               THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



             Quarterly Magazine of the

          CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND


Winter 1994-95                     Volume 39 No. 1


Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, and Large Print



           Mitchell Pomerantz, President
                 213-851-5148 Res.


                 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

FALL 1994 CCB CONVENTION REPORT
   by Bonnie L. Rennie. . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CCB BRINGS 
   CONGRATULATIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THANK YOU FROM THE CONVENTION COORDINATOR
   by Coletta Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

BRLC GIVES THANKS, by Connie Skeen. . . . . . . 16

SHARING THE CELEBRATION
   by Jane Vogel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

FINAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE--1993-94 SESSION
   by Cid Urena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

A LETTER FROM IRS, DEPARTMENT
   OF THE TREASURY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

A LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF 
   OPHTHALMOLOGY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

ABOUT THOSE RESOLUTIONS, 
   by Kenneth Frasse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

POSITION PAPER ON ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT ROUTE 
   IDENTIFICATION SIGNS (BUS STOPS)
   by The Committee on Access and 
   Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

A LETTER TO THE HONORABLE PHIL GRAMM
   by Vernon Crowder  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

BLIND SOCIAL WORKERS MEET, by Christy Crespin . 35

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY CIRCLE OF THE BLIND 
   SEEKS NEW MEMBERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

THE BRAILLE AND TALKING BOOK LIBRARY IS IN 
   A NEW BUILDING, by Donine Hedrick  . . . . . 39

NEW STATE LIBRARY DEDICATED . . . . . . . . . . 41

CALUA AND DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO
   by Winifred Downing  . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE, by Kenneth Frasse  . . 44

FINAL REPORT OF THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
   by Ron Brooks  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

THE O.N.C.E., (Part Two)  . . . . . . . . . . . 50

NEW AMPLIFICATION DEVICE, by Donna Hawkins  . . 61

BULLETIN BOARD, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . 62

AROUND THE STATE AND NATION . . . . . . . . . . 64

CCB OFFICERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

   CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . 67

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

                 by Maria E. Lopez


This is a large and special issue of The Blind Californian because of
the following reasons:  In celebration of our CCB's 60th anniversary,
it includes acknowledgments of congratulatory letters sent to the
California Council of the Blind; for the first time, the large-print
readers will enjoy the BC in two-column format and also in font size
16 point; and, in my opinion, all the articles are most interesting and
important to all of us.  

Among the many interesting articles included in this issue, you will
find again "Bulletin Board", by Winifred Downing, which was greatly
missed by many of us for the last two editions.  Welcome back,
Winifred.  We hope you will continue your recovery and will soon be
back on the road to health.  

By the time you read this issue of The Blind Californian, 1995 will be
upon us, and the holiday season will be over.  Thus, I hope all of you
had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a happy new year.  

As all of you know, this is the last issue that I will be editing for you. 
Although it has been a time-consuming undertaking, I have enjoyed
doing it.  Of course, my primary purpose has been contributing to one
of the many services of the CCB and I surely feel privileged to have
been given this opportunity, which was also a great learning
experience.  

My best wishes to our new editor, Winifred Downing.  She prefers to
receive articles in WordPerfect 5.1 diskette, any size, or in braille. 
Her address:  1587 38th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.  If you
send articles in print, please mail them to the CCB office.  I am sure
that all of us will enjoy her editing style and continue to cooperate by
meeting the deadlines in a timely fashion.  

At this time, it is important that I acknowledge Norma Schecter, for
her capable and reliable help as my assistant editor.  Norma, I thank
you for being a faithful and dedicated volunteer and friend.   

Lastly, I thank all of you contributors of articles to the BC for sending
your materials on time. Keep up the good work.   

In my last issue as your editor, I offer you the following thought: 
"Love people and use things, don't love things and use people."

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


                HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

                 by John V. Lopez


Since this is my last presidential update,  let me assure you that
although these past two years were a rather challenging experience,
the progress achieved by all of us members of the CCB was most
gratifying.  

Of course, we have just celebrated our 60th anniversary of the
California Council of the Blind in a spectacular and successful manner
during our 1994 Fall convention; I was extremely proud of being your
President during this historical event.  We were also honored to have
as our special guests the American Council of the Blind President
LeRoy Saunders and his lovely wife Pat, and Richard Villa, ACB Board
Member and President of the Texas Council of the Blind.  

The elections for the CCB Board of Directors were held on Friday,
November 11, 1994, with the following results:  President, Mitch
Pomerantz; First Vice President, Chris Gray; Treasurer, David Parker. 
The following members were elected to the Board of Directors: 
Winifred Downing, Jeff Thom, Pat LaFrance, Teddie Remhild and
Charles Nabarrete -- congratulations to our new President and Board
members. For your information, I am including the rest of the Board
of Directors for 1995:  Cathie Skivers, Second Vice President;
Kenneth Frasse, Secretary; and John Lopez, Immediate Past
President; Board Members Coletta Davis, Roger Petersen, and Ken
Metz.  

The farewell ceremony offered in my name at the banquet was superb
and much appreciated.  Thank you very much for the wonderful
surprise.  This well-planned banquet program was made possible
through the great effort and ability of our convention coordinator,
Coletta Davis, to whom I am sincerely grateful for her thoughtfulness
in dedicating this program in my behalf.  Furthermore, I am also
deeply grateful to all those members and friends who responded to
Coletta's request by participating in the establishment of the new
music scholarship fund in my name.  Again, I thank you very much. 


On Saturday, at the convention's general session, I delivered my
Farewell Address, in which you will find further acknowledgments
and a complete report of my two-year presidency.  Therefore, I
conclude my last update with my presidential address.  


"In November 1992, my two-year term began as president of the
California Council of the Blind.  I accepted the honor of this office
with hesitancy because of my lack of experience at this level of
service to the CCB.  Nevertheless, I knew that with your help I could
contribute to the progress of the Council and that with my long-time
involvement in this fine organization all of us working together could
continue forward as an effective advocacy group for the well-being
of all blind people in California.  

"However, immediately subsequent to my election unfavorable
circumstances arose, of which most of you are aware, redirecting the
focus of our resources and energy.  To a certain degree those
circumstances are still affecting our status.  The good news is that in
spite of such turmoil, the CCB has continued to progress.  

"At the beginning of 1994, we were also slowed down by the
Northridge earthquake.  As a result, we relocated our office; reprinted
all CCB stationery, brochures, braille-alphabet cards, other materials
that were damaged; and replaced or repaired most of the office
equipment.  Now, our new location is a one story building easily
accessible to members and to wheelchair users, close to bus lines,
near local businesses (such as the post office, banks, print shop,
restaurants), and within a few minutes of the Burbank airport.  

"When I became president, the CCB office computers were hardly
being used.  Presently, our staff is operating them on a much greater
scale than two years ago.  For this achievement, we owe a great deal
of thanks to Kenneth Frasse for generously sharing his computer
expertise, teaching  Barbara and Marni how to use the computers
more efficiently. 

"We have also purchased a new conveyor belt cassette eraser and a
rapid cassette duplicator to further update our CCB equipment and
increase our rate of production so that we can keep information
flowing to our membership.  

"For your information, the American Way thrift shops -- the CCB's
main source of income -- added one facility this year and probably will
open two more by the end of the year, which will increase our
resources.  At the present time, we are negotiating with Mr. Ashe,
manager of the thrift shops, to improve our contract financially.  Two
years ago, the CCB was receiving $222,000 yearly; presently, we are
receiving over $260,000 yearly.  If negotiations continue positively,
our annual income will most likely be increased to approximately
$336,000.  Remember that other fund raisers also bring additional
funds to the CCB budget.  

"As an organization of blind consumers, the California Council of the
Blind is the first organization of its kind to offer a Spanish version of
its member information line, the California Connection. In addition,
we now have the CCB-Net, electronic bulletin board, for our computer
users.  This technology enables members and other interested
persons to keep up to date on national and state legislation and other
events.  We are, therefore, most grateful to two dedicated members: 
Dan Kysor for his generous donation of the equipment enabling the
CCB to achieve this notable step forward into the 21st century, and
to Kenneth Frasse for giving much of his time and talent toward the
success of this project.

"Our latest acquisition benefits the hardest-working CCB committee
during conventions--the Resolutions Committee.  For this committee's
use,  the Council has purchased a notebook computer with speech
synthesizer.  Additionally, the CCB provides for the first time a private
room for this committee to hold its meetings without interruption and
to keep the equipment in a safe place during our conventions. 
Furthermore, something new at this convention benefits the future
leaders of this great organization.  Since the students sometimes find
it difficult to attend conventions because of their financial status, I
have encouraged the Blind Students of California to do some fund
raising to help them attend our conventions; accordingly, I pledged
that the CCB would provide matching funds, dollar for dollar, for this
worthwhile effort.  With great pleasure, I congratulate this energetic
affiliate for their success in raising over $2,500, including CCB's
contribution.  I hope that future administrations will continue this
policy.  

"One major and positive event that took place during my first year as
president of the California Council of the Blind was hosting the
American Council of the Blind national convention in July 1993.  This
event was an overwhelming success; consequently, the ACB has
asked us if we would host the 1997 national convention in Los
Angeles.  On behalf of the CCB, I gladly accepted this opportunity. 
Luckily, negotiations are moving favorably with the LAX Hilton Hotel. 


"As a member of the ACB Membership Committee, I have been
involved in organizing an ACB affiliate in New Mexico.  In this
endeavor I was fortunate to work closely with Durward McDaniel and
was able to appreciate his unselfish dedication and endless effort on
behalf of blind people.  As a result, we became good friends, and, like
most of you, I will miss him greatly.  

"Achievements in legislation during my presidency have been
outstanding.  Besides the effective participation in lobbying by many
CCB members at the Capitol on various occasions, two legislative
days were conducted by the CCB in Sacramento, led by our skillful
Capitol representative, Cid Urena.  These two days gave us an
opportunity to meet with the legislators and make them aware of our
many issues and concerns and, of course, to ask for their support in
these vital matters.  

"In 1993, AB 1267, which would have mandated orientation centers
for the blind, was held over until 1994 at which time it failed
passage.  On the positive side of the ledger, the following bills were
signed into law with our active support:  AB 1419, which strengthens
guide dog regulations, Chapter 1149 of 1993; AB 1660, which makes
disabled transit passes acceptable in every transit district in
California, Chapter 94 of 1993; AB 1863, which prevents guide dog
users from being deprived of their dogs without arbitration, Chapter
1015 of 1993.  

"In 1994, the following bills were signed into law, again with our
active support:  AB 2640, which institutes annual commemoration of
Louis Braille during the first week of January, Chapter 104 of 1994;
SB 1473, which updates language in the statute covering the
administrator of the Orientation Center for the Blind, Chapter 336 of
1994; and AB 2445, the Braille bill which requires that braille reading
and writing be taught to blind children, Chapter 998 of 1994.  This
greatly needed piece of legislation was the result of our formidable
advocacy and arduous work.  

"Unfortunately, SB 1605, which would have made adaptive
computers accessible in the community colleges' computer labs, did
not pass, although it brought about a mutual agreement between the
CCB, the school representatives, and the legislature to move forward
in compliance with the ADA.  Senator Hughes has requested that the
CSU and UC systems provide a report on their activities in this matter
by January of 1995.

"On the other hand, the CCB assisted the California Ophthalmologists
in defeating AB 2020, which would have allowed optometrists to
diagnose and treat specific eye diseases for which they are not
medically qualified.  Subsequently, their legislative director, Dr.
Fishman, informed the CCB that their association would aid us in
contacting their blind and visually impaired patients so that we can
inform them about the CCB and other programs.

"Here are some accomplishments that will give you an idea of the
outstanding progress achieved by the California Council of the Blind
during my tenure as its president:  The CCB chartered seven new
chapters -- Berkeley, San Mateo, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Siskiyou,
Active Blind-Inland Valleys, Redwood Empire -- and reinstated Cerritos
Valley Chapter.  At our 1994 Fall Convention, we also chartered our
newest special-interest affiliate, Association for Multicultural
Concerns.  In addition to our growth, over the last two years, I have
developed better communications with the membership throughout
California by making more than 42 chapter visits and participating in
over 73 conference-call meetings of both CCB committees and the
Board of Directors.  

"Also, the honor and opportunity of representing the California
Council of the Blind has been valuable and rewarding.  For example,
I have represented the CCB in many service clubs such as the Lions,
Rotary, Kiwanis, as well as civic events, community centers, schools,
etc.  Presently, I am involved in the Community Advisory Committee
of the California School for the Blind, and in the Advisory Board of the
East Los Angeles Occupational Center, which offers in its curriculum
an outstanding computer program for blind and visually impaired
students.  Many of you members have also been encouraged to
participate in this meaningful activity.  

"After acquainting myself with a broader membership base, I
recognized that it is essential to get more members actively involved
in the functioning of the Council in order to develop leadership within
the organization.  Thus, I assigned a greater number of members to
different committees and sent a more diverse representation of
members to the Affiliated Leadership League conference in
Washington, D.C.  Moreover, I have utilized the assistance of two
convention coordinators, one from Northern California for the Spring
Convention and one from Southern California for the Fall Convention
to help me with our convention programs. In this way, members can
obtain a first-hand experience in the planning of a convention. 
Additionally, by sharing my presidential duty at conventions, Board
members also have the opportunity to learn by actual participation
how to conduct a convention.  Now, too, more members are
motivated to compete for CCB board positions and to participate in
committees.  This overall involvement helps our organization to
develop more proficient persons who will be able to assume a broad
range of responsibility and who will be capable of participating in all
aspects of the CCB structure.

