               THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



             Quarterly Magazine of the

          CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND


Summer 1995                        Volume 39 No. 2


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 Winifred Downing
                 1587 38th Avenue
              San Francisco, CA 94122




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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.

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                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE editor's desk, by Maria E. Lopez  . . . . . . . . . . .1

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

SPRING 1993 CCB CONVENTION REPORT 
     by Gerard Rossi   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

DEMOCRACY 2000 by John V. Lopez  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE 1993-94--SESSION JUNE 1993 
     by Cid Urena  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

FEDERAL LEGISLATION 
     by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

TIDBITS FROM CTEVH CONFERENCE 
     by Juliet B. Esterly  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

EQUAL ACCESS TO THE PRINTED WORD IN SACRAMENTO 
     by Donald Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

BITTEN BY THE CHINESE GIFT HORSE 
     by Keneth Frasse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU 
     by Stanley Greenberg  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE 
     by Keneth Frasse  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE 
     by Cherrie Handy Pomerantz  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

REPEAL OF EARNING TAX FOR BLIND AMERICANS. . . . . . . . . . . 36

PROFESSIONAL BLIND WOMEN PRESENT AT NATIONAL
     AGING CONFERENCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

CCB RESOLUTIONS--SPRING 1993 
     by Mitch Pomerantz  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ALL NATIONAL DELEGATE ASSEMBLY--"ADVOCACY IN ACTION"
     by Mitch Pomerantz  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

MANUEL GONSALVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

BULLETIN BOARD by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

AROUND THE STATE AND NATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51




                   ------------
                 FROM THE EDITOR

                 by Maria E. Lopez

 months ago.  Thanks so much to Maria Lopez for her work on the
last issue of The Blind Californian and for all the guidance she has
given me thus far.  I could never to the work without her, and her
encouragement is both needed and appreciated.

Having been blind since I was 18 months old, I thought I knew a lot
about disabilities.  I could never agree with those who maintain that
blindness is just a nuisance, but becoming adjusted to it didn't seem
all that hard especially with all the programs and technical assistance
now available.  Well, since I have had the experience of breaking my
left arm, endured a good many problems with getting it healed, and
accepted the fact that it will never again function as the hand used
to do, I've learned a tremendous amount about what disability means.
I think I shall be a lot more understanding of the fear, the
discouragement, and the lack of self-confidence that I often see in the
newly disabled person.

Such an individual who reads this magazine, though, should certainly
experience hope; for the articles contained here represent a wide
variety of interests and abilities--issues pertaining to state and
national legislation, guide dogs and their owners, self defense, the
possibility of a radio program featuring news that would particularly
interest the blind, the retirement of an old and valued friend, and
much more.

As you read, please keep in mind what you can contribute from your
own experience or the life of someone you know.  Having most of the
articles in this issue contributed or prepared by CCB members
(especially those on the Publications Committee) makes me very
proud.  Keep up the good work, and be sure to tell me what I can do
to make the magazine better.  This is a brand new experience for me,
and I shall certainly need the help of our members to make The Bllind
Californian a publication you look forward to receiving.

The next deadline for articles is September 1, 1995.  If you send your
submissions in braille or on computer disk (WordPerfect 5.1), you can
mail them directly to my home.  If you send work in print, it should
be mailed to the CCB office.  The addresses are listed on the first
pages of this publlication.


                        SPRING1995 PRESIDENT'S REPORT

                by Mitch pomerantz

In my initial Memo to Members back in January, I stressed my total
commitment to continuing the democratization of the California
Council of the Blind which was begun by John Lopez during his term
as CCB President.  I also said that many more of you would be
called upon to help out in the grass-roots advocacy efforts of
this organization.  Little did I suspect back then that the
organized blind movement would face fundamental challenges to the
programs and services our predecessors so valiantly fought to
achieve during CCB's 61 years of existence.  I did know that two
things had to occur for the California Council of the Blind to
remain, and expand as a significant force for positive change in
the lives of blind and visually impaired Californians.

First: I was absolutely certain that we would have to begin the
process of coming together as an organization.  We would have to
stop thinking of ourselves as Northern Californians or Southern
Californians; as former members of NFBC or ACBC; Bob Acosta
supporters or John Lopez supporters; Chris Gray or even Mitch
Pomerantz supporters, for that matter.  If the healing process did
not begin immediately, we would ultimately see the demise of this
Council.

Toward the complementary goals of continuing the democratization
of the CCB, and bringing its disparate interests together, I have
appointed 121 members to CCB committees since January.  These
individuals are representative of all age and ethnic groups
geographic regions, visual acuities, political stripes, and
anything else I could consider in making committee appointments.
It may still be too early to judge whether this effort has been
successful.  Ultimately, though, it will not be me, but you who
comprise the 3,400-plus members of the California Council of the
Blind that will decide whether we are a more unified and cohesive
organization than in past years.

Second: I knew that every member of this organization would have
to become far more involved in CCB's advocacy efforts.  Given the
national political climate (more on that later), every individual
within this Council would be required to join the battle to save
what we already had and to fight for what we still need.  It was
imperative, therefore, that we "get back to the basics of
organizing and advocating on behalf of blind and visually impaired
people.  It meant then--and will always mean to me--that every man
and woman in this Council must assume personal responsibility for
the welfare of the organization and everyone within it.

Toward this goal--beginning with this morning's SSI
workshop--there will be at least one educational workshop or
seminar at every subsequent CCB Convention.  In the Fall, we will
hold a public relations workshop facilitated by a woman with over
20 years experience in getting disabled persons placed and
portrayed more realistically, both in films and the news media.

Other areas to be dealt with either at future conventions or in
regional meetings will be leadership development, hands-on
legislative advocacy, Americans with Disabilities Act training,
and other pertinent issues.  Please feel free to suggest possible
topics for such programs.  I, and the other members of the CCB
Board of Directors, will provide opportunities for every member to
become first-rate advocates on behalf of blind and visually
impaired people; it will be up to you to take advantage of those
opportunities.

What else is going on with the California Council of the Blind?
Let me touch on some of our other activities in the time
remaining.

At the present time, there are two significant threats to existing
programs and services for blind and visually impaired
Californians.  The first is the Department of Rehabilitation's (DR's)
appeal to the decision rendered by a Federal arbitration panel in the
Gina Martin case.  I hope that all of you heard the tape detailing
Rehab's appeal which I sent to chapter presidents.  This is the kind
of issue which, whether you are a vendor or not, affects each and
every one of us because it represents yet one more attack against
separate and unique programs and services for blind and visually
impaired persons.  To reiterate what I said on my last release:
Without exaggeration I tell you that this appeal poses the most
serious threat to the integrity of the Randolph-Sheppard Program in
my memory.  The California Council of the Blind will do whatever we
must to protect this important employment program for blind and
visually impaired people and we are currently reviewing our
options.

The second significant threat regards the Congressional stampede
to consolidate Title I of the Rehabilitation Act into a one-stop
career center.  This proposal--which is speeding through both
houses of Congress--would provide funding to states through block
grants and would do away with most specialized rehabilitation
services for the blind.  Here in California, the Employment
Development Department (the entity most likely to oversee this
"one-size-fits-all" service delivery system) is in the process of
holding public hearings around the state to get feedback on what
such a system should look like.  I will be at the June 8th public
hearing in Marina Del Rey and I intend to tell the Employment
Development Department (EDD) that without specialist counselors for
the blind at every career center, our unemployment rate--already three
times higher than for any ethnic minority--will grow even greater.
Better yet, I will propose that the Governor--who will have the
discretionary funding to do so--maintain DR as a separate entity and
permit specialized programs and services for the blind to continue.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, while there are many reasons to challenge
the level of service being provided by DR to blind and visually
impaired persons, there is one overriding reason to fight for the
Department's continued existence: service delivery would be orders
of magnitude worse under the kind of umbrella agency being touted
by the geniuses on Capitol Hill.  Please join me in advocating for
the specialized services we require in order to have the
opportunity to succeed in mainstream society.

Some other brief items: Sid Urena, our Capitol representative and
Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, continues to do his
usual outstanding job, particularly under very trying political
circumstances.  The other members of that committee have also
worked very diligently this year to forward our legislative
agenda.  With establishment of the Governmental Internship
Program, we hope to further expand our activities in Sacramento as
well as groom Sid's possible successor--when he retires in 10
years or so.

In late March, Sid and several others met with DeLaine Eastin,
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, regarding the future
status of the California School for the Blind.  Our
representatives came away from this meeting encouraged by Ms.
Eastin's commitment to maintaining the integrity of CSB and to
involving a blind consumer in the selection process for a new  School
Administrator.

We have, at long-last, reached a settlement in the Muni lawsuit.
Those of you in the Bay Area by now should have received
information on how to obtain a modest monetary award for the
blatant violation of your civil rights you have experienced as
Muni passengers.

Speaking of legal matters: CCB is currently assisting one of our
members who was summarily removed from a tour after a very minor
fall.  I believe that her civil rights were seriously infringed
upon and she now has the services of an old colleague of mine who
is one of the pioneers in the disability-rights field.  The tour
director will shortly learn a very painful lesson.

