CCBNET since last year. 

If you have any fund raising ideas for this organization, please let me know by writing or calling:  

             Dan Kysor; 1601 W. El Camino Avenue, 111
            Sacramento, Ca. 95833; phone 916-648-2147

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


                        FINDING SOLUTIONS

               by Pat LaFrance and Teddie Remhild 


Are you coping with the problems that your vision loss has placed on you?  Here is the chance for you not only
to express your problems, but also to share the solutions to them.  Whether you are a student or a senior,
adventitiously or congenitally blind, newly blind or an "old hat", this is your chance to speak your mind about
some of the aggravating things that you would like solved.  We have all hated it when the waitress asks our
companion, "What would she like?".  Tell us how you handle that situation! 

There are many situations, I'm sure, that have happened to every CCB member that we all like to hear about
that would aid new members--and newly blind.  If some of these experiences have not been solved successfully,
let us know about it and we will asks other members to respond and you may be surprised at some of the
inventive solutions you may find to a previously difficult problem. 

Call Pat LaFrance at 818-912-5220 or Teddie Remhild at 818-559-2313.  You may also call the CCB office with
your questions or solutions and the office staff will call either Teddie or  Pat with your name and number. 

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


                   AROUND THE STATE AND NATION


VISION NATIONAL CONFERENCE:  The National RP Foundation will hold its Conference on Friday-Sunday
November 18-20, 1994, at: the San Francisco Hilton and Towers, 333 O'Farrell St., San Francisco, California.

If your chapter can help us with volunteers, please call Larry Seiber at 408-723-0359, or  Margo DeMark, at the
National RP office, 800-683-5555.

15 to 20 volunteers will be needed to assist conference attendees at the airport, hotel, at registration area, with
regards to directions, and assisting at the meetings. 

                             * * * *

PRESS RELEASE FROM:  Diane Croft, Director of Marketing, General Foods:  Have you ever bought a
packaged food product, taken it home, and then had to find a sighted person to read the directions to you? Now,
General Foods USA has solved that dilemma by putting package directions for its many fine food products into
one easy-to-use reference booklet in braille, called PRODUCT PACKAGING DIRECTIONS.

Included are directions for products such as Kool-Aid (r) and Tang (r) beverages, Jell-O (r) brand desserts,
Shake'n Bake (r) coatings, Stove Top (r) stuffing mixes and many more.

Plus, everyone who orders this special General Foods, USA package direction booklet, at a cost of $10, will
receive an assortment of General Foods product coupons - with a value at least equal to the purchase price of
the book.

Order your braille copy of PRODUCT PACKAGING DIRECTIONS and make the preparation of General Foods
products as easy as it is delicious.  One braille volume: $10.00.  National Braille Press; 88 St. Stephen Street;
Boston, MA USA 02115; 617-266-6160; FAX 617-437-0456. 

                             * * * *

ROMEO BRAILLE EMBOSSER RB 40 FOR SALE:  asking price is $2500 or best offer.  Call Margie Donovan
at 415-493-5000 ext. 5975

                             * * * *

THE BAFFACO UNION LIBRARY IN BANGLADESH:  is asking for magazines, books, or other reading
material in braille, large print, or taped formats.  Those of you interested in helping, can send your excess
materials "Free Matter for the Blind" to the library's new address:  Majhar Ulla, Director; Baffaco Union, Library
Division;
Postcode 1100, P. O. Box 1175; Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

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


                       ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

A DAY OFF: So you want the day off?  Let's take a look at what you are asking for.

There are 365 days per year available for work.  There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have two
days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work.  Since you spend 16 hours each day away from work,
you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available.  You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break
that accounts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available.  With a one hour lunch period each day, you
have used up another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work.  You normally spend 2 days per year on
sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days available for work. We are off for 5 holidays per year, so your available
working time is down to 15 days.  We generously give you 14 days vacation per year which leaves only 1 day
available for work and I'll be darned if you're going to take that day off!!!

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

                           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