"Something new, since I became president, is the establishment of
live Board meetings between conventions so that the leaders of our
organization can become better acquainted with each other and with
the CCB's projects.  Another innovation is the quarterly financial
reports given by our treasurer, which offer us a closer on-going view
of what is happening to our money.  Equally important, in our
humanitarian services, the Crisis Assistance Program has so far
helped five persons and continues ready to assist more blind people
in need. 

"Needless to say, I regret that I will be unable to continue forward
with the programs and projects begun during my presidency, but I
know that with our help our new president will lead the organization
successfully--and the CCB will be stronger than ever.  I have been
fortunate to have the support and encouragement of intelligent, lively,
and active Board members -- they have my deepest thanks.  I hope
the succeeding Board members will offer their enthusiastic and
intelligent best to my successor.  
"I wish that I had time to mention all those persons who worked with
me during the past two years.  Let me mention just a few who stand
out in my presidency:  Cathie Skivers, who has done an outstanding
weekly job for two uninterrupted years in charge of the California
Connection; Cid Urena, who has always worked diligently and
effectively in legislation on behalf of the blind and visually impaired
of California; my wife Maria, who, besides all the background support
she has given me in all my travels and responsibilities, has served so
capably and reliably as the editor of The Blind Californian; Norma
Schecter, who has always been eager to help in any way, especially
as assistant editor of the BC and to offer willingly to me worthwhile
ideas for new projects; Obbie Schoeman, who has been a trustworthy
chairman of the exhibits at the CCB conventions and a dependable
participant at the Time of Your Life Expo; and, of course, two
responsible and hard-working ladies, Margie Donovan and Coletta
Davis, who have done an exceptional job as convention coordinators, 
displaying their ability and eagerness to help in the planning of the
convention programs.  

"I also extend my sincere gratitude to the many dedicated and hard-
working chapter and special-interest affiliate presidents, who are the
true backbone of this organization, and to the committee
chairpersons, who have given of their time and energy so unself-ishly
to enhance the unity and strength of the California Council of the
Blind.  One very special volunteer, Harry Parker, with his gentle and
caring manner has always been ready to assist anyone at our
conventions in many ways and has generously given of his time to
record our general sessions.  Last but not least, I am proud of Barbara
and Marni and deeply grateful for their cooperation and responsible
office work during my presidency, and their dedication to our cause. 


"In closing, I will always remember and treasure those members who
so strongly supported me with their time and talents.  And for those
members who disagreed with me on some aspects of my presidency,
I thank them for being a loyal opposition and for staying in the
organization without losing their strong conviction of the real power
that comes only from working as a team.  I know that together we
will continue to work hard for the California Council of the Blind in
order to advance the status of blind Californians."

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


FALL 1994 CCB CONVENTION REPORT

by Bonnie L. Rennie


"Celebrating 60 Years of Progress" was a most appropriate theme for
our Fall '94 CCB Convention, hosted by the Orange County Chapter
under the guidance of the Convention Coordinator, Coletta Davis. 
Members and friends from all over the state, as well as out of state,
gathered to reflect on our proud past, and to plan actively to meet the
challenges of the future.  We all enjoyed the 60th birthday party, and
came away with renewed enthusiasm and reaffirmed dedication to
promoting advocacy, public awareness, and other CCB efforts on
behalf of the blind.

We continued to have a wealth of activities -- interesting exhibits on
technology as well as useful everyday items -- and informative
speakers on subjects like Free Matter for the Blind, unemployment of
the blind, how the newly-blind seniors are served by Rehab, access
and transportation including paratransit services and special-media
signs, guide-dog services at the San Diego Zoo, multi-cultural affairs,
Social Security, living trusts and living wills, and many other topics
kept the audiences involved.  Cid Urena gave his usual informative
update on legislative matters.  And we heard an encouraging message
from our ACB President, LeRoy Saunders -- wasn't it great to have
him with us on this special occasion!

In addition, there were the all-important committee meetings which
keep our organization functioning:  the Credentials Committee
(chaired so ably by Sharlene Ornelas, with a much-needed touch of
humor added by Tom O'Sullivan);  the Fundraising Committee
(chaired by Dan Kysor);  the Constitution and By-Laws Committee
(Jerry Glass);  the Publications Committee (Jerry Fields);  the
Committee on Technology (Doris Fisher); the Resolutions Committee
(Ron Brooks); Committee on Access and Transportation (Eugene
Lozano); the Senior Blind Committee (Teddie Remhild and Pat
LaFrance); the Rehab Services Committee (Elmer Chapson); the
Education Committee (Bob Slauson); and the Crisis Committee (June
Sutton).

To make the choices even more challenging for attendees, there were
all the fascinating speakers and topics offered by our many "special
interest groups", such as the Women's Concerns breakfast-meeting
on relationships, led by Bernice Kandarian and Joanne Pomerantz, the
Braille Revival League of California planning Braille Literacy Week
under the presidency of Dorothy Vallerga, the Library Users of
America luncheon chaired by Winifred Downing featuring Theresa
Tobinette on the library services of Braille Institute.  There was even
a workshop on "How to travel wrinkle-free".

One of our newest special-interest groups is the Association on 
Multi-Cultural Affairs (AMC) , to encourage appreciation of the
diversity and value of all cultures in our society.

And there was a First Timers Seminar helping new members learn
more about the organization and how they can put their talents to
work in helping CCB to help others.

An interesting example of "CCB helping meet people's needs" was
the meeting of the Committee for the Senior Blind and Visually
Impaired, chaired by Teddie Remhild.  A family in crisis came to the
meeting, needing help with the problems of the newly-blind elderly
father;  virtually all of those present had something helpful to offer,
starting with psychological supportive counseling from George
Fogarty, and many useful and practical suggestions on resources,
daily living, and other topics from more than a dozen other attendees. 


For the first time, CCB had a Candidates' Forum, under the capable
direction of Jerry Fields, in which all candidates had an opportunity
to state their positions on topics of importance to the membership,
and the members had the opportunity to ask questions of the
candidates.  It was a stimulating and thought-provoking session.

The convention heard a moving Farewell Address by our outgoing
President, John Lopez, which is presented at the beginning of this
issue.  He reviewed the challenges and triumphs and difficulties of the
past two years, and thanked the many persons who helped him
during his term as president.  

At the banquet, members and friends gathered under the leadership
of Coordinator,  Coletta Davis, to honor our CCB Scholarship winners,
to hear about chapter donations, and contributions to the work of
CCB, and to learn about the new music scholarship donated in honor
of John Lopez, totaling about $2900.00.  There were special awards
to and from CCB, reported both by John Lopez and Jane Vogel in
their articles.  

After Sunday morning's inspiring devotional service, conducted by the
Compton Chapter's Gussie Morgan, David Parker gave the Treasurer's
Report, followed by a report from Southern California Coordinator of
Services for the Blind, Alice Hackney, on the Orientation Center and
the Business Enterprise Program.  

There was also discussion about the National Educational Legal
Defense Fund for the Blind, started by the late Durward McDaniel,
and it was decided to make a donation in his memory.

The results of the election will be found in the "Headquarters
Update", and also, included elsewhere in this issue will be the
twenty-five Resolutions that came up for discussion. 

So our celebration of our historic anniversary itself became history. 
Through our gatherings large and small, our warmth of fellowship,
and our willingness to learn from one another, we reminded ourselves
who we are and what we need to keep on doing, to reaffirm our
positive stand.  See you at the next convention in the Spring of 1995.

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


60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CCB BRINGS CONGRATULATIONS 


From the AMERICAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND, Washington, D.C.:  

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the American Council
of the Blind, to congratulate the California Council of the Blind for 60
years of dedicated service to blind and visually impaired people.  The
success of CCB, for the past 60 years, is certainly a cause for
celebration.

The American Council of the Blind is pleased to have an affiliate with
such a long-standing history of support and service to blind and
visually impaired people.  The forefathers of CCB have certainly built
a strong foundation for the upcoming leaders to continue to persevere
and grow for the benefit of the many blind and visually impaired
Californians.  

I am pleased that I will have the opportunity to share with you in your
celebration.  I especially look forward to spending time with 
the members of CCB.  

Very truly yours,
LeRoy F. Saunders, President

****

I am writing on behalf of the members of the American Council of the
Blind throughout the nation to express our sincere congratulations on
your 60th Anniversary.  While your longevity is significant, what
really counts is what you have done during that 60 years.

Yours is an unparalleled history of advocacy and great progress for
CCB members and blind Californians in general.  As you well know,
many of the policies and programs for which you have so diligently
labored have been instrumental in helping blind and visually impaired
people throughout the nation enjoy greater independence and more
equality than they might otherwise enjoy.

Not only have we nationally benefitted from CCB's articulate and
persistent advocacy, we have profited from the rich depth of
leadership so readily found in members of the California Council of the
Blind.  CCB members have played extremely important roles in
virtually hundreds of areas where ACB has progressed since its
inception.  CCB members are well known throughout California as
men and women who strive to educate the public about the issues of
concern to blind and visually impaired Californians.  Your positive
influence has placed you in a position of prominence in the hearts and
minds of the general public, legislators and others who can work with
you to make a difference.

It has been frequently observed that the nation looks to the people of
California where trends in innovative ideas are concerned.  Similarly,
ACB members have long looked to the California Council as one of
the great standard-bearers in our organization.  So I commend you,
not merely on 60 years of life, but on 60 years of meaningful,
influential progress for blind Californians and blind people throughout
the nation.

Yours sincerely,
Oral O. Miller, National Representative

****

Warmly congratulatory letters were also received from many of our
fellow affiliates, and also from governmental representatives and
agencies, and business and professional firms.  

     Affiliates:

ACB of Maryland, Debbie Grubb,President
ACB of Nebraska, William Orester,President
ACB of Pennsylvania, John A.Horst, President
ACB of Texas, Richard Villa,President
Badger Association of the Blind,Inc., Adrian DeBlaey, Board
   Member
Bay State Council of the Blind,Christopher Devin, Director
Georgia Council of the Blind, JohnBrockington, President
Illinois Council of the Blind, M.J.Schmitt, President
Iowa Council of the Blind, DonnaSeliger
Louisiana Council of the Blind,Terry Camardelle, President
Missouri Council of the Blind, EdnaFreeman, President
Nevada Council of the Blind, DavidKrause, President
Vermont Council of the Blind
Wyoming Council of the Blind

     From the U.S. Congress:

Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senator
Christopher Cox, Representative
Robert K. Dornan, Representative
Dana Rohrabacher, Representative,45th District
Edward R. Royce, Representative,39th District

     From the California StateGovernment:

Tony Miller, Acting Secretary ofState
Marian Bergeson, Senator, 35th District
Rob Hurtt, Senator, 32nd District
Mickey Conroy, Assemblyman, 71st District
Ron Johnson, Assemblyman, 72nd District

     From Orange County: 

William G. Steiner, Orange County Board of Supervisors, 4th District
City of Anaheim, Tom Daly, Mayor
City of Buena Park, Don Bone, Mayor
City of Fountain Valley, John J. Collins, Mayor
City of Garden Grove, Frank Kessler, Mayor
City of Huntington Beach, Linda Moulton-Patterson, Mayor
City of Orange, Gene Beyer, Mayor

   as well as from the

State Department of Rehabilitation, Brenda Premo, Director
Braille Institute of America, Russell W. Kirbey, Executive Director
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc., Bruce C. Benzler, Executive Director
Telesensory, Larry Israel, President
Ann Morris Enterprises, Ann Morris, President, 
Coombs and Dunlap, Attorneys at Law, L. Randolph Skidmore

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


THANK-YOU FROM THE CONVENTION COORDINATOR

by Coletta Davis, 0013


Wow, what a great convention we just had!  As your Convention
Coordinator, I cannot express in words the feeling of elation that
came from our joint accomplishments, the camaraderie among the
members and the all-pervading upbeat attitudes during our
convention.  

0013 had another "Mission Impossible" -- how to make our
President's leaving of office, a happy occasion;  with a handful of
people sworn to secrecy, we were able to astound and delight John
with his very own "This is Your Life, John Lopez."  

The success of our convention is owed to the dedicated and hard-
working members of the convention committee and my really
supportive Orange County Chapter and also helpful individuals like
Mitch Pomerantz who secured our inspiring banquet speaker;  Cathie
Skivers, who provided musical renditions of songs at President
Lopez's "This is Your Life";  Norma Schecter, with whom I exchanged
ideas in the planning;  Phillip and Linda Hughes, who obtained
donations for the President's Luncheon on Friday as well as the
following contributors:  Albertsons, Fountain Valley;  Stater Brothers
in Anaheim;  Top Banana, Buena Park;  Frito Lay and Gallasso Bakery
in Garden Grove.

There are more detailed reports elsewhere in this issue from our
President, John Lopez, and others.

But I'd like to give specific mention to all of those chapters and
individuals who contributed $2900.00 to start the John Lopez Music
Scholarship Fund:  Alameda County Chapter, Bayview Chapter, Blind
Students of California, Compton Chapter, Contra Costa Chapter, East
Los Angeles Chapter, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Guide Dog Users
of San Diego, High Desert Chapter, Humboldt Council of the Blind,
Inland Empire Chapter, Orange County Chapter, Randolph Sheppard
Vendors of California, Redwood Empire Chapter, San Bernardino
Chapter, San Diego Silvergate Chapter, San Gabriel Chapter, San
Joaquin Chapter, San Mateo Chapter, Silicon Valley Chapter, Solano
County Chapter, and Whittier Chapter.