The California Connection is now available in Spanish on a
full-time basis.  After some initial glitches, I am pleased to say
that the system is up and running.  Please spread the word to our
Spanish-speaking compadres.

As you heard last night if you attended the Board meeting, it may
be necessary to take our thrift store manager, Bill Ashe to
arbitration for what we believe is a material breach of his
contract with us.  This breach occurred exactly three months after
negotiating an amendment to the existing agreement.  We hope that
Mr. Ashe will--to use the legal jargon--"cure the breach";
however, we must protect our interests by insisting that the terms
   of his contract--both the spirit and the letter--with the CCB are
fully met.

In conclusion, I have learned during the past five months just how
difficult, time-consuming, and--most definitely--rewarding the job
of CCB President can be.  Because I work full-time, it has been
necessary to call upon many of you--Board members, Chapter
presidents, and others--to assist in performing some duties which,
in past years, might have been carried out by the President.  I do
not apologize for this; in fact, it would seem to go along nicely
with the idea of democratizing this organization.  Without
exception, those of you whom I have called upon have responded
most positively.  I want to specifically mention the Officers:
First Vice-President Chris Gray; Second Vice-President Kathie
Skivers; Secretary Kenneth Frasse; and Treasurer David Parker for
their assistance during the first five months of my presidency.
In addition, a very special and sincere "thank-you" to Barbara
Parker and Marni Alvino for helping to smooth over the inevitable
rough spots since January.  They have both been wonderful!

Ladies and gentlemen, with your continued support, input,
and--yes--constructive criticism, I, and the other members of the
Board of Directors will do whatever we must to maintain the
California Council of the Blind as the largest, most influential,
and most successful disability rights organization in any state in
this country.  Thank you all, very much!


                   WINDOW PAINS

                  by Connie Skeen

Several months ago I attended a Microsoft Windows workshop
featuring one of the growing number of screen readers developed for
the graphical user interface (GUI) environment.  The experience
prompted me to share some of my thoughts and concerns about this
perplexing issue.  Most of us who are computer users live with the
uneasy feeling that we will, at some point have to inevitably leave the
comfort zone of text-based programs and drag ourselves kicking and
screaming into the dreaded GUI world.

Armed with the determination to bravely face the GUI monster with
an open mind, I arrived at the Rose Resnick-Lighthouse Technology
Center promptly at 9:00 a.m., eager to learn as much as possible
about Microsoft Windows.  Despite my resolve, I was ill-prepared for
the alarming array of busy screens cluttered with pull-down menus,
mysterious button bars, ribbons, scroll bars, icons, symbols and, of
course, those annoying, unavoidable dialog boxes.  What did it all
mean?  Beside the keyboard lurked that ghastly little creature, the
"mouse", a gadget indispensable to sighted computer users but
absolutely useless to those of us who can't see the screen.  I felt as
bewildered as a small child on the first day of school.  However,
believe it or not, I along with the five other blind participants
struggled through the two-day seminar miraculously unscathed.  To
the credit of our skillful instructor who also happens to be blind, I did
manage to gather a general sense of what Windows is all about.

Nonetheless I came away feeling betrayed.  In recent years, blind
computer users have been able to work in a mainstream environment,
sharing workloads and competing on an equal basis with sighted
peers.  However, unless certain vital access issues are solved, the
advent of GUI-based systems such as Microsoft's Windows 95 will
set us back ten to fifteen years and have devastating consequences
for those of us whose employment is dependent upon computer
technology.  Many of you will recall--as I do--the difficult days of
silent screens, buzzing Optacons and sore shoulders.  Pull-down
menus and easy-to-recognize icons are so intuitive that a sighted
person, having no prior knowledge of computers, can begin using
windows-based programs almost immediately.  Yet the very tools that
make these programs so popular are the stumbling blocks for blind
users.  Developers of screen readers are doing their best to untangle
the multitude of intricate access problems inherent in such an
undertaking, but it may be years before we have products that work
as efficiently as the current crop of text-based speech access
programs.  What happens in the meantime?

MEMORIZING SHORT-CUT COMMANDS--A PARTIAL SOLUTION

The good news is, it is not impossible (as i had imagined) for us to
begin using graphics-based programs albeit in a slower, more
laborious manner.  Most screen readers developed to date for the GUI
environment--although not perfect--do provide some accessibility and
means of screen navigation.  But the best answer is to make frequent
use of shortcut-key commands to accomplish tasks normally done via
pulldown menus and the mouse.  This approach may not be a total
solution by any means, but it gives us a place to start while the
problems of speech and braille access are being worked out.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

1.  Write major software developers such as Microsoft Corporation
and Novell, expressing your concerns.

2.  Work on legislation to keep technology accessible for blind
persons.

3.  Obtain demo copies of the speech access programs currently
being developed for the GUI environment.

4.  Keep abreast of the latest technology by joining a computer users
group, taking classes at your community college or reading as much
as you can about Windows-based programs.    Recording for the Blind
and National Braille Press are good sources of information.  There is
an excellent introductory tutorial called "Opening Windows" available
from the American Printing House for the Blind put together by Doug
Wakefield, the familiar voice on the ever-popular "Talk To Me"
Tutorial SERIES.  Call 1-800-223-1839 for details.


PROPOSAL: A WEEKLY RADIO
NEWS AND INFORMATION MAGAZINE
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

by Daveed Mandell

I am a blind radio journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. For
some time now, I've been thinking seriously about launching a
disability issues news and information service on Public Radio.

It would be a highly produced half-hour magazine show, aired
weekly, providing news and information on legislation, civil rights
and accessibility concerns, consumer needs of disabled people, a
technology corner, rehabilitation and social security guidance, and
much more.

Our aim would be not only to inform but also to stimulate dialog:
sharing problems and solutions.  We'd stay away from
sensationalism: about how amazing or unfortunate is our lot.

Patterned loosely after similar radio programs produced by the
British Broadcasting Corporation, the show would be filled with
concrete resources, ideas, commentaries and advice.  We wouldn't
shy away from controversial topics.  Reports, features and other
program elements would be of the highest journalistic quality, and
we would hope to involve as many disabled people as possible in
the show's production.

We believe the media have either ignored or exploited the nation's
43 million Americans with disabilities for far too long, and it's time
we were accorded the same respect and coverage given to people
of color and women.

Public Broadcasting occasionally uses our so-called plight for a
token human-interest report or program.  Such treatment is
insulting and unwarranted.  We should expect and demand fair and
constant coverage of the issues we're concerned about:  namely,
the discrimination, the lack of accessibility, and even the downright
hostility we face wherever we turn, when we do everything we
can to insure that our civil rights are protected.

How many reports have you heard lately on Public Radio about the
70 percent of working-aged people with disabilities who are
unemployed or underemployed? What about the men and women
who can't work, because they have no accessible transportation to
get to and from their jobs?
Why is it that most printed information is completely inaccessible
to this country's blind and partially-sighted people?  Have you ever
asked yourself what it's like for millions of disabled Americans who
can't even use the toilet in many businesses and public
accommodations?

Did you know that the Social Security Administration has been
working for several years now to find ways to rehabilitate the
disabled people on its rolls by incorporating more work incentives
into the system, and providing more effective training facilities and
programs?  The problem is that it's still studying the matter and
spending lots of money on research, rather than on assisting
disabled people.

When was the last time you heard about American Disabled for
Access  to Public Transportation (ADAPT), the American Council of
the Blind (ACB), the National Association of the Physically
Handicapped (NAPH), the National Association of the Deaf (NAD),
the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), or other civil rights
organizations of disabled people on Public Radio?

Can you remember when you've heard any mention of the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the independent living
movement, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the
National Council on Disability (NCD), the Disability Rights
Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), or the World Institute on
Disability (WID)?

There are several fine programs for women and people of color on
Public Radio, such as Crossroads and Horizons?  It's time for Public
Radio to recognize people with disabilities as a valid minority under
U.S. law.

We'd like to collect letters as evidence of the need for a news and
information service for disabled people in this country.  Your
interest is appreciated. Please tell your friends, colleagues and
disability groups.

In addition, please send your thoughts and ideas to Daveed
Mandell: 2720 Del Monte Ave.; El Cerrito, CA  94530-1508.
Many thanks to all.


             OUR DEAF-BLIND COMMITTEE

                 by Mary Gillespie

The California Council of the Blind Committee for Deaf-Blind is
somewhat different from the majority of special interest groups.
We work with a smaller number of people, and it is our sincere
hope that we contribute valuable assistance to those in need.  As
chairperson I am very pleased with the committee.

When this group of workers for the benefit of the deaf-blind was
first organized in  1988, we set certain goals.  We continue to try
to reach them, and we have seen the need to expand them.

We began to realize that a surprising number of blind and visually
impaired persons have hearing problems of varying degrees.  At
our committee meetings, some of these people have come to us for
help.  They want ideas on how to cope, suggestions for tactical or
technological aids, resource information and, at times, just plain
moral support.  We try to supply all we can.  If we don't have the
information they need, we seek it till we find it and then pass it on
to those who asked.