Individuals included Marni Alvino, Keith and Joan Black, Gil and
Coletta Davis, Audrey Hebner, Barbara and Harry Parker, Teddie
Remhild, Cathy and Ken Metz,  Norma and Bernie Schecter, and
Richard Villa.

Since our chapter presidents did not get a chance to speak at the
banquet on behalf of their chapters, we are pleased to list them here: 


For the General Fund:  Active Blind Inland Valleys Chapter, East Los
Angeles Chapter, Pyramid Chapter, Redwood Empire Chapter, San
Francisco Chapter, San Joaquin Chapter.  For the Scholarship Fund: 
Butte County Chapter, Contra Costa Chapter, East Los Angeles
Chapter, Greater Los Angeles Chapter, Pyramid Chapter, San Luis
Obispo Chapter, Solano County Chapter.  For the George Fogarty
Scholarship Fund:  Norma and Bernie Schecter.  For the Crisis
Assistance Committee Fund:  Greater Los Angeles Chapter.  For the
CEA Loan Fund:  Greater Los Angeles Chapter.

A special "Thank You" to President Lopez for giving me the
opportunity to be your Convention Coordinator in the celebration of
our 60th Anniversary.  

My deepest gratitude goes to my loving husband, Gilbert, for his
support and understanding through all of the disruptions in our lives,
and all of the "Honey do's" that he so graciously undertook during
this rewarding venture.  

As we say in Hawaii, "Mahalo and Aloha."

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


                 BRLC GIVES THANKS

     by Connie Skeen, Corresponding Secretary 


I am writing this note on behalf of the members of Braille Revival
League of California to express our sincere appreciation for the lovely
plaque presented to us in commemoration of the passage of AB
2640.  Many people worked hard on this legislation and we take pride
in our accomplishment.  It was an honor and indeed a pleasant
surprise to receive this attractive plaque representing our efforts.
Since the passage of this legislation represents a valuable step
forward in the struggle for braille literacy, we shall display this
beautiful plaque proudly.

Once again, thank you very much. 

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


              SHARING THE CELEBRATION

                   by Jane Vogel


A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Fall Convention
of the California Council of the Blind, "Celebrating Sixty Years of
Progress".  The convention was held at the Holiday Inn Irvine,
November 10-13, 1994.  The Braille Revival League of California
asked me to talk with them about the "Braille Bill" and about the use
of braille in public schools.  I was warned that my audience may
shrink as individuals left to attend the Candidates' Forum.  Actually,
almost everyone remained to participate in a worthwhile discussion
of how to help promote literacy and braille instruction in the public
schools.  So many great ideas came out of this session!

This was not the first time I had been to a CCB Convention, nor was
it the first time I had discussed important ideas with CCB members. 
Over the past few years, I have worked with many CCB members in
a variety of ways.  Sometimes we have been involved in meetings of
organizations such as JAC, AER, CTEVH or LIDAC (see below).  We
have worked on common interests and goals, and have turned to
each other for ideas and support.  Perhaps the closest relationship has
occurred during the quest for a "Braille Bill".  As JAC State Legislative
Chair (as CTEVH's representative to JAC)  I worked closely with Cid
Urena, to get a "Braille Bill" passed.  Many phone calls and trips to
Sacramento took place.  Many phone trees and letter writing
campaigns were put into action, so that every organization serving
blind and visually impaired persons in California could work together
to let the legislature and governor know how badly this bill was
needed.  Hundreds of letters from these organizations and their
members made an impact in Sacramento.  With CCB leading the way,
and with the continuing support of individuals in all of the
organizations, AB 2445 was signed by the Governor!  Although the
effort may not have been quite as intense, there was also widespread
support for all of the CCB sponsored bills, most of which passed.

At the October CTEVH Board Meeting, it was decided that CCB
should be given a Certificate of Appreciation for all of the efforts that
went into getting the "Braille Bill" passed.  Traditionally, this would
be presented at the CTEVH Annual Conference, in March, but the
board, knowing of the CCB Fall Convention, about to take place,
made an exception, and agreed to present it at the CCB Convention
and again at the CTEVH Conference.  CTEVH wanted to share this
special presentation with the membership of CCB by presenting it at
the Banquet, when many CCB members would be present.  The
President of CTEVH, Sue Reilly, made the presentation to CCB,
handing the framed and brailled certificate to John Lopez, President
of CCB.

There were other presentations that took place at the banquet. 
Norma Schecter received a lovely engraved plaque, recognizing all of
her efforts and dedication to the CCB, and to blind and visually
impaired persons, through the years.  Norma's husband and son were
on hand to share the moment with her.  Sue Reilly and I have worked
with Norma on the CTEVH Board of Directors, and know about
Norma's many contributions.  I also am lucky enough to live near
Norma, to profit from all her wisdom, inspiration, and far reaching
local contributions.  

John Lopez was given an engraved plaque recognizing him for the
leadership he provided that enabled the passage of several CCB
sponsored bills.  I got to help Cid Urena in the presentation of this
plaque (by reading it out loud).  John Lopez will be remembered for
his tenure of presidency during these past important legislative years,
when so many bills were passed that positively affect Californians
who are blind or visually impaired.  

I was most surprised to be the recipient of a Certificate of
Appreciation for my efforts in helping to get the "Braille Bill" passed. 
My husband read the certificate for all to hear, adding his own
comments about the many phone calls and trips that took place.  He
drove me to Sacramento several times, when ear problems would not
allow me to fly.  He helped carry my briefcase in the Capitol and
made copies of things for me, or received FAXes (or sent them) at his
office, and never questioned my involvement in the legislative or
other organization activities that consume my time.  It was special
that he could be there at the Banquet.  Thank you, CCB, for such a
nice surprise.  I've enjoyed working together with you on such a
worthwhile endeavor.

There was much to be learned at the many informative and varied
convention activities, but the most important thing about the
convention was the people who attended it.  There was such a
positive energy felt throughout the convention, things were really
happening, changes were taking place, plans were being made,
problems were being solved.  CCB will continue to take a leadership
role in the future.  There are individuals and organizations who are
hoping for continuing successful collaboration with CCB.  This past
year has certainly shown how working together can make a
difference.  It's nice to be able to share the work and the victory.

I enjoyed sharing in the celebration of "Sixty Years of Progress".  Best
Wishes for the Next Sixty Years!

   JAC -- Joint Action Committee of and for Organizations Serving
the Visually Impaired (CCB, CTEVH, AER and most other
organizations serving blind and visually impaired persons in California
are members of this umbrella organization)
   CTEVH -- California Transcribers and Educators of the Visually
Handicapped
   AER -- Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the
Blind and Visually impaired
   LIDAC -- Low Incidence Disability Advisory Committee

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

     FINAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE--1993-94 SESSION

                   by Cid Urena


During the 1993-94 session the CCB-sponsored bills did very well. 
Six of the eight bills we sponsored were signed into law.  SB 1605
failed in 1994 because of the expense involved in establishing
adaptive computer equipment in the CSU and UC systems. 
Nonetheless we were able to achieve two things:  first, both systems
agreed to provide any disabled person on an individual basis with
adaptive computer equipment in the school computer lab; second,
they agreed to fulfill a request from Senator Hughes to provide the
legislature with a report encompassing a list of current equipment on
each campus, a schedule of installation on those with no existing
adaptive equipment, and the cost for each campus.  

AB 1267, introduced in 1993, was the bill which would have replaced
the "may"  with "shall", requiring that there be a state orientation
center for the blind.  This bill, in my opinion, failed not because of
money (because there was no money specified in the bill) but rather
because it died in Appropriations, where no vote was allowed by the
chairman. 

The CCB also supported two other bills, which became law:  AB
1624, which makes available to all legislative information by
computer; and at the last moment, CCB also supported AB 2388
which contains a section that will mandate guide dog schools on a
fair formula pay for the state guide dog board.

The CCB also participated in the opposition of three bad bills:  SB 897
(1993), full inclusion; and SB 1714 (1994), also a full inclusion bill;
and finally, continued to oppose AB 2020, which would have allowed
optometrists to diagnose, treat and prescribe for specific eye
diseases.  These bills went down to glorious defeat!  

With the passage of our legislation and those bills we supported,
combined with the legislation which we effectively opposed, the
CCB's success rate is approximately 85% for the 1993-94 session. 
I believe that all of us who took part in this work owe it to ourselves
to have a celebration.  Thank you and congratulations to all of you
who participated.

Rather than describing the new laws, I have asked that the CCB make
them available to any interested member.  If you wish to obtain a
copy of these new laws in large print or braille, call the CCB office. 

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


A Letter From: 

            DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
             INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
              Washington, D.C. 20224

OFFICE OF CHIEF COUNSEL

                   Oct. 7, 1994

Ysidro Urena
Capitol Representative
California Council of the Blind
1399 Sacramento Avenue #25
Bryte, CA 95605

Dear Mr. Urena:

This is in response to your August 24, 1994 letter to the
Commissioner which was forwarded to this office for reply.  Your
letter included a copy of Resolution 94A-2, Accessible Documentation
for the Internal Revenue Service.  In brief, the Resolution states that
taxpayers are required to file federal income tax returns, and that the
Service facilitates this process by making filing documents and
informational brochures available early in the filing season and by
providing a telephone assistance service to answer taxpayers'
questions.  The Resolution states, however, that filing documents and
informational brochures are difficult to locate and/or require too much
time to obtain to be of use to blind and visually impaired taxpayers.

The Resolution observes that the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) require public
entities to provide access to primary products, programs and services
to those with disabilities, including the visually impaired.  Accordingly,
the Resolution urges the IRS to make filing forms available in braille,
large print, cassette tape and computer diskette formats; make
selected brochures which provide filing information available in the
same formats; make these documents available on request no later
than December 31 of the year preceding each filing season; make all
toll-free information numbers the place where such requests are
made; and process all requests within three business days of the
request.

The Service is sensitive to its legal obligation to make its programs
and activities accessible to individuals with handicaps.  It has for
many years provided assistance to handicapped taxpayers in the
preparation of tax returns.  For example, its Taxpayer Service
Representatives will copy tax information onto standard tax forms for
visually impaired taxpayers at no cost to the taxpayer.  Service-
sponsored programs such as Tax Counseling for the Elderly and
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance also provide assistance to taxpayers
with particularized needs, including assistance in the preparation of
tax returns.  The publication of large print worksheets by the Service
enables limited vision taxpayers to make the decisions inherent to the
tax preparation process in private.  It is not feasible, however, for the
Service to process non-standard tax forms.  Due to the number of tax
returns submitted each filing season, which the Service is committed
to process as quickly and efficiently as possible, the Service Centers
have become heavily automated, necessitating the use of forms
which are standardized both in size and format.

In addition, the Service produces a number of informational
documents in non-standard format for blind and visually impaired
taxpayers.  Braille tax materials are available for review at 142
Regional Libraries for the Visually Impaired, in conjunction with the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a
part of the Library of Congress.  Currently available braille materials
are Publications 17 and 334, Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ, and
their instructions.  The Service also publishes a tax guide for the
elderly (Publication 554) in large print form.  Because of budget
constraints, the Service cannot furnish materials beyond what has
been mentioned, in particular in computer disk and cassette tape
formats.

While we understand the concerns of blind and visually impaired
taxpayers, the Service cannot act on the suggestions proposed in the
Council's Resolution.  Any other suggestions you might have as to
ways in which the Service might further assist blind and visually
impaired taxpayers would be welcomed.

Sincerely,
/s/ 
MARK S. KAIZEN 
Assistant Chief Counsel 
General Legal Services
Office of Chief Counsel 
Internal Revenue Service 
901 D St., S.W. Box 15 
Washington, D.C.  20024

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

A Letter From:

      CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
605 Market Street, 1109; San Francisco CA 94105-3213  

September 16, 1994
Patti Caraska 
State of California 
Department of Motor Vehicles
Sacramento, CA  94232-3450

Dear Ms. Caraska:

The California Association of Ophthalmology is concerned about the
recently revised DMV form "Report of Vision Examination" that
ophthalmologists are being asked to fill out for their patients.

It seems that the intent of this document is to shift the responsibility
for determining whether a person has adequate eyesight to drive,
from the department to ophthalmologists and optometrists.  A
problem with this approach is that the DMV form gives no criteria for
eye doctors to make such an evaluation and infringes on the doctor-
patient relationship.

For example, visual field examinations are not routinely performed as
part of a routine eye exam.  Is the DMV now requiring them? 
Perhaps your department is unaware that standard visual field tests
are heavily weighted toward searching for glaucoma and other
diseases, and do not lend themselves easily to filling out this form.

Another problem is that DMV employees in field offices are not likely
to know whether the Visual Fields portion of the form has been
satisfactorily completed, since they cannot be expected to understand
the ramifications of many of the diagnoses that are listed in Category
4.  Some of the categories are questionable:  Does "monocular
vision" refer to people who truly have only one eye, or to people who
see much better in one eye than the other?  There is no such
diagnosis as "tunnel vision."

In the Prognosis category 5, we would be more comfortable saying
how often a patient's eyes need to be examined, rather than telling
the DMV how often it should reexamine the driver.

The Advice category 6 is inappropriate.  Physicians' advice to their
patients is confidential, and the DMV should not ask us to divulge it. 
Also, as you know, visual problems alone do not completely indicate
a person's driving limitations.

Thank you for your consideration.  We hope your department
considers our concerns seriously; and we will be happy to work with
you in developing a more appropriate driver evaluation form.

Yours truly,
Martin L. Fishman, MD
Vice President of Legislative Affairs

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


            ABOUT THOSE RESOLUTIONS ...

                 by Kenneth Frasse


Over the last year or so, several individuals have asked me how to
draft and submit resolutions for the CCB conventions.  Likewise,
during a recent conference call, the current Resolutions Committee
met and discussed the wide-spread need for members to learn how
to write resolutions; for this reason, I decided to write this article
addressing the drafting and submission of resolutions.  First I will
attempt to convey the general approach to a resolution, then I will
detail some of the aspects of its composition and submission.

A resolution is basically a two-part mandate or policy statement:  the
first part -- WHEREAS -- denoting the origin and need of the mandate
or policy statement, and the second part -- RESOLVE -- detailing the
mandate or policy statement itself.  There are, however, several
precepts which should be taken into account prior to drafting a
resolution.  These are:  (1) defining the parameters of the issue; (2)
establishing the need or argument; (3) verifying the resolution's
uniqueness; and (4) determining the action to be taken.

Defining the parameters of our resolution merely means that the issue
to be considered must be clearly defined and explained.  If the issue
cannot be clearly defined, or is not easily explained, it is probable that
no clear course of action can be established.  Let's use the specific
example of a resolution that was proposed at this last convention;
resolution 94B-1 concerned the availability and acquisition of
uninsured motorist's insurance for blind, visually impaired, and
mobility impaired individuals who cannot obtain such coverage.

So now we have our issue, and we can get to work.  We must
confirm that our concern is true; that is, that there is indeed no
uninsured motorists insurance available for blind, visually impaired,
and mobility impaired individuals.  We research insurance companies
and discern, if possible, why this circumstance exists.  Once we do
our research, we are ready to move onto the next stage of
establishing the need.

The need portion of a resolution is essentially the argument portion of
the resolution.  In the case of 94B-1, the fact that these sections of
the disabled community cannot receive uninsured motorist's insurance
establishes an inequity within the system.  Individuals who are
pedestrians and do not own or operate vehicles are subject to being
struck by vehicles operated by individuals who are not insured, and
yet pedestrians are not eligible to purchase uninsured motorist's
insurance because they do not own or operate vehicles.  The
argument, therefore, is that individuals with disabilities should be able
to purchase insurance commensurate with that offered to motorists
that will insure individuals with disabilities against injury by uninsured
motorists.  The next step in our process is to verify the uniqueness
of our resolution.

Verifying the uniqueness of our resolution simply means that we must
confirm whether or not this item has ever been addressed in a CCB
resolution before.  If it had been addressed, we would have to
determine whether ours is sufficiently different from prior submissions
and that it is warranted, or whether we should simply refrain from
submitting it.  Some research tells us that the issue in 94B-1 has
never been addressed through a CCB resolution.  Now that we have
clearly defined the parameters, established the need or argument, and
verified the uniqueness of our issue, we can address the action, or
resolve, of our resolution.

Obviously, we wish to have the same degree of insurance coverage
that motorists have against uninsured motorists.  We, as pedestrians,
would then have some security if we are injured by uninsured
motorists.  The action, therefore, in our resolution will be to mandate
this coverage within the state insurance statutes, and, presumably,
this would be accomplished through legislative means.  Before
continuing to the process by which a resolution is submitted and
reviewed by the Resolutions Committee, the following text reflects
the exact format and language of the resolution submitted.  Notice
where we place the need, argument, and action of the resolution, and
notice as well that the words "WHEREAS" and "RESOLVED" mean
the same as  the words "SINCE" and "THEREFORE".

CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
Resolution 94B-1
Topic: Uninsured motorists insurance for blind and mobility
       impaired persons

WHEREAS all insurance carriers offer motorists an optional protection
plan against uninsured motorists, and

WHEREAS this indemnity is the only fiscal remuneration short of a
court judgment that a motorist has as a recourse to having been in a
vehicle collision with an uninsured motorist, and

WHEREAS pedestrians have a greater risk of being physically injured
through a collision with a vehicle than those persons operating a
vehicle, and

WHEREAS blind and some mobility impaired  persons are not eligible
for uninsured motorists insurance since they do not drive vehicles,
and

WHEREAS despite the absence of any suitable protection against
uninsured motorists for these groups of individuals with disabilities,
these groups are subject to being severely injured through vehicular
collisions since they are pedestrians, and

WHEREAS many blind and mobility impaired individuals have been
injured through direct vehicle collisions, and

WHEREAS these same individuals have lost their compensatory
monies to hospital bills and attorneys, rather than using it to recoup
any associated losses; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the California Council of the Blind, in convention
assembled, this 13th day of November, 1994, in the city of Irvine,
California, direct its President and Board of Directors to take all
reasonable measures to introduce legislation in the California State
Legislature mandating that insurance carriers within the State of
California offer blind and mobility impaired individuals, who are
ineligible to drive, insurance that would include the following:

   a)  protection against uninsured motorists commensurate with
       policies for motorists;

   b)  reasonable rates with a graduated scale of coverage
       possessing a cap of no less than that available for
       motorists;

   c)  no age limitations;

   d)  no bearing on blindness or visual acuity;

   e)  no bearing on physical limitations;

   f)  no prerequisite for a driver's license; and be it further

RESOLVED that the President include a copy of this resolution with
a letter to the California State Insurance Commissioner explaining the
critical and urgent nature of this legislation and requesting the
Commissioner's position on this issue; and be it further

RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent with a letter to the
California Association of the Physically Handicapped (CAPH)
requesting their support.

Now that we have drafted our resolution, we have three steps
through which to proceed in order to reach a vote on our resolution
by the membership.  The first is to submit the resolution; the second
is to discuss and defend it with the Resolutions committee; and the
third is to defend it, if necessary, on the convention floor.  

Submitting our resolution can be done in three ways:  we can send
it to the CCB executive office or to the chairperson of the Resolutions
Committee -- preferably prior to the convention; we can submit it to
the Resolutions Committee at the convention prior to 6 p.m. on
Saturday, which is the next preferable; or, we can voice a resolution
in the form of a motion from the floor of any convention general
session at which a quorum is present.  The last choice is not
preferred as it may not have acceptable language for the assembly to
adopt, and most likely the resolution will be referred back to the
Committee for consideration where it may die in suspense.

Resolution 94B-1 was submitted prior to the convention, and it was
defended by its author in front of the Resolutions committee.  The
language was subsequently changed with the author's approval, and
the committee voted a recommendation of a do pass.  The resolution
was then brought to the floor of the assembly on Sunday, where
there were some further questions by members that were addressed
by the author and Resolutions Committee Chair, and it finally passed. 
94B-1 became the policy and directive of the California Council of the
Blind.

Now you have a thumbnail sketch of the resolutions process. 
Although it may appear to contain a significant amount of work, in
fact, the process is relatively rapid and facile.  Remember that this is
the single greatest means by which the membership can direct its
President and Board of Directors; and, it is also one of the best ways
in which to set the agenda for the CCb.  I hope to see your
resolutions at the next convention.  Good luck!

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


       POSITION PAPER ON ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT
      ROUTE IDENTIFICATION SIGNS (BUS STOPS) 

 by the CCB Committee on Access and Transportation
               Gene Lozano, Chairman


In 1991, the U.S. Architectural Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board created the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility
Guidelines for Transit Facilities and Vehicles, to establish accessibility
standards for transportation for individuals with disabilities.   When
the U.S. Department of Transportation published its "Final Rule on
Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities" on Friday, Sept. 6,
1991, it had requirements for finish and contrast, character
proportion, character height for bus route identification signs, and
destination and route information signs for vehicles.

It was felt by members of the California Council of the Blind, Inc. that
the accessibility signage standards for transit facilities and vehicles
were very deficient and needed further development.  Therefore, the
CCB in convention assembled in Sacramento on May 31, 1992,
passed Resolution 92-A-3 resolving that the Council directs its
Committee on Access and Transportation to develop model guidelines
regarding issues such as the identification of bus stop locations and
the size, contrast and placement of vehicle identification numbers for
submission to the CCB for adoption; and further, that the approved
guidelines be disseminated to the local chapters to permit them to
work for adoption in their local communities.

Therefore, in order to comply with Resolution 92-A-3, during the Fall
1992 Convention, the Committee on Access and Transportation
(CAT) began work on creating guidelines for tactile route identification
signs for bus stops, and their location.  The committee sought input
from CCB members, American Council of the Blind members, Sharon
Toji of Access Communications and other interested parties, as well
as examining various documents related to tactile signage and
reviewing accessible signage requirements found in the Americans
with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, the California State
Accessibility Standards, Title 24, CCR:  California Building Code, and
American National Standard, (A117) "Accessible and Usable Buildings
and Facilities".  The guidelines in this paper are the compilation of the
results of the above survey and review.  It is our hope that these
guidelines, representative as they are of blind or visually impaired
transit users' needs from all over the country, will form the
foundation for state and national standards.

GUIDELINES FOR TACTILE IDENTIFICATION SIGNS

General Statement: These tactile signs are to be supplementary to
any existing signs. We recognize the need for the current signs to
stay in place for the general public.

1.0  Character Proportion and Spacing.  All the characters for
combined visual and tactile use shall have the following proportions
and spacing: 

1.1 Letters and numbers on signs shall have a character width which
is 60% to 100% of the height of the character based upon the upper
case "X". (Ratio 3:5 to 1:1) 

1.2 Letters and numbers on all signs shall have a stroke thickness of
between 10% to 20% of the height of the character, based upon the
upper case "I" (Ratio 1:10 to 1:5). 

1.3 The space between the two closest points of any two adjacent
characters shall be between 20% to 30% of the height of the letters
based on the height of the uppercase "X". (Ratio of 1:5 to 3:10).  

2.0  Character Height.  All characters for combined visual and tactile
use shall have a minimum height of 5/8 inch and a maximum height
of 2 inches.

2.1 Characters designating the route and the verbal description of the
International Bus Pictogram shall be a minimum of 1 inch.

2.2 Characters designating the destination if they are provided, shall
be a minimum of 5/8 inch.

3.0  Raised Elements.  All raised characters, Braille and raised
pictograms for combined visual and tactile use shall follow these
specifications:

3.1 Characters shall be raised 1/32 of an inch from the surface  and
shall be all upper case, conventional Sans Serif type, as demonstrated
by the following examples: Helvetica; Avant Garde; Futura; Gill Sans;
VAG Rounded or Univers.

3.2 Braille shall be Grade 2 Braille and shall be centered below the
corresponding raised text.  
   All characters and Braille symbols shall be written in a horizontal
plane. 

3.3 Braille shall be in accordance with the standard dimensions for
literary braille, with some allowance for sign materials and fabrication
techniques: 
Dot diameter: .059 -.060 in.; dot height: .025 in. (minimum); inter-dot
spacing: .090 -.10 in.; horizontal separation between cells: .241 -.30
in.; (space from center of dot 4 of one cell to center of dot 4 of
adjacent cell); vertical separation between cells: .395 -.4 in.

3.4 Braille dots shall have a rounded or domed profile. 

3.5 The International Bus Pictogram shall be used and shall be raised
1/32 inch from the surface of the sign.  

3.6 The pictogram shall have a height of at least 3 inches and shall
be accompanied by the word "BUS" in raised letters and Braille. The
raised letters and Braille text shall be directly below it or beside the
pictogram depending on the length of the sign.

3.7 There shall be a minimum 3/8 inch separation between all raised
elements on a sign, including the frame, unless otherwise specified
within these guidelines.  Information for each route shall be separated
from information for each other route by a minimum of 1/2 inch.

3.8 Raised elements on signs shall not be higher than 66 inches or
lower than 48 inches from the pavement or ground level.

4.0  Finish, Contrast and Color of Signs.  

4.1 The characters, symbols/pictograms and background of signs
shall be eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish.

4.2 Characters and symbols/pictograms shall contrast with their
background by at least 70%, with light characters on a dark
background.

4.3 The recommended color choice is white on black.  Other
acceptable choices are white on dark brown, dark blue, dark green,
or dark maroon. 
 
5.0   Mounting Location, Height and Sign Size.  

5.1 Signs shall be mounted on poles, posts or pylons at least 4 inches
in width. When using a squared pole, post or pylon the edges shall be
rounded.

In order to standardize the mounting structure for bus stop signs, it
is preferred that a 4 inch by 4 inch square post be used.

5.2 The centerline of the sign shall be 60 inches above the ground. 


5.3 Tactile signs shall have a minimum width of 4 inches.

5.4 If the width of the sign exceeds the width of the pole, post, or
pylon the sign shall be enclosed within a display frame with rounded
corners and edges. 

5.5 Signs (including frames) shall protrude a maximum of 4 inches in
any direction from the pole, post or pylon on which they are
mounted.  

5.6 When multiple routes are served by one bus stop, international
pictograms with accompanying verbal descriptions and  all separate
sets of information for different routes shall be put on separate
plaques that would all slide into the same vertical slot within the same
frame.  Thus individual route signs can be altered to reflect changing
routes, without making it necessary to alter large, multi-route signs. 
(If routes are canceled, then route signs will be replaced with blank
plaques serving as "spacers.")

If frame space limitations require, multiple sign frames shall be
mounted on a pole, post or pylon on two or more sides.  If all route
information can be contained within one frame, then a frame should
also be provided on the opposite side of the pole with identical
signage, so that pedestrians approaching the pole from either
direction can read the signs visually and/or tactually.  
   
6.0 Display Frame Specifications.  

6.1 The frame shall have rounded corners and edges and shall be a
color contrasting at least 70% with the background of the sign. The
color shall be an integral part of the frame.

6.2 The frame shall be constructed of a rustproof and shatter-proof
material such as fiber-reinforced polymer composite, or its equivalent
in durability. 