The members of this group have a wide background of experience.
Some are deaf-blind and some hearing impaired themselves.
Others provide information on employment and/or training help.

Occasionally we have a speaker who shares with us.  At our spring
convention this year, Ellie Wong described her work with disabled
children and her years as a volunteer at the North Figueroa
Complex for the Deaf and Deaf-blind.  At the fall convention, plans
are made to present a workshop and demonstration of equipment
for blind and hearing impaired as well as for deaf-blind.  The
presentation will be given by Rustie Rothstein, regional
representative of the Helen Keller National Center in Sands, New
York.  We would like to invite you to join us to share your
information and experiences or needs.


  CONFERENCE OF THE AFFILIATED LEADERSHIP LEAGUE
OF AND FOR THE BLIND OF AMERICA

                    BY Ken Metz

We came!  We learned the issues!  We spoke to our Congress
persons!  Did we conquer?

The 1995 conference of the Affiliated Leadership League of and for
the Blind (ALL) was held from Saturday, March 18 through
Tuesday, March 22, 1995 in Washington, D.C. at the Capital
Holiday Inn.  A delegation of 16 CCB memberS was in attendance
to speak with our 53 congressional representatives and 2 senators
or their aides and to leave with them helpful information packets.
What we had to say pertained to extremely important issues
affecting the lives of blind and visually impaired persons in
California and throughout the country.

Since the position papers from the ALL Conference are being
printed in this issue of The Blind Californian, I shall provide just a
brief synopsis of the issues and my perception of what we hope
we accomplished.

The Conference began with the ALL Board of Directors meeting on
Saturday afternoon before many of the delegates had arrived.  We
were later warmly welcomed at a banquet Saturday evening.  This
event provided us with an opportunity to meet everyone who was
in attendance and to become motivated to do the work which lay
ahead.

Sunday morning began the seminars dealing with the issues on
which we would be concentrating.  A very important one pertained
to the linkage in benefits between senior citizens 65-69 years old
and blind recipients of social security disability.  See the position
papers following this article for more details.

The second area discussed was the Randolph-Sheppard Act.  The
program has been re-examined and changed over the years in a
vain  effort to create more positions for blind persons in the
business enterprise program.  In recent years, however, Various
Federal and State agencies have actually put food services out to
bid even to fast food vendors in direct contradiction to the terms of
the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

The third issue of importance concerned the "Information
Superhighway".  While we may think this area pertains just to
computers, it really goes much farther than that.  It will affect blind
persons in obtaining cable tv services, and it already creates
problems with ATMs.  One story we heard told of a cable tv
company informing a blind person that,  since he didn't see the
picture, he didn't need to worry about improved services.
Fortunately, the response was that if the blind person were using
only 25 percent of the cable services, and if the cable company
wasn't concerned with providing full access in the future cable
boxes, the blind individual should be required to pay only 25
percent of the monthly service fee.

The fourth issue covered pertained to a proposed "one Stop Job
Shop" for all training programs including Title I of the rehab act.
Again we are concerned that the special needs of blind and visually
impaired persons will be ignored or diminished.

We ended Sunday afternoon with a short ALL business meeting in
which our own Allen Jenkins was reelected for a second term as
ALL President.

There were discussions pertaining to the above subjects so that
our delegation was well informed when we had our appointments
on the Hill Monday and Tuesday.  The appointments I myself had,
along with those I attended in small groups, seemed to be most
positive.  I felt that we were given ample time in most cases to
express our concerns to staff members of our Congress persons.
In some instances we were able to speak directly with the
representative themselves.  Everyone seemed to be most attentive
to what we had to say, took many notes, and were genuinely
interested in our positions.  I found that when we could allude to
things like a slate and stylus, a braille lite, or a laptop computer,
we were demonstrating what technical advances really mean to us.


Monday evening we had our last dinner together and shared our
experiences of the day.  This gave other ALL participants not
having appointments until the following morning a most positive
feeling.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Allen Jenkins for the
wonderful job he did as ALL President, and especially to President
Mitch Pomerantz for allowing me to represent the CCB as one of its
delegates.  A big thanks goes out to the entire team for putting
together a program which I hope will have a long-lasting positive
effect on the lives of many blind and visually impaired persons.


                1995 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR

(Editor's Note: These are the position papers developed by the
Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America.  They
were presented at the ALL meeting March 18-22 in Washington
D.C.  They contain the information presented to the legislators
when the ALL members visited them.)

           THE RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD PROGRAM

THE RANDOLPH-SHEPPARD BLIND VENDING FACILITY PROGRAM
MUST BE
PROTECTED AND IMPROVED

BACKGROUND:  For nearly sixty years the Randolph-Sheppard
Blind Vending Facility Program has provided job opportunities and
has developed independence, empowerment, and entrepreneurship
for thousands of blind Americans.  In 1974 the Randolph-Sheppard
Act was revamped and strengthened, with the expectation that the
number of vendors in the program could double within five years.
Instead, there are about the same number of vendors today as
there were 20 years ago.

Randolph-Sheppard vendors by law are accorded a priority to
operate on all federal property.  Income from vending machines on
such property is provided to the program.  State licensing
agencies administer blind vending operations, selecting sites for
facilities and providing technical and business assistance, among
other services, to blind vendors.  Federal agencies in control of
federal property are mandated by law to provide for vending
facility operations in full cooperation with states, vendors, and
the Rehabilitation Services Administration which oversees the
program at the national level.

In recent years the Blind Vending Facility Program has been
neglected by the federal government.  Some federal property
managing agencies have resisted full implementation of the
Randolph-Sheppard Act, and have even exhibited hostility toward
the program.  Blind vendors are finding it increasingly difficult
to compete with modern cafeteria operators and fast food
franchises.  With the downsizing of the federal government, blind
vendors are losing customers.  The program must be revitalized.
Federal responsiveness to the requirements of the law must be
radically improved.  The Justice Department, as well as the
Education Department, must recognize and embrace the spirit and
intent of the law.  States and vendors must work together to
modernize the program.  The Rehabilitation Services
Administration must take a vigorous national leadership role.

ALL POSITION:  The key to federal agency compliance with the
Randolph-Sheppard Act and regulations is strong leadership from
the Department of Education, backed by the highest administration
levels.  In addition, the Congress should be concerned that its
intent is not being followed by departments and agencies of the
executive branch.

The Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind of America
(ALL) strongly endorses the efforts of national blind vendor
organizations and state licensing agencies to forge change and
improvement in the Randolph-Sheppard Program.  ALL urges the
Congress in its oversight capacity to demand that all agencies of
government comply with the spirit and intent of the act.  ALL
further urges the administration, through the Domestic Policy
Council and other appropriate staff of the Executive Office of
the President, to support firmly the primacy of the Department of
Education Rehabilitation Services Administration, in
interpreting and administering the Randolph-Sheppard Act.

Information Resource on this Issue: Robert R. Humphreys
National Administrator and Counsel, Affiliated Leadership League of
and for the Blind of America, and Legal Counsel,
Randolph-Sheppard Vendors of America; Telephone:  202-
298-8151


 TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY ACCESS FOR THE
BLIND
          TO THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY

BACKGROUND:  One of the major initiatives of the Clinton
Administration in the 103rd Congress was the launching of an
"information superhighway" the planned national, regional, and
ultimately global, network of electronically transmitted information
on a vast scale.  Computers, modems, the Internet and other
networks, all have burgeoned without planning or design to
accommodate special needs for access by people with disabilities.
Prior to the introduction of technologies such as electronic
graphics, text-based technologies had provided equalizing access
for the blind.  The nation needs to plan now for continued access
by the blind to emerging technologies.  As Congress, the executive
branch, industry and consumer groups formulate legislation and
other strategies for a planned information superhighway, it is vital
that these plans take into consideration both barriers to, and
expansion of opportunities for, blind and visually impaired people.

So-called "graphic user interfaces," or GUI, are integral elements of
high technology information sharing and display, but these
represent significant barriers to the blind.  The use of image-based,
rather than text-based, methods of storing and displaying electronic
information creates artificial obstacles, as do heat or touch-screen
input mechanisms such as are found at automatic teller machines
and information kiosks.

If new methods of creating alternate information input and output
formats for blind and visually impaired people as integral parts of
the information superhighway are not researched and developed,
these populations will be left out of the information stream.  This
means they ultimately will be further isolated from interaction with
the entire society, and will be disadvantaged in education and
employment.  A wall of separation, though inadvertently created,
would cause severe and irreparable damage to blind individuals'
opportunities for independence, equality, and empowerment.

ALL POSITION:  Whether there will be broad initiatives considered
by the 104th Congress to plan and develop the information
superhighway is uncertain at this time.  If and when such
legislation emerges, plans must include consideration of the
requirements of people who are blind and visually impaired.  It is
vital that all equipment and networks used for telecommunications
are designed to be fully usable by individuals with vision and other
impairments.

Congress should establish a priority for affordable access by blind
people and others with disabilities to advanced telecommunication
services and information services as part of a definition of universal
service.  Such a priority should include assurance that network
services and equipment needed to obtain and use electronic
information are fully accessible and useable by blind and visually
impaired people.