6.3 The frame shall completely enclose the vertical edges of the sign
face. The horizontal sign edges (top and/or bottom of the sign) shall
be enclosed with removable molded end pieces which will allow the
removal and insertion of new signs as route changes occur.  The
frame shall be tamper-resistant.

7.0  Bus Stop Locators.  (NOTE:  What follows are two suggestions
for using tactile aids for locating a route identification sign and its
pole.)

7.1  Option One.  Bus stops shall be made recognizable to the blind
or visually impaired through the use of detectable warning and
directional surfaces which are yellow and have a color value contrast
of at least 70 percent with the adjoining walking surface.  (This
yellow shall conform to Federal Color No. 33538, as shown in Table
IV of Standard 595B, Colors Used in Government Procurement.) 
Where the color value contrast between the yellow detectable
warning/directional surface and the walking surface is less than 70
percent, a black strip a minimum of 2 inches in width shall separate
the yellow detectable surface from the main walking surface.  A
directional surface shall be placed on the sidewalk a minimum of 24
inches in depth across the width of the walk with the bars running
perpendicular to the direction of the walk, leading from the inside of
the sidewalk to the curb.  The directional surface shall transition to a
rectangular detectable warning surface at the curb, which will warn
the blind or visually impaired that they are approaching the street. 
Where the bus stop is located at the curb, this rectangle of detectable
warning surface around its base will indicate its position.  Dimensions
of the detectable warnings/directional surfaces shall comply with the
ADAAG 4.29.2, with California Building Code, Part 2, Title 24,
C.C.R., April 1, 1994, sections 3325 (c) and (d), and with California
State Referenced Standards Code Section 12-31-102.  

7.2  Option Two.  This option would use a heavily textured surface
made of epoxy and pea gravel that would be 24 inches wide and run
perpendicular to the direction of the walk, leading from the inside of
the sidewalk to and around the pole at the curb.

In conclusion, the California Council of the Blind stands firmly behind
the adoption of standardized accessible transit route identification
signs.  However, since local conditions are often the determining
factor as to the precise design, markings, and installation of a sign
pole, we think that local chapters of the CCB are often in the best
position to give the most constructive input.  With the joint efforts of
both the state organization and the local chapters of the CCB, we feel
that we can work effectively to ensure that useful and sufficiently
standardized signs and poles are adopted in a practical and, when
necessary, flexible manner.  This could well evolve into a much
needed functional state and national standard for accessible transit
route signage. 

Revised September 22, 1994

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


      A LETTER TO:  THE HONORABLE PHIL GRAMM
         The U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C.

August 2, 1994

Dear Senator Gramm:

Typically, I do not like to make a criticism in writing, in fear of
eliciting an overly negative response.  A letter such as this, does not
allow me to gauge your immediate response and possibly adjust my
delivery.  However, I found it difficult to reach you by phone and I do
not have any business scheduled in the District, but my concern is
pressing nevertheless.  While one of your staff will probably respond
to my letter, I hope you will still have the opportunity to read it.

Today, on National Public Radio, I heard you speaking about "health-
care reform" legislation.  You began your point by saying; "It is
obvious to a blind man."

Senator, I am a man and I happen to be blind.  While I am perfectly
comfortable with the use of the word "blind" as an adjective or an
adverb to say something was unseen, unexpected, or even unknown,
I find your depiction of a "blind man" very disturbing.  The clear
inference was not even a "blind man" would be so stupid as to not
understand the obvious.  This is not only "politically incorrect", it is
clearly insensitive and in my opinion, offensive.

I am not an activist and I usually do not comment on a person's
inadvertent slip of the tongue.  However, your public comment
perpetuates an erroneous stereotype of blind people.  I certainly hope
you do not believe blind men and women are incapable of
understanding anything but the obvious.

In addition to being a long-time Republican, I am an economist with
a major bank.  Despite my visual disability, I am fully capable of
understanding many complex, concepts and issues.  In fact, I have
previously testified on various issues before both the Senate and the
House of Representatives.

It is not my intention to chide you.  Instead, I assume you will
appreciate my criticism as constructive feedback.  The purpose of my
letter is to make you more aware of the damaging impact of your
poorly chosen words.

Sincerely,
Vernon Crowder

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


            BLIND SOCIAL WORKERS MEET 
  WITH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CALIFORNIA CHAPTER,
      NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS 

              by Christy Crespin, NSW


On Sunday morning, November 13, Sahar Husseini, Christine Smith,
Christy Crespin and Ed Crespin met with Irene Martinez, Program
Director of the Southern California Region of the California chapter of
the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  The meeting
took place in order to afford blind social workers an opportunity to
point out to the NASW that persons with disabilities are a forgotten
minority in the NASW.  

These social workers addressed issues such as the profession's fear
of disabilities, its lack of extensive education in the area of disability
and the need for the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to
include these programs in its social work curriculum. 

 All four professionals reported their experiences and stated their
belief that social workers seem to be among the least sensitive to
their capabilities and professional status.  They stated it is difficult to
succeed in the area of social work due to the insecurities of those
with whom they work.  Several areas were addressed, along with
examples of their experiences.  Sahar Husseini is a student at San
Diego State. Christine Smith has been a psychiatric social worker for
the past twelve years and currently works with Kaiser Permanente.
Christy Crespin has been a psychiatric social worker for the past three
and a half years with Riverside County Mental Health. Ed Crespin is
the Rehabilitation Counselor for the Blind in San Bernardino.

This meaningful three-hour discussion will lead to articles to be
written and published in the NASW California Newsletter beginning
February 1995.  The hope of the three social workers is to organize
and form a council of blind and visually impaired social workers in
order to network across the state. 

Irene Martinez stated what happens in California is the wave of the
nation.  Thus, eventually, NASW could have a nation-wide council of
blind social workers.  In addition, NASW is being asked to provide its
information in media accessible to people with little or no vision.

If  you are interested in this undertaking, please contact one of the
above social workers through the CCB office at (800) 221-6359. 
Your call will be returned if you leave your number and state your 
interest. 

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

    INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY CIRCLE OF THE BLIND
                 SEEKS NEW MEMBERS


As many of you may know, in 1983 the California Council of the
Blind established the International Friendship  Committee, which was
chaired by Maria Lopez.  The initial purpose of the Committee was to
address educational needs of blind persons in Mexico.  

Early on, the Committee was successful in collecting by the way of
donations 10 braille writers, 20 slate and styli, 10 board slates and
styli, 110 pounds of braille paper, 46 white canes, and many other
miscellaneous items.  These materials were distributed by the
Committee to needy students throughout Mexico.

A presentation by the President of the World Blind Union at the
American Council of the Blind 1985 convention in Las Vegas, which
elaborated upon the conditions of blind persons in developing
countries, with respect to the lack of educational opportunities and
basic learning materials, prompted the Committee to explore the
possibility of expanding the State Committee to a national special-
interest group within the ACB.    AS a result of the Committee's
focused hard  work, the International Friendly Circle of the Blind
(IFCB) requested and was granted affiliation at the 1986 ACB national
convention.

The IFCB identified its purposes as:  to assist needy blind students in
developing countries by collecting and distributing school materials for
the blind; and  to procure sponsorship whenever possible for eligible
blind students in other countries who wish to educate themselves in
this country.

Unfortunately, due to conflicting priorities, the IFCB has not been as
active as it was in its early days.  With your encouraging
participation, this can change.

In response to continued inquiries by many blind persons and
agencies in varying parts of the world, Rob Cook and Don Brown of
the Berkeley Chapter are presently making every effort possible to
generate interest in the revitalization of the IFCB.  Possibly, the
following excerpts from recent letters to the IFCB may illustrate the
powerful need for such a worthwhile ACB Affiliate:     

   From a schoolmaster inZambia:
"The Lions' Upper Basic School for the Blind was built in 1974 by a
charitable organization, Lions Club International, and handed over to
the government of the Republic of Zambia in the same year.  The
school runs from grade 1 to grade 9 and  caters to visually impaired
children, both the partially sighted and the totally blind.

"... the school has experienced a critical shortage of braille paper in
recent times and the situation has adversely affected the learning of
the children with deficiency of sight.  In this respect, I humbly write
to request you to assist the school with braille paper of any size large,
medium, and small.  Your quick and favorable response will be highly
appreciated.  
MR. CHITONDO; SR. MASTER" 

   From Togo, Africa:
"... I have been rendered blind from the poverty and lack of proper
nourishment which affected my family.  However, I have managed to
receive education from a blind school and other educational
institutions.  The area in which I live is low land and is inhabited by
poor people.  There are 70 blind men and women living in this area. 
They are all born of the poorest of families.  They have been living by
begging and they are always in severe distress.  For the benefit of
these people I have formed an organization and have recently
received government recognition. 
   "However, since I do not have an adequate source of financial
or material resources, this organization has not been able to develop
the vocational and primary educational programs which are so
desperately needed in this area.  I seek any kind of assistance you
may be able to provide.  
BADIUL ALAM" 

   From Hunan, China:
"There is no school for the blind, or handicapped, in this city that has
a population of 1.45 million, not including its four governed counties. 
I had to learn Chinese braille completely by myself. 

"My family is very poor, with my Father dying on duty in 1973.  My
Mother receives less than eight American dollars per month in
government aid and my brother is too poor to help us.  The
handicapped in the countryside cannot get this money.  The
handicapped in the countryside are poorer than me.  What can I do
for them?!  The "Great Communist" Chinese government doesn't
think highly of those poor people.  I must do my best for other blind
in China.  YAN-YAN"

It is our sincere hope and expectation that the IFCB's membership will
convene and conduct business at the 1995 national ACB convention
in North Carolina.

Should you wish more information about how you can participate in
the IFCB or if you have any items to donate, please contact:

IFCB; c/o Don Brown
Berkeley Council of the Blind
P.O. Box 222
Berkeley, CA 94704
415-338-6436 

Rob Cook
P. O. Box 73523
Davis, CA 95617
916-756-1676

For membership information contact:

Regina Chavez
102 Kalumet Street
Boston, MA 02120
617-730-3619 

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


         BRAILLE AND TALKING BOOK LIBRARY
               IS IN A NEW BUILDING

                 by Donine Hedrick


After 20 years of living on the industrial fringe of downtown
Sacramento, the California State Library's Braille and Talking Book
Library has moved back to beautiful new quarters in the just
completed Library & Courts Building II across from the State Capitol
and the existing Library.  The whole first floor of the artistic five floor
structure is dedicated to BTBL and has many features to improve
services to the patrons.  The highlight of the new facility is a graceful
and well-appointed reading room dedicated to services for readers. 
It features a browsing collection of recent cassette and flexible disc
books as well as the majority of the Braille collection.  Machines are
available to sample or just sit and listen to recorded materials.  The
full State Library public access catalog is also available.

Planned for the future is a section for adaptive technology which will
include a reading machine, computers with speech, large print and
braille output, and magnification devices such as closed circuit TVs. 
Eventually access to the NLS catalog via Internet will be added to the
service.

The Reading Room's elegant oak and teal-colored tables and leather
chairs were provided by special donations to the California State
Library Foundation.  A feature unique in State government is a
fragrance garden which lies just outside the tall windows of the
Reading Room and inside a decorative fence.  An integral part of the
building plan, it is a lovely addition to our setting and will give
pleasure to all our visitors.

Behind the scenes, the old BTBL stand-alone minicomputer was
abandoned and the Library for the Blind data and programs were
merged with the State Library's Data Research Associates system for
faster processing.

To facilitate the move, library service was discontinued for five weeks
but readers were supplied with 20,757 extra books to carry them
through the closure.  The collection of 470,000 braille and recorded
books was moved in 7 days and settled easily onto 17,000 compact
shelves with growth space to spare.

After these Herculean labors, the staff was tired but happy to
celebrate the grand opening on October 19th.  Frank Kurt Cylke
shared the podium with former State Librarian Gary E. Strong whose
tireless efforts over many years made the new building a reality.  Dr.
Kevin Starr, California's new State Librarian, praised the efforts of all
those who supported the building.  Cid Urena from CCB attended the
ceremony and was pleased to see the results of all of his lobbying
efforts for the new facility.

So far, walk-in traffic has doubled in the new Reading Room.  Light-
rail and bus transportation are much more convenient at the new
location.  Readers are excited about the browsing collection and
counter check-out system.  A remark often heard is "It's wonderful
to have a real library now!"

We hope that CCB readers will come and use the new facility.  The
new hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Our new
addresses are:

Mailing address:  (FOR ALL MAIL EXCEPT BOOKS AND MACHINES)

   Braille and Talking Book Library; P. O. Box 942837; Sacramento,
CA 94237-0001

Street address:  (FOR BOOKS AND MACHINES ONLY AND READING
ROOM)

   Braille and Talking Book Library; 900 N Street; Sacramento, CA 
95814.  

The new telephone number is 916-654-0640.  The new fax number
is 916-654-1119.  Our toll-free telephone number remains:  800-952-
5666

We apologize for difficulties we have experienced with our new phone
system.  By the time you read this article, we hope the phone
situation has been straightened out.  Reader Assistants now have
voice mail so you can leave a message for them directly when they
are unable to answer your call.  This is a quicker way to leave a
message and relieves the busy phone receptionists from writing down
your message.  Thanks for your patience and support during this
transition period.

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


            NEW STATE LIBRARY DEDICATED

[Editor's Note:  The following remarks were given by Frank Kurt
Cylke, Director, National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped, on October 19, 1994, at the Dedication Ceremony of
the new California State Library.  Submitted by Cid Urena, Capitol
Representative.]


"Blind and physically handicapped individuals who reside in California
are fortunate.  They have had governments that care, state librarians
who planned ahead, and a group of dedicated librarians and staff at
the Braille and Talking Book Library.

"The last 90 years have been good years for readers of braille and
audio books here on the west coast.  Yes, good, even though there
have been ups and downs in the financial arena.  The next 90 should
be even better.  We have here today a physical example of the
commitment by the State of California for top flight library service.

"The Library of Congress national program for blind and physically
handicapped individuals is only as strong as the network of libraries
providing direct service.  Indeed, we in Washington provide the books
and the sound reproduction equipment.  Those materials, of course,
are inanimate and only useful if serviced by a competent staff.  When
you think that only twenty state employees and a handful of
dedicated volunteers serve 15,000 readers and circulate more than
a half million items each year the dedication to quality of service
becomes apparent.

"My role today is not to speak at length or to exaggerate any aspect
of your library program.  My role is simple.  It is to commend all who
have had a part in bringing this library to the high level it now holds. 
It is, further, to express appreciation for assisting in the national effort
to expand audio and braille literacy among the blind community.

"It is impossible to thank everyone who has played a role, so I will
direct attention specifically to Donine Hedrick who exhibits the
universal characteristics embodied in quality librarians on the front
line.  In her brief letter to me last month she said, "The new building
is gorgeous.  We are very proud of the public reading room and look
forward to improvements in our service to readers."  Note that she is
pushing to improve an already fine service.  Through Donine and her
associates, blind readers in California are better for their exposure to
quality books in a prompt, efficient, and effective manner.  And
matters will be even better in the future.

"In closing, let me say it is a pleasure to be here.  I look forward to
chatting with you all following this ceremony.  Thank you for having
me.  I will alwaysrecall these moments."

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


           CALUA AND DESCRIPTIVE VIDEO 

               by Winifred Downing 


Have you had experience with descriptive video,  the technique of
adding to TV programs explanations for all the action, details of
appearance, and the like which sighted viewers enjoy?  Have you
perhaps attended a showing of one of these specially adapted films
at a convention or conference?  An ever growing number of audio
described videos are available for purchase, around $25 each; but
most viewers don't really want to own these films but just have an
opportunity of seeing them.   

Would you like to have access to 25 or 30 of these special videos
that you can borrow free of charge to play on your ordinary VCR?  
Well, join the California Chapter of the Library Users of America, and
you can borrow any of the programs for a three-week period.  They
go back and forth through the mail free; and Peter Pardini, our CALUA
librarian, fills orders promptly.  You can write to him at 350 22nd
Ave., Apt. 6, San Francisco, CA  94121 or call him at 415-752-6156. 
The membership fee for CALUA is $10, which should be mailed to
Peter but made payable to CALUA.  This pays for our national
convention each year and two state luncheon meetings plus a semi-
annual news letter which contains articles you can't find anywhere
else.  

Here is a list of the descriptive videos CALUA offers: Beaches, Ghost,
Pretty Woman, Top Gun, Fatal Attraction, True Grit, The Hunt for Red
October, Dead Poets Society, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Sister Act, It's
a Wonderful Life, The Man with the Golden Arm, the two-part series
on the Kennedys, Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, The
Godfather, The Addams Family, Terms of Endearment, Walt Disney's
Aladdin, Anne of Green Gables, Nova's The Miracle of Life, Hound of
the Baskervilles, the entire Civil War series, and the following
Sherlock Holmes mysteries: Silver Blaze, Wisteria Lodge, Boscombe
Valley mystery, and The Illustrious Client.

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


             THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE:
      "Senate Bill 1605: The White Albatross"

                 by Kenneth Frasse


Remember SB 1605, the computer access bill for post-secondary
educational institutions that was irrevocably suspended in Senate
Appropriations?  The universities thought that it was dead, and so did
we.  Like a dormant volcano that sleeps peacefully for a time until it
surges unexpectedly into an eruption of power and determination, so
may SB 1605.

While the universities seemed to have the notion that persons with
disabilities will not be bothering them for some time, the legislative
elves have been hard at work.  Upon the demise of SB 1605, Senator
Teresa Hughes suggested that she impose a legislative audit of the
ADA compliance levels within the university systems; gleefully, we
concurred.

Two critical issues grew out of this legislative initiative.  The first was
positive in that all the universities must complete and submit an
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) self-evaluation of their
respective campuses.  Since this is already required at the
Chancellor's Office level, it was relatively easy to request that copies
of these evaluations be sent to Sacramento for review, and hence the
ADA self-evaluations are currently being compiled.  Unfortunately, the
second issue that surfaced was a dearth in the ADA self-evaluations
that stemmed from an oversight in the ADA.

The ADA, as you may already know, is silent in Title IV of its text on
access for the blind and visually impaired to electronic media and
services.  The ADA self-evaluation, therefore, is silent with respect
to   this same access, and subsequently becomes a legal parry to the
intent and purpose of our bill.  Fortunately, since I authored the
original resolution for this bill and have been advocating it since its
inception, I was able to research and find an Achilles heel of the
universities.

One of the campuses within the system in question is the University
of California at Los Angeles.  UCLA, through its adaptive technology
director, is also the architect and promoter of a project called "Project
EASI", a national endeavor that seeks to promote access to electronic
media and services for persons with disabilities.  Not surprisingly, the
Disabled Student Services (DSS) representatives in the UC and CSU
chancellor's office are seemingly unaware of their own undertakings
and deny knowledge of Project EASI, despite the fact that the
adaptive technology director at UCLA is the UC Chancellor's advisor
on such issues.

Additionally, Project EASI attempts to cover access to electronic
media and services where the ADA is silent.  At the basis of its
impetus, it suggests that Title II of the ADA compels access to
electronic media and services at educational institutions, and it is
rapidly becoming the standard for evaluating this area of access for
universities and colleges who are open to progress in technological
access.  

There is a nominal fee to acquire Project EASI's self-evaluation, but
the real factor for implementation is convincing the universities to use
this self-evaluation to determine their technological accessibility,
rather than the mostly inadequate ADA version.  In so doing, many
of the problems that plague the blind and visually impaired in the area
of technological access would be revealed.  For this same reason, the
universities are not likely to adopt Project EASI's self-evaluation
because it will invariably expose their neglect of the issue.  We must
convince the legislature to mandate the incorporation of project
EASI's self-evaluation in the determination of technological access
levels at universities and colleges, and it may be possible to argue this
incorporation on the basis of Title II of the ADA.  If we can
accomplish this, we can be reasonably certain that discrepancies will
be found in the universities' access provisions, and we will have the
best groundwork for mandating access to electronic media and
services for the blind and visually impaired.

While this course of action may take some time to achieve, it may be
preferable to logging a class action against the university systems,
and may accomplish more in the short term.  Furthermore, pursuing
this action may establish the argument for access in many other areas
such as employment and public services.  This endeavor will require
much support, and it is my sincere hope that this year the blind
students will join us at the capitol.  Like the white Albatross
symbolizes, we will cling to our pursuit and not relinquish what is
within our rights.  We will let you know how this issue progresses,
and we hope that these efforts can preclude the initiation of a class
action.

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


   FINAL REPORT OF THE CCB RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

         by Ron Brooks, Committee Chairman


The Fall Convention was my second go-around as Chairman of the
CCB Resolutions Committee, which again worked over-time reading,
debating, revising and referring resolutions submitted by CCB
members and affiliates.

The members of this hard-working Committee were Connie Bateman,
Vincent Calderon, Winifred Downing, Kenneth Frasse, Al Gil, Lee
Morton, Charles Nabarrete and Frank Welte.

The following 25 resolutions were submitted to the Committee: 

Resolution 94B-1 directs the CCB to introduce legislation mandating
the sale, for purchase by people with visual impairments, of insurance
against uninsured motorists.  The resolution passed.

Resolution 94B-2 was withdrawn by the author.

Resolution 94B-3 directs the CCB to introduce legislation mandating
the production and distribution of E-text yellow pages to people who
are blind or visually impaired.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-4 would have directed the CCB President to establish
a Committee which would develop and distribute materials publicizing
Braille Literacy Week, which is the first full week of January.  Due to
concerns voiced by some members that the resolution was too
specific and onerous, this resolution did not pass.

Resolution 94B-5 directs the CCB to introduce legislation mandating
access to printed materials provided by public utility companies for
people who are blind or visually impaired.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-6 would have called upon the CCB President to
implement CCB Resolution 94A-12 which has not yet been
implemented.  Resolution 94A-12 directed the CCB President,
working with the Capitol Representative and several CCB committees
to establish a Governmental Internship Program.  While Resolution
94A-12 was unanimously passed by the CCB membership in June of
this year, Resolution 94B-6 did not pass.  

Resolution 94B-7 would have called for the establishment of a CCB
standing committee to address issues of employment, an action
which requires a change to the CCB Bylaws.  Because some CCB
members felt that the Committee on Employment Assistance serves
in this capacity, the resolution did not pass.  

Resolution 94B-8 directs the CCB President to establish a committee
to develop language for a separate division of the blind bill to be
introduced in the Assembly.  The resolution also directs this
committee to develop support letters and promotional materials and
to coordinate efforts to garner support for the legislation introduced. 
The committee was asked to simplify this resolution, on the basis that
it was too specific in the requirements it placed on the CCB President. 
In order to assure passage of this potentially worthwhile resolution,
the Committee Chairman agreed to make the modifications, and the
resolution passed.

Resolution 94B-9 directs the CCB to develop and introduce legislation
ensuring that the Department of Rehabilitation would be prohibited
from arbitrarily imposing an order of selection which negatively
impacts people who are blind or visually impaired.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-10 was withdrawn by the author.

Resolution 94B-11 would have specified that the CCB would
implement a seating arrangement, by chapter and special interest
affiliate, at CCB conventions.  As the Committee recommended a "Do
Not Pass" on this resolution, a motion for its passage was required,
and none was made.  Consequently, the resolution died.   

Resolution 94B-12 directs the CCB to introduce a Senate Concurrent
Resolution requiring the state to follow Title 24 for all architectural
and construction projects.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-13 directs the CCB President, staff and Board to
require ADA compliance for any hotel where a CCB activity is
planned.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-14 thanks the Holiday Inn, Irvine for its professional
and courteous service during the CCB convention.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-15 thanks the local Lions Clubs for providing
volunteers at the CCB Convention.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-16 thanks the Girl Scouts for their friendly
participation in our CCB Convention.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-17 directs the CCB to introduce and support
legislation which would provide food stamps to SSI recipients as part
of their monthly benefit.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-18 directs the CCB President to offer support,
contingent upon CCB Board approval, to CCB member Chris Gray in
his legal action against the Santa Clara County Transportation Agency
for non-compliance with the ADA and Title 24.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-19 offers support for the Northern California Vision
Resource Center which is currently being established, and called upon
local chapters to offer support where appropriate.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-20 calls for a reversal of a new Department of
Rehabilitation policy which requires counselors to procure textbooks
competitively.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-21 describes the poor conditions of the resource room
at San Francisco's McAteer High School and called on the school to
remedy the problems created by these conditions.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-22 calls on the Peninsula Center for the Blind and
Visually Impaired in Palo Alto to hire a qualified individual with
experience in the provision of direct services to people with visual
impairments.  Passed.

Resolution 94B-23 was referred to the author.

Resolution 94B-24 calls upon the Department of Rehabilitation to hire
a qualified individual immediately to serve as Administrator of the
Business Enterprise Program; the resolution also requested the
Department's response within thirty days as to the method of
selection.  Passed. 

Resolution 94B-25:  The American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
no longer offers braille paper and Brailon to public and private schools
for purchase under the Federal Quota system.  Schools will have to
use other, and limited, resources to provide these absolutely essential
educational materials.  This Resolution calls on APH to reverse its
new policy and allow braille paper and Brailon to be purchased under
Federal Quota.  Passed.

In addition to reviewing, revising and referring these 25 resolutions,
the Committee has made some changes in the way resolutions are
processed administratively.  Instead of simply being sent to the CCB
President, passed resolutions will now have a "Committee
Recommendation" sheet attached which will provide suggestions for
implementation.  Another change is that in order to have a better
response from  parties receiving resolutions, if necessary, the
Committee will be taking a more active role in helping the CCB
between conventions. 

In closing, I want to thank the members of the Committee and to
especially thank the CCB office staff and Harry Parker for their
ongoing support.  These people have worked behind the scenes to
ensure that the work of the Committee could get done and that the
Committee members got materials in a timely manner.  Finally, thanks
to all of you who care about resolutions.  Resolutions may seem like
the language of lawyers, but these resolutions form the basis of the
CCB's positions.  They serve as the starting point for legislation and
for changes within our own organization.  Keep on submitting them,
and the committee will keep on processing them.

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


[The following continues with the reprint of the report provided by the
O.N.C.E.] 


      Iii. THE O.N.C.E. DEDICATED TO SERVICES


Although in Spain, as in most countries, it is Public Administration
which has the task of ensuring that basic social services are correctly
provided, this task has been greatly promoted by the initiatives and
efforts of different non-governmental organizations which have played
an important part in shaping and managing specialized services.

The O.N.C.E. is a case in point, and a good one, since our
organization has achieved services for the blind and visually-impaired.