Information Resource for this Issue
Alan Dinsmore, Government Relations Group, Telephone:
202-457-1487

Mark Richert, National Industries for the Blind, Telephone:
703-998-0770


  JOB TRAINING PROGRAM CONSOLIDATION LEGISLATION

SPECIALIZED SERVICES AND AGENCIES FOR THE BLIND MUST
BE PRESERVED

BACKGROUND:  The Congress is considering legislation that would
consolidate some 160 federally authorized job training programs
into a single block grant to the states.  The Chair of the Senate
Labor and Human Resources Committee, Nancy Kassebaum (R-KS),
is taking the lead on this legislative initiative.  The consolidation
concept is very likely to be enacted in some form during the first
session of the 104th Congress.  It is anticipated that the
Kassebaum bill will include the block granting of Title I of the
Rehabilitation Act, the State Formula Grant Vocational
Rehabilitation Program.  Although the details of the legislation are
sketchy at this time, it is expected that the Disability Policy
Subcommittee will help formulate the provisions of the block grant
bill relating to vocational rehabilitation programs.

A new "one-stop shopping" job center concept has been
associated
with the block grant idea.  The concept, being tested through
Department of Labor grants to select states, provides either a
single point of contact intake mechanism for job seekers, or
multiple contact points for all employment related services, from
workers' compensation, to general job training, to rehabilitation.

It is vitally important to the future of services to people who are
blind and visually impaired that any job training program
consolidation legislation protect both categorical services and
specialized agencies from being homogenized, and thus destroyed.
Generic rehabilitation services are inadequate for people with some
disabilities, and specialized services often must be provided by
specially trained professionals.  People needing vocational
rehabilitation services who are blind and severely visually impaired,
for example, must have the benefit of thoroughly trained
instructors in orientation and mobility and in adaptive technology
evaluation.

ALL POSITION:  Congress should not include the State Formula
Grant Program under Title I of the Rehabilitation Act in the pending
job training program consolidation legislation.  Vocational
rehabilitation is not just another job program.  It is a complex,
individually tailored set of comprehensive services offered through
trained rehabilitation counselors by a variety of service providers.
Vocational rehabilitation is a system which has evolved over 75
years; it must not be thoughtlessly destroyed out of a desire for
consolidation.

Within the vocational rehabilitation system are a network of
services and service providers for people who are blind and
visually impaired.  These can never be replicated by a generic job
program.  Nor can the specialized personnel and services uniquely
required by this segment of the disabled population be replaced by
generalists and nonspecific services in vocational rehabilitation
programs.

If Congress nevertheless sees fit to include the Vocational
Rehabilitation State Formula Grant Program in the job training
program consolidation bill, then it must safeguard the specialized
services, personnel, and agencies for the blind which are so
necessary to the education, employment, and independence of this
population.

Information resource for this issue:
Patricia Beattie,Director of Government Affairs, National Industries
for the Blind, Telephone:  703-998-0770

Alan Dinsmore, Government Relations Group, American Foundation
for the Blind; Telephone: 202-457-1495


       ISSUES IN THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE
INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (iDEA)

BACKGROUND:  The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) is the basic federal statute which ensures the provision of
special education services through a free and appropriate education
to students with disabilities.  Many of the program authorities in
IDEA expire on September 30, 1995, and must be reauthorized.  It
is likely that these authorities will be extended without change
through 1996, but the Congress will examine the need for
legislative changes during the spring and summer of 1995.

The Department of Education has developed a draft "vision paper"
designed to stimulate policy discussion about potential changes to
IDEA.  Among other things, the Department's paper proposes a
consolidation of 14 discretionary grant programs in Parts C through
G  of IDEA, currently funded at an annual level of $250 million,
into five programmatic authorities:  (1) Research and
Demonstrations; (2) Technical Assistance and Systems Change; (3)
Technology Development and Support; (4) Parent Training; and (5)
Professional Development.

The department's concept for addressing the needs of children
with low incidence disabilities is to provide a minimum floor
amount for discretionary funding for all five discretionary
authorities equal to current appropriations for categorical
disabilities; that is, current funding for programs addressing
specific disabilities such as blindness, deaf-blindness, and visual
impairment categories would be "grandfathered" at fiscal year
1995 levels.

No legislation reauthorizing IDEA has yet been developed either in
the Senate or the House.  An administration bill is expected to be
introduced sometime this year, following the circulation of a
second draft of the "vision paper."

ALL POSITION:  It is the consensus of the membership of the
Affiliated Leadership League of and for the Blind that categorical
services, specialized personnel, and funding for programs
specifically serving blind and visually impaired children must be
maintained and, when possible, expanded.  Without strong,
permanent protections in law, we are very concerned that such
services, personnel, and funding will
inevitably be weakened and eroded.

We urge that any legislation reauthorizing IDEA, and any related
policy enunciated by the executive branch (1) include orientation
and mobility services in the definition of "related services" in
Part A; (2) include "specialized schools for children who are blind
and visually impaired" in the definition of "special education"; (3)
target funds appropriated for personnel preparation to areas of
greatest shortage, especially the preparation of teachers of visually
impaired students; and (4) preserve for blind and visually impaired
children a continuum of services which, for an individual, may
include a residential setting, resource room, or self-contained vision
classroom, or appropriate supports for children placed with their
non-disabled peers in a regular classroom.

Information resource on this issue:
Kathleen Megivern, Executive Director Association for the
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
(AERBVI); Telephone: 703-548-1884


    SOCIAL SECURITY LINKAGE MUST BE MAINTAINED
      IN LEGISLATION DESIGNED TO INCREASE THE
 SOCIAL SECURITY EARNINGS LIMITATIONS FOR RETIREES

BACKGROUND:  As part of the Republican "Contract with
America," the Senior Citizens' Equity Act was introduced as one of
the first ten major legislative initiatives.  As of Wednesday, March
14, the bill had been through the Social Security Subcommittee
and the Ways and Means Committee and reported to the Floor as
part of the overall tax bill, H.R. 1215.  The original Senior Citizens'
Equity Act was designed to "raise the Social Security earnings limit
which currently forces seniors out of the work force, repeal the
1993 tax hikes on Social Security benefits and provide tax
incentives for private long-term care insurance to let older
Americans keep more of what they have earned over the years."

The original bill had, and the current bill H.R. 1215 has, a
provision that would disrupt the linkage of earnings which
determines Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for people who are
blind and under age 65 with the earnings limitations, before any
offset, for retirees age 65-69.  Current law, section 223(d)(4) of
the Social Security Act, has tied the SGA earnings exemptions for
blind persons to that of retirees since 1977.  If legislation as
proposed is passed without change, it means that the ceiling on
earnings exempt from the determination of benefit levels for
retirees would continue to rise for retirees, but the SGA ceiling for
blind beneficiaries under age 65 would be frozen.  This would
result in an additional disincentive to work for blind citizens, a
condition that was established by Congress in order to encourage
people to seek and maintain employment.

The provision in H.R. 1215 that would break the earnings level
linkage between retirees and people who are blind is section
501(b).  That section needs to be removed from the proposed
legislation.  We wish to encourage people who are disabled by
blindness to seek employment, or higher levels of employment, not
create another disincentive.

ALL POSITION:  Every national organization of and for the blind,
including the Affiliated Leadership League, opposes any legislative
effort to disrupt the linkage between retiree and blind earnings
exemptions in the Social Security Act.  The retention of that
linkage will continue and enhance an incentive to work that has
benefitted blind people since 1977.  That incentive benefits both
the individual who is blind and society at large.

Information resource for this issue:
Glenn Plunkett, Program Associate, American Council of the Blind;
telephone: 202-467-5081



  UNITED STATES CURRENCY ACCESSIBILITY COALITION

There is a push, in this session of Congress, to make the United
States currency tactually identifiable by the blind and visually
impaired.  The draft legislation and title given to this effort is: the
United States Currency Accessibility Act of 1995 (USCAA of '95).


The U.S. Currency Accessibility Coalition is a lobbying
coalition which consists of such organizations as the American
Council of the Blind, the Blinded Veterans of America, Lions World
Services for the Blind, Randolph-Sheppard Vendors and several
state and local blind organizations.  The overall goal of this
initiative is for Congress to direct the Treasury Department,
through legislation, to make U.S. paper currency tactually
identifiable to the visually impaired within a certain time frame.  In
March of 1994, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing
commissioned the National Academy of Science, National Research
Council, to execute a study entitled "Currency Features for Visually
Impaired People."  This recently published study, which explores
methods of making the currency accessible, is part of a continuing
effort put forth by the Treasury Department to solve the currency
usage problems.

Blind organizations, treasury officials, currency experts worldwide
and the U.S. Currency Accessibility Coalition were consulted and
participated in the study.  The National Academy of Science
concluded that the needs of the blind could be better served if
further study on specific changes such as size, color and tactile
marks be initiated.  In short, the problem of inaccessible currency
has been reconfirmed, but a specific solution is still vague.

In 1983, a lesser study of the problem was shelved because no
answer was found "cost effective."  Today, a great opportunity is
at hand for a solution to be implemented.  The Treasury
Department is currently redesigning the currency to stifle
counterfeiting problems.  While security changes are advocated, a
window of opportunity is now open to address and resolve the
problem of currency identification.  Should this window close
without changes for tactual identification, it is uncertain how long
it will be before such an opportunity will surface again.  It is only
appropriate that with the spirit of the ADA about, any
modifications to U.S. currency should consider the visually
impaired community.  The USCAA of '95 will add the mandate of
Congress to direct the Treasury to finally resolve this problem.  A
tactual currency bill will instruct the experts at the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing to follow through on the recommendations
of the study rather than give them the option to ignore the initiative
that has begun, which has happened in the past with other studies.


Besides being helpful to the blind and visually impaired, a tactual
mark can serve other purposes, such as being an additional
counterfeit deterrent.  The National Academy of Science
accessibility conference was part of an overall counterfeit
modification study and any modifications will be considered in that
context.  There are also possibilities in industry for simple
technology that can use a mark as an orientation device used to
sort bills electronically instead of by hand.

The blind and visually impaired for far too long have been omitted
from independent use of United States currency.  The problem of
identifying between different denominations of currency is one that
is real and urgent.  By solving the currency identification problem,
the United States will come up to par with a score of other
countries around the world that have included their blind
populations in currency usage.

Efforts such as the USCAA of '95 are possible when people unite
to see that they are fulfilled.  A grassroots movement with people
calling and writing representatives from their home districts is
needed.  The help that the USCAA of '95 will get by support in the
home districts will be immeasurable here in the Beltway.  Along
with other critical blind issues to be lobbied for, let this one be the
newest.  We hope that, together, identification of currency will no
longer be a problem and a new sense of financial freedom will at
long last be granted to the blind and visually impaired.

Information resource on this issue:
J.F. Oschwald/Cherie Hendricks, 5990 Richmond Hwy. 1206,
Alexandria, VA 22303;Telephone: (703) 960-1559


      DRAFT LEGISLATION CURRENCY ACCESSIBILITY

SECTION 1.  SHORT TITLE

This act may be cited as the "United States Currency Accessibility
Act of 1995".

SECTION 2.  FINDINGS AND POLICY.

(a)  The Congress finds that--

(1)  The Federal Reserve Notes of the United States are
inaccessible to individuals with visual disabilities,

(2)  The Americans with Disabilities Act enhances the
economic independence and equal opportunity for full participation
in society for individuals with disabilities.

(b)  Policy-- The currency of the United States shall be designed
and
produced so that it is tactually identifiable, thereby enabling
individuals with visual and other disabilities which limit their
ability to read print to independently use all denominations of
currency.

SECTION 3.  FEDERAL RESERVE NOTES REQUIRED TO BE
ACCESSIBLE.

(a)  Requirement--  The Secretary shall develop a design for
Federal Reserve notes and a method for producing such notes, so
that such notes are tactually identifiable.

(b)  Implementation--  All Federal Reserve notes which are
issued after the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this Act shall be tactually identifiable as
required by paragraph (a) of this section.

(c)  Definitions--  "Secretary" means the Secretary of the
Department of the Treasury.


                  BULLETIN BOARD

                   by Ruth Dean

Newsletter.  The March Matilda Ziegler describes "Exchange
Unlimited" as a lively bimonthly newsletter for the visually
impaired that contains technology, funding and grant information,
how-to's, shopping tips, gardening, letters to the editor, reader
ideas, pet briefs, cooking, poetry, and free advertising for
subscribers.  Formats available are large print, four-track tape, or
IBM 3-1/2-inch double density diskette.  The cost is $20.00 a
year.  Send check or money order to:  Exchange Unlimited, Box
314, Cook, NE  68329; 402-864-2113.

Matilda Ziegler New Address.  The Matilda Ziegler Magazine has
moved to: Room 304, 80 Eighth Ave., New York, NY  10011.

Tapes for Adults Only.  Honey Pot Publications, 238 75th St.,
North Bergen, NJ  07047, 201-662-0956, is described in several
publications as having 40 sexually explicit books on cassette tape,
for adults only.  One-cassette books are $6.00; three-cassette
books, $15.00.  Send a self addressed, stamped envelope for a
free print catalog, or $.50 with no return postage for a cassette
catalog.

Technology Funding Advice.  "Financing Assistive Technology"
explores technology issues relating to people with disabilities and
how to find funding.  Steven Mendelsohn edits the bimonthly
newsletter, which is available in print, tape, DOS diskette, e-mail,
and fax.  The annual subscription is $39.00 for individuals and
$45.00 for groups.  Order from:  Smiling Interface, P.O. Box 2792,
Church Street Station, New York, New York  10008-2792, or call
415-864-2220.  This announcement is from the Matilda Ziegler
Magazine for March, 1995.

Several new books are advertised is the new catalog from National
Braille Press.  A Writer's Reference is more substantial than Strunk
and White's The Elements of Style and is a book for the nineties.
It is used in over a dozen courses at Harvard.  The slightly
abridged braille version is $21.00.  New books on computers
include:  DOS 6.2 Quick Reference, three braille volumes, $9.99;
and Windows from the Keyboard, five braille volumes, $16.95.
Embraced by the Light, $7.99, is Betty Eadie's account of her
near-death experiences.  In the Kitchen with Rosie, $14.95,
contains fifty favorite recipes created by Rosie Daley, Oprah's
cook.  This two-volume book contains such recipes as black bean
and smoked chicken soup, un-fried favorites such as crabcakes,
and sweet potato pie.  National Braille Press is located at 88 St.
Stephen St., Boston, MA  02115; 617-266-6160.

Support Group.  The April, 1995 Matilda Ziegler Magazine
describes Out of Sight Friends as a support group on cassette
where blind and visually impaired people share their successes and
failures at coping with blindness.  They also share information on
all kinds of resources, products, and services.  To join, or for more
information, write to Out of Sight Friends, 610 B Ave., Vinton, IA
52349;
319-472-2393.

Equipment Matching Service.  Barbara Mattson runs the Used
Equipment Clearinghouse, which "matches" someone who wants
to buy a piece of equipment with someone who wishes to sell a
piece of equipment.  Contact her in print, braille, tape, or any size
IBM diskette at 519 E. Main St. No. 8, Spartanburg, SC  29302
803-585-7323.  When calling, leave your full name and address,
along with information concerning the item(s) you wish to sell or
buy.

According to the Descriptive Video Service information line, dated
May 10, 1995, the most recent DVS movies are:  Battle of the
Bulge, $19.95; Geronimo and the Apache Resistance, $19.95;
Midnight Ramble, $19.95; America and the Holocaust, $19.95;
and FDR, $69.95, a four-part boxed set.  Call 800 333-1203 for
further information or to order DVS videos.


"GRAND OPENING NEWS"

(This article appeared in the Winter/Spring issue of Outlook, a
publication of the Rose Resnick Lighthouse for the  Blind in San
Francisco.)

The evening of February 23rd was the beginning of both an era and
a tradition for the Rose Resnick Lighthouse.  Brought together to
celebrate the merger and the move and all they represent, the Board
of Directors and staff took the opportunity to acknowledge those who
made it happen.

At an elegant reception for 90 at the new building, donors to its
reconstruction were thanked with a plaque which will hang in the
entry of 214 Van Ness Avenue.

Later after dinner at quietly trendy Ivy's Restaurant, the assembled
group honored the first recipients of the annual award The Lighthouse
hopes to give to leaders in the blindness movement.  This year the
honorees were Winifred Downing of the California Council of the Blind
(CCB) and Gil Johnson of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
West.

"We want to give the award to people in the field who have made a
difference--that will always be the criteria," explained Anita Baldwin
"and this year, as a tie-in to the Opening, we also want to recognize
people who helped to get us where we are now."

As a long standing member of the Board of Directors, Winifred
certainly qualifies.  Her work as President of the San Francisco CCB,
advocating for change and improvement in the community, means
she has positively affected the lives of many people.

Gil was on staff at the Lighthouse for several years as both Director
of Client Services and Acting Director in the 1980's.  Today as
Director of AFB West, he is leading AFB's national initiative on
employment issues in the blindness community.

The next morning, on what might have been an uneventful two-block
walk from his office to the ribbon cutting ceremony at RRL, the Mayor
of San Francisco had something of an adventure.  Frank Jordan
donned an airline sleep mask and submitted to an orientation and
mobility lesson down Van Ness Avenue.

Led by Paul Heidhues, a seventeen-year old camper from Enchanted
Hills Camp, Mayor Jordan learned about maneuvering stairs and
listening to traffic.  One such street was the always busy Van Ness
Avenue, where the Mayor and his guides ended up on the island
between lanes, waiting for the next light to change.  City traffic waits
for no one!

As if to reward him for arriving safely, Rose Resnick presented Mayor
Jordan with a plaque (in print and braille) before they untied a giant
red ribbon to officially open the building.

After breakfast and a tour of the facilities, the guests went away and
the RRL staff turned their attention to final preparations for Phase III:
the Open House.