Thus, the provision of specialized services for the blind and
visually-impaired has become one of the O.N.C.E's essential aims and
priorities.  Its plans and programs are designed to be subsidiary to
those offered by public administration.  Nonetheless, regarding
matters specifically related to visual impairment, the O.N.C.E. is the
exclusive player, developing a series of very varied actions, but aimed
at two basic targets:  

a) to provide every type of device which can be of assistance to
visually-impaired people to help solve the needs which arise as the
result of their lack of vision, in any stage of their lives (childhood,
adolescence, adulthood and old age) and in the different domains in
which they operate (human, cultural, educational, recreational,
employment-related, social and so on);

b) to optimize the efficacy of the processes of obtaining resources as
the only method by which full social integration of the group can be
achieved.

Moreover, among the ideas which provide the inspiration for what we
provide, we should highlight: specialization, inter-disciplinary services,
decentralization, complementarity with public administration, etc.  Not
forgetting, of course, another significant principle in our model of
offering services: that of "participation".  As the rightful beneficiaries,
the recipients of the services have to take an active part in the
decision-making which concerns the services offered by the
organization.  This participation takes the form of means to
strengthen their involvement in and control of the design and
operation of these services. 


IV. THE FORM OF THE SERVICES NETWORK


The system according to which the O.N.C.E. offers its services has
three levels: 

a) nationwide services: these are those which, because of their type
or the number of potential users, are provided for all.  These include
the Bibliographic Production Centers, Central Library, University
School of Physiotherapy, etc; 

b) intersectorial services: these are the ones which are provided to
complement the functions of the Primary Care Teams, the recipients
of which have to belong to the Territorial Delegations and
Administrative Directorates within a certain region.  Of this type of
service, particularly noteworthy are the five Centers of Educational
Resources and the Basic and Visual Rehabilitation Units; 

c) Sectorial services:  these are provided through the Territorial
Delegations and Administrative Directorates in the
geographical-administrative area assigned to them, whereby the
Primary Care Teams are the technicians in charge of providing them.

The purpose of the Primary Care Teams is to bring the provision of
services closer to the environment in which the recipients live and
ensure that this provision is effective, optimizing the resources used. 
These Teams are located in 33 Primary Care Centers, spread across
different geographical regions according to the number of members,
geographical surface area, etc. ...  They comprise different
professional people: psychologists, social workers, teachers,
socio-cultural and sports animators, basic rehabilitation technicians,
typhlo-technological instructors, etc.  Their role includes treating
individuals and organizing and implementing group activity programs
in different domains: education, rehabilitation, senior citizens, etc. ...

This system of operation to bring social services closer to the
members, a complete innovation in the services offered in our
country, is complemented by the action of specialized nationwide of
intersectorial centers.

In addition, and although we shall analyze these aspects at greater
length later on, it would be useful here to point to some figures to
give an idea of the true magnitude of what I have described,
indicating that the staff directly employed in providing these social
services is currently more than 2,400 professional people from
different disciplines, who are involved in the educational, social and
cultural sphere, etc. ... The majority of these people (69%) belong to
Specialized Centers (of education, rehabilitation, bibliographic
production, etc.) and the rest (31%) make up the Primary Care
Teams.

Furthermore, our Organization has set itself the on-going task of
increasingly improving the level of the services it has to offer,
earmarking a greater amount of resources to this.  For the present
year, these will exceed 170 million dollars, although this figure only
corresponds to what we might call 'net investment on social
expenditure', since that relating to covering the overall activities
carried out by the Organization, less payments of prizes and
salesforce, involved a budget for 1994 of almost 700 million dollars.


V. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES DEVELOPED


The O.N.C.E., with its sights on increasing the well-being and quality
of life of its beneficiaries, tries to cover the broadest scope of needs
on the basis of global and integrated activities, but concentrating on
its specific problem.  It does so, however, with a sense for the
subsidiarity involved in the integration of the visually impaired into the
community's social services and into all the spheres of life in society.

Service provision is divided into five major areas: Social Action,
Education, Culture, Typhlo-technology and Integration in the
Workplace.

1. Social Action:  The action developed in this area focuses mainly on
the prevention of blindness, personal autonomy, visual rehabilitation,
care of senior citizens and specific groups.

* Prevention

Blindness prevention measures undertaken by the O.N.C.E. basically
concentrate on the following areas:

-- Funding and development of studies and research on eye health;

-- Development of institutional cooperation agreements for the early
detection, diagnosis and treatment of visual conditions.

* Personal Autonomy

One of the O.N.C.E.'s key aims in providing services is to supply blind
and visually-impaired people with personal resources and training in
handling specific aids for orientation and mobility which will
encourage their adaptation and social re-integration.

To develop this service, there is a network of Primary Care Teams as
well as a Center and two basic Rehabilitation Units in Barcelona,
Madrid and Seville respectively, which develop different care forms
according to the individual needs of the person undergoing
rehabilitation and their environment.  Generally speaking, the total
number of people rehabilitated each year is over a thousand.

In addition to skills training in orientation and mobility techniques,
other complementary activities being carried out in this area aim to:

-- establish cooperation agreements with public institutions to break
down architectonic barriers in cities, as well as to design and provide
embossed city maps.

-- set up a training school for guide dogs.

As far as Visual Rehabilitation Services are concerned, the basic
objective is that people with reduced vision, should be able to make
the best of the vision they have and use it in their daily lives.  To do
so certain specific diagnostic and visual training techniques are
required, as is the availability and prescription of specialized technical
aids.

At the moment, this service is provided through a nationwide center
and seven visual rehabilitation units located in different geographical
areas, which were visited by more than 3,000 people in 1993.

* Care of Senior Citizens

Another line of action and one which is currently considered to be a
priority in service provision, is the care of blind and visually-impaired
senior citizens.

To promote and integrate this group in social terms, depending on
their social and physical situation, the principle services offered are:

a) home help service;

b) accommodation in homes for the elderly or sheltered homes;

c) integration in Day Centers, as well as Clubs and Social centers;

d) organization of subsidized holidays accompanied by specialized
monitors;

e) Financial help.

* Specific Groups

It remains to mention that in this area programs are developed in
cooperation with public administration (INSERSO (Spanish
Government Department for Social Services), Autonomous Regions,
etc.) aimed at blind people with other associated disabilities (blind and
deafness, mental handicap, etc.)  The actions evolved with these
groups particularly include those geared towards facilitating access
to educational rehabilitation programs, financial-assistance services,
as well as the co-ordination of the O.N.C.E. Foundation in matters
involving social and employment re-integration.

In the area of care for the deaf blind, diverse activities have been
designed for detection, care and specialist advice, organization of
recreational activities and group meetings, as well as the promotion
of association on the part of this group.

2. Education: The O.N.C.E.'s services in the field of education cover
the following years of learning: infant education, primary and
secondary education, further education, vocational training, university
education and permanent adult education.  At the current time, the
number of infants and schoolchildren being assisted by the different
activities on the educational program is 4,000. 

* Infant and Elementary Education

Care of the blind or visually-impaired child in its first years of life is a
priority.  Actions are aimed at:

-- caring for the child and its environment in a global way, involving
the family in the educational process;

-- carrying out coordinated actions with public institutions in the areas
of health, education, etc, for early detection;

-- increase possibilities for programs on orientation, mobility and skills
for daily use;

-- encourage teacher training in ordinary schools;

-- introduce new technology in education with
psychological/educational aims.

At the current time, there are five Educational Recourse Centers
which have qualified material and human resources to fulfil their
functions, as well as facilities for the development of diverse
complementary activities such as the bibliographic and teaching
materials production units, visual rehabilitation units, sports facilities,
etc.

If a child is educated in an ordinary school, the necessary technical
and material aids are provided through the Primary Care Team
network.  The professional staff of these teams:

-- give specific support to the pupil in curricular and complementary
materials; 

-- provide the class teacher with psychological/educational advice on
matter relating to the education of the visually-impaired (curricular
adaptation, teaching braille, etc.);

-- provide the schoolchild with textbooks and other teaching
materials.

*Vocational Training and University Education

Young visually-impaired people who wish to take vocational training
can attend ordinary schools or go to the O.N.C.E.'s educational
establishments in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville where they can
undertake the following activities:

-- monographic courses in telephony, stenography, piano tuning, etc.

-- secretarial studies, telematics, business management, languages,
radiophony, etc.

Likewise, the O.N.C.E. has a University School of Physiotherapy in
Madrid, which provides training in this specialty.  Young people who
wish to follow university courses (teaching, law, journalism,
psychology, etc.) have the support of the Primary Care Teams.

In general, the services provided at this educational stage are
primarily directed towards vocational training, supplying the
necessary materials, textbooks, adaptations, recordings ...), and
various type of financial assistance for studying, residence and
obtaining technical or specialized material.

* Permanent Adult Education

This service aims to wipe out educational deficiencies in the
population above school age (literacy, elementary education, ...) and
give impetus to training in certain areas such as music, language, etc.
... In the course of 1993, more than 2,300 people took part in the
activities carried out under this program.

3. Culture:  In this field the services offered aim to promote culture
and creative occupation of leisure time, basically covering the
following major subdivisions: Socio-cultural animation, Arts
Associations, Sports, Bibliographic Production and Arts Promotion.

* Socio-cultural animation

The aim here is to encourage active participation of blind and
visually-impaired people in the community, foster socio-cultural
integration and achieve full use of the cultural services available.  It
also promotes specific cultural programs: creative workshops, leisure
activities, self expression (films, videos, plays, etc.), typhlological
museum, etc.  In 1993, more than 70,000 people took part in more
than three thousand different activities organized through the
Socio-Cultural Animation Program.

* Arts Associations

These aim to promote musical-theatrical development among
members by means of a process of group participation, as well as
stimulating artistic-creative ability, furthering social integration and
developing mobility.

Rehearsals and performances are among its main activities, as are
participation in theater and musical shows, recording, etc.

* Physical Activity and Sports

The O.N.C.E. promotes sports along four clearly distinguished paths
and provides the necessary means for them: Physical Education,
Schools Sports, Grassroots Sports and Competition Sports.  Thus, in
1993 a total of 26 championships were organized, in which more
than 3000 people took part and 2000 members were enrolled in
competition sports.

The Inter-schools championships are held every year, as are many
local, national and international championships for adults in disciplines
such as athletics, swimming, skiing and so on.

The O.N.C.E. also promotes a special support program for Olympic
sports.

* Bibliographic Production

One of the basic purposes of the provision of cultural services is to
supply blind and visually-impaired people with the necessary means
to gain access to culture and in particular to books and periodicals in
braille and with sound recording.  These are carried out in the
O.N.C.E.'s two Bibliographic Production Centers in Madrid and
Barcelona, as well as its five teaching resources production units and
recently in the 33 centers in the provinces assigned to the Primary
Care teams.

These centers and units focus on the production of magazines and
books for students and professional people, works of literature and so
on.

At the current time, 26 magazines are published both in braille and on
soundtrack at different intervals.  They cover different subjects for:
children, young people, leisure and free time, music, sports, scientific
publications, economics, etc.

We are also working intensively on converting books produced on
computer media by publishing houses into braille.  This extends the
possibilities available in terms of quantity, speed and variety of
production, since agreements have been signed with important
publishing houses such as Anaya, SM and Aranzadi.

* Arts Promotion

A twofold aim is sought:

a) to ensure that the most favorable conditions are created for
developing Arts Associations, especially for music and theater (there
are currently 36 in operation, in which about 500 people are taking
part); these reach an audience of 100,000.

b) to promote blind artists and composers, and the creativity of all
those who show artistic tendencies. (At the moment, 10 plastic
artists and 35 musicians, with more than 15 exhibitions and about
100 concerts being organized each year).

4. Typhlotechnology:  The key aim in this field is to research, design
and promote the use of all those devices, supports and technical aids
and materials (braille printers, mobility walking sticks, light pens, etc.)
which will enable them to be more competitive in the job market,
more effective in their studies and ultimately to be more independent
in their daily lives.

The development of the various programs which fall under this area
are carried out through the Typhlotechnical Unit (UTT), it being the
thirty-three Primary Care Teams, Educational Centers and
Exhibition-Shops which are responsible for passing these services on
to the users.

5. Integration in the Workplace:  The aim of the O.N.C.E.'s actions in
the area of employment is that blind or visually-impaired people may
gain access to jobs, whether this be in the Organization itself or
outside, taking a variety of posts such as the sale of the lottery
coupon, telephony-telematics, physiotherapy, management, freelance,
etc. ...

In this respect, the action taken is targeted at vocational training and
job promotion, with services designed to:

--- achieve the professional rehabilitation in their jobs of those adults
who have lost their eyesight;

-- provide financial assistance for Vocational training courses, as well
as for job adaptation;

-- organize training courses for the management of small and
medium-sized enterprise on a periodic basis;

-- offer loans to support the professional and business initiatives of
members;

-- advise entrepreneurs or companies on the advantages of hiring
disabled people.


VI. SOLIDARITY WITH OTHER GROUPS


The creation in 1988 of the "O.N.C.E. Foundation for cooperation and
social integration of people with disabilities", to which, to date nearly
400 million dollars have been transferred, has marked the beginning
of a very important stage in this field, as is shown by the progress
achieved in the five main areas of action:

1. Job Creation:  With the chief goal of creating stable and dignified
work for disabled people, I can highlight the following:

a) The group Fundosa Grupo, S.A., a hundred per cent of the capital
of which is in the hands of the O.N.C.E. Foundation, was created as
a body to be instrumental in the professional management of business
projects, whether its own, or those of third parties, which create
employment.  Our aim is that the companies should be viable and
robust, and that the goods and services they produce, should be
competitive and socially useful.  This is the best way to guarantee
dignified, stable and lasting jobs.

b) Fundosa Grupo has a stake in more than 60 companies, has
created 33 Special Job Centers and its economic, financial assets
situation is very healthy. 

c) Agreements to create more than 4,500 jobs have been adopted,
more than 2,000 jobs at risk have been consolidated; about 900
occupational posts have been training/occupational courses have
been developed which have benefitted almost 1000 disabled people,
etc.

d) Overall, about 150 million dollars have been invested in this
employment policy, the social fruits of which have not been long in
coming.