For all the planning that went into being "Under One Roof,"  no one
could have imagined the nearly 500 friends and associates packed
beneath the one at 214 Van Ness at the Open House.  From the
bright yellow front doors to the back wall of the Bothin Room, they
celebrated in every space and corner that the first floor had to offer.

Tours of the building left every half hour from the elevator, while
across the way The Store and the Tech Center attracted a lot of
interest and attention.  Tray upon tray of finger foods donated by
local restaurants filled four tables lining the back of the main hall.

Over the socializing of the crowd, one could hear the entertainment.
All of the performers, who are blind or visually impaired, volunteered
their talents for the event:  a guitarist, a  vocalist, a magician, and
two piano players.  One of those pianists just happened to be Rose
Resnick herself, who performed several peppy numbers.

Just next to the stage were the silent auction tables which offered a
wide selection of bidding opportunities.  Dinner out, weekends away,
special private tours of Bay Area landmarks, and antiques from across
the seas were among the possibilities which brought in over $3500
in support of RRL and all its services.


     AWARENESS: OUR FIRST LINE OF SELF-DEFENSE

           by Millicent Collinsworth &

                    Lisa Gaeta

Since the publication of information about Project Blind Ambition in
the last installment of The Blind Californian, our office phones have
been ringing off the hook with calls from various Chapters of the CCB
asking for training.  It is both our goal and our desire to provide
training to any and all who are interested.  However, finding
sponsorship for this program is tedious and time consuming.  Please
understand that we have neither forgotten nor ignored your requests.
We are in the process of seeking the required sponsorship that is
necessary in order to bring our staff to your area to train your
members.

In the interim, we will be sharing with you excerpts from our PBA
Basic Course Workbook.  These articles will help you develop
techniques to protect yourself even if you haven't yet had the
opportunity to participate in our Blind Ambition Self-Defense Program.

The first line of self-defense is instinct.  We each carry within us this
personal alarm system.  The biggest challenge is allowing yourself to
trust your own feelings, especially when they are based on fear.  We
encourage our students to explore their instinctive feelings; learn
more about them, trust them, and they will become a powerful guide
to your personal safety.

Fear will evolve into awareness with practice and attention.  Once an
individual has moved from fear to awareness, instincts become better
tuned, thus allowing you to move through life in a more secure
manner.  An aware individual will make decisions based on needs and
wants, rather than fear and insecurity.  Awareness can be a lifesaver.

The following are common sense tips that can help you to develop
awareness.

              awareness in the Home

1) List only your initials and last name in the phone book, on
mailboxes, doors, etc.  If you live alone, list another name along with
yours.

2) THINK before you leave your name, address, or phone number in
public view or give out information regarding your daily routine.

3) When you go on vacation, let a friend know when you leave and
when you plan to return so someone is aware if you are missing.  If
you are to be gone more than a week, have your mail held at the post
office.

4) Even if you are totally blind, use lights at all entrances inside and
out.  An automatic timer can be helpful.

5) Even if you are totally blind leave lights on in various parts of the
house if you will be coming home after dark.  Again, automatic timers
will activate lights, radios, etc.

6) If you come home and think someone may have been inside or may
still be there, don't enter.  Go to a neighbor's house and call the
police.

7) Don't depend on your guide dog for more than an alarm if you
have a prowler.  Prowlers are often prepared to deal with dogs.  If
you hear a prowler, turn on all outside lights and call the police.  Alert
your neighbors.

8) Keep your curtains closed and shades down at night.

9) Beware of casual acquaintances who visit unannounced.  Many
rapists know their victims and plan the time of their attack.

10)Ask for identification of all service personnel before opening the
door.  If you have not requested service, ask for the phone number
and name of the dispatcher; then call the office to verify employment.
If you have any doubts, don't open the door.

11)Don't allow your children to open the door.

12) Don't leave extra house keys in obvious places like under
doormats, in flower boxes, or above the door.  Leave keys with a
neighbor or manager.

13) Don't allow a stranger in the house to use the phone, regardless
of the emergency.  Offer to make the call for the person instead.

14) When you are home alone, have packages left outside.  Don't
open the door unless you know the delivery person.

15) Don't depend on a chain on your door.  Call through the door to
ask for identification.

16) Close and lock all doors and windows, even if you go tothe
neighbors or make a quick trip to the store.

17) Have someone describe the outside of your home or apartment
building.  Be aware of places attackers might hide, both inside and
out.  Have someone trim bushes and shrubbery around windows and
doors so that no one can hide in them.

18) Be alert when riding an elevator.  Stand next to the control panel
so that stop buttons cannot be pushed and so that you have access
to emergency buttons and phone.  Don't get into an elevator if you
have any doubts about the person inside.

19)Don't spend unnecessary time alone in apartment building laundry
rooms.

20) If you are considering a burglar alarm, check with the local police
department on home security first.

                         ?Awareness on the Phone

1) List your name in the phone book with initials and last name only.

2) If you live alone, don't give your name on the outgoing message
of an answering machine.  Give your phone number only, but not
names such as yours and your guide dog.

3) Be wary of telephone surveys.  Don't participate in any survey that
asks anything personal.

4) Don't tell strangers that you are alone or anything regarding the
extent of your blindness (like partial or total).

5) Hang-up immediately on obscene calls.

6) If you receive a call that seems to be a wrong number, don't
volunteer your own number.  If the caller requests it, ask what
number he or she was trying to reach, then verify the wrong number
without giving out your own.

7) Keep emergency phone numbers handy.

             Awareness on the Street

1) Keep your mobility skills well honed.  Cane skills should be kept up
to par even if you are a dog user.

2) Be assertive in your walk, using a firm steady pace.  A passive or
fearful walk gives an image of vulnerability and sets you up as the
easy target the assailant needs.

3) Plan your route in advance.  Walk in well traveled areas.  Avoid
bushes, alleys, vacant lots, entry ways, and short-cuts through
deserted places.  Try to vary your route if possible.

4) Keep a secure grip on your purse.  Don't allow it to dangle.  Wear
shoulder bags with a strap across the body and the purse hanging in
front in your pelvic area (not at the side of your hip).  Keep fasteners
and zippers closed and any openings close to your body.  However,
if you are threatened by a demand for your purse, GIVE IT UP.  Don't
choose your purse over your own safety.

5) If you wear a fanny pack, keep the pouch directly in front of you,
not to the side or back.

6) If you wear a back pack, don't keep money or valuables inside of
it.

7) Don't allow yourself to be forced or threatened into a car.  Beware
of cars that pull up to you.  If a driver asks direction, don't get close
to the car.

8) Never accept a ride from strangers.

9) When using public transportation, sit toward the front of the bus,
as close to the driver as possible.  Be aware of people getting off the
bus with you.

10) If you carry a personal safety alarm, wear it around your neck,
not on your wrist.  Don't let your alarm be in prominent view.

11) If possible, try to walk in the center of the sidewalkas opposed
to being close to walls and doorways.

12) When spoken to, turn your head toward the sound.  By tracking
a person's voice a blind person can appear more aware.  If you are
being "interviewed" by a potential assailant, that individual will be
looking to see if you respond in an alert manner.


    HIGH DESERT CHAPTER UPDATE, April 28, 1995

                 by Dona A. Cook

Like many chapters, we are continuing to try to improve our
community in which we live.  Starting in 1994, our chapter worked
with the local transit authority to record and tone-index the fixed
route bus schedule onto tape.  This proved to be a worthwhile fix to
those who use the system and is not limited to just the visually
impaired.  The transit office has agreed to offer these tapes free of
charge to anyone who is print impaired.

The necessity of reading services was at the top of our agenda.
Therefore, with the help of six successful fund-raisers, we were able
to hire a reader.  The readers job consists of writing out checks to
pay bills, filling in applications and reading mail.

Additionally, we formed and have maintained a successful blindness
support group and fun day;  each offered once a month.

Some of our goals for 1995 will be to establish a phone number to
access our local newspaper, to work with TV Guide for the purpose
of establishing the programming schedule in accessible format and to
provide the Victor Valley Mall with tactile and braille directories.

With dedicated chapter members and perseverance, we will
accomplish our goals!


                OUT OF THE DOGHOUSE

                   by Lee Morton

Greetings to all BC readers!  After a brief rest, "Out of the Dog
House" is back in print.  Ken Metz and I will share the responsibility
for this column.  Ken is president of Guide Dog Users of California
(GDUC) and I am second vice president.  I thought that our first
article would be an update of GDUC.  I will include things we have
been working on and give you an idea of some of our concerns for
the future.

It was my pleasure to have participated in Guide Dog Day at the state
capitol this last April.  Several CCB members, representatives from
the three California guide dog schools, and members of the State
Board of Guide Dogs for the Blind all took part.

Guide  Dog Day of 1995 was totally different from previous events.
For the first time, we held a reception and a dinner the night before.
This gave us a chance to meet the press and plot strategy for the
next day.  We currently are not sponsoring any guide dog legislation;
however, we felt for this year it would be a good opportunity to thank
both the legislature and the governor for past support.  In the morning
we presented a representative from the governor's office with an
award thanking the governor for signing into law three bills of ours.
The rest of the day was dedicated to visiting offices of our state
legislators and thanking them.  The government officials we met were
surprised to see people thanking them for their efforts and not asking
them for a favor this time around.  I'm sure that the positive PR will
help us in the future when we will need support for legislation.

For those of you who thought that your closest contact with Hawaii
would be watching reruns of "Hawaii 5-O, take heart.  You may be
going there sooner than you think.  A bill is currently making the
rounds through the Hawaii legislature that would exempt guide dogs
from the state's quarantine.  We will, of course, keep you informed
as things happen.  You can also rest assured that both GDUC and our
national organization, Guide  Dog UserS Inc. (GDUI) are committed to
opening up our fiftieth state to guide dog users.

Another item on GDUC's agenda is to work toward more consumer
representation on the boards of directors of the three California guide
dog schools.  Two of the schools are making progress and have
several blind people on their boards.  One school, however, is lagging
behind.  It is far too easy for boards of directors to lose contact with
the people they are serving if there is no representation from the
consumer.  GDUC will be working on legislation to turn things around
and involve the blind community in the decision making process
concerning the schools.

These are just some of our concerns.  I would certainly be interested
in your ideas.  I look forward to meeting you all at GDUC
conventions.  Feel free to drop me a line at 4229 Loma Riviera Lane,
San  Diego, CA 92110.  Either Ken or I will keep you informed of any
late breaking news of importance to the guide dog user community.


                  AL GIL RETIRES
             AFTER 38 YEARS OF SERVICE
                   TO THE BLIND

                  by Connie Skeen

A festive and light-hearted atmosphere dominated the gathering of
over 125 people at the Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany on
the evening of April 26.  People came from all parts of the state to
celebrate the retirement of Alfred Gil, rehabilitation counselor for the
blind for over 38 years.  After a delicious Mexican banquet featuring
enchiladas, tamales, guacamole, rice, beans and salad, complemented
by the music of a rousing mariachi band, the microphone was passed
around and friends, colleagues  and relatives reminisced and wished
Al well.

Those of us who have attended convention banquets have been
regaled time and time again by the unforgettable humor and wit of Al
Gil.  Yet Al has a serious side too.  For years he has served the blind
community in various ways.  He began his career as a Counselor-
Teacher for the Blind in the late 1950's in the city of Los Angeles.
In 1979 he assumed the position of Rehabilitation Counselor at the
Orientation Center for the Blind in Albany.

His work at the Center involved arranging for the admission of clients
to OCB, working out room assignments for students, supervising
dorm counselors, teaching a class in Blind Law and counseling newly-
blinded studentcookcooks.  He also frequently traveled around the
state, visiting rehab districts, recruiting prospective students and
answering questions about the center.  In addition he arranged for
new rehabilitation counselors for the blind and counselor teachers to
receive training at the Center.

 As one of his colleagues put it, "He's the glue that kept the place
together.  They'll find someone else to fill his job, but not his shoes."
Despite the multitude of responsibilities, Al says he never considered
his job at OCB to be work because it was tremendously fulfilling and
he had fun doing it.

Throughout the years Al has been a prominent member of CCB,
serving on numerous committees and for several terms as a member
of the Board of Directors.  After his retirement he plans to continue
working hard for the Council, especially in the area of Governmental
Affairs.

When he isn't busy with volunteer activities for the Council and
perhaps other community service, he hopes to pursue a part-time
career in the travel industry.

Congratulations, Al, and enjoy your new life!


    THE DISABLED RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND THE BLIND:
                WHERE DO WE STAND?

                   by Dan Kysor

It was with much sorrow that disabled groups met in Los Angeles for
meetings one day after the death of Ed Roberts, founder of the
Independent Rights Movement and the World Institute on Disability.
While CCB and many blind organizations were present to share in the
annual CSUN conference on technology, I was representing CCB at
the State Independent Living Council, (S.I.L.C.), the statewide
advisory group to rehab and the governor with respect to independent
living centers.  Two new centers were approved by the council,
bringing the total number of independent centers in California to 34.
A discussion occurred concerning "Dime-net", a statewide computer
service similar to CCB NET, which would link these centers into an
information exchange to promote advocacy.

Rehabilitation's new chief lawyer, Joe Eagon, discussed the council's
conversion to a non-profit corporation.  This new arrangement
appears to have been necessary because of the governor's concerns
over budget expenditures out of his office.

the accomplishments of Ed Roberts, former director of the
Department of Rehabilitation, were reviewed during the SILC session;
and one minute of silence was observed in his honor.  As with our
blind movement from Newell Perry to our current leaders, Roberts
demonstrated in the 1970s that disabled people were not simply bed-
ridden hospital patients but rather vital contributing members to
society who could organize into a political action group.  Roberts'
original organization of other disabled persons within Cowell Hospital
in Berkeley formed the basis of what we now know as the
Independent Rights Movement.

Although the blind have differed in many ways with the Roberts
approach to blind rehabilitation and the lack of inclusion of blind
history in Roberts' model of the Disability Rights Movement, we can't
help respecting the struggle of all disabled people to gain
independence and equality.

Our differences with the independent rights movement arise from the
fact that blind people have specific needs and that a generic approach
to their needs assessment has caused these individuals to receive
minimal, non-standardized services.  An example is the recent
advancement of the department's "order of selection" regulations.  A
close reading of these regulations shows them to be rather
contradictory.

Article II of the regulations, for instance, states that there are seven
factors upon which the order of selection for vocational rehabilitation
services cannot be based.  Item 2 states that the type of disability
may not be used in determining eligibility; however, the regulations
seem to be based on assessing one's disability or disabilities after
eligibility.  According to the regulation, "assessment," for the
purposes of order of selection for vocational rehabilitation services
only, means a systematic method of setting a numerical value within
the significance scale as a means of quantifying the impact of the
limitations presented by an individual's disability considered in a full
range of environments.  This assessment takes place after an
individual has been determined to be eligible for services from the
Department of Rehabilitation.

Thus it appears that the blind would fall fairly low on the numeric
scale and would be placed in the "disabled" category stated in the
assessment.  The regulation defines "disabled" as follows:

(A) "Disabled" means an eligible individual: (1) whose disability has
no serious impact in any functional capacity area; (2) whose
vocational rehabilitation is not expected to require multiple vocational
rehabilitation services; or (3) whose vocational rehabilitation is not
expected to require an extended period of time.

The regulation goes on to define "severely disabled" and "most
severely disabled" which clearly places the blind at the bottom of this
order of selection.  So it isn't any wonder that now, more than ever,
we as blind people must have a separate division of the blind to
insure and improve our services and, of course, not lose the services
we now have.

It is interesting that an infrastructure within the disability rights
movement to promote advocacy, which seems to me to be a term
used for political action, is being propagated by SILC,  Rehabilitation,
and the ilc's with the end result being adoption of policies such as
Order of Selection.  It is important for us to maintain our access to
SILC and keep our ear to the ground within the disabled community;
for in the final analysis, there are times we must stand together and
times we as the blind must stand for ourselves.



                LEGISLATIVE REPORT

                   by Cid Urena

Again, this will be perhaps my shortest legislative report ever as I plan
only to report on SB181 and ACR 11.  If you are interested in the
other issues brought up on convention resolutions, please refer to the
last issue of The Blind Californian.

SB181 by Senator Ruben Ayala, is jointly sponsored by the CCB and
JAC (Joint Action Committee).  The purpose of this legislation is to
protect special education funds from being misdirected into areas
having nothing to do with education.  This bill has passed the senate
floor and is waiting to be assigned a committee on the assembly side.
SB181 provides the following definition:

(1) Existing law defines "low incidence disability" for purposes of
provisions of law pertaining to special education and related services
as a severe disabling condition, including vision impairments, with an
expected incidence rate of less than 1% of the total statewide
enrollment in kindergarten through grade 12.

This bill would provide that, for purposes of the definition of "low
incidence disability", vision impairments do not include disabilities
within the function of vision as set forth in a specified provision of
law defining "specific learning disability."

(2) Existing law defines a "visually impaired pupil" for purposes of
provisions of law pertaining to individualized education programs for
those pupils.

This bill would provide that the aforementioned definition of "visually
impaired pupil" does not include a pupil who is eligible for special
education based on a specified learning disability identified pursuant
to a specified provision of law.

ACR 11 by Assemblyman Fred Aguiar, sponsored by the CCB, is in
response to Resolution 94-B-12 at the Fall Convention.  This
resolution is waiting to pass the Assembly floor.  The good news is
that it is on the consent file.  This indicates that at this time there is
no opposition.
ACR 11 would direct the Division of the State Architect to notify all
designers and manufacturers of braille tactile signage who contract
with the state that the requirements for braille tactile signage in
California are in some cases more stringent than the requirements of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Nevertheless, the products sold
in California must comply with the California Building Standards Code
and the Division of the State Architect shall appropriately notify all
state agencies that regulate or purchase braille tactile signage of the
braille signage requirements of the California Building Standards Code.

Last but not least, I am attaching a letter from Senator Henry J. Mello
to the Senate Office of Research (with a copy to me).  This document
is self-explanatory.