2. Accessibility:  The second key aim is that of accessibility, which
involved the elimination of architectonic and communication barriers,
adapted means of transport, research and technical aids, since it will
be difficult to talk about social integration if the surrounding
circumstances in the physical environment prevent or severely
hamper disabled people from moving about and communicating.

A multitude of programs have been designed to eliminate these
obstacles; a variety of forms of assistance have been granted to
associations so as to purchase cars, vans and adapted buses, and
hundreds of technical aids, especially wheelchairs and apparatus for
the deaf; many major research projects have been set up which have
already delivered tangible results.

3. Conventions and Agreements:  We need to unite in our efforts and
social resources, and for civil organizations like ours to take on an
active role in co-operation and the proposal of solutions.  To do so,
from the point of view of co-operation and complementarity with
public administration, we have signed almost 200 conventions and
agreements aimed at making progress in this direction.

4. Social Promotion:  Efforts have been made to support the
associative movement with over 80 million dollars to finance projects
such as the building and fitting of residential and occupational
centers, conferences and technical meetings, cultural activities, sports
and social awareness campaigns, as well as supporting the
associations' activities and services.

5. Sports:  More than 100 sports projects have been supported for a
sum amounting to over 12 million dollars, and we have made a major
and exclusive effort to prepare our disabled athletes for the
Paralympics Team.

        VII. THE O.N.C.E. IN FIGURES (1994)


Number of members 42,000 people

Direct jobs more than 40,000 posts.

Coupon salesforce 21,500 people

(blind - 14,200 and with other disabilities - 7,300).

Coupon sales (1994 estimate) 2,720 million dollars

Solidarity fund with other disabled people (1994 
   estimate) 82 million dollars

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


          NEW SOUND AMPLIFICATION DEVICE

                 by Donna Hawkins
        Active Blind Inland Valleys Chapter


Knowing in advance that the members of our Active Blind Inland
Valleys Chapter are always interested in learning about devices that
make our lives better, I decided to share with them my new Sound
Director System by Audex.  This new assistive listening device has
enabled me to carry on a conversation in noisy and crowded places
like restaurants, meetings, etc.  Previously I had always been left out
of the conversation because I wasn't able to hear well enough to
separate all of the voices and the background noise.  At last I was a
part of things instead of being on the outside looking in.

When I took the device to the meeting and the members could see
immediately the difference it made for me, they wanted to know all
about it.  I demonstrated it and explained how it worked.  The Sound
Director consists of an infra-red receiver and a set of head phones, as
well as a small microphone.  It does just what the name says, the
microphone picks up the sound of the voices and directs them into
your ear.  The infra-red system filters out the background noises, and
the voices and conversation come in loud and clear. 

We passed the device around so that all of the members could see it. 
Many of the hearing impaired members tried it for themselves.  I was
happy to see that there was so much interest.  It is good to be a part
of a group that is interested in and concerned about new
developments for the blind, and people who are blind but also have
other problems.

Anyone interested in this Sound Director System or another assistive
listening device, please feel free to contact me and I will answer any
questions that I can.  My address is 222 N. Mountain Ave. 9, San
Bernardino, CA 92404; phone 909-886-6337.  The number to call
directly to AUDEX is 800-237-0716.  

I hope it will work for you as well as it does for me.

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


                  BULLETIN BOARD

                by Winifred Downing


From The Journal of Visual impairment and Blindness, July-August,
1994: VISA U.S.A. and the American Foundation for the Blind have
created a 60-minute audiocassette version of VISA's brochure, Credit
Cards, an Owner's Manual.  The audiocassette provides practical
information on credit cards--cost, rules and regulations, and card
holders' rights--and on personal financial management for persons
who are visually impaired.  The cassette may be borrowed from any
NLS network library.  If you do not know the location of your library,
call 1-800-232-5463.

From Update, July-September, 1994.  The Braille Development
Section of NLS has done a survey of sources for braille writer repair. 
Braille writers can be sent as free matter and can be insured.  Here
are the California repair services listed: 

   Leif Johnson, 75 Rio Vista Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611; 
510-654-3572.
   Herbert G. Hasemann, 7619  Oak Leaf Drive, Santa Rosa, CA
95409; 707-539-8481.
   Volunteers of Soledad, P.O. Box 686, Soledad, CA 93960-0686;
408-675-2411, Ext. 2186.
   Joe Bernal, Telephone Pioneers of America, 950 Country Club
Lane, Sonoma, CA 95476; 707-996-4214.
   Volunteers of Vacaville, Blind Project, P.O. 670, Vacaville, CA
95696; 707-448-6841, Ext. 2044.

Another highly skilled brailler repair man is:  Martin Bohlsen, 426-A
Avenida Castilla, Laguna Hills, CA 92653; 714-859-8283.  If you
must send your Perkins by mail, be sure you ship it in the original
Perkins shipping box.  This is the only container that is guaranteed to
bring your machine safely through the mail.  Your Perkins will still go
by free mail, but you will have to pay for insurance at the postoffice
(optional).  

From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, September, 1994: Seven four-
track, tone-indexed catalogs are available from Playback Marketing,
including: 1. jewelry, trinket boxes, and personal items; 2. household;
3. collectibles: bells, music boxes, and small figurines; 4. audio and
accessories, tools, items for the car; 5.  toys; 6. Christmas; and 7.
general catalog of more than 25 categories, some of which are drawn
from the other tapes.  Tapes cost $1 each, and the whole set of
seven costs $6.  Write in any format to Playback Marketing, 1308
Evergreen Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27530; 919-736-0939. 

From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, November, 1994: The American
Foundation for the Blind announces that it has sold its consumer
products/catalog sales business to the Lighthouse, Inc., which will
continue to use AFB's toll-free number 800-829-0500.  The new
address will be Lighthouse Consumer Products, 36-02 Northern
Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101. 

The Keitzer check-writing guide has been completely redesigned as
a multi-purpose guide.   The new guide simplifies the insertion of the
check and makes it possible to endorse checks as well.  Additionally
this guide can be used to purchase and cash traveler's checks.  The
guide uses plastic with a "living hinge" that will not break unless it is
abused.  The original design is still available for those who prefer it. 
The price is $9.  Contact Keitzer Check-Writing Guide, P.O. Box
491440, Leesburg, FL 34749; 994-326-3437. 

General Foods USA has eliminated the need to have someone read to
you the instructions on packaged food products with its new easy-to-
use braille booklet called Product Packaging Directions.  Included are
directions for products such as Kool-Aid and Tang beverages, Jell-O
desserts, Shake 'n Bake coatings, Stove Top Stuffing, and many
more.  Everyone who orders this booklet, at a cost of $10, will
receive at least $10 worth of General Foods product coupons. 
Contact National Braille Press, 88 St. Stephen St., Boston, MA
02115; 617-266-6160.  

Teresa Simon will read almost anything printed  in English onto
cassette.  She specializes in books, text materials for schools, and
instructional manuals.  She charges $6 per hour.  Contact her at
12400 Rojas, No. 80, El Paso, TX 79927; 915-859-3562.

Lisa Ostrow is an independent distributor of affordable light-weight
personal and home security products, including the PAAL, a personal
attack alarm that emits an ear- piercing signal to deter crime.  Send
$1.50 for a print catalog or $3.50 for a cassette catalog to Lisa
Ostrow, 55 Countryside Lane, Norwood, MA 02062; 617-769-4843. 

From Newsreel, November, 1994: Jim Rawls wonders how many
blind persons would be interested in audio tours made available on
cassette through a travel agency.  These might cover points of
historical interest, national importance, etc.  Write to him at 1046
Howard St., Covina, CA 91722; 818-332-2464.  Vacation
opportunities for blind persons are limited; this may be a new avenue
to investigate.  

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


            AROUND THE STATE AND NATION


TREMENDOUS!  EXCITING! WHAT TOOK SO LONG?  These words
were expressed by the 75 guests to Toscanalli Thomas, President,
Pyramid Chapter CCB regarding the luncheon his chapter hosted
December 17, 1994, in the "Penthouse" of the Airport Hyatt Hotel
Los Angeles.  The theme of the luncheon, "Awareness of Blindness",
brought the blind and visually impaired in the South Central,
Compton, Long Beach, South Bay together with state, local, city
officials, private organizations and friends to explore issues of
transportation, Americans with Disabilities Act, Employment and
Rehabilitation which affect our daily lives.  President elect Mitch
Pomerantz spoke to us briefly about the history of the CCB.

Pyramid Chapter President Toscanalli Thomas called the luncheon to
order.  Opening remarks by Presidents Holly Johnson, Lillian Scaife
and Mona Craig of the Compton, Long Beach and South Bay Chapters
respectively.  Sammie Haynes, "Old Negro Baseball League", started
the session with a speech about "Play and No Pay".

Keynote speaker Melinda Wilson, Assistant Director, Field Operations
Dept of the Rehabilitation Department, delivered a speech about
diversity and disabilities.  Keith Parker, interim staff affirmative action
officer, University of California/Los Angeles, discussed the impact of
the Americans with Disabilities Act on the blind; Betty Wilson,
Director, Office of Disabilities, City of Los Angeles, explained that her
office has established programs at Cal-State, Los Angeles, which will
benefit those with various disabilities; Robert Levels, Vice-President,
Los Angeles Taxi Co., discussed his company's proposal to provide
taxi service within the City of Compton and that vouchers are
acceptable; Joanne Townsend, Assistant Director, Willowbrook
Senior Citizens Center, County of Los Angeles, informed of the
transportation and other services at that facility.  The 6th Council
District was represented by Sharish Abdul-Waadi.  She discussed the
services and training available in her district.

The purpose of this gathering, according to Toscanalli Thomas, was
to bring the blind and visually impaired community in direct contact
with officials of the Cities of Los Angeles and Compton, supervisorial,
Congressional and Council Districts, so that a dialogue can begin to
make them aware that the blind and visually impaired and those with
other disabilities are their constituents and that services and training
must be made available to us, as they are provided for other
taxpayers.

                      * * * *

FOOD DISTRIBUTION by the membership of the Pyramid Chapter, on
December 19, 1994, in conjunction with corporate and local food
stores, distributed 20 food baskets to those in need.  Each food
basket contained a 15 lb. turkey, stuffing, assorted canned goods and
rolls. 

                      * * * *

THE CERRITOS VALLEY CHAPTER, CCB is holding its fourth annual
"Chili Feast" fund-raiser.  Saturday, April 22, 1995, at the VFW Hall,
Post 1746, 1032 South Street, North Long Beach, California.  There
will be many door prizes and lots of fun!  For more information call
Mary Lucia, Fund-raising Chairperson at 310-428-5219 or Cecilia
Dellon, Membership Chairperson at 310-633-4402.  Hope to see you
there from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

                      * * * *

THE SAN GABRIEL CHAPTER CCB is having its annual "All You Can
Eat" Pizza party, at the VFW Hall, Post 2070; 825 South Magnolia
Avenue, Monrovia on Saturday,  February 25, 1995, from 3 to 7 p.m. 
For further information about this fund-raising event, please contact
Vincent at 818-332-9362 or Keith at 818-794-4559.

                      * * * *

IF YOU'RE A COMPUTER USER and a recipe collector, you may want
to bring the two concepts together with the Talking Recipe Program. 
It's an exciting new computer program that lets you create your own
personalized cookbook on disk.  Using this program, you can maintain
a recipe database containing any number of recipes, limited only by
the size of your disk, and organize them into any combination of
categories, limited only by your imagination! The Talking Recipe
Program is not an adaptation of a program originally written for
sighted users; it was written from the start with the visually impaired
user in mind.  It works with your speech  synthesizer and screen
reader to provide an efficient, easy-to-use  talking interface.  Written
to be as hardware-independent as possible, this program will work
with most popular adaptive devices.

The Talking Recipe Program is available from Ann Morris Enterprises,
Inc.; 890 Fams Ct., East Meadow, NY 11554; 516-292-9232.

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


                   CCB OFFICERS


President:  Mitchell Pomerantz; 1344 North Martel Avenue, 102; Los
Angeles, CA 90046

First Vice-President:  Chris Gray; 549 Giuffrida Avenue; San Jose, CA
   95123

Second Vice-President:  Cathie Skivers; 836 Resota Street; Hayward,
   CA 94545
Secretary:  Kenneth Frasse; 8200 Lake Forest Drive; Sacramento CA
   95826-2958

Treasurer:  David Parker; 1600 Florida Street; Vallejo CA 94590

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


            CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE


Ruth Dean, Chair; 1535 Westgate Ave.  #4; Los Angeles, CA 90025

Dona Cook; 15545 Blackfoot Road; Apple Valley, CA 92307

Brian Hall; 5722 Abraham Avenue; Westminster, CA 92683

Bernice Kandarian; 2211 Latham St.  120; Mountain View, CA 
   94040

Maria Lopez; 3925 E. 6th Street; Los Angeles, CA  90023

Daveed Mandell; 2720 Del Monte Avenue; El Cerrito, CA  94530

Lee Morton; 4229 Loma Riveria; San Diego, CA  92110

Cathy Schmitt; 167 Rockwood Street; Irvine, CA 92714

Connie Skeen; 3250 Maple Avenue ; Oakland, CA 94602

Winifred Downing, Editor, ex officio; 1587 38th Avenue; San
   Francisco, CA 94122

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