"May 19, 1995

Elisabeth Kersten, Director
Senate Office of Research
1020 N Street, Room 565
Sacramento, CA 95814

SUBJECT:  THE FEASIBILITY OF A DIVISION FOR THE BLIND WHICH
COMBINES ALL BLIND SERVICES INTO ONE PROGRAM

Dear Ms. Kersten:

I am writing to request that the Senate Office of Research (SOR)
prepare a study detailing the feasibility of the Department of
Rehabilitation creating a separate Division for the Blind which
combines all blind services into one program.  It is my hope that SOR
can research programs in other states that already have a separate
division for the blind, and determine whether these programs offer
improved services to the blind.

This request stems from a conversation i had with Ysidro ("Cid")
Urena, the Capitol Representative to the California Council of the
Blind.  Cid had requested that the Senate Health and Human Services
Committee carry legislation that would create a Division for the Blind
within the Department of Rehabilitation.  The Department was
opposed to the idea as they claimed it would be too expensive.  The
Committee chose not to author a bill this year.  However, if it were
shown that a separate division improved services to the blind, this
study might persuade the Department of Rehabilitation to support
legislation to create a separate division.

With this goal in mind, please answer the following questions:

1.
When blind services are organized under one program, is the
rehabilitation of persons who are blind more effective than when
programs for the blind are merged with programs for all other
disabilities?

2.
If the above is answered in the affirmative, do persons who are blind
receive: a higher percentage of employment?
generally more and higher quality services?
a higher starting income when employed?

3.  Assuming that services for the blind are separated from the
generalrehabilitation services, is that format generally as cost
effectiveas delivery systems that are organized under one program?

I appreciate your assistance in researching this issue.  If you have any
questions regarding this request please call Samantha Dardick of my
staff at 445-5843.

Sincerely,

HENRY J. TIM
Senate Majority Leader"


Again, I wish to thank all members for the support you have given me
up here in Sacramento in the form of letters and other means you
have taken to contact your legislators.  Don't forget to call the
California Connection for weekly legislative updates: 800-221-6359.


     MUNI TO MAKE CHANGESON BEHALF OF DISABLED

                by Harriet Chiang
          Chronicle Legal Affairs Writer

(From the Chronicle San Francisco Bay Area, May, 9, 1995)

San Francisco Municipal Railway drivers will be required to call out
major intersections, transfer points and requested stops as part of the
settlement of a suit brought by blind passengers who claim that they
have been discriminated against by the public transportation system.

The agreement announced yesterday also requires Muni to safeguard
the edge of platforms to prevent passengers from dangerous falls and
to provide training for drivers and information operators on the needs
of blind and visually impaired passengers.

While not admitting any wrongdoing, the city also agreed to set up a
$75,000 fund for blind Muni passengers who have been discriminated
against.

The settlement was approved yesterday by San Francisco Superior
Court Judge Carlos Bea.

"We think it's a great victory for the community," says Lainey
Feingold, litigation director of the Disability Rights Education and
Defense Fund.  The group filed a class action suit in 1993 charging
Muni with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"The changes may not seem dramatic," Feingold said, "but if you put
yourself in the place of a blind person, it's really the difference
between being able to travel on public transportation and not being
able to."

Much of the settlement is already in force, prompted by the pending
suit, according to Feingold.  "There have been improvements since
we filed the law suit," she said.

Muni spokesman Alan Siegel said drivers are already required to call
out major stops and transfer points, and some have been disciplined
for failing to make the announcement.


            AROUND THE STATE AND NATION

Robert Larson
2467 Homestead Road,
Santa Clara CA  95050
408-985-2843
Due to my failing health, I find I must sell much of my adaptive
equipment.  I am offering for sale (including shipping in the
continental United States) the following items:
THIEL Beta X3 Terminal and Braille Embosser #TBX 8343 and #TBX
8639 with manuals, 6 and 8 dot Braille, graphics.
130 cps.  Like new.  Original cost $16,000 each.  Asking price
$6,000 each.

EPSON DFX 5000 Printer with 15" carriage.  Can handle two types
of forms with a press of a button.  The printer does it all
automatically.  Original cost $2,000.  Asking price $600.

EPSON DX35 Printer with extra daisy wheels and ribbons.  Original
cost $650.  Asking price $125.

DECTALK Speech Synthesizer stand alone with serial cable.
Original cost $4,000.  Asking price $950.

SPEAQUALIZER Speech Synthesizer for IBM PCs with computer card,
control box with speaker, earphone jack, and 19-key keypad and
cable.  Original cost $809.  Asking price $175.

VOTRAX Speech Synthesizer, Model 200B, has both serial and
parallel ports. Original cost $500.  Asking price $125.

ECHO PC External Speech Synthesizer.  Original cost $200.  Asking
price $75.

IBM XT, two 10 mb hard drives, two 5.25 floppies, Intel 386
accelerator card on internal circuit board.  Includes ARTIC
210 Speech Synthesizer card and software.  $275.

BRAILLE BIBLE, King James,  Complete Old and New Testament;
Grade 2 Braille, 16 volumes.  Original cost $450.  Asking price $200.

                   *  *  *  *

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Fresno, California, has been selected as
the 1995 site of the National Church Conference of the Blind, July
23-27, at the downtown Holiday Inn Center Plaza Hotel.  A full gamut
of activities is planned for the five-day conference  featuring noted
speakers participating in Bible studies sessions, seminars, and
workshops.

Tours of the Greater Fresno Area will provide glimpses of historical,
agricultural and recreational interest.  A special after-conference tour
has been arranged for Friday, July 28, when attendees will journey to
the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine  Railroad for an outing on that
historic train.


Volunteers from local churches, Kiwanis clubs, and Telephone
Pioneers will be on hand assisting at the meetings, fellowship, and
social events.  Special entertainment will be provided on Thursday
evening following the banquet.

The Conference, now in its 43rd year, is a non-denominational
organization open to blind and visually impaired individuals.  Sighted
persons are also welcome to attend.  For further information, contact
Gerard Rossi 818-584-0665 or Rodger Dyer, 818-309-1559
conference co-chairmen.

                   *  *  *  *

The Women's Concerns Committee of the CCB is seeking women
who are interested in receiving a bi-annual round robin newsletter
dealing with women's issues.  If you wish to be placed on the mailing
list, please send your name and address with a brief note expressing
your interest in the organization to:  Margie Donovan, 565
Arastradero Road  #103, Palo Alto, CA  94306.  We are also seeking
articles for this newsletter.  If you would like to contribute an article,
please send it on a two-track cassette tape to Cherrie Pomerantz,
1344 N. Martel Avenue  #102, Los Angeles, CA  90046.  For further
information please feel free to call Margie Donovan during the day at
415-221-4810, Ext. 2813 or evenings at 415-493-7776.

                   *  *  *  *

BIG IMPROVEMENTS IN PACIFIC BELL'S BILL: Pacific Bell customers
with disabilities who receive free Directory Assistance will be mailed
a survey which asks, "How would you like to see a big improvement
in your Pacific Bell bill".  Pacific Bell is conducting this survey to help
determine the number of customers interested in receiving bills in
Large
Print, Braille or on Computer Disk.  When you receive your
survey, please return the postage paid stub with your preference
marked.  Let Pacific Bell know how you want your bill!

                   *  *  *  *

STATE OF CALIFORNIA HOTLINE: If you have any problems with an
agency, a retail product, a repair bill, etc., the state of California has
help waiting for you.  When you call 800-952-5210 a real person will
answer the phone.  You will not hear "Press 1 now, press 3 now,"
and you will not be on hold for 20 minutes.  The operators are
friendly and helpful.  So if you have a problem that you have been
unable to find help for, give this 800 number a try.

                   *  *  *  *

EYE CARE HELP FOR SENIORS: The National Eye Care Project,
sponsored by the Foundation of the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and state ophthalmological societies, provide medical
eye care at no cost to individuals who meet the following
requirements: 1) U.S. citizen, 2) 65 or older, 3) no access (read that
"cannot afford the cost) to a previously seen ophthalmologist."
Participating ophthalmologists bill Medicare or the patient's other
insurance and accept that amount as full payment.  For those without
insurance or the means to pay, services are provided at no cost.

If you believe you qualify for this program, call the National Eye Care
Project Helpline at 800-222-EYES.

                   *  *  *  *

WOMEN, DISABILITY, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, AND BODY IMAGE
STUDY:  Women who are blind and low vision are sought as
participants for a research project on women, disability, physical
activity and body image.  The participants will be women (over 18
years of age) who are blind or low vision, mobility impaired, or have
a learning disability.  Women will be asked to complete a
questionnaire (which will be available in print, on audio tape, or on
computer disk).  The research is being conducted by Cathy Schmitt,
a CCB member, in collaboration with a Women and Sport Psychology
Professor from CSU Long Beach, and two other colleagues in the
disability field.  If you are interested in participating in the project this
summer, please contact Cathy Schmitt at 909-861-1653 by August
10th.


                   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 Ave.; Westminster, CA 92683

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

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

Daveed Mandell; 2720 Del Monte Ave.; El Cerrito, CA  94530

Lee Morton; 4229 Loma Rivera; 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

               
